📚 Independent bookstores in the Tri-Cities

We shouldn’t need an excuse to support our local independent bookstores, but this weekend will provide one anyway.

Saturday (April 26) is Independent Bookstore Day, and a few local gems are marking the occasion with raffles, secret prizes and a regional bookstore crawl that will reward ultra-dedicated shoppers.

Here’s what to know:

• Town House Books (St. Charles): A longtime local favorite with a cozy cafe attached, Town House is participating in the Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl. Anyone who manages to visit 10 participating stores in one day will get 10% off at all of them for a full year (or 15 stores for 15%). Town House will also be raffling off a $100 gift card.

• Harvey’s Tales (Geneva): Also part of the Chicagoland crawl, this beloved downtown shop will be hiding a Golden Ticket somewhere in the store — the first person to find it wins 12 free audiobook credits.

• The Book Shop (Batavia): This weekend-only shop (which recently celebrated its seventh year in business) also has something special in the works for Saturday. They offer an ever-changing selection of used books, many often discounted to just $1.

Whether you join this weekend’s festivities or not, these independent local shops are always worth keeping on your radar.

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✨ Award-winning brunch at an unbeatable price

Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition — and you won’t find a better value in the Tri-Cities than at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Café. In fact, it was named Best Brunch in West Suburban Living’s 2024 Best of the West.

For just $12.95, enjoy a full spread of fresh, house-made favorites, from fluffy omelets with crispy bacon to Swedish pancakes and Crab Cakes Benedict. Trust me, there’s a reason so many local folks have been coming back for decades.

💥 Beyond brunch: Check out The Little Traveler’s Spring 2025 Almanack for upcoming events and exciting new products.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Better service: The newly opened DMV office in Aurora is helping reduce long lines common at other regional facilities with the May 7 Real ID deadline looming.

☑️ Top cop: Kane County Undersheriff Amy Johnson announced her bid for sheriff in the 2026 election, with current Sheriff Ron Hain endorsing her as his successor.

☑️ Felony charges: A 58-year-old Batavia man was charged with gunrunning and unlawful firearm sales after an ATF investigation alleged he illegally sold multiple guns without proper licensing or waiting periods.

☑️ Local protests: Another round of “Hands Off” rallies were held in Batavia and South Elgin on Saturday (4/19). See photos from the Batavia demonstration.

🔒 Rally rewind: While the April 5 “Hands Off” rally in Geneva drew thousands protesting the current administration, a few counter-protesters say they were met with hostility and foul language.

☑️ Seeking separation: Indiana lawmakers have passed a bill to explore taking in downstate Illinois counties, a movement driven by frustrations with Illinois’ current leadership — though significant roadblocks stand in the way.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Planning ahead: From major events like Windmill City Fest to various seasonal activities, Batavia’s 2025 Summer Fun Guide is full of useful info. The park district has also launched a website to help residents track progress of its new strategic plan.

☑️ Educational accolades: Not only was a St. Charles North teacher named Swim Coach of the Year, eight educators in the district have been nominated for the Kane County Educator of the Year Awards.

🔒 Frustrated families: Despite strong opposition from parents and teachers, St. Charles D303 plans to relocate its ACCESS special education program again next fall — forcing some students to move for the fifth time in as many years.

☑️ Market adventures: Farmers market season has arrived — and we have some great ones here in the Tri-Cities. But if you feel like venturing further, here are some other solid options in the western suburbs and beyond.

☑️ Summer showcase: The St. Charles Arts Council is bringing back its community art project — Paint the Town in a Banner Way — with an even larger display. Residents can register to paint a banner that will be featured in Mt. St. Mary Park.

🎸 Live music

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As you can see in the Preservation showcase above, the middle of the week is gradually getting busier — including a performance at the new Squire Ale House in Campton Hills this Thursday.

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🛡️ You deserve an agent, not a 1-800 number

Insurance isn’t just about policies — it’s about peace of mind.

And when life throws you something unexpected, you don’t want a chatbot or a 1-800 number. You want a person. Preferably one who knows your name, lives nearby and actually picks up the phone.

That’s Javelin Insurance in Campton Hills. They help people across the Tri-Cities get the right coverage — for homes, cars, small businesses, life and more — without the jargon and hassle.

🤝 Local biz

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☑️ Grit & growth: Misfits Jiujitsu, a St. Charles martial arts gym that focused on mental health and safety, recently moved into a better space on Ohio Ave. See photos from the ribbon cutting.

✳️ Worth a visit: Have you seen Urban Artisan’s “Wall of Flame”? If you’re a fan of hot sauce and bold flavors, you’re going to want to feast your eyes on this. And that’s just one of many unique finds you’ll discover at their charming downtown Geneva shop.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $2.3M estate complete with ponds and waterfalls on Dover Hill Road in St. Charles. Holy cats, folks.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ City meetings:

• Monday (4/21): Batavia City Council (agenda)

• Monday (4/21): Geneva City Council (agenda) & Committee of the Whole (agenda)

• Monday (4/21): St. Charles City Council (agenda)

☑️ Police reports: Batavia police report summaries | Geneva police reports | St. Charles daily arrest log

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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🎟️ Divorce Circle: Past, Present, Future | Wed 4/23, 5:30PM | St. Charles | A chance for local women to connect over a difficult issue.

☑️ Attracting Birds to Your Yard | Wed 4/23, 7-8:30PM | St. Charles | Learn from the expert about how to turn your yard into an avian paradise.

☑️ Rummage Sale | Thurs 4/24, 6PM - Sat 4/26, 12PM | UMCG, Geneva | Explore a wide assortment of gently used items and great bargains.

🎟️ Improv Night w/ Night Moose | Thurs 4/24, 8PM | Arcada Theatre | St. Charles | Short- and long-form comedy made up on the spot.

☑️ Geneva Citywide Garage Sale | Fri 4/25 - Sat 4/26 | Geneva | Get out, see your neighbors and search for treasures.

☑️ Senior Tech Talk | Fri 4/25, 9:30-11AM | The Landings, Batavia | Enjoy breakfast and unlock the secrets of your smartphone.

📷 Photo of the Week

📖 Thanks for reading

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