Book Stores in Chicago, IL

30 locations found near Chicago

“Very big selection of books and divided into themes, classics, new releases, etc. Very fun to explore! And perfect place to spend on a chill weekend afternoon. The basement area has books on travel, science, languages, religion, gardening, etc. My favorite was the “arts” selections & even bought a book there. Staff was very kind too!”

4.9 Superb221 Reviews

“Happened to find this store while I was visiting and strolling for coffee. I’m so glad I stopped in! Excellent selection and service! Look forward to stopping in when I’m back ?”

5 Superb65 Reviews

“I recently visited Open Books in Logan Square, and it was a surprisingly enjoyable experience! Even though I’m not an avid reader, I found the atmosphere of the store to be warm and inviting. The space is filled with a diverse selection of books, from popular bestsellers to unique finds, which made browsing quite enjoyable.

The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, ready to assist with recommendations if needed. I appreciated how they seemed genuinely passionate about books, which added to the overall positive vibe of the store.

I found it interesting to explore the different genres and see what caught my eye. There were plenty of intriguing titles that piqued my curiosity, and my friend left with a couple of books that he's excited to read.

I also admire Open Books for its commitment to promoting literacy and supporting the community. Knowing that my purchases contribute to such a worthwhile cause made the visit even more rewarding.

Overall, if you’re in the Logan Square area, I recommend checking out Open Books. Whether you’re a book lover or just looking for something interesting to explore, it’s a charming spot worth visiting!”

4.9 Superb76 Reviews

“An incredible selection of books, an extremely chill and inviting atmosphere, a lot of community programming, friendly and prompt customer service. They even have drinks to sip while you browse. Make this your go-to shop for all your book needs.”

5 Superb49 Reviews

“What a gem!! I wandered in here unexpectedly yesterday and was so delighted. They’ve got an incredible selection of books and I loved browsing the store. So many $5 books! My problem is that my backpack was full already so I’ll be back today prepared to purchase ?”

4.9 Superb173 Reviews

“A fun local bookstore with lots of eclectic options and both older titles and new releases. The store is full of asiles of various genres and also has some gift ideas and cards. They have a huge loca section on Chicago and Midwest books which is fun and great for gifts. I loved the smell of the place like slightly favorite books and ink! While we were there someone came in with their well trained dog, and it was kind of fun to see their local flavor (evidently they are well known to the store). A fun place to stop in and shop and find some good new titles to read!”

4.9 Superb126 Reviews

“Wonderful collection of horror films (with the best little write-ups accompanying some titles), a great queer horror book section, and great music and vinyl collection too! Staff is always great too”

4.9 Superb130 Reviews

“The staff is friendly, and they have a nice, unique, and carefully curated collection of books

It’s a tiny bookstore in the Fine Arts Building, but it has so many different books – seemingly something for everyone”

4.8 Superb103 Reviews

“10/10 experience. I absolutely loved this space. I’m from Indianapolis and I had to come see and experience this bookstore for myself and I’m so inspired. You can feel the purpose in the room the moment you walk in.

To the mother and daughter behind this place, please keep going. What y’all are doing is powerful. You’re not just running a bookstore, you’re inspiring people and giving people a reason to keep going. God has so much more in store for both of you.

When I spoke to the daughter Courtney (sorry if I’m spelling it wrong), her story alone was amazing. I really hope she knows how powerful she is and how much her story can impact people. Thank you both for creating something so special.”

4.9 Superb57 Reviews

“What a used bookstore should be: piles of books covering every surface, fair prices, obscure and hard to find items along side forgotten gems (and not fifty copies of best sellers choking the shelves). Tasteful selection of gifts and knick knacks that doesn't take away from the glory of the page.Before you go: Pack light! Certain nooks and crannies can get a bit claustrophobic, and a full backpack will inevitably knock stuff over and block the isles for you and other customers.”

4.9 Superb116 Reviews

“Popped in to poke around for the first time. The two dudes were helpful, interested, and just generally cool. Bought a record I wasn’t after to throw some support. Good spot”

4.8 Superb150 Reviews

“So cute!! Great book options for adults and an adorable little book book for kids in the back - the kids section has some area for kids to sit and look through books before picking out their favorite one(s) to buy :D Highly recommend!”

4.9 Superb69 Reviews

“This is the 3rd place I’ve been looking for and the closest thing I have found to my nostalgic 90’s comic book store I grew up with. A place where staff- get this actually interact with you. It’s refreshing- they have great stock, the name is badass, & the vibes are great.I love that the first time I was in the store and Wes Anderson’s, Fantastic Mr Fox was playing and the quote “But In The End, He's Just Another Dead Rat In A Garbage Pail Behind A Chinese Restaurant." was muttered in the background. I chuckled and contained on to enjoying every moment I was in there. Keep it up guys!”

5 Superb44 Reviews

“I am so excited to have New Book Joy in town - it is an absolute little gem! The owners are so warm and welcoming -- you can feel their love for books and community the moment you walk in. I went to one of their Books and Bites events at Happier Now (another great local find!) which featured a four-course tasting menu paired with hand-picked books, and it was incredible -- creative, delicious, and so thoughtfully done. It's not just a little bookstore; they make the most of their amazing community to bring people together and spark a real love of books.”

4.9 Superb40 Reviews

“Loved the selection, especially the sections highlighting Palestine and Arab Heritage Month in April. The space was larger than I was expecting, the store goes in quite deep. There were a lot of people in the store on the Saturday that I visited, which was great to see. Will be back!!”

4.7 Superb120 Reviews

“An absolutely magical place!! Sooo many books from BIPOC authors that tend to be shoved in the very back in mainstream bookstores!! But the owner puts them proudly at the front.

