Some shoppers on Independent Bookstore Day will have a chance to meet an author while others are prepping literary-based selfie stations. For book lovers and literary fiends in the Chicago area, all 28 stores participating in the fifth year of the national day celebrating independent stores will have fun planned for April 27.
The more than two dozen bookstores in Chicagoland participating in IBD will host the Third annual #ChiLovesBooks Challenge that will give winners year-long discounts. Bookstore crawlers who purchase at least $25 at their first location can traverse the city for stamps that will get them 10 percent off for the year (visiting 10 independent bookstores) or 15 percent off for the year (visiting 15 stores).
Stores also participating in the crawl include Quimby’s Bookstore, Bookie’s in Beverly and Homewood, Read It & Eat, Rosenberg Bookshop at the Newberry Research Library, The Book Bin in Northbrook and Lake Forest Book Store. Other locations will host their own events, like special story times, contests, giveaways and special author meetings.
Chicago
Abraham Lincoln Book Shop
The store will host Artifact Talks every two hours from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. discussing books about Chicago, the presidents and the Civil War. Look for deep discounts and author-signed books.
824 W. Superior St., Suite 100, Chicago
The Book Cellar
In addition to special merchandise for the day, The Book Cellar will have free popcorn and a special selfie station for literary photo ops.
4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
The Seminary Co-Op & 57th Street Books
Enjoy a special Mama Fresh Storytime plus author visits and other specials at the stores on the city’s South Side.
5751 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago
City Lit Books
Enjoy a morning story time with Michaels’ Music Machine, then listen to story and poetry readings the rest of the day. The store will also offer snacks.
2523 N. Kedzie Blvd., Chicago
The Dial Bookshop
The shop will have coffee and snacks all day. The store is a museum in its own right, located in the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue.
410 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor, Chicago
Open Books
The locations in Pilsen and the West Loop are hosting different events. The Pilsen Open Books store will be in the midst of its three-day “garage sale,” with kids books as low as $1 each. The West Loop location will hold its Saturday story time at 10 a.m.
651 W. Lake St., Chicago & 905 W. 19th St., Chicago
Pilsen Community Books
Enjoy coffee and treats all day, and look for custom buttons from Chicago-based artist Shelby Rodeffer.
1102 W. 18th St., Chicago
Powell’s Books
Passport checkees—or purchasers—at the Hyde Park store will be entered into a drawing for store gear. Powell’s specializes in used, bargain and out-of-print books.
1501 E 57th St., Chicago
RoscoeBooks
In addition to treats and giveaways, the mom-run store will have exclusive Independent Bookstore Day merchandise for sale.
2142 W Roscoe St., Chicago
Sandmeyer’s Bookstore
The South Loop store will have giveaways and prize drawings as part of Independent Bookstore Day specials.
714 S. Dearborn St., Chicago
Volumes Bookcafe
The shop is celebrating all week with story times and readings. On Saturday, Miss Kimberly’s Storytime will kick off the day that includes cookies, giveaways and other surprises.
1474 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co.
Spin the prize wheel at the store and stick around for student writing workshops with 826CHI.
1276 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Women & Children First Bookstore
Enjoy complimentary refreshments, sign up for giveaways and collect exclusive merchandise while supplies last.
5233 N. Clark St., Chicago
North/Northwest Suburbs
Bookends & Beginnings
Located in Evanston, the store will host a video booth for fans to express their love of books and bookstores, and families can enjoy a Pete the Cat storytime with crafts and a dance party.
1712 Sherman Ave., Alley #1, Evanston
The Book Stall
The Winnetka shop will open the day with a special story time for toddlers and preschoolers with author Kate McElligott, who penned “There’s Nothing Scary with Harry.” Throughout the day, the store will host live music, poetry readings and activities for families.
811 Elm St., Winnetka
Western Suburbs
Anderson’s Bookshops
Located in Naperville, Downers Grove and LaGrange, the store will have pop-up Sesame Street story times, free audiobooks, Saturday-only merchandise and giveaways and discounts for fans on the store’s email list.
Various locations in the Western Suburbs
The Book Table
The Oak Park store will have Independent Bookstore Day exclusive copies of a Sesame Street Little Golden Book and signed copies of “Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants” among their IBD merchandise and tomes.
1045 Lake St., Oak Park
Centuries & Sleuths
The Forest Park shop will host a crime novel discussion and is part of the town’s Wine Walk & Shop event on the same day.
7419 Madison St., Forest Park
Others
(The following stores are not participating in the #ChiLovesBooks Challenge, but will have events.)
Read Between the Lynes
Visitors to the Woodstock store will enjoy morning story time with Chasity Gunn, Elgin’s Poet Laureate and an afternoon author meet and greet.
111 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock
Harvey’s Tales
The Geneva store will start the day with story time with the mayor and fire chief, host a drawing activity with a local author and illustrator and enjoy a lemonade stand throughout the day.
216 James St., Geneva
The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn
In addition to special children’s activities, trivia, treats and other fun games, there will be specialized deals on books and other literary items.
475 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
