Who are we?
We are Chicago's new independent bookstore. Brought to life by two sisters with a passion for books and serving their community, Volumes Bookcafe aims to bring an even stronger literary haven to this vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood. As former educators, we are eager to open our doors and provide an active literary center that serves all ages.
What We Need
We've been working on this store for several years now. We've put our blood, sweat, tears and life savings to get to this point. We are so close to opening we can taste it. Unfortunately, the city of Chicago has thrown us two very big and very expensive curveballs that are holding us up. We need to add a secondary HVAC system to the space as well as upgrade the main water line to the building. While we expected a great number of things with this beautiful 1883 building, we were not anticipating these last two hurdles.
All of the money collected will go directly towards these two expenses.
We have the shelves installed. We have our inventory ready to be shipped. Everything is planned, built and accounted for, except for this!
What You Get
Besides the knowledge that you are helping us to realize our dreams? Well, you will get an assortment of goodies with your donation. Not only will everyone receive their name posted on a donor art installation in the store, but they will also get some goodies!
If you aren't local, that's okay! We can still get you those discounted books via our soon to launch website or over the phone!
The Impact
Your contribution will go directly towards funding the HVAC and Water Line projects. That's it. We have everything else accounted for. Every dime we have already has a home. From thousands of books to cafe equipment and inventory. Yet, this donation will help us to finally open our doors. We aim to provide this community with loads of free programming, kids camps, adult classes, author events, scrabble leagues, book clubs and so much more!
Other Ways You Can Help
Just because you can't contribute money, doesn't mean you can't contribute time in the upcoming month. We will be having an unwrapping party for our inventory. We will need volunteers for events in the upcoming months. We would also just really like to meet you, so come on by and see us. Or, just sharing this campaign will make a huge difference. Thank you!
What Others are Saying About Us
Volumes
Book Café will be an amazing addition to the vibrant Wicker Park
neighborhood. The store’s combination of welcoming space and a curated
collection of books are going to quickly make it a staple of the
community.
Nancy Rohlen, Ingram Content Group
Having had the opportunity to see firsthand how the space at Volumes
will look like before the doors have even opened, it's obvious that
Rebecca and Kimberly George are serious about making their mark on the
literary landscape of Chicago. In a very big way. Wicker Park, and the
rest of Chicagoland, are in for a treat. Rebecca and Kimberly are
committed to providing a community space for book and non-book related
events, and the bookstore already has a warm and inviting feel to it due
to the care and love that Rebecca and Kimberly pour into it every day.
Volumes cannot open fast enough, as far as this self-professed booklover
is concerned.
Javier Ramirez, The Book Table
Prize FAQ
Contributors will receive an email with info on how to redeem their perks in the upcoming weeks.
Discounts can be applied in-store, on our soon-to-be-live webstore, or over the phone! You don't have to be nearby to get the benefit!
For those with t-shirt perks, we will be in contact to get sizes and color preferences.
For the Little Elliot, Big Prize ($275)
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