Exploring book-ish spaces in my new Chi-Town Neighborhood
Moving to a new city means a lot of new experiences — some good, some bad.
A new food scene that will surely fuel my big-back activities? Good.
A new parking system that has, so far, resulted in a ticket and towing for my poor Kia Soul. Bad.
A new dating pool of men who will most likely not live up to my many book boyfriends. Also bad (although I expected as much).
But most importantly, a new city means new bookish spaces to explore — I’m talking libraries, bookshops, book clubs, and cute cafes where I can procrastinate writing as I happily sip a Chai latte made by the Chicago locals who keep this historic city pumping.
That’s right. I’m officially a Chi girl! Someone get me a hot dog with a pickle and a deep-dish pizza. (Actually, don’t. I’ve been informed by the locals deep-dish is just for tourists, and truthfully, I hate pickles, but don’t tell them I said that.)
There are 77 neighborhoods flavoring the melting pot that is Chicago, and lucky for me, I landed in one of the most flavorful of them all.
Hyde Park — home to Black icons Barack and Michelle Obama, the late Civil Rights titan and journalist Ida B. Wells, and the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali.
As a Black creative, I think it’s safe to say I’m in pretty good company. But there’s more to be found. Hyde Park is full of spaces where readers and writers congregate, and if I’m going to continue to pursue my dream of becoming a published author, then it’s important I know exactly where they are.
Now, I’ve only been here for two weeks, but I’ve stumbled upon a few:
The Silver Room. Located on 53rd Street.
The Silver Room is a unique and refreshing cup of art, culture, literature, and substance. My brother and I came across it my very first day in Hyde Park, and he had to stop me from buying everything in this store, though he couldn’t stop me from yapping with the two girls at the front counter, who effectively reeled me into the book club they host here at the end of every month.
2. Call & Response Books. Located on East Hyde Park Blvd.
The world yearns for more POC literature, and just like the name, C&R answered the call. This popular bookshop only sells books written by authors of color. On top of exclusive and signed editions, and popular author signings, this Black-owned gem allows readers to just come in, sit down, relax, and read, regardless of whether you make a purchase. But, of course, I totally did, and I plan to again… many times.
3. Cafe 53. Located on 53rd Street.
And last but not least, my new favorite writing spot, where I actually wrote this blog post. Can you believe it? My first post in Chicago, and I couldn’t have picked a better place to write it than Cafe 53. This intimate spot is a community-favorite, and for good reason. On top of friendly staff, delicious lattes and pastries, it’s remote-friendly, offering free Wi-Fi and that quintessential cozy atmosphere us writers need to get the creative juices flowing. Now, why is there no latte or pastry in this photo, you ask? Well, I devoured them in record time. What can I say? I told you I was a big back…
