Saturday, July 12 marks the first Chicago Independent Bookstore Day in the Windy City, when nine indies hope to entice customers into their bookstores with special deals, activities, author appearances, and food samples--lots of food samples, judging by the Chicago Independent Bookstore Day schedule of events.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has also added to the excitement by proclaiming the day to be officially Chicago Independent Bookstore Day in the city. The full text of the proclamation is below:
WHEREAS, books were spawned by the evolution of the act of transcription and written language in pursuit of greater communication, which can be traced to ancient civilization; and
WHEREAS, the birth of books forever changed the course of history, fortifying culture by exchanging ideas and increasing scholarship, and bolstering communication amongst people the world over; and
WHEREAS, the independent bookstore has long played an indelible role alongside libraries in offering unique collections and volumes, and rare editions and assorted subjects to every reader’s predilection; and
WHEREAS, the availability of multifarious varieties of books has long been one of the hallmarks of an advancing, evolving society; and
WHEREAS, often times, it is the independent bookstore’s intimate setting and warm, knowledgeable staff that sets it apart from other institutions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Chicago is home to a number of these cultural and community gems, many of which, boast families or groups, or circles of lifelong resident-customers in and around the historic Hyde Park, Lincoln Square, Logan Square, Downtown, Printer’s Row, Lakeview, and Andersonville neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, 57th Street Books, the Book Cellar, City Lit Books, Open Books, Powell’s Bookstore, Sandemeyer’s, Seminary Co-Op, Unabridged Books, and Women and Children First continue to advance Chicago’s literary palate all while satisfying its diverse intellectual cravings; and
WHEREAS, each of these independent book stores will mark Saturday, July 12, 2014 with very special activities to celebrate their enduring presence and invaluable cultural standing in and around Chicagoland:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RAHM EMANUEL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, do hereby proclaim July 12, 2014 to be CHICAGO INDEPENDENT BOOK STORE DAY IN CHICAGO and urge all Chicagoans to take part in this auspicious day in recognition of a stories tradition of literature, language, and learning in our city.
