New ‘Intellectual’ Bookstore to Replace Bookman’s Alley

A new bookstore, Bookends & Beginnings, plans to open as a general-interest, independent bookstore in June in the former Bookman’s Alley space at 1712 Sherman Ave., according to an article in the Daily Northwestern.

Owner Nina Barrett told the Daily that she wants to create a cozy bookstore where people can gather to share ideas. To that end, the store won’t have wifi and plans to host events for writers and readers. She said the store won’t worry about stocking every best seller and will instead focus on the “more intellectual end.”

Barrett, a longtime Evanston resident, is a writer and radio personality, as well as a trained chef, according to an article in Windy City Times. Her husband, a retired academic research librarian, will help by curating several sections.

The store will also sell antiques, art, jewelry and other gifts, the article says.

You can read the full Daily Northwestern article here.

You can read the full Windy City Times article here.

Are you happy to see a bookstore replace Bookman’s Alley? Is this somewhere you’ll shop?