Yellow Bird Books To Celebrate Anniversary With Live Music, Signing And More

AURORA, IL — Yellow Bird Books is turning two, and the independent bookstore is celebrating with live music, a book signing and more free events.

From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 18, book lovers are invited to the activity-packed celebration, where the first 25 visitors will receive goodie bags.

Here's a look at the schedule for the day:

• Noon to 2 p.m. — Balloon animals and face painting
• 2 p.m. — Live music featuring John Klatt
• 3-5 p.m. — Book signing with author McKenzie Burns
• 5-7 p.m. — Poets Donna Vorreyer and Kristin LaTour will be in the shop, with a discussion of their new book, "Unrivered," planned at 6 p.m.

A bookmark-making-and-taking station will also be set up, and shoppers will be entered into a drawing for a birthday basket. Giveaways and sales are on the docket, too.

An Aurora resident and former teacher, owner Karen Nicholas opened the store in fall 2023 at 34 S. Stolp Ave. in the former Keystone building, designed in the prairie style by George Grant Elmslie. Nicholas said she and a friend were walking in the area when they learned the "perfect spot" was available.

In the two years since, Yellow Bird Books has not only become a destination for books of every genre, but also a community gathering space. During First Fridays, the store offers artists opportunities to exhibit, while other times, it hosts book clubs, architectural walking tours and workshops.

"We have become part of the community," Nicholas said in a statement. "That's the best part."

Entering its third year, Yellow Bird Books will launch "I Dare You to Read This Book!," an initiative similar to "Blind Date with a Book," but for young readers. Book jackets will hide the title and cover art to give readers an element of surprise.