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Located in Chatham, Illinois

Cafe and Book Store

As a service, we aim to keep prices low, all while retaining small profits to benefit the Friends of the Library.

Cafe Prices

Beverages:

  • Bottled Water .......... $0.75
  • Bottled Tea .............. $1.50
  • Cappuccino ............. $1.50
  • Coffee ...................... $1.00
  • Soda ........................ $1.00
  • Hot Tea .................... $0.50
  • Juice Box ................. $0.50

Snacks: As noted on display

Book and Merchandise Prices

Books

  • Hardcover .......................................... $2.00
  • Paperback .......................................... $0.75
  • Comics/Graphic Novels ..................... $0.50
  • Cookbooks ......................................... $0.50
  • Classic Hardcovers & Paperbacks ..... Priced as Marked
  • Children's, Tween, & Teen................... Priced as Marked

Games

Board Games ... $1.50
Card Games ..... $0.50
Puzzles ............. $0.50
Activity Kits ....... $0.75

Audio/Visual

Music CDs .......... $0.10
DVDs & Blurays .. $0.25
Audiobook CDs ... $1.00

Bags

Tote Bags (Teal) ... $2.00

Café & Bookstore Hours

Monday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 7:00pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 7:00pm
Thursday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 3:30pm

Volunteer Spotlight

Friends of the Board talking with the Bookstore staff
three volunteers posing for picture while helping out at the Annual Book Sale
5 volunteers at the Annual Sweet Corn Festival

History

The Friends' Bahlow Bookstore and Bank & Trust Café opened in April 2009 as part of the Library's building expansion.  The Friends of the Library wanted to provide a warm, welcoming space to sell the books that were discarded from the Library and donated from the community.  It was created to be in service to the community and continues to keep prices low for that reason. The area is operated solely by unpaid volunteer staff with all funds going to cover expenses and then back to the library for support of special programs.

Gary and Barbara Bahlow were strong supporters of the Chatham Area Public Library and funded a portion of the Bookstore. Bank & Trust Co. also wanted to support this new service and donated funds to support the creation of the Café. 

On behalf of the Friends of the Library Board, we welcome you to the Friends' Bookstore! Thank you for your support.