Meet Your New Neighbor: And More Paper Goods

Products at And More Paper Goods | Photography by All Together

It is easy to forget about the tried and true treasure that is paper — a handwritten note, a birthday card, or that colorful notebook that promises to change your life — when you’re living in a digital world of texts, likes, and emojis. You can’t save the heartfelt Instagram story that your friend wrote on your birthday (it’s doomed to be lost in a sea of screenshots). You can, however, save the love note that your middle school crush wrote and tuck it away safely forever.

For Christy and Mark Rush-Levine, their love for paper goods has taken on many forms throughout the year. Their business — ‘And More Paper Goods’ at Three Stories Books — launches this January featuring notebooks, greeting cards, party supplies, writing utensils, stickers, and more!

We spent some time learning about their story (and doing some shopping of our own) and we’re thrilled to share it with all of you.

Mark and Christy, Owners of And More Paper Goods

KG: What inspired ‘And More Paper Goods’? 

CRL: My husband Mark and I were both middle school teachers for over 20 years. As educators, we have an appreciation for all things paper, like books, school supplies, notes, and decorations.

Recently he retired, and I became an elementary school librarian. Working with younger students has reminded me how far paper can go to make a person (big or small) feel special—getting a folded note from a first grader is a pretty spectacular boost.

We have been dreaming of ways to bring that idea to life outside of the classroom, for people of all ages in a larger community. 

KG: What drew you to Lemont Downtown for your first location? 

CRL: We really lucked into the best possible location by meeting Sommer. I had been working at her shop, Three Stories Books, on Saturdays for just about a month when the opportunity to share her space emerged. We jumped at the chance to make our dream a reality. Things have fallen into place every step of the way. Our store name even comes from the end of our host shop’s name… “and More.”

I graduated from Lemont High School (back when the public library was still in the same building) and have always loved the small-town feel of Lemont Downtown.

Working in the midst of Hometown Holidays and the Christmas shopping season gave me the sense that although Lemont continues to progress, change, and grow, it manages to hold onto the neighborly charm at its roots. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

KG: What kind of items can we find at your shop? 

CRL: We sell a thoughtfully curated selection of paper party decor (banners, fans, centerpieces, plates, etc), journals, notepads, pencils, pens, stickers, greeting cards, card sets, gift bags, and more. We have a selection of items for kids and plenty for paper lovers of all ages–whether your taste is sophisticated or playful. 

KG: Who should take some time to visit? 

CRL: Everyone! Our mix is highly browseable. If you are interested in supporting small businesses, shopping with us means you are not only helping us get started, but you are spreading goodness to our vendors–a diverse mix of small business owners themselves.

KG: What's your favorite item? 

CRL: I am completely charmed by our “Book of One Hundred Books.” It is a fabric-covered, pocket-sized journal with numbered pages to keep track of what you’ve read toward a 100-book goal.

Each page has a spot for the title, author, date of completion, a five-star scaled rating, notes, and my absolute favorite stats: by whom it was recommended and to whom you plan to recommend it. It is the perfect companion to (or, in my case, an alternative to) a book-tracking app. 

KG: What is your favorite business or restaurant or place to hang in Lemont Downtown? 

CRL: When I was in high school, my best friend and I were regulars at H&H so much so that they would see us walk past the window and already have our soft drinks waiting at a table for us, but Three Stories Books is what drew me back to Lemont in recent years. Even when Mark and I head downtown for dinner at Wooden Paddle or Barrel and Vine, we always get here early enough to swing by Three Stories to see what’s new in their everchanging selection.

KG: We’re so excited that you’re here! Thank you for sharing your story.

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And More Paper Goods is located inside of Three Stories Books at 310 Canal Street. Check out their grand opening on Saturday, January 27 from 11AM - 3PM featuring a visit from Oorn, a local Caricature Artist, and a DIY Valentine’s Craft Station.