Semicolon Bookstore has expanded its footprint to one of Chicago's most prominent shopping destinations, the Magnificent Mile. Having opened a new location inside the iconic Wrigley Building, the bookstore continues its mission of addressing the literacy gap in marginalized communities. As the only Black woman-owned bookstore on the Mag Mile, Semicolon is making a statement in a space that has lacked such representation.
Founded by Danielle Moore, Semicolon has had a significant impact on Chicago's West Town neighborhood since its inception. "Listen, honey, the mission is, it has always been the mission, and it is to close the literacy gap in minoritized communities," Moore told CBS News Chicago. The Magnificent Mile location is the second after the original store, further cementing the brand's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Part of a concerted effort to bring more diversity to Michigan Avenue, the store was helped in part by city funding obtained by the Magnificent Mile Association. "We knew that we wanted to highlight some of the best businesses that come from parts of the community or people that aren't necessarily fully represented on Michigan Avenue," said Kimberly Bares, President and CEO of the association, in a statement obtained by CBS News Chicago.
At the core of Semicolon's operations is their 'Clear the Shelves' program, which donates two books for every one sold. Moore emphasized the importance of accessibility to her mission, stating during an event where students from CPS were present, "Every time somebody buys one book, we give two away, and so we close that gap by doing what's called our Clear the Shelves program, where we allow CPS students to come in and grab the books that they want off the shelves free of charge," as reported by CBS News Chicago.
Furthermore, Semicolon's role as a community space is highlighted by its lounge areas and the planned hosting of events coinciding with Lollapalooza and the DNC. Acknowledging the intersectionality of her identity, Moore remarked, "This brand was created for me, for the Black, lesbian woman who is a voracious reader and did not find a space where she fit in," as per Axios Chicago report. The new location also corresponds with Chicago's broader initiative to reinvigorate commercial spaces through the storefront activation grant program, supporting small and local businesses in the process.
