Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Takacs.
Susan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The Book Cellar opened in June 2004. But the process began in 2003. I was a former Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner in private practice, so I had a steep learning curve to begin the business of bookselling.
I created a business plan and then met with the Alderman and the Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce from Ravenswood, Lincoln Square and North Center. As it happens, they were trying to recruit an independent bookstore. With that approval, I found a space and worked on plans, permits and build out. One year later, and we were in business.
Since that time, we have worked to be a community place for the neighborhood, for Chicago writers and for national writers. We host many book groups, local and national author events, a comedy with The Kates, story time, non-fiction readings with Essay Fiesta, student readings, zine launches and on it goes. We produce the Chicago Young Adult Book Festival. We participate in the activities that the Chamber of Commerce sponsors.
We have a cafe that serves light fare, coffee drinks, beer and wine. We also offer special literary cocktails. We have gone from almost each book facing out, to stacks of book and boxes in each and every corner. We have non-book items also such as greeting cards, journals, moleskines, totes, book lights and most things book related. The book world has changed a lot since 2004. Borders is gone and ebooks are here. Online shopping is popular.
We have kept up by providing ebooks, audio books and print books for sale on our website. We have a subscription club that makes a terrific gift, Book Cellar Selects. Admittedly, we are a small shop but are happy to order titles that we do not have in stock. We have also adapted to most social media platforms including, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In a small business, there are always struggles. Just keeping up with changing the light bulbs can be a struggle! Great staff members move on, HVAC, refrigeration and plumbing issues strike at inopportune times. Online retailers create a struggle for bricks and mortar stores, even those of us with online shopping capabilities.
The recession of 2008 was not a picnic. The espresso machine water source came apart and flooded the store. In a small business, you need to be able to think on your feet and problem solves in a moments notice.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Book Cellar – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are an indie bookstore and cafe. We host many book groups, local and national author events, comedy with The Kates, story time, non-fiction readings with Essay Fiesta, student readings, zine launches and on it goes. We produce the Chicago Young Adult Book Festival.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
At this time, we would like to continue to be a part of the community. We want to help people with their book purchases. We want our Chicago Young Adult Book Festival to grow and to become a staple, an annual event attended by hundreds of people. No big changes, just continue to do what we are doing and to improve upon that service.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4736-38 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, Il 60625
- Website: www.bookcellarinc.com
- Phone: 773-293-2665
- Email: words@bookcellarinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookcellarchicago/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bookcellarinc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BookCellar?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Other: http://bookcellar.tumblr.com/
Image Credit:
Liz Rice
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
