Javier and Kristin Ramirez of Exile in Bookville
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Tucked away on the second floor of Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building, Exile in Bookville is more than just a bookstore – it’s a vibrant hub for literature, music, and community.
Javier and Kristin Ramirez, the husband-and-wife duo behind this unique space, envisioned a place that went beyond the conventional bookstore model. Inspired by Liz phair’s iconic Chicago album “Exile in Guyville,” thay created a haven for book lovers and music enthusiasts alike.
Finding Exile in Bookville is part of the adventure. Ascend the winding stone staircase or take a ride in one of the building’s charming, manually-operated elevators too the second floor. The journey itself sets the stage for the unexpected charm that awaits.
While Chicago boasts a plethora of excellent bookstores, Exile in bookville has carved out a special niche.Its curated selection features both mainstream bestsellers and hidden gems from self-reliant publishers. The Ramirezes are passionate champions of local authors, hosting regular readings and events that have drawn literary luminaries like Percival Everett, Emma Straub, and Jonathan Franzen.
“The vision was for more than a bookstore, but a hub, a hangout, a gathering place for local authors,” Kristin Ramirez shared. “I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly, but the community has embraced us.”
This sense of community extends beyond the literary world. Exile in Bookville has become a beloved spot for book clubs,author events,and even weddings. The store’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of Grant Park,creating a unique and intimate atmosphere.
The Ramirezes’ commitment to collaboration extends to other bookstores in the city. they share signed copies of books and foster a spirit of camaraderie rather than competition.
“I assumed inherent competition with other bookstores,” Kristin admitted, “but actually, we’ve become friends with other stores.”
Exile in Bookville is a testament to the power of community and the enduring appeal of independent bookstores. It’s a place where you can lose yourself in a good book, discover new music, and connect with fellow bookworms.
More than just a bookstore, Exile in Bookville is a true Chicago gem.
Chicago Couple Turns Bookselling Dream into Reality with Exile in Bookville
Exile in Bookville, a new independent bookstore nestled in Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building, is more than just a place to buy books. It’s a testament to the enduring power of community, passion, and a deep love for the written word.
for Javier Ramirez, the store’s co-owner, Exile in Bookville represents the culmination of a lifelong dream. A fixture in Chicago’s literary scene for over two decades, Javier has worked at numerous bookstores, from Barbara’s bookstore to Book Cellar, witnessing firsthand the challenges and rewards of the industry.”Owning my own (store) was always the goal, the ideal,” Javier said. “Most of the people I worked for never owned a bookstore and never worked in the book business before. They were often totally clueless about how this business works and what doesn’t work. It was like they were doing their best but to run the business itself into the ground. They would arrive with romantic ideas of owning a bookstore. The ‘You’ve Got Mail’ thing. They’d sit there and sip tea and sell a book, the customer leaves, a quiet life. It is indeed not like that.”
Javier’s partner, Kristin Ramirez, a former criminal justice professor, shares his passion for books and community. Together, they’ve created a space that feels both welcoming and curated.Exile in Bookville boasts a carefully selected inventory,featuring a mix of new releases,literary fiction,and local authors.
The store’s success is already evident. Sence opening its doors, Exile in Bookville has hosted events featuring bestselling authors like Michelle Zauner, author of the critically acclaimed “Crying in H Mart,” and even welcomed guest booksellers like Rebecca Makkai and the band The National.
Much of this success can be attributed to Javier’s deep connections within the Chicago literary community. He’s served as a judge for prestigious awards like the National Book Award and the Kirkus Prize,and has been a programmer for Printers Row Lit Fest.
The Fine Arts Building, a Chicago landmark dating back to 1898, provides a unique and fitting backdrop for Exile in Bookville. While the building has housed bookstores before, Javier and Kristin are committed to offering a fresh perspective, focusing on new books and creating a vibrant community hub.
