Semicolon Bookstore is celebrating the grand opening of its newest location at the South Tower, 400 N Michigan Avenue, on the Magnificent Mile this July 12th.
From noon to 7 PM, the event marks the expansion of the popular Black-owned bookstore, which now includes a unique candy section featuring gummies and other scoopable treats to attract more visitors.
Semicolon Bookstore Expands Downtown With New Features
Danielle Mullen, owner of Semicolon Bookstore, shared that the success of their West Town location is supporting the costs of new furnishings and operational expenses at their new Magnificent Mile site.
Block Club Chicago reported that she anticipates staying there until at least January, possibly renewing her lease afterward.
The new downtown location of Semicolon will showcase the bookstore's trademark street art-inspired murals and paintings and offer a wider selection of books than before. This expansion includes more mainstream titles aimed at tourists and downtown shoppers.
Adding a sweet touch to the store, a candy section filled with gummies and other scoopable treats is designed to draw people in. Mullen aims to recreate the feel of a neighborhood "candy lady," making the store a welcoming space for all, especially children who might come in with just a dollar or two.
The bookstore plans to host author events in this new downtown space starting in August. Mullen hopes this expansion will further support her efforts to boost literacy and charitable activities throughout Chicago, particularly with upcoming plans to establish a presence in Garfield Park.
Mullen expressed her optimism about the role of this new space in achieving the bookstore's mission: to bridge literacy gaps and introduce more people to Semicolon, helping to advance their community-focused initiatives.
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Meanwhile, excitement is buzzing on Instagram for the grand opening of Semicolon Bookstore's new location on the Magnificent Mile.
Followers of the bookstore's Instagram page have expressed their enthusiasm and support, with one user regretfully stating they wish they could attend and are eager to place an online book order.
Others have shared heartfelt encouragement and excitement, showcasing a community eager to support the local bookstore as it expands.
This outpouring of support highlights the strong connection between Semicolon and its community, reinforcing the bookstore's role as a cherished local hub for readers and literature enthusiasts.
Semicolon Bookstore: A Fusion of Art and Literature
According to Chicago Magazine, Mullen, a literary expert with a PhD in literary theory, initially developed her art curation skills through her writing business, which involved creating texts for museum exhibitions.
This experience underlined the importance of articulating art to enhance public engagement and comprehension.
Mullen's original vision was to open the Athenaeum Librarium, a mix of a library, coworking space, and an exclusive club. Facing construction delays, she pivoted to establish Semicolon Bookstore instead. The name reflects a continuation of her journey despite challenges.
Semicolon is more than a bookstore; it's an art-infused space with personal touches, such as a vibrant mural by Ahmad Lee featuring icons like Frida Kahlo and Jean-Michel Basquiat, crafted in just 11 hours. The store also hosts a rotating gallery showcasing local street art.
Books are displayed unconventionally, curated by themes rather than genres, fostering a unique browsing experience. Mullen handpicked all 400 titles, adding a personal touch to the curated collection.
Semicolon supports emerging authors who need quick prints of their works by including an espresso book machine. As the city's sole Black woman-owned bookstore, Mullen emphasizes its significance in promoting cultural and literary appreciation within the community.
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