Please note we only answer the store phone during business hours!

Q: Can I order books that I don't see on your website or on your shelves?

Yes! Call or send us an email at info@callandresponsechi.com with the title of the book and the quantity and we can get you set up with a special order for pickup at our shop! Fiwefw

Q: Can I place a bulk order for my organization or event?

Absolutely! Please send us an email at info@callandresponsechi.com with the title(s), quantities, and any other information we should know! We kindly ask that you give us at least three weeks' advance notice to ensure your order arrives within the timeframe required!

Q: I'm an author! How do I get my book on your shelves?

Thank you so much for considering us for selling your book!

Please do not call the store to pitch your book or event! This is in an effort to respect everyone's time and ensure nothing gets lost in communication! We ask that all authors fill out the below author inquiry form. Before filling out the form, please review the following:

1. We are only able to work with authors whose books are available, at minimum, on Ingram (psst - if you're not familiar with Ingram, here's some preliminary information to help get you started!). This means that we do not currently have capacity to sell books on consignment at this time!
2. If you are self-published, we are currently prioritizing local authors based in the Chicago area!
3. We do not sell books with AI-generated cover art or AI-generated text.

If you're looking to have a book talk and signing at Call & Response, please email us at info@callandresponsechi.com with information about your book and the proposed event.

Please note that we are a small team and as such do require at least two months' advance notice for author events--our calendar fills up quickly!

Q: Are you currently hiring?

We are not currently hiring! We will be sure to update this page and our social media if this changes. Thank you!

Q: Can my book club meet at your bookstore?

Of course! Please email us to let us know when you plan to meet and how many people you anticipate attending.

Q: Can I rent the storefront space for my private event?

Yes! Please email us to discuss times and rates.

Q: What is your returns policy?

**Effective June 2025, we are only able to provide refunds in the form of store credit, which can be applied to future purchases made in-store or through our website.**

All returns must be made within 7 days of purchase or, in the case of shipped goods, postmarked within 7 days of receipt. We cannot accept any returned items without a receipt. Items must be returned in the same condition in which they were initially purchased. We reserve the right to decline to accept a return if the book appears to have been read or damaged since purchase. Shrink-wrapped or otherwise wrapped items will not be accepted if opened or without its container.

All sales from our discount section, as well as all bulk purchases, preorders, and special orders, are final.

Q: Do you accept book donations or purchase used books?

Unfortunately, we do not have capacity to accept donations of used books at this time, as we exclusively sell new books. If this changes at some point in the future, we will be sure to keep everyone updated!

If you're looking to sell used books, we would recommend checking out Powell's Books here in Hyde Park, or if you are looking to donate used books, Open Books (which has several locations across the city),