BY THE BOOK

Three Stories Booksis located at 310Canal St. in Lemont.Mark your calendarsfor Market on Canal,an outdoor streetmarket, Sept. 26 onCanal Street.

Book B BY THE

Three Stories Books invites curious minds to discover the art of reading

By Vicki Martinka Petersen Photos provided by Molly Hebda Photography and Sommer Steele

For years, Sommer Steele looked out the window of her shop, Mabel’s Market, and watched families walk by with their young children. Other than a nearby music store, there really wasn’t a place for kids to call their own in downtown Lemont.

She dreamed of a children’s bookstore opening to engage youngsters and offer people a place to purchase baby shower or first birthday presents. But she never imagined she’d be the one to make it a reality. That all changed last year when a storefront across the street from her store became vacant. When Steele checked out the space, she instantly knew she had found a home for the bookstore she envisioned. When no one stepped up on her suggestion, Steele knew she’d have to do it herself.

“I went home and told my husband (Jason) that I knew we didn’t have the time or resources, but I felt we needed to do this,” Steele says.

journey to Three Stories Books, which opened in April. “I didn’t know to create a bookstore from the ground up or where to even get books for the store,” she says. “I thought owning a small business, having three kids plus a love of reading would translate into a smooth transition.”

Soon she joined the American Booksellers Association to learn more about operating a bookstore. While getting the store set up, Steele hosted pop-up vendors to help people become familiar with the space. The community has been supportive of her vision — so much so that Steele has run into a repeat problem. “We keep running out of books, ” Steele says. “We’re doing well enough to be a real addition to the community and honor the space. ” She designed Three Stories Books to encourage curiosity and discovery of books that speak to her young customers. Taking in the ambience of downtown Lemont, the walled bookshelf mimics the landscape of the businesses. As an homage to books, Steele worked with Meli Bernas, owner of Pretty Pages, to incorporate a love of reading into the decor, including hanging book mobiles near reading areas. Bernas also developed a mural depicting a girl blowing dandelions that turn into books.

“I’m a book nerd myself and loved helping Sommer create bookthemed art in the store, ” Bernas says.

In addition to bestselling books like the “Dog Man” series, the shelves also are lined with harderto-find selections and a section dedicated to supporting local authors. There’s also a section for middle school and young adult books.

“My hope is the diverse content offerings and interior of the store help us become a destination where people become engaged with reading,” Steele says.

Pretty Pagesjust opened atthe Batavia Boardwalk Shops! Read more on P. 38.

SPREAD THE LOCAL LOVE

As we slowly make our way toward the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s never been a better time than now to support local businesses. Consider stopping by one of these independent bookstores for your next vacation read.

DEKALB COUNTY ¢ OutMatched Gaming 325 E. State St., Sycamore www.outmatchedgaming.net

If you’re looking for light summer reads, OutMatched Gaming delivers with its selections of comic books and graphic novels. The store also carries popular series, including “Dog Man” and “Penny Dreadful,” for kids and young adults.

DUPAGE COUNTY ¢ Prairie Path Books 255 Town Square, Wheaton 630-765-7455 www.prairiepathbooks.com

Grab a cup of coffee as you stroll through the aisles chockfull of hand-picked books from fiction to memoirs. Consider treating the book lovers in your life with a membership to Prairie Path Books’ monthly book subscription box.

KANE COUNTY ¢ Town House Books 105 N. Second Ave., St. Charles 630-584-8600 www.townhousebooks.com

For more than 40 years, readers have turned to this charming bookstore in downtown St. Charles for their literary needs. You can pop next door to its cafe and enjoy your new selection over a bowl of soup, yummy sandwich or homemade scone.

LA SALLE COUNTY ¢ Prairie Fox Books 719 La Salle St., Ottawa 815-433-7323 www.prairiefoxbooks.com

This independent bookstore offers an “English library-style atmosphere” for book lovers to gather over a cup of tea and chat about books. Be sure to check out the staff’s monthly book recommendations.

LEE COUNTY ¢ Books On First 202 W. First St., Dixon 815-285-2665 www.booksonfirst.com

Ronald Reagan fans and history buffs will enjoy the wide selection of Midwest history books, including several books about the nation’s 40th president. Whatever genre you enjoy, there are plenty of refreshing drinks and treats to enjoy while you browse.

MCHENRY COUNTY ¢ Read Between the Lynes 111 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock 815-206-5967 www.readbetweenthelynes.com Located in historic Woodstock Square, this local bookstore offers five monthly book groups, including book clubs focusing on fantasy, history and progressive books. You can also find them at the Woodstock Farmers Market at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays for “story time on the square. ”

WILL COUNTY ¢ The Book Market Sales and Trading Center 2365 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill 815-744-4240 www.bookmarketjoliet.com

You’ll want to grab a cart or a basket to carry all the treasures you’ll find as you explore the endless rows of literary gems waiting for a new home. Offerings include used books, graphic novels, children’s reads, audiobooks, sports books and more. Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., DeKalb, IL Jonamac Orchard,Russell Woods Forest Preserve, Malta,Genoa,ILIL

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