Exile in Bookville is more than just a bookstore; it’s a testament to the enduring power of books to connect people, spark conversations, and inspire dreams.
Chicago Couple Curates a Bookstore Where Every Book Tells a story
Independent shop Exile on Main Street prioritizes personal connection and a love of music
Nestled in Chicago’s vibrant Logan Square neighborhood, Exile on Main street isn’t your typical bookstore. Owned and operated by Kristin and Javier, this intimate shop is a testament to their shared passion for literature and music, offering a curated selection of new and used books alongside a carefully chosen collection of vinyl records.
Exile opened its doors in the spring of 2021, a challenging time for any new business, especially one reliant on foot traffic. The pandemic cast a long shadow, making the first six months ”terrifying,” Kristin recalls.
But the couple persevered, driven by their vision of creating a space where books and music intertwine, fostering a sense of community and connection.”We don’t want staff,” Javier explains. “We want to sell every book in our shop ourselves.”
This hands-on approach allows them to engage directly with customers, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for each title.Nine times out of ten,you’ll find either Kristin or Javier behind the counter,ready to recommend a book or spin a record.
Javier, often sporting a T-shirt from a band like cibo Matto or Sonic Youth, embodies the store’s eclectic spirit. He’s a firm believer in the power of music to enhance the reading experience, and Exile reflects this philosophy.
Want to listen to vinyl? Just ask. But there’s a catch: you have to commit to at least one album side.
“Everything on our shelves tells a story,” Javier says, “and so do albums.”
Exile on Main Street is more than just a bookstore; it’s a haven for book lovers and music enthusiasts alike, a place where stories unfold and connections are forged.
Chicago Bookstore “Exile in Bookville” - More Than Just Books
NewsDirectory3.com – Exclusive Interview
Chicago’s indie bookstore scene just got a whole lot richer wiht the opening of “Exile in Bookville,” a unique space nestled within the historic Fine Arts building. We sat down with co-owner Kristin Ramirez to discuss the vision behind this literary haven and its mission to blend books, music, and community.
NewsDirectory3: “Exile in Bookville” is gaining quite a bit of buzz. Can you tell us what makes your bookstore so special?
Kristin Ramirez: We wanted to create more than just a place to buy books. We envisioned a true community hub, a space where people could connect over their love of literature, discover new music, and simply feel at home. The inspiration came from Liz Phair’s iconic album “exile in Guyville,” which perfectly captures the spirit of Chicago and its self-reliant spirit.
NewsDirectory3: The location itself is quite unique, tucked away on the second floor of the Fine Arts Building.
Kristin Ramirez: Yes, it’s all part of the experience. Ascending the winding staircase or taking the charming old elevators adds a touch of magic and sets the stage for the unexpected charm that awaits. Plus, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of Grant Park, creating a truly unique atmosphere.
NewsDirectory3: You mention fostering a sense of community.How is that reflected in your bookstore?
Kristin Ramirez: We go beyond simply stocking books. We host author readings,book clubs,and even weddings! We partner with other bookstores in the city,sharing signed copies and creating a network of support rather than competition. We’re thrilled by how the community has embraced us.
NewsDirectory3: what can readers expect to find on your shelves?
Kristin Ramirez: We offer a curated selection of both popular bestsellers and hidden gems from independent publishers. We’re passionate about championing local authors and providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
NewsDirectory3: You mentioned the power of collaboration. How does that play out in the Indie bookstore scene?
Kristin Ramirez: I was initially concerned about competition,but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. We’ve built genuine friendships with other bookstores and work together to support each other and promote the love of reading.
NewsDirectory3: “Exile in Bookville” sounds like a true gem for Chicago’s literary landscape.
Kristin Ramirez: We hope so! We believe passionate people deserve a place to connect, share their love of books, and discover something new.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for your time, kristin. We wish you all the best with “Exile in Bookville.”
For more data and upcoming events, visit Exile in Bookville’s website or follow them on social media.