MAPH Alumni Profile: Amy Li

Amy Li (MAPH '15) is the Director of Paragon Book Gallery in Bridgeport, Chicago and kindly agreed to answer some questions for us about her work and how her MAPH experience shaped her career path.

What is your favorite part of the work you do?

There are many aspects of my position that I like, but easily my favorite part of the job is choosing the newest books to add to the company’s collection. When I originally came to work for Paragon Book Gallery, the owner needed assistance acquiring titles on medieval Europe and renaissance art - which is what I studied during my time in MAPH. Since then, I have been fortunate to learn the intricacies and ins and outs of the book industry in regards to purchasing new inventory for the company, and have been able to combine this with my already existent knowledge of medieval and early modern Europe. When I’m able to attend book expositions or enter the exclusive warehouses of some of the biggest retailers in the country- I feel just like a kid in a candy store.

What did you do during your time in MAPH that prepared you for the work you are doing now?

There is so much that MAPH has taught and prepared me for, especially since I was specialized in film over the course of my undergraduate degree. This encompasses everything from learning proper research techniques, to greatly expanding upon my writing proficiency. Even the critical thinking skills that I apply to the problems faced everyday on the job are an extension of MAPH’s core classes; all of which have greatly assisted me in my professional career. This background has not only been invaluable in helping Paragon Book Gallery locate new titles, it has enabled me to successfully apply a humanities based approach to the world of business.

Tell us about Paragon Book Gallery!

Paragon Book Gallery was originally a bookstore dedicated exclusively to books on Asian art and culture. It has a fascinating history, starting with its founding in 1942 Shanghai by Jewish refugees, followed by moving to New York in 1948 and resettling in Chicago in 1991. The current owner of Paragon Book Gallery moved the main store back to China in 2014, and has since opened 2 more stores in Beijing and 1 in Wuzhen. During this time, the company’s collection has significantly grown beyond just books covering the topics of Asia to include art books and literature from around the world.

For the past six years, the Chicago branch operated exclusively as an online retailer and sold what remained from the company’s original inventory. Now, Paragon Book Gallery is re-opening its Chicago retail store located within the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport. As the director of the American branch of the company, it is my hope to continue expanding Paragon’s scope beyond just art books in order to become a company synonymous with the arts and humanities at large.

What kind of work have you done since finishing MAPH?

My trajectory hasn’t always been a straightforward or linear one since graduating, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. After the MAPH program, I wanted to continue opening myself to unique and culturally enriching experiences. To this end, I cast a wide net, working in restaurants and art galleries, as well as taking the opportunity to move to Florence, Italy for 2 years. While there, I worked for a study abroad program and as a TEFL teacher. Prior to my departure to Italy, I was briefly employed by Paragon as a bookseller, before being promoted to Project Manager within 3 months. Upon returning to the United States, I was then offered a full-time position at Paragon, eventually becoming the director of the entire branch. Paragon Book Gallery may be a small company when compared to our Chinese counterparts, and there is much work still to be done in growing our business here in the United States, yet this endeavor has proven to be both a surprisingly rewarding and educational experience.

Paragon Grand Opening
Amy Li (center) at the grand opening of Paragon Book Gallery with MAPH alumni Eugene Chan (left) and Alessandra Stamper (right).