Bookends & Beginnings

I used to frequent this store when it had a charming atmosphere and helpful staff. Today, I went there to purchase a. New mystery. I also asked whether they worked with local authors. A person working in the store informed me, without knowing anything about me, my book, or its audience, said she needed to work with financially beneficial companies and writers. She insinuated she couldn’t work with self-published authors or people who published only on Amazon. These assumptions were inaccurate, but I was surprised by the blatant snobbery. I’ll continue to support local bookstores, but I wish this one was more community-oriented.

I teach at a Montessori school and have brought small groups of students here before. We’ve always been welcomed and had a place to sit downstairs to have a short book discussion. This time as soon as we sat down around a table, we were “greeted” by the new events coordinator who asked with a very strained smile who we were and how long we’d be staying, and was told the library was the place “for things like this.” She was incredibly snobbish and patronizing, and my students and I felt both unwelcome and embarrassed. If I hadn’t already made my purchase, I would have put my books back and walked out. I’m disappointed that this is the direction this store is going. We sadly won’t be back.

Bookends & Beginnings is a cozy place to read, relax, and enjoy great conversation. They host events that foster community bonding and a shared appreciation for books. They recently welcomed us for an event that brought so many members of the community together!

My new favorite bookstore in Evanston. I prefer Kindle but when I need a book for a gift or a physical format this where I shop. I may even have to give up my Kindle.