For the last 20 years, both Heather Nelson and Sophie Schauer Eldred have lived in Oak Park. For just as long they’ve been best friends. And now, in just six weeks, they are planning to open a new bookstore together: The Book Loft in Oak Park.
The new store will take over space at 1047 Lake St., the same storefront where The Book Table initially launched its business.
Nelson’s family has owned a bookstore in Florida for the past 40 years, which has always been an inspiration. After The Book Table shuttered in Oak Park early this year, this inspiration, as well as the pair’s desire to open a retail business, served as the “perfect storm” for The Book Loft to be born, Nelson said.
“It was a little bit based on a dream of both of ours,” Nelson said. “When we started to really think about it, it was fulfilling something for both of us, and we both are really committed to the community.”
Both Nelson and Schauer Eldred raised their children in Oak Park and wanted to give back to a community that gave so much to them. They said throughout the planning process, the village of Oak Park, Downtown Oak Park and all of their local business neighbors have been very helpful.
The pair even plans to collaborate with some of their local business partners, having discussed a special “read it before you see it” section of the bookstore in collaboration with the Lake Theatre.
“It’s made us even more giddy and just thrilled to enter this community,” Schauer Eldred said.
The 3,000 square feet of retail space will be filled with general books, as well as a special children’s section dubbed “the roost,” in honor of the owl on the bookstore’s logo. The duo said they worked to cultivate a store design that was very welcoming.
To further engage the community, Nelson and Schauer Eldred said they will be having outreach for teachers and librarians and will encourage young readers to spend time in the bookstore with a book-themed photo opportunity.
“We’re really excited,” Nelson said. “We’re hoping that it’s well received, and we hope that we are the place that’s top of mind for people to come and explore books and ultimately buy books and that they feel welcome here and want to come here.”
Starting Aug. 16, The Book Loft will be open seven days a week. Monday through Thursday, the store will be open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the store will be open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. On Sunday, the store will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
