The Book Beat is an independent bookstore celebrating their 29th year in business!

The Book Beat Shop Statement says ... "Here at Book Beat the books are more than a product. The reason we became involved with books was out of a deep respect for the material." ... We hope to continue offering our community a creative bookstore that is a brighter artistic alternative to the cookie-cutter retailers. When you think of purchasing books, please think of an independent bookstore. "

And here's what one of their customers wrote ... "you owe it to yourself to see how great a real, independent bookstore can be. And if you have any interest in art or children's books- well, you will not find a better selection of these two genres anywhere on the planet."

"A visit to Book Beat is an adventure. You never know exactly what you'll come across, either in books, or artworks, or just interesting little geegaws that can be found at the counter and scattered around the store. Owners Cary and Coleen and their staff are all interesting and educated people who will take their time to help you find whatever it is you may be looking for. Visit once, and you'll be back again and again."

The Book Beat is located between 10 Mile and 11 Mile roads in Oak Park at 26010 Greenfield Avenue. Fall Hours: MON-FRI- 10AM-8 PM, SAT 10 AM- 7 PM., Sunday 12-5 PM.

The Book Beat has donated:

• One new, unopened Tar Beach "Cassie Doll." A fifteen inch doll in original box with a small hard cover edition of the book Tar Beach written and illustrated by Faith Ringgold. For more about the author and her books go to http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/books.htm


• One copy each of David Wiesner's three Caldecott Medal winning books, Tuesday, The Three Pigs and Flotsom, all autographed later printings. For background on the author and his books go to http://www.hmhbooks.com/wiesner/