Helping to build

A community of readers, a marvelous adventure, as we all know that reading is essential for the healthy advancement of individuals. 

In a time when much of our literary and musical libraries are accessible only in the digital world, it is a welcome change to place a record on a turntable and hear the music or to hold a book and turn the pages. This tactile connection with the products reminds us of the work involved to create them as well as serves to beautify our homes and minds.  

As last Saturday was Record Store Day, so there should be established a Book Store Day if it doesn’t already exist.  One such bookstore that deserves a visit on any day is the delightful Open Books in River North. 

Open Books is a non-profit that collects used books, sells them in store and online and then gives back to the community through their literacy programs for students of all ages, a worthy cause indeed. 

The various nooks and crannies in the shop are neatly organized by subject matter.  Plenty of places to lounge, a separate children’s reading area as well as a stage for special events are some of the reasons to stop by Open Books.  The store is simply welcoming, from the thoughtful décor to the helpful staff.  The LIFE world library books captivated me on this visit, presenting beautiful photographs from the world of 1960’s Scandinavia to the Balkans and at only $3 apiece, they were hard to resist. The shop is located at 213 W. Institute Place and is open daily from 10-7 and Sundays from noon-6.