Abalabix Books has opened at Brink Street Market on Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake, Ill. Owner Diane Steverson had made the decision to pursue opening a small, independent bookstore in December of 2019, when the local big box bookstore closed. After attending a Paz & Associates booksellers workshop in early 2020, she returned home to find the state on the verge of shutting down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Putting her plans on hold, Steverson said she "was lucky enough to be able to pivot and help out another local bookstore," Read Between the Lynes in Woodstock, making home deliveries during the shutdown. When the lockdown was lifted, owner Arlene Lynes asked Stevenson to work at Read Between the Lynes.
"It was the best education I could have ever hoped to receive," said Steverson. "Following Arlene's example in Woodstock, my goal is to work hard at creating a 'go to' place for the people of Crystal Lake to rely on for all things literary. And fun--we have fun stuff, too."
Abalabix Books stocks almost 5,000 titles covering all genres, as well as 2,000 titles in the children's section. Steverson said she is especially proud of her bestsellers wall and of George, her five-year-old Maltipoo, who comes to work with her every day. "He's been amazing and, so far, everyone loves him. And yes, people do come to the store just to see George."
Regarding the origin of the store's unusual name, there is an entertaining and detailed explanation on the website for Abalabix Books.