New Lockport Bookstore Offers Community Space, Used And New Books

LOCKPORT, IL — If you're looking for a place to find your newest read or a space for your next community-based event, then Plot Twist Books in Lockport is the place for you.

Owner Jacquelyn Martin told Patch the independent bookstore, at 980 E. Ninth St., officially opened in February, although it started with a soft opening in the weeks before Christmas.

Martin said the idea for a bookstore started in 2025, when she started a mobile book trailer.

"I was looking for a retail location; [what I wanted] didn't exist," Martin said. While Martin continued the search for a retail space, she decided to start the book trailer as a way "to still get my name out there."

The book trailer still exists, even though Martin has a brick and mortar space now.

"It's how we started," she said. The trailer still travels to different markets and community events in the area.

Martin lives in New Lenox, but said she was always in the Lockport area as she participates in book clubs.

"I'm always in Lockport because of the book clubs," she said. "We didn't have anything like [a bookstore] in Lockport."

"I really envisioned and wanted to create a space for the community," she added. "We're really focusing on community-based events, like workshops and classes."

Martin said the business plans to work with local authors, and allows other book clubs and community groups to use the bookstore space for free.

Plot Twist also sells pre-bottled cold brew and coffee from Blissful Brew Coffee Co., another Lockport business.

The bookstore offers adult and children's books, and has a selection of both new and used books. It is $1.50 for any used book, and the business also takes donations for used books, Martin said. Those who give book donations get a store coupon.

Plot Twist Books is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.