Quimby’s Bookstore Changes Hands After More Than 30 Years
New Owners Overjoyed to Continue Legacy of Iconic Indie Publishing Institution
A team of new owners — Peter Miles Bergman and Cody Kasselman, along with affiliate Eric Von Haynes — have taken ownership of Quimby’s Bookstore at 1854 W. North Ave. from longtime owner Eric Kirsammer of Chicago Comics. All three bring deep ties to indie publishing, zine culture, and the Chicago DIY scene.
Quimby’s was founded in 1991 by Steven Svymbersky – who now runs a Quimby’s NYC store in Brooklyn. In 1997 Eric Kirsammer, owner of Chicago Comics purchased the business and relocated it to its current home a few years later.
When Quimby’s announced it was for sale, Peter Miles Bergman – a longtime consignor of zines at Quimby’s, publisher and printer at is PRESS, and MSU Denver Professor of Art and Communication Design – was in the perfect stage of life for a career change. “I was looking to do something new with my life. I was selling my house in Denver, wanting to transition out of academia, and go full time into zine and art book publishing. I saw the announcement on a plane flying back to Denver from Chicago after just tabling at the Chicago Printers Guild Publisher’s Fair. I messaged [Quimby’s manager] Liz Mason right away, she put me in touch with Eric [Kirsammer] and we started a long careful process to make sure I was the right person to take the helm.”
It was only after Peter met Cody Kasselman — then working with Denver-based art and photo bookstore Earnest Paper — that the dream of owning Quimby’s began to look like a reality. Cody, an advisor and strategist to independent small businesses across the country, brought the financial acumen and proven track record of sustainable growth and success needed to ensure Quimby’s would be around for the next 35 years. After flying to Chicago for an initial meeting with Eric Kirsammer and Liz Mason, Cody told Peter, “I want this more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my entire life.”
As a former Chicago resident and frequent tabler at Chicago Zine Fest, Chicago Art Book Fair, Zine Mercado, and the Printers Guild Publishers Fair, Peter has deep ties to the city’s DIY and indie publishing community. Recognizing the importance of having a partner on the ground in Chicago, Peter and Cody tapped longtime friend Eric Von Haynes — Chicago Printers Guild President, graphic design instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and print media instructor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, publisher and designer with 15+ years at Flatlands Press, core member of Zine Mercado, and co-founder of Love Fridge — to help expand Quimby’s community involvement through events, workshops, exhibitions, and local partnerships.
Cody, Peter, and Eric are overjoyed to take on the tremendous responsibility of stewarding Quimby’s — for the city of Chicago, the Wicker Park business community, its 7,000+ zine consignors, and the global indie publishing scene. They are committed to ensuring the long-term health of this beloved bookstore and center of independent thought.
Peter Miles Bergman Bio:
Peter Miles Bergman began his career in commercial printing, culminating in pre-press for magazines. For the last 17 years he has been a professor of Art and Graphic Design at Metropolitan State University of Denver – teaching editorial design, typography, print production, letterpress and zine publishing. Peter has run his own publishing imprint “ is PRESS” for the last 13 years, consigning zines at Quimby’s and attending 30+ zines fests and art book fairs. Peter is overjoyed to take the helm of his favorite bookstore alongside Cody. He is most energized by providing a platform for artists and authors, and will be adding his small press publishing and printing skills to Quimby’s mission.
Cody Kasselman Bio:
Cody Kasselman began her career in publishing, where she led a portfolio of independent editorial brands and a 70+ person team. After a decade in media, she shifted her focus to helping small business owners grow their operations and refine their long-term strategy. A lifelong bookstore lover and avid reader, she most recently supported Denver’s art and photo book store Earnest Paper before joining Quimby’s. Cody is now proud to co-steward its next chapter alongside Peter and is most excited to preserve its artist-led legacy and continue providing a platform for the creative community.
Eric Von Haynes Bio:
Eric Von Haynes is a printer, publisher, and designer with over 15 years at Flatlands Press, known for its innovative, community-focused projects. He is the President of the Chicago Printers Guild and teaches Graphic Design at the University of Illinois at Chicago, as well as print media at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Eric is also a core member of Zinemercado, an annual outdoor festival devoted to zines and other DIY publications. As a community advocate, Eric co-founded Love Fridge Chicago, a mutual aid initiative for community fridges across Chicago. His work emphasizes collaborative projects and public workshops, reflecting his commitment to skill-sharing and community engagement.
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photo credit: Mateo Zapata
