Spotlight on Bookstores: *The Bookstore* in Glen Ellyn, Illinois

If you’re a regular reader of book blogs, or if you tend to follow people who talk about books on Twitter, you probably already know Jen from Devourer of Books, also know as @devourerOfBooks.  If not, let me introduce you – the tag line on her blog says it all, Jen is a ravenous reader!  Here she dishes about The Bookstore in Glen Ellyn, a store where she (and her son) feel right at home.  Jen and The Bookstore are promoting Chicago Literature Month in October, culminating in Chicago Author Night (with some very special guests) on October 28.

I’m not much of a browser in stores these days. Whether I am shopping for clothes or books, I’ve got somewhat of aget in and get out mentality, thanks to the tornado that is my one year old son. If he goes too long in his stroller or in my arms he wants ‘down’ (repeated ad nauseum until he gets his wish). When he gets down, of course, there is no stopping him from tearing up and down aisles, and probably knocking things to the floor. It is a bit of a nightmare, actually, which is why I don’t shop for much for than the necessary these days. Of course, just about the most ‘necessary’ consumer good in my life – other than food – is a good book. I just can’t bring myself to take a rambunctious toddler into an anonymous big box store, though.

Enter: the lovely ladies of The Bookstore in Glen Ellyn, IL. Sue and Margie in particular, although really, the entire staff is great. These smart, knowledgeable, and very well-read booksellers always have a great recommendation for something I may have overlooked, or ever perfunctorily dismissed. Honestly, I think they can convince me to read just about anything. If Sue and Margie liked it, it is at the very least worth a try.

 I love going in to just hang out with them, especially on Friday Funday when both Margie and Sue work at the same time. There is always good bookish talk going on: one time recently, Margie made us little worksheets to help the three of us discuss the wonder that is Carolyn Parkhurt’s “The Nobodies Album.”

 Of course, hanging out and talking books isn’t always easy with the above-mentioned toddler running around like a madman. Luckily, The Bookstore has a very homey atmosphere, which extends to both the staff and the physical space. Daniel is more than welcome to go back to the children’s area and wrestle with the teddy bear three times his size, or play with the puzzles, or that wire and bead toy, I have no idea what it is called. He can also run around the store, or actually play with the fantastic booksellers, who are happy to hang out with him if they are not helping any customers.

 Well-read AND friendly, what more could you want in a bookstore?

Thanks for telling us all about The Bookstore, Jen!    Well-read AND friendly … complete with a giant teddy bear and Friday Funday?!  It sounds like the perfect escape, even with a wiggly toddler in tow!