the cannabis platform

CHICAGO READER INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE PROFILE: THE BOOK CELLAR

WRITTEN BY TARYN ALLEN

Physicians

Whenthe idea to open a bookstore first struck Suzy Takacs, it seemed like there were already enough to go around. But she wanted a space that would combine her love for books with her love for wine, a space nearby her Lincoln Square home that housed two of her favorite things. And when she pitched her business plan for The Book Cellar to the alderman and presidents of the North Center, Lincoln Square, and Ravenswood Chambers of Commerce, it just so happened that they were on the hunt for a new independent bookstore. Takacs resigned from her career at the time and spent about a year learning about the business, plans, and permits she would need to make The Book Cellar a reality.

The shop opened in June, 2004, and despite the fact that it felt to Takacs like she was opening an independent bookstore in a city with so many long-beloved others, The Book Cellar has become a fixture in the Lincoln Square community, and that’s what makes Takacs most proud.

During non-COVID times, a trip to her store would include browsing books with a glass of wine, curling up on couches with treats from the café. The events calendar was always full, with something different happening almost every night: author events, storytimes, book groups, wine and bourbon tastings, an annual spelling bee, school events, zine launches, play readings, Chamber of Commerce events, and much more.

Today, The Book Cellar offers curbside pickup and browsing by appointment only, and supporting them is more important now than ever.

Says Takacs, “Bookstores are an anchor in the community. Bookstores are a place to interact with other people, have conversations and share ideas. . . I am proud to be part of the Chicago bookseller community. Chicago has a unique and accomplished community of bookstores and booksellers and it is an honor to be part of the group.” And as long as the community supports them just as much as they’ve supported the community, The Book Cellar will surely be open post-pandemic for many years to come.

This yearlong partnership with independent bookstores is supported by the Poetry Foundation.