Meet Abby Dan from Booked
Booked | Photo Credit: Becca Heuer Photography
Meet Abby Dan, owner of the Booked, an independent bookstore located at 506 Main Street in the Main-Dempster Mile. Both Abby and co-owner Betsy Haberl are Evanstonians, parents, writers and, most importantly, avid and enthusiastic readers. They offer a welcoming space for all members of the community and celebrate reading at any age! Make sure to stop by and check out their diverse selection of books for children and a curated selection of adult books. And don't forget to watch for their events too!
KB: Can you share some of the history of Booked?
AD: Our friend and fellow Evanstonian Chelsea Elward opened Booked in the fall of 2018 as Evanston’s only kid-focused book store, a fact made immediately obvious by our tiny door and our always-fresh selection of books for kids of all ages. Betsy Haberl and I (Abby Dan) became the store’s owners in May 2023. We like to think we’ve kept the fun and friendly essence of the store while adding more books and programs for people of all ages.
KB: What can folks expect if they come to Booked?
AD: They can expect to find at least one great book they can’t wait to read! We love finding out what each customer (and/or the kiddo they’re shopping for) is interested in, what books they’ve loved in the past, and making a perfect match for them. And if they come on a Tuesday or Friday at 10:30am, they’ll find a silly, song-filled storytime for babies and preschool-aged kids led by one of our friendly booksellers!
KB: How do you set yourself apart from other book stores?
AD: We set ourselves apart in two key ways: with our outstanding booksellers, and by being a community-focused business. Everyone who works with us here at Booked can help you find what you need. Of course, we’re happy to let you browse uninterrupted, but if you’re on a mission, every single one of us has the knowledge and the enthusiasm to find a book for you today. And though we’re pretty tiny, we always want to be a space where all Evanstonians are welcome and can find what they’re looking for. We keep a great range of titles, including Spanish titles, in stock at different price points, and we give back to the community where we can, hosting fundraising events for the D65 PEP Fund, various schools and preschools, PFLAG of Evanston, Lydia Home, the Hive Center for Book Arts and more.
KB: Any specials or services you’d like people to be aware of?
AD: We want folks to know that we sell books for adults and have two fantastic adult book clubs! We’re always delighted when someone stops in for a kid’s book and is surprised by our books for grown-ups, but we’re still trying to get that word out! We’ve been running our monthly adult book clubs for over a year now, and they’re both a wonderful way to meet fellow readers and participate in a lively discussion. Booked Club meets midweek and reads literary fiction and nonfiction, with a focus on newer titles. Sunday Smut meets on the last Sunday of each month and reads contemporary romance novels. Both clubs read diverse authors and are always open and welcoming to new members. More info about both is on our website!
KB: What is your favorite thing about owning a business in Evanston?
AD: Is it cliche to say “the people?” Because it’s the people. We love meeting Evanstonians and their families, we love connecting people through our book clubs, our twice-weekly storytimes, or just as we chat with them in the store. The people are what makes Evanston Evanston, and we’re always proud to be part of this community.
