Open Books, a nonprofit bookstore and literacy organization in Chicago, Ill., will be closing its Logan Square location on March 1, Block Club Chicago reported. The Logan Square store opened at 2068 N. Milwaukee Ave. in 2023. It spanned two floors, sold new and used books, and hosted a suite of community events including book fairs, readings, and book drives.
In a message announcing the closure, Open Books executive director Jennifer Steele attributed the decision to financial hardship and business challenges at the Logan Square store, and said the organization "can no longer operate it without risking the important work of our mission. In making these decisions, we keep the children, families, and neighborhoods we serve at the center."
Open Books was founded in 2006 and uses bookstore sales to fund its literacy and writing programs for Chicago children and families. It has stores in the city's Pilsen and West Loop neighborhoods, which will remain in business.
Per Block Club Chicago, the closure of the Logan Square store will leave that neighborhood with City Lit as its only bookstore.