Semicolon Books, a cherished Chicago institution and one of the city’s only Black woman-owned bookstores is closing its doors for good. Proprietress Danielle (Danni) Moore made the somber announcement Friday afternoon through the bookshop’s Instagram account.
Citing a slow holiday season as the main factor behind the decision, Moore explained, “The holidays did not do what we wanted them to do, and based on the amount of community work that we like to pour into the city and into the world in general, we are not sustainable as we should be.”
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The closure marks the end of a remarkable five-and-a-half-month run at its Magnificent Mile location, which will shutter after this weekend. The West Town location will remain open for a few more months, allowing customers to redeem gift cards and celebrate Independent Bookstore Day one last time on April 26, 2025.
A Legacy of Community and Literacy
Founded in 2019 by Moore, an art curator and literature enthusiast, Semicolon Books was created as a haven for readers, particularly those seeking stories by and about minority authors. During the pandemic, the bookstore doubled down on its mission with initiatives like the #ClearTheShelves program, which provided thousands of free books to Chicago Public Schools students.
In its relatively short existence, Semicolon made an outsized impact:
- Distributed over 13,000 books to students free of charge.
- Donated books and funds to 27 organizations across Chicagoland.
- Built or curated libraries for 52 schools and organizations.
Moore reflected on the bookstore’s journey with pride and determination. “This has been quite the time. This has been quite the journey,” she said. “We feel like it has been an excellent run and can’t wait to see y’all in whatever iteration we return as.”
A Bold Step on the Magnificent Mile
Semicolon’s expansion to the Magnificent Mile was hailed as groundbreaking when it opened in July 2024 in the iconic Wrigley Building. Backed by a Storefront Activation Grant from the City of Chicago, the move symbolized a fresh chapter for the retailer.
At the grand opening, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the bookstore’s arrival on Michigan Avenue, saying, “Thank you for fulfilling and living out hopes and aspirations and the dreams of our ancestors.”
Semicolon became a beacon of culture and diversity along a corridor better known for luxury brands. Its shelves, meticulously curated by Moore, offered a literary oasis to tourists and residents alike.
Kimberly Bares, President & CEO of The Magnificent Mile Association, celebrated the bookstore’s impact: “Danni’s passion for literature and tireless dedication have made Semicolon a must-visit destination for book lovers worldwide.”
Looking Ahead
As Semicolon prepares to wind down operations, Moore is focused on closing this chapter with the same spirit that defined the bookstore’s mission. Customers are encouraged to redeem their gift cards, which will be transferred to Bookshop.org after the closure, ensuring continued access to books.
While the bookstore’s physical locations may be shutting down, its legacy of literacy and community empowerment will undoubtedly endure.
“We look forward to seeing y’all over the next couple of months, so we can go ahead and close out as beautifully and end a chapter that has really been a great one,” Moore said.
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