March 12, 2024
Anderson’s Bookshop is hosting a Spring Educator Extravaganza at both of their bookshop locations. It’s time to spring clean your bookcase to make room for your new TBRs. There are still seats available for the Naperville location on April 7 at 3:00 p.m., and at the Downers Grove location on April 9 at 4:30 p.m. This event is not to be missed!
Click the registration link below to secure a free ticket.
Sunday, February 18, 2024
On the way to the theatre, we took a detour and stumbled across a charming independent bookshop. Opening the door was a magical experience. It was as though we fell down a rabbit hole with Alice. The aisles were narrow and the shelves were never ending. As I scanned the titles, there was a sense of familiarity. There were new and gently beloved copies of every genre imaginable. While strolling up and down the aisles, you could hear the rattling of the L. It was then that I realized I was home.
Open Books also had an amazing children’s literature section. There were nooks and crannies with comfortable seating and a reading stage. Sadly, our visit would be cut short. We had theatre tickets and needed to scurry. I look forward to returning to Open Books in the near future.
A heartfelt thank you to Open Books for providing a respite from technology and a peaceful safe haven from the noise of the world.
—Jenn
Open Books
651 W. Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60661
Hours:
10:30am-6pm Monday through Thursday
11:30am-7pm Friday through Sunday
January 7, 2024
As we dashed aboard the local Metra train, I was eager to arrive at Union Station. The express train clacked, swayed back and forth, and whooshed along the tracks. A gentle snow began falling that made the traveling by rail even more magical. Our final destination was a long over due trip to the Chicago Art Institute. There is a Pablo Picasso special exhibit showcasing his drawings. In my eagerness, we arrived early and the Art Institute was not set to open until 11:00. What’s a girl to do? Well, locate the nearest Indie Bookshop and go exploring, which is what we did. My daughter bookmarked a local review for Exile in Bookville and we were both intrigued.
Exile in Bookville is located in the Fine Arts Building on South Michigan Avenue overlooking Grant Park. The building itself is a historic icon representing a bygone era. When visiting, skip the stairs and take an enchanting ride on a manually operated elevator. As you exit the elevator on the second floor, you feel as though you were transported through time. At last you arrive at an incredibly quaint Indie Bookstore. While you travel through the shop, appreciate that there are books shelved from the floor to the ceiling. Why is this important you ask? There are literally books shelved from the floor to the ceiling! It was breathtaking. Make certain to set aside time to linger in each room. Carefully select several new additions for your TBR pile. Remember, life is short. Smell the books. Read the pages. Breathe.
—Jenn
Location:
410 S. Michigan Avenue, Second Floor, Chicago, IL
Hours:
Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 7:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 to 4:00 pm
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Dearest Readers,
This is a love letter to The Book Nook of Saugatuck, MI. Your cozy bookshop has stolen my heart. On your shelves are gently read picture books, novels, and treasures waiting to whisked away. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the bookshop owner. We perused the shelves and assorted trinkets. On this particular excursion, I located four books written by Patricia Polacco, which I proudly purchased and are now part of my ever growing collection of classroom literature.
I look forward to future expeditions and discovering new treasures to share with my students.
Forever yours,
Jenn 📚💕
The Book Nook of Saugatuck, 242 Butler St, Saugatuck, MI
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