Semicolon Bookstore

Chicago, IL

In 2016, DL Mullen began working on what she thought would be the ULTIMATE bookstore experience. A plush library feel, a restaurant and cigar lounge, and-of course-THOUSANDS of books! Unfortunately, the more time that passed, the more difficult the project became. Navigating real estate, hospitality groups, and construction woes was causing the project to feel more like a chore than it was intended to be.

This is how Semicolon came about.

After the latest construction issue and in an attempt to 'just do something', Ms. Mullen found a space, signed a lease, and got the keys all in a 24-hour timespan. Much smaller than the original idea, Ms. Mullen set to work making it feel like, well-home. Her favorite museum/library/bookstore all rolled into one. Oh, and BYOB, just for good measure!

A labor of love that she hopes visitors will feel in every area of the space, Ms. Mullen continues to be undeterred by the things that don't work out, and infinitely grateful for the ones that do!