iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Mandy Medley

joeengleman.bsky.social @joeengleman.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Come for The Battle of Lincoln Park, stay for the bureaucratic wisdom from @danielkayhertz.bsky.social: “If you & your friends had to implement and enforce new legislation w/ just a Microsoft 365 subscription, how would you do it?” My latest for @chicagoreader.com chicagoreader.com/books/book-r...

chicagoreader.com

Fighting for housing after The Battle of Lincoln Park - Chicago Reader

Late last month, Belt Publishing released a new edition of The Battle of Lincoln Park with archival maps and photographs.

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

One of your last chances to hang out with me before parental leave!

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Chicago Zine Fest @chicagozinefest.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Chicago Zine Fest will be part of this Radical Book Buzz event on Friday night at @pilsencommbooks.bsky.social! Excited to hang out with radical folks & library workers in town for #alaac2026. www.eventbrite.com/e/radical-bo...

Flyer for "Radical Book Buzz with Library Freedom Project, Foreword, and Library Futures," happening Friday June 26 from 6:30 to 9 pm at 1531 W 18th St. Text reads: "Library workers, join us at Pilsen for an evening with radical publishers! We'll hear about new releases, chat about libraries and the publishing ecosystem, and party together!
Featuring Haymarket, Seven Stories, Scribe, The New Press, One Signal, Akashic, Feminist Press, and others! Co-sponsored by Library Freedom Project, Library Futures, Foreword Reviews and Pilsen Community Books. Drinks and snacks will be provided!"

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

For those who think movement art should do more than decorate your water bottle :)

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Pilsen Community Books @pilsencommbooks.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Half of the staff at PCB are preparing to become new parents, so many of our convos have revolved around what we expect to be the joys and difficulties of raising kids. How can we bring up compassionate & resilient humans in a society built to funnel them into the cruel, extractive labor regime?

A letterboard on a ladder in front of a shelf full of books. On the letterboard:
"I take my son to the picket line.
I tell him he is worth the peaceful world,
the clear sky,
the songs free people sing.”

— Christy NaMee Eriksen

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

9 in-store events and tabling the Labor Notes Conference in two weeks? While 3 staff members are out of town? WHY NOT

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

I learned how to stitch banners in MPLS from my teacher comrade Dan! This is still my most iconic banner to date 🤣 Come stitch with Yehimi and me on Sunday!

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In These Times @inthesetimes.com · 27/04/2026

A 50% rent hike hit @pilsencommbooks.bsky.social. Instead of closing, the co-op relocated and expanded its role as a radical bookstore, community hub, classroom and organizing space. @leftiecowboy.bsky.social reports. inthesetimes.com/article/radi...

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

I’ll be in NOLA for Jazz Fest this year, but you should go say hi to MacK and Rosie! We’ve been working hard on getting the store ready for this big day 😎

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Reposted by Mandy Medley

Pilsen Community Books @pilsencommbooks.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

ICYMI: we're honored to join our friends at @inthesetimes.com and @jvp.bsky.social to host @mollycrabapple.bsky.social & @emanabdelhadi.bsky.social at the store on April 23rd to celebrate HERE WHERE WE LIVE IS OUR COUNTRY: THE STORY OF THE JEWISH BUND. www.pilsencommunitybooks.com/events/20260423

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Really proud of our subscription picks this month, and I hope more booksellers will address what is happening in Iran

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I’ve been out of office for a few weeks, but this event lineup is 🔥🔥 regardless

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Workers of the Midwest unite against ICE!

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Reposted by Mandy Medley

Pilsen Community Books @pilsencommbooks.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Here until 6 pm today, and then we’ll see you downtown!

A handwritten card that says “DEATH TO U.S. EMPIRE IN VENEZUELA AND ALL OVER THE WORLD” in front of the book IN THE RED CORNER: THE MARXISM OF JOSÉ CARLOS MARIÁTEGUI on top of the glass top table containing buttons from across the left

A flyer for a protest on Saturday January 3rd at 5 pm at Federal Plaza in Chicago

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

It’s truly an honor to have a community that gives us a bestseller list that looks like this one. Jenna Bush Hager and Reese Witherspoon, who?

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

Wow, twice in one year, it’s a Christmas miracle

A text thread with a picture of a hunk of cheese shaped into a tree. Uncle Kenny gives it a thumbs up.

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Recommendations for radio stations that stream online that play cool, interesting, bookstore-appropriate music?

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Help us fund the big bookstore move!

