After 50 years in its current spot, Chicago’s Seminary Co-op Bookstore is moving to a new location later this year. Two University of Chicago alumni and Seminary Co-op members who recognize the importance and uniqueness of this legendary bookselling institution have undertaken a project to document it before the move, and they want your photos and stories.
They describe the project as follows:
As alumni of the University of Chicago who think that the Seminary Co-Op was an essential part of our experience, we will be documenting the beloved bookstore in its current location before its imminent move. Although we're thrilled that the new space will have windows and other improvements, we anticipate missing the sense of intimacy created by low ceilings and unbroken walls of books, as well as the sense of physical discovery experienced as you walk through the maze that is the layout of the current space. Moreover, because the Co-Op just turned 50 last year, it's a wonderful time to take a moment to celebrate and remember! It's become clear that a serious attempt to capture the unique atmosphere and character of the Co-Op must include not only photographs, but also stories and videos. Let us invite you to please join us in this endeavor. If you would like to participate in this project in any way – have your portrait taken in the bookstore, share your favorite Co-Op memory (written or via audio interview), submit any artifacts or memorabilia you have from the Co-Op for exhibition/archival in Special Collections, and/or something else – please contact Jasmine and Megan at [email protected].
They’ve put together a series of postcards to help promote the project, including that one up top featuring the Loeb Classical Library.
So help them out! Send them your thoughts and memories of the Co-op. Here’s one from us, an archival shot of John Rawls photobombing in the basement. Don’t ask us where we found it.