“Independent Bookstore Day” A Homecoming For Local Author Bob Allen

Some seasoned authors seek idyllic writing scenarios such as a remote lakeside cottage tucked beyond a peaceful valley in Minnesota, far from the maddening crowd. Publishers push their finished products into the market via the web in hopes of finding an audience with their salacious cover art.

“Chicago’s grit shapes my characters,” said Beverly author Bob Allen. “Chicago as a home writing base helps me see my characters’ scars, hear ‘dis, dat, dese and dos’ and ‘shoppin’ at da Jewels’ store with da wife.’.”

Allen relishes every book signing to meet and talk with locals, so the Bookies of Beverly invitation to participate in “Independent Bookstore Day” event Saturday, April 26 felt like a homecoming with his fourth literary accomplishment at the ready.

Independent Book Store Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of April every year. Allen is featured with his works in a “Meet and Greet” Saturday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. His most recent books – “The Back Door to Heaven” and “Let It Be At That” will be on sale and ready for signatures and inscriptions for gift giving.

“Writing has its own reward for me as an author,” said Allen. “Having a chance to meet readers, exchange observations and present them with a new book reaches a new level of gratification. Inspiration for the next book might come from those very encounters.”

According to the American Booksellers Association the special day in the industry “pays particular attention to all the independent bookstores around the U.S. and their unique contribution to the fabric of society.

“Over the past few decades, books — once thought of as the foundation of civilization and the source of most of man’s knowledge — have undergone a significant transformation. Nonetheless, the importance and value of books, while on the decline, are still a priority for most individuals around the world, and it is with that spirit that we celebrate this day.”

Allen shares with Bookies a common appreciation to support all “brick and mortar” destinations, as well as the patrons who support the mission.

Similar to Record Store Day’s phenomenal grassroots movement begun in 2007 - and the recipient of brisk sales earlier this month - bookstore owners are small businesses in need of a clarity in message and sustained support to thrive.

“If I’m buying an album or a book, I want to hold it, read the promotional or liner notes and size up the artists,” said Allen. “Beverly/Morgan Park’s support of Bookies and the grassroots initiatives is impressive. Many thanks to independent book stores every and those behind these grassroots efforts to bring audiences to books the old fashion way.”

Bookie’s is but one stop for book lovers joining the 2025 Chicagoland Indie Bookstore Day Crawl on April 26th.

Each year the growing bookstore community welcomes thousands of bookstore lovers to spend the day celebrating all of the unique and welcoming independent bookstores in Chicagoland. The annual goal is to "crawl" across the city and suburbs exploring as many as bookstores 10 to 15 bookstores.

Those reaching 10 and/or 15 bookstores get their passports stamped by each. As reward, participants get 10% off at all participating bookstores until Indie Bookstore Day in 2026. Those making 15 bookstores, get 15% off. As a bonus this year those in the 10 and 15 clubs go home with some bookstore day swag as well as bragging rights, according to organizers.

Full details of the entire crawl and transportation option can be found at ChiLoveBooks.com

For more information, readers are encourage to visit the link to Bookies’ details on the event and the webstore for Independent Bookstore Day:

https://www.bookiesbookstores....