Open books to close west loop store in november

Open Books is closing its long-standing bookstore in the West Loop neighbourhood after citing a steady decline in foot traffic and rising operational expenses in the area. The nonprofit organization announced that its shop at 651 W. Lake St. will shut its doors permanently following business hours on Sunday, November 8.

Shoppers visiting the Lake Street store before its final day can purchase all remaining inventory at a 50 percent discount. Representatives said that a small, curated selection of books from the West Loop location will find a new home at the organization's remaining retail site in Pilsen.

Once the West Loop storefront closes, the Pilsen store located at 905 W. 19th St. will serve as the sole remaining physical bookstore operated by the group in Chicago. The organization previously shuttered its Logan Square storefront on March 1, leaving fewer options for local readers who relied on the community spaces.

Open Books functions primarily as a literacy nonprofit that funds educational programs, community events, and custom libraries for Chicago Public Schools classrooms and local daycares. Funding for these literacy initiatives comes from donations and book sales across its retail locations and online platforms.

The West Loop shop will remain open with modified hours leading up to its closure, welcoming visitors from noon to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Friday through Sunday. Children books will continue to be given away for free at the store until the final day of operations on November 8.