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Events Wed Jul 09 2014
Show Your Indie Spirit on Chicago's First Independent Bookstore Day
Image courtesy of Chicago Independent Bookstore Day
Chicago works, Chicago writes, and Chicago reads, which is why we don't need any calls (or hashtags) to "Cut down the Amazon" and support our local bookstores, even if they do come from one of our favorite adopted sons. Nine local bookstores have banded together to bring you the first Chicago Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, July 12, so get ready for the best kind of treasure hunt.
The nine participating bookstores have put together a day of events that will appeal to book lovers from all over the city, and will move book lovers all over the city. Head from Andersonville to Hyde Park, from Lakeview to Logan Square, and make a pit stop in the South Loop to scoop up free (sometimes book-filled) tote bags and take advantage of special discounts and promotions. You can also meet some of your favorite local authors and take in a reading or two, as well as graze on tasty pastries and veggie treats.
So, free books, totes, and food: that's quite a haul, isn't it? Well, the diligent--and early--shopper will add to their bookstore bounty with an exclusive puzzle created by author, illustrator and animator, Lilli Carré. There is some fine print for this limited edition print: you must spend at least $30 at the first store you visit to get the first batch of puzzle pieces. You'll then be able to walk into all the other participating stores and ask for the remaining pieces, but you will have to ask for the pieces. Only 180 puzzles were produced, and when put together, they create a frameable print.
Book Clubbers and book lovers of Chicago, don't miss out on this unique show of "local first" force. As Kevin Elliott, store manager of Open Books, writes on the CIBD blog, "At its core, this industry is about people. The people who write the books. The people who read the books. The people who curate the stock of books. And the people who discuss, recommend, and rave excitedly about these books."
Here's the itinerary for the literati:
The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave, will have hourly raffles of free book-filled tote bags, complimentary gourmet cupcakes for snacking, and a 15% discount on select Book Cellar titles.
Head to City Lit Books, 2523 N. Kedzie Blvd, for a "meet & sign" by Martha Bayne, author of the Soup & Bread Cookbook at 12pm, as well as readings and giveaways by multiple Curbside Splendor authors at 5pm.
Open Books Store, 213 W. Institute Pl, is offering a free CIBD tote bag (filled with coupons, free books, and other goodies) to the first 20 customers. Other giveaways include gift cards and memberships to Open Books. And at 2pm, Paula Haney of Hoosier Mama Pie Company, will be giving out scrumptious samples and signing copies of The Hoosier Mama Book of Pie.
Powell's Bookstore, 1218 S. Halsted, hosts Curbside Splendor authors Eula Biss, Megan Stielstra, and Ben Tanzer beginning at 2pm, and there will be a raffle and giveways throughout the day.
Representing the South Loop is Sandmeyer's Bookstore, 714 S. Dearborn St., with a raffle and handouts throughout the day.
Hyde Park bookstores Seminary Co-op, 5751 S. Woodlawn Ave, and 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th St, are teaming up to bring you raffle items as well as free tote bags and other materials generously provided by publishers.
Indie bookstore mainstay, Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St, will host Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich, who will sign books and meet customers at 1pm.
Veggie delights are in store at Unabridged Bookstore, 3251 N. Broadway St, as Jo Kaucher (of The Chicago Diner) and Kat Barry promote their cookbook, The New Chicago Diner Cookbook, and dish out complimentary vegetarian and vegan-friendly comfort food.
