After 36 Years, Western Springs’ Book Rack Will Close on Friday

At 3:00 p.m. on Friday, another staple business of Western Springs will vanish.

The Book Rack (1062 Hillgrove Ave.) has been selling used books to the community since the Ford administration, but its staple ½-price book offer business model has been unable to hold up against e-readers and economic downturn.

“We can’t keep up,” admitted store manager Sue Wisthuff, who ran the store for the past 14 years. “The landlord tried really hard [to keep us], but this isn’t working out at this time. If I thought physical books were going to make a comeback I’d try to stick it out, but as much as I hate to admit it, I’m not sure they’re going to.”

Wisthuff said that a deal to sell her inventory in bulk fell through, so the store is furiously selling its books at $1 or less for the next three days. What they can’t move, they will donate to veterans, hospitals and libraries.

Few Western Springs businesses have been around as long, and many residents have fond memories of the town’s only bookstore.

“I’ve had a lot of people come in lately and tell me stories,” Wisthuff said. “It’s been heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once.

“It’s been a great ride. The people have been wonderful and I’ve had wonderful employees; I couldn’t have done it without them. Western Springs has been a terrific place to be and I’m going to miss it.”

The store, at the corner of Hillgrove Avenue and Woodlawn Avenue, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday. Call 708-246-2225 for more information.