The Book Nook in Lisle is one of Mere’s favorite places to go. During her Kindergarten and First Grade years Mere and Grandma often stopped after school (beign that it was on the way home). It was where she learned to go in by herself and conduct her own transactions. She was thrilled when I showed her this article from the Lisle Sun.

New owner looks to turn Book Nook around

Proprietor envisions hangout for young people

October 5, 2007

By Eva McKendrick Staff Writer

Kitty Murphy remembers growing up in Lisle and buying two pieces of candy for a penny at the Book Nook on Main Street. When she heard the shop was for sale, Murphy – who’d been looking for four years for a place to open a coffee and ice cream business – knew she found her location.

For information on the renovations, check out the shop’s Web site at myspace.com/lislebooknook.

Six months ago she bought the store, at 4738 Main St. The Book Nook sells magazines and newspapers, as well as candy and tobacco. Murphy said she isn’t sure how old the shop is, but she has pictures dating it back at least to 1958.

Murphy’s goal it to open a place in Lisle for young people to kick back and relax. “My dad always said kids in Lisle need a place to go where they’ll feel welcome, and it’s always stayed a dream of mine,” she said. The previous owners had sold the shop because it was losing money. “It’s a dying business,” Murphy said.

She bought the store with the intention of remodeling it and adding an ice cream and coffee area. During mission trips to Honduras, she found a brand of coffee whose sales aid homeless children in that area. That’s what she wanted to sell at her shop.

But more than anything, Murphy wanted to save the Book Nook. Her remodeling plans included tearing down the back wall, opening up the back door and constructing a porch where local bands could play on the evening and weekends.

After the Main Street streetscape project is finished, the 20 feet of sidewalk will allow her to have an outdoor sitting area. She would also like to add wireless Internet and handicapped-accessible bathrooms.

But Murphy’s dreams were stalled after a Health Department inspection. She estimates she’ll have to spend a total of $100,000 to make changes to comply with health codes.

After pouring her money into remodeling the basement, replacing the roof and other major expenses, Murphy is working on establishing more finances before she can continue the remodeling.

If a bank won’t lend her the money, she said she’ll cash in her retirement fund to turn the shop around. “I risked everything,” she said, adding that she hasn’t taken a paycheck in five months. Even with all the bumps in the road, Murphy is still hoping to have all the remodeling done by Christmas. “I want to make it a place for the community by the community,” she said.