Chicago Book Expo Puts Abandoned Borders to Good Use

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 16, 2011 4:20PM

There will be no Black Friday sales at Uptown's Borders this year. Instead, there'll be something much cooler--and a week earlier to boot, allowing you to digest that Thanksgiving dinner properly.

The Chicago Writers House Project is creating a pop-up bookstore in the empty building Nov. 19-20. Featuring more than 40 fiction and poetry presses, Chicago Book Expo 2011 will also include readings, live performances, and architectural walking tours.

Among the participating vendors at the bookstore (open Saturday, 10a.m. - 6p.m., and Sunday, Noon - 6p.m.) are University of Chicago Press, Featherproof Books, Haymarket Press, Drag City Books, and Squean Zines. A Nonprofit Fair will spotlight several literary and educational nonprofit and service organizations, while a series of panel discussions and workshops will tackle such topics as "In the Shadow of Borders," "Notes for a People's Atlas," and "Eco-Friendly Readings and Activities for Kids."

One of the neatest events at the Chicago Book Expo will a be a performance on Saturday night. As we told you last month, Joan of Arc will premiere a new soundtrack for the classic Charlie Chaplin short film His New Job. The movie was produced at Uptown's Essanay Studio, which is now St. Augustine's College.

Lastly, the Chicago Architecture Foundation will present one-hour walking tours of the architecture and history of Uptown. It's a great chance to learn about The Green Mill, the Aragon, and other landmarks.

The bookstore, Nonprofit Fair, and most of the other activities are free. Check out the full schedule for more details.