Meet Volumes Bookcafe in Chicago

When did your store open and where are you located?
We opened in March of 2016. We are located in the bustling and eclectic Wicker park neighborhood in Chicago. We are located just north west of the Loop - off the blue line. 

Tell us something interesting about your store.
It is owned by two sisters - both who led former lives as educators. Also, there are rumors that 1. one of the first televisions was sold in this building. 2. One of HH Holmes secret businesses was across the street and there are rumors that they found bodies there. 

Do you have a holiday tradition at the store?
Well, we've only been around for two years, so "tradition" is still gaining roots. We do love throwing a party - we do an author soiree every year with all of the local writers - and it has become a really great community building thing for writers. Our Halloween party last year was so much fun we hope to up the ante on that and continue with that in the future. I don't know. We try anything once. Most things twice. There are so many things that are becoming a tradition - I guess we will have to wait and see! 

What's the most memorable event or moment at your store?
Goodness. So many. A few months ago Tori Amos came in as a customer and I struggled really hard to keep my chill. Her music basically defined my adolescence in the 90s. Book -wise, I would say the midnight release of The Cursed Child. We had a big party that night and the anticipation as we cut open those boxes was palpable. 

What bookstore do you consider to be a hidden gem?
I think Sandmeyer's down in the South Loop is a hidden gem. There is a quite mystique to that bookstore that I thoroughly enjoy. I was fortunate in my college and grad school years to have Prairie Lights AND Boulder Bookstore - though Trident bookstore in Boulder is a fun gem as well.

Volumes Bookcafe
1474 N Milwaukee Ave,
Chicago, IL 60622
volumesbooks.com
IG @volumesbooks
Twitter @volumesbooks

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