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Oak Park, IL

Dandelion Bookshop

Dandelion Bookshop works to foster a vibrant literary community by providing a curated selection of books, inspiring events, and a welcoming atmosphere that nourishes the love of reading in Oak Park and beyond.

Exterior photo of the bookstore

Upcoming Events

Oct10
Oak Park Local Authors Book Fair 2026
Book FairOak Park, IL

Local Authors Book Fair

10:30 AM • Saturday, October 10, 2026Oak Park Public Library, Main Branch, Veterans RoomPresented by Dandelion BookshopFree

Discover your next great read and connect with the creative voices in our community. 30 local authors will gather to share their work across a wide variety of genres, including fantasy, history, elder studies, romance, memoir, and poetry. Chat directly with writers about their craft and inspiration while supporting local literary talent. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Presented in collaboration with Erie Street Press.

Oct14
SCBWI: Book Club
Book ClubMiddle GradeOak Park, IL

SCBWI Book Club

7:00 PM • Wednesday, October 14, 2026Dandelion BookshopFree

Children’s author Mac Barnett sparked a lively debate about the current state of kidlit with his recent publication for adults, Make Believe. We invite you to compare this book with Katherine Rundell’s Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise, a celebration of the joys and vital importance of children’s literature. Both titles are slim, less than 200 pages in total, and are must-reads for those interested in writing for kids. Presented in collaboration with the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Membership is not required to attend--all are welcome!

Oct21
Lady Tremaine
Book ClubLiterary FictionOak Park, IL

Dandelion Book Club

7:00 PM • Wednesday, October 21, 2026Dandelion BookshopFree

Join us as we discuss Rachel Hochhauser’s Lady Tremaine, a breathtaking reimagining of Cinderella, as told through the eyes of its iconic “evil” stepmother, revealing a propulsive love story about the lengths a mother will go to for her children. When twice-widowed Lady Tremaine discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, she must choose between the security she craves and the wellbeing of the stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.

Nov1
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me artwork
Book ClubRomantasyOak Park, IL

The Romantasy Society Book Club

5:00 PM • Sunday, November 1, 2026Dandelion BookshopFree

Do you crave impossible worlds, morally gray characters, dangerous magic, and stories that ruin your sleep schedule? The Romantasy Society is a book club for readers who disappear into books and forget the real world exists. Join us as we discuss This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews. When Maggie wakes up cold, filthy, and naked in a gutter, it doesn’t take her long to recognize Kair Toren, a city she knows intimately from the pages of the famously unfinished dark fantasy series she’s been obsessively reading and re-reading while waiting years for the final novel. Her only tools for navigating this gritty world of rival warlords, magic, and mayhem? Her encyclopedic knowledge of the plot, the setting, and the characters’ ambitions and fates. Registration is free. Get a 10% discount for your copy of the book.

Nov11
Barb Rosenstock at SCBWI
WorkshopOak Park, IL

Writing for Children: Finding the Magic with Barb Rosenstock

7:00 PM • Wednesday, November 11, 2026Dandelion BookshopFree

You’ve got an idea that would make an excellent children’s book. Now what? How do you decide on a format? Know you’re on the right track? Are there any tips or tricks to make the drafting and revising easier? Join veteran author Barb Rosenstock as she takes you on a brief journey from initial idea through finished book, with stops at deciding on audience, drafting and shaping your manuscript, and thinking about visuals (even if you’re not an artist). Presented in collaboration with the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Membership is not required to attend -- all are welcome!

Nov16
The Red Woman on Mars by Claire Barner
Community EventScience FictionOak park, IL

Science Fiction as Social Critique with Claire Barner

1:15 PM • Monday, November 16, 2026Nineteenth Century Charitable AssociationPresented by Dandelion BookshopFree

Join local author Claire Barner as she discusses how her sci-fi novel, The Red Woman on Mars, uses a Pride and Prejudice framework to critique pressing modern issues, including bodily autonomy, climate change, human rights, and AI. Nineteenth Century Charitable Association enrichment programs are free and open to the public. No registration required.

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