Open Books, a nonprofit bookstore and literacy organization in Chicago, Ill., will close its West Loop location on November 8, Block Club Chicago reported.
The nonprofit said the West Loop store, located at 651 W. Lake St., has struggled due to rising operating costs and decreasing foot traffic, exacerbated by ongoing construction. All books at the West Loop store have been half-off since October 23. After November 8, a curated selection of the remaining inventory will be displayed in the nonprofit's Pilsen location, which will be its sole remaining store.
Earlier this year, Open Books closed its Logan Square store, which had been in operation for three years and spanned two floors at 2068 N. Milwaukee Ave. At the time, Open Books executive director Jennifer Steele attributed the closure to financial hardship and business challenges.
Founded in 2006, Open Books uses bookstore sales to help fund its literacy and writing programs. The West Loop store had been in operation since 2015.