Swallow Stories

Bookshop

Welcome to Swallow Stories Bookshop, your family owned bookstore in the heart of Downtown Lisle.
Within these shelves, books remain a constant: stepping stones across history and guardians of language. Once a story lands in your hands, you are free to consume it, savor it, and return to its unaltered pages as often as your heart desires. For as long as we consume stories, books will never become obsolete.

Visit our Bookshop.org page to order any title online

Check out our store page to see featured products

Upcoming Events

  • Downtown Lisle Car Show 2026

    Saturday, May 16th

    Saturday, June 20th

    Saturday, July 18th

    6:00PM-9:00PM

    Vintage Cars, Music, Food, and a Raffle!

  • Monthly Crochet Classs

    Monthly Crochet Class

    Friday, July 17th
    3:30-4:30 PM

    In this class we will be making Kindle Sleeves!

    This class is ideal for beginners looking to learn the basics and have fun creating.

    Tickets are $20 and include your materials and instruction. Walk-ins are welcome!

    Call to Register

  • Another Crafternoon in Chicagoland

    Saturday, July 18th

    11:30AM-1:30PM.

    Join the crafty crossover where you learn typewriter art with real typewriters brought in by Typewriter Chicago and junk journal with the Chicagoland Journal Club! Bring your own journal or purchase a new one for 10% off on this day only!

    This is a 2 hour event with a $20 fee.

    Click to Register

  • Annie Cathryn signing Eat The Cake

    Saturday, July 25th

    10:00AM-1:00PM

    Eat the Cake

    Leah Wright tells people how to live for a living. Too bad she’s forgotten how to do it herself. When the widow and podcast host loses her cool on-air, her only hope for redemption is a surprise scavenger hunt in Florence designed by her late husband. Amidst the irises and ancient stone, Leah must follow a trail of clues—and mysterious deliveries—to find the one thing Elliot wanted her to have: a future without him.

    Preorder
  • Luke Lipien signing his debut YA book, Void Seeker

    Luke Lipien signing Void Seeker

    Saturday, August 8th

    12:00PM-2:00PM

    Michael Bren is a thirteen-year-old Void Seeker; a boy who can see the dark creatures that roam a grim realm called the Void. He believes that he is the only Void Seeker in the world, and because of his unique powers, he leads a lonely, isolated life. His only friend, a strange and vocal Void Creature called Chloe, acts as his guardian angel and warns him from straying too far from his stale, suburban life. But after a failed attempt to reveal his powers to his parents, Michael runs away from home and gets captured by the mad scientist Doctor Manapart. Michael learns the reason for his capture when he meets Manapart's other test subjects, kids who can see the Void just like he can. He must team up with these other Void Seekers to escape Manapart's facility and get back home, but getting out might only be half the battle...

    Preorder

  • Marci Walker Purtell signing Your Law, My Delight

    Saturday, July 18th

    1:30PM-3:30PM

    Prepare for your day with the most important investment you can make with your time: spending time with the Lord. These powerful devotions on the first five books of the Bible are ready to draw you nearer to the God of love and grace.

    If you're looking for a way to know God better, this heartfelt book of devotionals is made especially for you. Journey on a path through the first five books of the Bible, learning how God set the stage for a story of love and redemption from the very beginning.

    Click for more information

  • Pottery Decorating

    Saturday, September 5th

    1:00PM-3:00PM

    You will be choosing a prepriced cup, vase, bowl, or plate to decorate with food-safe underglazes.

    All pieces are hot food safe. We recommend handwashing and no microwave use.

    All materials are provided — we’ll glaze and fire your piece for pickup the following week.

    Prices range from $25–$50 depending on the item.

    Registration fee is $10 and goes towards the pottery piece you choose to decorate!

    Register Here

Join Our Bookclub!

Love reading? Join our book club for lively discussions, new friendships, and unforgettable literary journeys! Whether you're a bookworm or just starting your reading adventure, all are welcome!

Our group is consistently growing (yay!), so we ask that you RSVP a week in advance to ensure we have enough space.

Purchasing the book of the month through any platforms that support Swallow Stories Bookshop is required to participate.

Our Bookclub meets every third or fourth Sunday of the month at 5:00pm. Below are the upcoming dates and titles:

July 19th : Mona’s Eyes by Thomas Schlesser

August 16th : BYOB-be ready to discuss a book you chose to read!

September 20th: The Day The World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander by Jim DeFede

A cartoon illustration of a pirate ship with black sails featuring a skull and crossbones, emerging from an open magic book with clouds and water around it, and cartoon palm trees.

Join us every first and third Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. for fun and engaging story time events at Swallow Stories Bookshop—where stories come to life and little readers are treated to surprise giveaways! From exclusive movie promos to themed goodies, we love making story time a magical experience for children and families.

Find more family friendly activities in our Events page

Story Time & Giveaways

A framed collage artwork of pink water lilies with green lily pads on a blue background.

Local Artist Spotlight

We proudly showcase the work of talented local artists right here at Swallow Stories Bookshop. From bookish accessories and handmade pottery to intricate micro mosaics, our curated collection brings creativity and craftsmanship to every shelf.

Our selection rotates regularly, so there's always something new to discover.
Stop by anytime to see what’s fresh and local—or check our Events Page for featured artist pop-ups and workshops!

Play chess amongst the pages at Swallow Stories Bookshop

Workshops & Tournaments

We believe in the power of literature to bring people together, which is why we host a variety of engaging events throughout the month. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on events like author signings, story time, book clubs, and even outdoor events like our motorcycle nights and other motoring events!

Register

Host an Event

Children's Corner fireplace at Swallow Stories Bookshop

Swallow Stories Bookshop is now offering the perfect venue for your private events! Whether it's a book club gathering, a small party, or a unique literary event, we provide a charming and cozy setting to make your occasion special.

Reach out to us with all of your event details on the contact page and let’s chat about creating a memorable experience for you and your guests!