CIRCULATE Shopping Series Champions Call & Response Books as Barnes & Noble Readies Hyde Park Opening

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Hyde Park · February 3, 2026

Hyde Park's independent bookstore scene is rallying community support as national chain Barnes & Noble prepares to open its doors in the neighborhood. CIRCULATE, a monthly shopping series that highlights small South Side businesses, will host its February event at Call & Response Books in direct response to the chain's anticipated late February opening.

The event will take place at Call & Response Books, located at 1390 E. Hyde Park Boulevard. Organized by entrepreneur Keewa Nurullah, the CIRCULATE initiative aims to support the Black woman-owned bookstore that opened in spring 2024 and specializes in books written by Black authors and other authors of color. "It's a direct response to Barnes & Noble's opening that month in Hyde Park," Nurullah confirmed. The event will feature author talks, community gatherings, and targeted promotions as independent bookstores utilize these tools to "remind neighbors that small stores offer curated selections and programming that big-box retailers rarely replicate." Local booksellers plan to leverage events, personalized recommendations, and long-standing community ties to keep readers browsing their shelves.

Hyde Park residents and book lovers are encouraged to attend the February CIRCULATE event to show support for the neighborhood's vibrant independent bookstore ecosystem, which includes Powell's Books, 57th Street Books, and Seminary Co-Op Bookstore alongside Call & Response. The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/06/barnes-noble-to-open-largest-chicago-store-downtown-this-summer/
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/19/as-barnes-noble-comes-to-hyde-park-indie-booksellers-urge-residents-to-shop-local/
3. https://hoodline.com/2025/12/hyde-park-book-war-barnes-noble-move-has-indies-on-edge/