Quimby's Bookstore, a 1,500-square-foot bookstore in Chicago, Ill., with a focus on independently published books, graphic novels, and zines, is up for sale, Block Club Chicago reported.
Located at 1854 W. North Ave. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, Quimby's was founded in 1991 by Steven Svymbersky. In 1996, Svymbersky sold the bookstore to current owner Eric Kirsammer; the same year, Kirsammer moved the bookstore into its current home.
Kirsammer told Block Club Chicago that the departure of long-time manager Liz Mason played a significant role in his decision to sell the store. He explained: "[I]t's time to turn it over to somebody who can keep the idea and the mission of the store going. The other big factor is Liz is leaving... and we're kind of a team. Part of me doesn't want to do it without her."
He is looking for a buyer that will continue the store's mission, and though he is selling the bookstore, he is not selling the building. "It's a store that has played an important part in the literary culture of Chicago, and the country, for a while. It deserves a serious owner to take it to the next step."
Interested parties can reach out to Kirsammer via e-mail at info@quimbys.com.