This quirky local bookstore unites love of reading and cuddly cats

Appealing to both readers and pet lovers has apparently been a sound business model for the Tazewell Animal Improvement of Life Society, also known at TAiLS.

In 2019, the Pekin-based non-profit organization opened TAiLS of a Bookworm, a bookstore and gift shop where customers could see a selection of cats from local animal shelters available for adoption. TAiLS vice president and TAiLS of a Bookworm store manager Chad Kautz estimated the store has raised between $70,000 and $90,000 for animals shelters in the greater Peoria area.

“It’s been the best thing we’ve ever done,” Kautz stated. “As far as being able to raise money for shelters in need, this store’s been the biggest fundraising effort we’ve made.”

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TAiLS of a Bookworm celebrated five years in business Saturday with festivities that featured book signings by 24 local authors, working in genres that range from the graphic horror and fantasy of Heyworth’s Pete Altieri to Olivia Bennett of Normal’s young adult fiction to the contemporary romance of Bloomington’s Julie Navickas.

“Chad asked to come out and support a good cause, so I’m here,” said Altieri. “I’ve sold a few books, and there seems to be a pretty good buzz here.”

Bennett, who wrote and self-published her first novel “A Cactus in the Valley,” while still a student at Washington Community High School, came to Pekin the day after her graduation from Illinois State University to be on hand for the book signing.

"I have two cats at home, so I love the mission of what TAiLS does,” she said. “The manager of the store has always been very supportive of my work, and I wanted to be part of this big celebration.”

Bennett recently self-published her second young adult fiction novel “Casually Homicidal.” She is planning to shift genres and write an adult fantasy series, and is currently editing the first two books.

TAiLS invited local vendors to set up booths outside the store and sell their wares or promote their organizations at the event. The store also applied 20% discounts on all new books and 25% discounts on all used books purchased Saturday, and held a drawing for a $250 gift card.

Nancy Anderson of Mason City was at the celebration because she was bargain-hunting, but is a regular customer because she heartily approves of the store’s business model.

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“There aren’t a lot of independent bookstores around here, and this one supports Humane Societies,” she said.

Connect with TAiLS of a Bookworm

• Address: 2936 Court St., Pekin.
• Phone: (309) 353-7549
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday.