National Bookstore Day on November 7th

November 7, 7:53 AMChicago Literary Scene ExaminerRobert Duffer

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Publishers Weekly-sponsored National Bookstore Day is November 7th

Publishers Weekly, the trade standard for books, is celebrating its first National Bookstore Day across the country and all over the internet. "The concept of National Bookstore Day is to build visibility by banding together…if just 10% of independent bookstores participate there would be over 150-200 celebrations across the country!"

The three participating bookstores in Illinois are Azizi Books,The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore. Evidently my favorite Chicago-based indies didn't get in on the  party so here's my favorites.

Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark)

As the name suggests, this Andersonville indie specializes in feminist, lesbian and children's titles, but is even more concerned with stocking good literature, regardless of age and gender. Every couple of years rumors swirl about WCF's imminent closure then you discover that your favorite writer is reading there tonight. Their Clark St. store is stocked with the latest titles and a well-educated book-loving staff who write recommendations as well as answer questions and suggest gifts. The new website design enables you to order any book through WCF and by doing so, letting Amazon know that community-based bookstores matter.    

The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln)

Anchoring the Lincoln Square retail area, The Book Cellar makes up in readings and performances what it lacks in selection. Half of the store is a cafe that features a free local author night of four Chicago writers on the third Wednesday of every month. There's something going on at The Book Cellar everyday, from children's story hour to readings and signings by literary lions. And there's wine. With its comfy, coffee house/ wine bar feel, The Cellar encourages readers to not just buy books but to sit down and discuss them.

Unabridged Bookstore (3251 N. Broadway)

Every time I stop into Unabridged--just to look--I walk out with $40 worth of books, usually with six or seven releases from their remainders section. Remainders are last year's critically-praised hardcover and paperback books that didn't sell out and are not going back to the warehouse to die that dusty ignominous book death. From Pulitzer winners to Penguin classics, nonfiction, fiction, bios and literary ephemera, you'll find something you've always wanted to read at a price that'll make you want to restock your bookshelves at home. And you can stock up on 2009's gay calendars.

Employees of Unabridged review favorite titles, providing a one paragraph synopsis on a notecard under the book. There is no literary pomposity, unlike so many book review sections, and you'll proboably find an employee's comments on a book you already read to gauge his/her sensibility. It minimizes the risk of buying the latest Zadie Smith: will it be White Teeth good or will it be crap? And they love talking books.                                                                       

57th Street Books (1301 E. 57th Street)

Part of Hyde Park's The Seminary Co-op Bookstores, Inc., a consumer owned bookstore with three Chicago locations, 57th Street Books hosts story times for children and the midwest's largest children's book fair every September. It's not just for kids, however. Take a few steps down 57th Street into the deep rooms to see readings by authors ranging from Chicago literary stars to international bestsellers.

Quimby's (1854 W. North)

What to say about this Bucktown curiosity. It's got everything you never knew was printed, from porn comics like Housewives in Love to the widest array of zines, literary journals, and magazines in the city. Vintage erotica, graphic novels, lowbrow art, DIY titles, local literary fiction, music, politics of rebellion, it's got it all. And more. The readings at Quimby's are cherished by the edgier in the literary community and the underground feel of its products is matched by its devout client base. Quimby's quirks, and the readers that love them, such as myself, and its readings, ranging from the high-profile to the profane, are a few of the reasons it's survived the gentrification of its hood.