How to support independent bookstores throughout the city during COVID-19
Independent bookstores like Women and Children First are offering reduced shipping fees and livestremed readings during the stay-at-home order. Photo courtesy of Facebook.
CHICAGO - The statewide attempts to slow the spread of COVID-19 has left Chicagoans stuck at home with more than a little extra time on their hands. Luckily, independent bookstores around the city have found ways to keep the city busy while adhering to the shelter-in-home order. While the physical shops have shut their doors to foot traffic, here are five booksellers keeping us well-read as we stay at home.
One of the largest feminist bookshops in the country, this shop has been an Andersonville staple since it opened its doors in 1979. Their storefront is currently closed, but customers can still have books sent to them with a $2 shipping fee. Although all in-store events have been canceled for the foreseeable future, previously scheduled readings will now be livestreamed.
Although The Seminary Co-op had to close both of its Hyde Park locations (including 57th Street Books) to customers, it is still offering free shipping on all orders until April 15. This shop has a wide selection of literature as well as one of the world’’s largest collections of academic works.
This long standing Wicker Park location is stocked full of independent and alternative publications (think zines, comics and small-press novels) and offers several different virtual payment options including phone and Zoom orders. It has also introduced a $25 handpicked zine package with Quimby’s employees tailoring their selections to fit your interests.
Uncharted Books is shipping its impressive collection of rare books straight to your door through both its online store and its Instagram page. The shop also has t-shirts and gift cards for sale and is planning on introducing mystery bags and scheduled virtual in-store shopping.
Though all in-store operations have stopped, this Evanston based shop is still delivering books to readers around the city directly from its warehouse. And, to fully take advantage of this particular moment in history, it even has a list of staff suggested books perfect for the quarantine right on its homepage.