Independent bookstores are vital to their communities. They nurture culture, generate jobs, and contribute to local sales tax revenues, all while promoting literacy and education. These bookstores also highlight a range of diverse and emerging authors, fostering personal connections between readers and books, and advocating for the right to access literature.

Every week, we shine a spotlight on an independent bookstore, showcasing what makes it special and offering insightful book recommendations.

This week, we feature Booked, located in Evanston, Illinois!

Can you share the story of your store?

Chelsea Elward, who has always lived in Evanston, launched Booked in 2018 as the first children’s independent bookstore in the Chicagoland area—and it’s uniquely designed with a small door just for kids. Currently, the store is owned by Abby Dan and Betsy Haberl.

Recently, we’ve enriched our shelves, introduced weekly programming for children (including two Dungeons & Dragons groups for trans and nonbinary tweens and teens), expanded our adult book selection, and initiated adult book clubs!

Our goal is to serve as an engaging space for the community, providing a hub for Evanston’s families, schools, churches, and businesses to connect through literature.

What sets your independent bookstore apart?

We’re known for our adorable tiny door! (Officially, this feature is called a “wicket.”) Locals and visitors alike recognize our little entrance just for kids.

It’s delightful to see children confidently (or sometimes nervously) stepping through our tiny door into a magical world filled with books, a cozy rainbow rug, and fun puzzles and toys.

We’ve become a popular storytime destination for many parents and caregivers thanks to our talented and enthusiastic staff. Additionally, our trans and nonbinary Dungeons & Dragons group started with just four kids and has grown into a weekly after-hours event for tweens and teens. As we’ve expanded our adult offerings, we’ve also established two dedicated book clubs: Booked Club, focused on literary fiction and nonfiction, and Sunday Smut, which delves into modern romance.

Community members frequently visit us to share their love of books, and we truly cherish these connections. Most importantly, we take pride in our personalized service. Whether you’re looking for a comforting read, a specific feeling, or a thoughtful gift, we will help you find just the right book.

Which section of your store do you love the most?

I have a particular fondness for our Middle Grade section—it’s incredibly rich and diverse! Middle Grade authors are exploring everything, from talking dogs to neurodivergent narrators in poetic forms, dragon adventures, stories about families during the dust bowl, and experiences in elite private schools, among others.

I find it rewarding when parents or grandparents come in with a clear idea of their child’s interests but are unsure about what to recommend next. We always have something fresh and unique, and it brings us joy to hear back from them about how well we matched their needs!

Why is it important to shop at local, independent bookstores?

Evanston means everything to Abby and me—we live here, send our children to local schools, hire fellow residents, and support our neighboring businesses.

Booked is not just a place for kids and adults to shop; we are also a community resource that brings diverse books into classrooms, homes, shelters, and other community areas. We connect authors with our local schools and bring together readers of all ages. Without our customers, we can’t enrich the community, enhance lives, or maintain our status as a go-to place for amazing stickers. We would just cease to exist.

Here are some book recommendations from Booked owner, Abby Dan:

• “The Sentence” by Louise Erdrich
• “Shark Heart” by Emily Habeck
• “Finally Heard” by Kelly Yang
• “The Other Valley” by Scott Alexander Howard
• “Sheine Lende” by Darcie Little Badger
• “Funny Story” by Emily Henry
• “The Birchbark House” by Louise Erdrich
• “Pretty Ugly” by David Sedaris