Inaugural Bookfest to take over Glen Ellyn
More than four years ago, Rosemary Arellano was ready to retire from her job as a retail consultant.
As she packed her things and got ready to settle into life as a retiree, her husband asked her about dozens of boxes - Arellano estimated there were 27 - scattered around their home.
The boxes were full of books she wanted to read when she had time.
Arellano still doesn't have much time. Those boxes ended up being the start of Bundles of Books & Gifts, 560 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn.
On Saturday, June 19, the used bookstore will be at the center of the Downtown Glen Ellyn Alliance's inaugural Bookfest 2010: A Celebration of Books, that will bring dozens of area authors downtown. Arellano pitched the idea about two years ago and said she looks forward to meeting Glen Ellyn readers.
"This is a very literate and book-loving area," Arellano said. "They've been so supportive of my store that I knew it would be something residents would just love and support."
As part of the celebration, Bundles will welcome Ophelia Julien, an author of young adult fiction. The event also will include several writing workshops and even a poetry slam. The main event will be a keynote address and book signing by area author Elizabeth Berg at 3 p.m. at Glenbard West High School. Also, many restaurants plan on getting into the mix, sponsoring reading lunches and dinners with Tap House Grill, 411 N. Main St., welcoming former Chicago Cubs catcher Randy Hundley for an autograph signing from 1 to 2 p.m.
The festival begins with a social networking workshop at 8:30 a.m. and ends with a dinner at Bells & Whistles Snackery at 6 p.m. For a full slate of events, visit downtownglenellyn.com.
Special Events Coordinator Carol White said the celebration falls perfectly in line with the downtown alliance's mission.
"Everything the alliance does is focused on bringing people into our downtown and into our shops," White said.
Since opening her store four years ago, Arellano said she has received tremendous support from the community. The shop frequently hosts well-attended book signings and Arellano said the community seems to have a deep respect for reading.
"It became a thing where people don't want to throw books away and we don't want them to," she said.
Arellano said the store recycles books and either gives store credit or sends used books to troops overseas as a way to give back.
"It's about exposing more people to books," she said. "There's still something about the tactile feeling of holding a book. The people around here are just so passionate. I go home and smile every day because I sit here and listen to their stories about reading."
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> Bookfest 2010: A Celebration of Books</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 8:30 a.m. through a dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 19</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Shops and restaurants in downtown Glen Ellyn</p>
<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Free</p>
<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://downtownglenellyn.com" target="new">downtownglenellyn.com</a></p>