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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING PILSEN COMMUNITY BOOKS ON THEIR 5TH ANNIVERSARY AS A WORKER COOPERATIVE
WHEREAS, Pilsen Community Books was founded in 2016 with the mission of fostering literacy, critical thought, and radical imagination within the community; and
WHEREAS, in March 2020, Pilsen Community Books became Chicago's only employee-owned and operated independent bookstore, ensuring that its workers have a direct stake in its success and the ability to uphold its values of equity and collective empowerment; and
WHEREAS, located on 18th Street in the heart of Pilsen, Pilsen Community Books has become a vital neighborhood institution, providing not just literature but also a space for dialogue, organizing, and cultural resistance; and
WHEREAS, despite taking ownership just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the bookstore's worker-owners have remained steadfast in their commitment to serving the community, ensuring that books, ideas, and mutual aid remain accessible even in times of crisis; and
WHEREAS, Pilsen Community Books prioritizes ethical business practices by ensuring all its merchandise is union-printed and designed by local Chicago artists, reinforcing its commitment to labor solidarity and the creative economy; and
WHEREAS, beyond being a bookstore, Pilsen Community Books serves as a hub for activism and collective action, hosting film screenings, fundraisers, banner and sign-making sessions, and other community-driven events that amplify the voices of the oppressed and marginalized; and
WHEREAS, Pilsen Community Books is open seven days a week, welcoming all who seek knowledge, inspiration, and a space to engage with movements for social justice; and
WHEREAS, Pilsen Community Books is more than just a place to purchase books, it is a fierce advocate for liberation, a sanctuary for radical thought, and a beacon of empowerment and literacy for the community it serves.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners...
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