Bunchland

On Wednesday, we told you about 826 National’s spectacular literacy centres.  Today we take you to Valencia Park, Chicago, and into The Boring Store.

Making it past the wall of cameras is only the first challenge that faces a visitor to The Boring Store. The next is in simply discerning what exactly this store -which is anything but boring- sells. Though it professes (loudly and unconvincingly) not to be a spy depot, (the website offers: Come by and browse our selection of surveillance gear, check out our carrier pigeon supplies, and try on a moustache…Periscopes, trench coats, and night-vision goggles; disguises of all kinds - n.b. this is not by any means a store for spies.) the “products” on display more closely resemble art installations than things you can purchase and take home.

One thing is for certain though, the environment grasps your attention and holds it. Everything hints at a secret just waiting to be unveiled, building excitement and anticipation. Visitors are drawn through the store from clue to perplexing clue, to a table laden with books. It’s probably no coincidence that here’s where you will find the answers to your questions.

The books are published mainly by 826chicago, a non-profit writing and tutoring centre for children aged 6-18.  Some of the books here are written and designed by top artists, others are stories by children who use the programs offered. All are on sale, and proceeds go to the centre.

The front area, though large, is mainly a facade, to lure in children who might need some literacy help themselves, and adults who might volunteer or donate. It’s remarkably effective. The real action is in the back room where The Boring Store operates free after school tutoring (from 3pm-5:30pm), school programs and field trips, workshops and a book club. 

The Boring Store is operated through donations and the efforts of volunteers, who are mainly grad students in the literature and education fields. The centre is open from 12-6pm daily, and all proceeds from the store go directly to funding 826chicago’s literacy building projects.