Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, an award-winning, independent specialty bookstore, is looking for a new owner, as Augie Aleksy, it’s owner and sole proprietor, is ready for retirement after 33 years of hosting a “Who’s Who” of mystery writers, historians, and biographers, of local, regional, national & international celebrity. In Oak Park for 10 years, we have been in Forest Park for 23 years.
Forest Park enjoys an “urban/suburban“ ambience, with a variety of local shops, restaurants, and businesses, many in historic buildings. It’s only 10 mi. from downtown Chicago. The tri-village area is a bedroom community to four universities.
This cozy, attractive store of 1500 sq. ft., with the atmosphere of a personal study, is warm and inviting, with seating for browsers, and selections for adults, teens, and children. We keep in touch with customers via our website, Facebook, Instagram, and a monthly newsletter.
In addition to frequent author events, we host three monthly book discussion groups (history, mystery, and G.K. Chesterton Soc.), an occasional visit by the Dickens Fellowship, and lasting relationships with two national writers’ groups (Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime). We also enjoy long-term associations with the public libraries of both communities we’ve served, and the Forest Park historical society.
As an active member of the local Chamber, we also participate in seasonal community events like the spring/fall wine walks, and the holiday walk in December. Parking is readily accessible on Forest Park’s main street, but municipal lots are nearby as well. For commuters, it’s served by at least three bus routes and three commuter train lines. We own four parking spots behind the store.
Augie strongly recommends any prospective buyers, new to bookselling, use the resources of the American Booksellers Association, especially their booksellers “school”; an invaluable tool to an inexperienced bookseller.
This is a good time to ride the wave of independent bookstore resurgence. The reading public is recognizing its desire for knowledgeable booksellers who love serving their customers. We agree “The future is indie”.
But the story for what a local author called “a cultural center for the area” takes place every day at a store renowned as much for its events as for its niche. “It’s not just a store,” Augie says, “It’s a way of life.” Whether it’s you or a friend who’s interested in becoming Forest Park’s new bookseller, you can contact us at 708-771-7243 or cns7419@sbcglobal.net
