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Shake, Rattle & Read/Book Box

Robert Drea (Shake, Rattle & Read)

March 30, 2007

Borders
Uptown’s first big-box store opened in spring 2004 in the former Goldblatt’s building—and according to a March 20 article in Crain’s, it may soon be closing, though Borders corporate says it’s not. In any case, it’s your typical Borders, with a large selection of new books and music and a cafe. The store also occasionally hosts authors and musicians hawking their latest work. Brits the Feeling and James Morrison each play in-stores 3/31; “troubadour” Matt Wertz appears on 4/14. | Mon-Sat 10 AM-10 PM, Sun 10 AM-9 PM | 4718 N. Broadway | 773-334-7338

Shake, Rattle & Read/Book Box
An Uptown mainstay for 41 years, Ric Addy’s store is a browser’s paradise, with an impressive selection of used books (especially volumes on music and pop culture, plus pulp fiction from the 40s through the 70s), used records, and vintage magazines. | Noon-6 PM daily | 4812 N. Broadway | 773-334-5311

Bookslut Reading Series
Since July 2005, Bookslut founder and editor Jessa Crispin has been hosting readings by national and local authors on a near monthly basis in the cozy second-floor party room at the Hopleaf (see Bars and Restaurants). Next up, on April 11: Jeannine Hall Gailey (Becoming the Villainess), Ander Monson (Neck Deep and Other Predicaments), and Catherynne M. Valente (The Orphan’s Tales). Must be 21 or over to attend. | Hopleaf | 5148 N. Clark | 312-850-4277 | bookslut.com

Uptown Poetry Slam
Founded by performance poet Marc Smith in 1985 at the Get Me High Lounge, this venerable open mike series moved to the Green Mill (see Music) a year later and has been putting brave poets through the wringer ever since. Each event usually has a featured performer and an end-of-the-night competition. | Sun 7-10 PM | Green Mill | 4802 N. Broadway | 773-878-5552 | slampapi.com

Uptown Writer’s Space
This multiuse space just opened in September above the Green Mill, offering writers desks, office amenities (fax, printer, WiFi), occasional workshops and events, and above all community; a similar facility, the Writers WorkSpace, opened up the street in Edgewater shortly thereafter. On 3/31 and 4/1, Marc Smith (see Uptown Poetry Slam) teaches a performance poetry workshop ($35 members, $50 nonmembers). On 4/7, there’s a reading titled “Where’s Your Moses Now? Musings on Faith.” Irregular Friday movie nights are also scheduled; $5 donation requested. | 4802 N. Broadway, suite 200 | 773-275-1000 | uptownwritersspace.com

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