Drewelow’s House of Books celebrates next chapter with grand reopening of Rockford shop
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Drewelow’s House of Books is now celebrating its grand reopening, an event that culminates its yearlong effort to turn its new location into its new home.
The used bookshop moved to 3925 E. State St., suite 100, a year ago after operating from Charles Street since 2008. It was forced to move because the city decided to tear down the strip mall where it was located as part of a plan to mitigate flooding along Keith Creek. The property was demolished this summer.
“Despite the challenges we faced, we are thrilled to be back and better than ever,” owner Patricia Drewelow said. “Drewelow’s House of Books is not just a bookstore; it’s a community hub for book lovers and treasure hunters alike. We are committed to making everyone feel at home and supporting our local authors and artists.”
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Drewelow’s celebrated its grand reopening Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Miracle Mile Rockford, a business district association along the East State Street and Alpine Road corridor. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday for the grand reopening event.
Moving into the new space required relocating more than 200,000 books. About 150,000 of those books are on the shelves and an additional 50,000 in storage, Drewelow said.
“We take the time to put everything in alphabetical order in each category,” Drewelow said. “We’ve worked really hard. The community means a lot to us. We’re here for them. We’re not here for us.”
The shop also includes music, home decor, gemstones and some vintage merchandise, including diecast cars and other collectibles. There is also locally-made jewelry and other items that Drewelow and her daughter craft.
“People keep on thinking we’re a bookstore only. We’re not, we have a little bit for everybody,” Drewelow said. “Check us out for Christmas presents, birthday presents or just treat yourself.”
Drewelow’s converted a former office space into its bookshop, with the individual offices dedicated to specific genres of books. There is also a children’s book section and a play space for kids, as well as a lounge area with vintage furniture for book clubs or customers relaxing before they make their selection.
The main shop space is packed with a variety of romance novels, which has been the most popular genre at the store. There are also sections for mystery, cookbooks, science fiction, paranormal, religious titles, local authors, children’s books, Black authors, fiction and non-fiction.
Drewelow’s also has a row of first editions and first printings. Drewelow takes pride in rare finds, such as a four-volume set of “The Self-Interpreting Bible” from 1909 and “The Bachman Books,” four early novels by Stephen King under the name Richard Bachman.
Book prices can range from as low as $1 to higher prices for first editions or signed copies.
Drewelow said she started her own business because she and her husband had a love for books. The love for books is something she inherited from her mother, who would read multiple books over the course of just a couple days. She said tries to make sure customers leave with something they will enjoy reading. If she doesn’t have what they’re looking for, she said she’ll help them find it.
“During the (soft opening) we’ve listened to our customers and what they want,” she said. “So I feel like this is the true us now.”
About | Drewelow’s House of Books
Where: 3925 E. State St., suite 100, Rockford
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday (also open by appointment)
On social media: facebook.com/Drewelowsbooksforyou
Phone: 779-423-3009
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