The owner was so sweet and knowledgeable too!

Definitely worth a visit! And a conversation!”

5 Superb27 Reviews

“Great local book store with a decent selection and fair pricing. All of the staff are wonderful, and if they don’t have a book in stock they can quickly order it for you.”

4.7 Superb203 Reviews

“Phenomenal used bookstore. I love a place that looks like it goes on forever and this one has that old school, disheveled vibe. However, everything here is beautifully organized by genre and author/subject so it’s easy to find whatever you’re looking for. These days I’m always hunting for 40s/50s sci-fi paperbacks and Myopic had just about the biggest selection I’ve seen in recent years. Grabbed myself five cool titles in great shape for about $22. They had an impressive selection of art books as well and music books (the other types of books I usually hunt down) so I’ll be back when I’ve got more time to dig into those sections.”

4.6 Superb229 Reviews

“Super cool spot. Upon arriving, I had no clue where the entrance was. It was only when people came out of the building that I realized that was the entrance. Once inside, I was left in awe of the magnitude of the place. A huge old warehouse transformed into a book “store”? Absolutely amazing. REMEMBER, you put the price in the books, not the other way around. When I was here, the cashier tried to give me a price when it shouldn't be like that. Don't feel intimidated and pay whatever you think is fair.There’s also a Spanish section right by the entrance.”

4.8 Superb84 Reviews

“Helpful staff and so many choices. I went in looking for a book but sadly they didn't have it. Walked out with 4 other books including an English Portuguese one.This is a cheerful place that I could easily have spent more time in.”

4.7 Superb103 Reviews

“This is the BEST bookstore ever! The folks who work there are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. If they don't have a book in, they will order it. Great selection of new and used books!”

4.7 Superb101 Reviews

“The owner of the bookstore, Bishop, is deeply wise, poetic, and knowledgeable. He is an authentic priest with ancestral links to Vodou, indigenous, and sought after occultic traditions. He has rare and cultivated abilities in magick of the highest order -- if you seek his care and knowledge, you will be blown away by his otherwordly presence! More than that, he has a generous and loving spirit and cares deeply for the community he serves. You are in the best hands with Bishop. The store's specialty seems to be in preserving occultic heritage and older and rare relics, so that's good to keep in mind.”

4.8 Superb77 Reviews

“We love this neighborhood bookstore. The selection is amazing and they'll order whatever they don't have in stock if you ask. They're the best, support your local bookstores!”

4.8 Superb79 Reviews

“I found this gem while driving by yesterday and had to check it out! I was met with such helpful and welcoming service plus a great selection of church history, commentaries, theology/doctrine and more! I can’t wait to come back and hang out there a little longer. ?”

4.8 Superb52 Reviews

“This is the kind of bookstore I remember from my youth but is almost extinct now. A labyrinth of books with gems hidden everywhere. If you're looking for a tight organizational system, accessible aisles/stairways, or pre priced books welllll: go elsewhere. This place rules and I'm so glad it exists”

4.6 Superb119 Reviews

“Absolutely incredible collection of the bizarre and underground. Independent publishers and books and magazines you won't find anywhere else. One of the greatest bookstores in the world.”

4.6 Superb122 Reviews

“My favorite book & wine shop in the city! They carry a great selection of books, wine, beer, and plenty of NA options along with yummy cheese plates. They also host a lot of different events that incorporate reading and other hobbies (ie pilates, flower arrangement, wine tastings, etc)”

5 Superb19 Reviews

“I came in “just to look” and somehow left emotionally fulfilled, mildly smarter, and carrying a stack of books heavy enough to require a life reassessment.

This bookstore is what happens when a place actually understands why people love books, not just to buy them, but to wander, to get lost, and to accidentally discover a title you didn’t know you needed until it was suddenly speaking directly to your soul. The selection is curated in the best way: not overwhelming, not predictable, and clearly chosen by someone who reads for joy rather than trends.

Every shelf feels intentional. You’ll find classics that make you feel cultured, new releases that make you feel current, and obscure gems that make you feel like you’ve unlocked a secret side quest. I picked up one book I came for and three I absolutely did not plan on buying, which I consider the highest compliment a bookstore can receive.

The atmosphere deserves its own paragraph. It’s warm without trying too hard, cozy without being sleepy, and has that rare quality of making you want to slow down in a world that keeps yelling at you to hurry up. It’s the kind of place where you intend to spend 10 minutes and then look up an hour later wondering how time works.

Bonus points for the staff, who are knowledgeable without being pretentious and helpful without hovering. The recommendations felt genuinely thoughtful, not like someone memorized a list of “employee picks” five minutes before their shift. You can tell the people here actually care about books—and about the people reading them.

In an era of algorithms telling us what to read next, this bookstore is a reminder that human taste is still undefeated. If you love books, even a little, you owe it to yourself to come here. If you don’t love books yet… this place might convert you.

Five stars, zero regrets, and a strong likelihood I’ll be back soon “just to browse” again.”

5 Superb19 Reviews

“Wonderful Service and inventory! The Owner has a heart to serve and creates an atmosphere the Spirit can thrive in & will lead you to the right choice! Absolutely recommend visiting!!!”

4.8 Superb56 Reviews

“Yesterday, I went to visit the owner Yoel about having my book in his store. I received MUCH more than what I had anticipated. If you are willing to LISTEN you will learn a lot from him and the literary world. There's not many people who will take the time to educate a complete stranger. That is what I would call a TRUE Teacher. Looking forward to working with Yoel!”

4.9 Superb53 Reviews

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