SKaiser writesCity Lit Books

by Shawna Kaiser

Inside the City Lit space community is built around the written word where you will find that special book which brings experiences and emotions all at once new and familiar. "I think it's very comforting to know there will always be another book waiting for me," said owner, Teresa Kirschbraun.  

The doors opened on August 12, 2012 after Kirschbraun combined her lifelong love of books with her career in management consulting. "I thought it would be great to bring a bookstore to Logan Square," Kirschbraun said. "I could not have imagined the community that has evolved here - so much more than I ever thought." 

The requests for City Lit Books to host events began almost instantly after opening the store.

In the spirit of creating lifelong readers, the store shelves include children's books at their eye level, encouraging families to visit and spy new books. It's no surprise then Story Time is one of the most popular read-alongs and sing-alongs for kids hosted at City Lit.

Kirschbraun explained she "always felt that events would be a great way to support authors and provide interesting literary events for the community. Most recently, we hosted Julia Fine, who lives down the street, for her debut novel, What Should Be Wild."  

In May 2018, the literary magazine of the Creative Writing Program at Roosevelt University held the release party for Issue 45 of the Oyez Review: Rules of Engagement at City Lit Books. Light refreshments were served as locals and students made way to their seats for readings by three writers featured in the magazine.

The book clubs offered at City Lit range from Weird and Wonderful to Tell Me How it Ends. "Customers started asking about book clubs right away. I asked each bookseller to host a book club with a theme of their choice. The evolution has been the growth in attendance at each club. the breadth of themes, and members from one club starting to come to others," Kirschbraun said. 

City Lit Books also supports local artists and carries a range of Chicago made products, such as Fresh Frances. For more information on other local products, literary events, and the calendar of authors scheduled to visit City Lit Books, please visit them here!