Great Chicago Book Sale

After a twenty-year hiatus, The University of Chicago Press will be having its Great Chicago Book Sale from Tuesday, October 7th to October 8th from 9am to 5pm. Why it's back seems simple enough but where did it go for 20 years? "We’re trying to reach out to the community as much as possible, which is something our new director is encouraging," said Erica Krutsch, Special Sales Associate of the venerated press. "I think with changes in management we lost sight of the project and no one thought to revive it until now."

Most books will be priced at $5, not to exceed $10 for the bigger books. U of C Press is known for turning out some beautiful books, including a personal favorite and inimitable resource, The Encyclopedia of Chicago. Doubtful that it will be sold for $5 since it retails at $60 but it is an example of the quality in both product and content that the Press regularly publishes. It's a Chicago gem, a point of pride with so little publishing going on in our otherwise literary city, and to get these gems at $5 is a steal.

From the press release: "Over 10,000 books in a variety of subjects—from anthropology to poetry to zoology—will be available for purchase. With both hardcovers and paperbacks attractively priced, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to stock your personal library—or find some unusual gifts for the holiday season. From reference guides to contemporary bestsellers, Beethoven to Mike Royko, this book sale will offer something for everyone."

It's free and open to the public. Yelp! will be handing out reusable shopping bags.