217 Today: How Peoria’s used bookstores thrive in the digital age and build community

Peoria teacher Meredith Buneta looks through her favorite section, Young Adult, at the Book Rack.

Monday, March 4, 2024

Today’s headlines: 

  • Reproductive rights advocates and Illinois lawmakers say a recent ruling from Alabama’s high court is an opportunity for the state to eliminate financial barriers to fertility treatments.
  • Western Illinois University is in the market for a new president.
  • Protesters gathered at Champaign’s West Side Park this weekend for a march against the war in Gaza.
  • The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team won their final regular season game yesterday at home against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about how some local bookstore owners are adapting and thriving after the pandemic and the impact of Amazon.

Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Rich Egger, Anulika Ochuba, Colin Hislope and Collin Schopp.

Farrah Anderson

Farrah Anderson is a 2024 graduate of the University of Illinois. At Illinois Public Media, Anderson works as a general assignment reporter focusing on police and investigative stories.