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

My best friend Nora reminded me that the second issue of our zine “The Lightbulb” for our high school anti war group “American Students Question” was called DICK CHENEY SUCKS. Should PCB print a special memorial edition? 😎

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Hear me out: Hot Priests/Reverends of the Left calendar to raise money for Midwest Immigration Bond Fund

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Reposted by Mandy Medley

Pilsen Community Books @pilsencommbooks.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

We've been spending most of our time in the streets and organizing meetings this month, but we still have a few amazing upcoming events on the books. Check them out: pilsencommunitybooks.com/events

An events calendar with a list of events that can be found at https://www.pilsencommunitybooks.com/events.

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

Instead of wasting years of my life arguing about Robert’s Rules, I should’ve done medic trainings

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

The only thing that gives me hope are the communities of resistance that are showing up in the streets and at the Broadview ICE detention center in defense of their neighbors, despite the threat of violence. inthesetimes.com/article/ice-...

inthesetimes.com

The 13th Largest Army in World Is Unleashing Violence in Chicago

As federal agents kill and use extreme force in Chicago, their budget surges.

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Reposted by Mandy Medley

unraveled @unraveledpress.com · 04/10/2025

Happening now: at Kedzie and 40th, where Border Patrol agents just opened fire on rapid response this afternoon. A woman CFD says they found after the incident is reported in fair condition. A growing number of outraged neighbors have gathered across from ICE/CBP agents who have closed Kedzie.

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Reposted by Mandy Medley

Pilsen Community Books @pilsencommbooks.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

We have know your rights and Migra Watch literature in English and Spanish at the store 7 days a week. We’re open M-F 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm and have water, a public restroom, and climate control.

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

how many KYR pamphlets can spicy Snoopy fund?? let's find out.

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

Really looking forward to this one.

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

What does a gal have to do to get a galley of the new Pynchon book these days

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

On 9/28, I'm running a half marathon to raise money for Chicago Abortion Fund (& to fend off my midlife crisis, ha). My goal is $500— the average cost of a grant for one of CAF's callers. If you'd like to help me reach the finish line, you can here: www.givegab.com/p2p/cafhalf25/mandy-medley

givegab.com

Mandy's campaign for Chicago Abortion Fund

Support Mandy's fundraising campaign to raise funds for Chicago Abortion Fund.

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

I truly never expected how much bookselling I would do with anarchists via signal

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

TCDSA comrades, I’ll be at the actual bookstore all day on Sunday! Come give me a Minnesotan hug 🥰

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

#blessed to receive the coveted thumbs up from Uncle Kenny in the farm family group chat

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Do I know anyone in Chicago who could help me rig up a good record player and speaker setup in PCB?

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Reposted by Mandy Medley

Pilsen Community Books @pilsencommbooks.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Early August events, coming right up! Can you tell how we feel about the state these days? As always, check out our event calendar at www.pilsencommunitybooks.com/events

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Totally amazed by the amount of free, year-round political education we’re able to host thanks to my fellow worker-owners and our amazing community.

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Highly recommend this training!

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Reposted by Mandy Medley

Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

Waffle House Pride collection slaps

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

I saw a bunch of liberals get really mad at someone trying to burn a tiny American flag today. I’m glad people are finally in the streets, but I do wonder how after everything this country has done to the world, folks still think it’s more acceptable to proudly carry a U.S. flag than burn one.

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

We are trying to use every tool at our disposal here!!!!!!! Donate to Midwest Immigration Bond Fund to help free folks from ICE custody!!!! www.mibfc.org/helpusgrow

mibfc.org

How to Help MIBFC — Midwest Immigration Bond Fund

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Reposted by Mandy Medley

Pilsen Community Books @pilsencommbooks.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Hey FBI, it's you and us 🥰

Comic panel featuring Mafalda, a dark haired little girl, and Felipe, a blonde boy in conversation. Felipe asks excitedly, "Wouldn't the world be a better place if bookshops were more important than banks?"

Comic panel featuring Mafalda, a dark haired little girl, and Felipe, a blonde boy in conversation, interrupted by a little boy in a blazer with a buzz cut. The boy with the buzz cut angrily exclaims, "No it wouldn't! You radical extremist!"

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Mandy Medley @videstellae.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Now is not the time to engage in sectarianism ffs!

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Reposted by Mandy Medley

Ed Burmila @edburmila.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

A rule of thumb that will rarely lead you astray in this country is to assume that a riot was started by the people who showed up armed and dressed for a riot.

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