Bookstores

The owners started 51st Ward Books, Chicago's first dedicated Bilingual/Spanish and social justice bookshop for children, because they know first-hand the power that books have to shift worldviews and support the positive racial identity development of children of color. Through 51st Ward Books’ online and pop-up shops, they work to expand access to quality, first-voice, and bilingual texts for children and youth.

Women & Children First believes in the transformative power of literature. As intersectional trans-inclusive feminists, they believe books are tools for liberation. Since 1979, they have celebrated and amplified underrepresented voices. In order for feminism to remain relevant, it must be forever evolving.

Open Books is a nonprofit that provides literacy experiences for tens of thousands of readers each year through inspiring programs and the sale of new and used donated books.

Open Books is a nonprofit that provides literacy experiences for tens of thousands of readers each year through inspiring programs and the sale of new and used donated books.

Pilsen Community Books was founded in 2016 as a general interest used bookstore in Chicago’s beloved Pilsen neighborhood. In March 2020, Pilsen Community Books transformed into Chicago’s only employee owned and operated independent bookstore. The staff's goal is to unite their passion for bookselling with their belief that labor is entitled to all it produces.

Semicolon Bookstore is committed to nurturing the connection between literature, art, and the pursuit of knowledge; while also using the power of words to better our community.