10AM - 5PM
506 Main St, Evanston“Amazing spot with a great selection of kid’s titles but also a curated list of adult books, and they can order almost anything. The staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable and the shop is often hosting event with authors reading their books for kids. Little ones will LOVE the kid door. Convenient to Main Street stop on CTA purple line or Metra, make a day of it and stop by one of the many restaurants on the same block or down one block on the other side of the train.”
“The coaches are AMAZING!! They motivate you in so many ways with words of encouragement, energy, cheering for you to keep going and push past the idea of what you think you can do!! Each coach brings a little something different to class but all of them are rooting for you!!”
“Outstanding locally owned, independent bookstore. A terrific community institution with great selection. Staff recommendations are truly excellent and will lead you to books beyond the best seller lists. Everything a local book shop should be. Worth your support.”
“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.”
“Just a bunch of "retro" stuff...like new and used vinyl records, bestseller and classic books, movies and various curiosities to thrill even the most adventurous thrillseeker of yesteryear.”
“Wonderful Judaica store. I stopped in on a trip to Chicago and was pleased to find several items I needed and even more that I wanted. The prices were very fair.”
10AM - 5:30PM
1151 Church St, Northbrook“I love Book Bin! I've been coming here for years..the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. I usually find something I'm into. Also, I don't want the initimate small book shop to go away. :)”
11AM - 4PM
828 Davis St, Evanston“Great experience, great book selection. If you want the experience of your life talk to Amaranth in the back of the store and bring a jar of lube ;) p.s. use code word happy ending to redeem offer”
11AM - 5:30PM
828 Dempster St, Evanston“Super quaint shop that's got an extensive collection of religious/philosophical texts, Buddhist symbols, and Tibetan clothing/art. The prices are a little on the higher end (I spent $60 on my first visit for a book, two mala bracelets, and a print), but I didn't mind because it was supporting a local business. The shop owner escaped Tibet at age 7 and immigrated to the US after living for years in India. They've got a great knowledge of local Buddhist community gatherings/groups, as well as information about how you should plan your trip if you ever travel to Tibet. A must-visit in the NorthShore area for any of the sangha -- beginners or long-term practitioners-- as well as folks interested in learning about other cultures.”
“Excellent used bookshop. Everything was so well organized. I left knowing there was more that I wanted to return and buy. Where I often leave used bookstore not sure if they had something I was looking for, but I was just unable to find it.”
11AM - 7PM
5140 N Clark St, Chicago“Without a doubt, my favorite book store in the city. Their inventory is somewhat limited because of their small footprint, but it is constantly changing, so there's always a reason to stop in. They offer generous store credit for your used books (often two or three times as much as Half Price Books offers for the same books). The staff is universally charming, be they human or canine, and they place a wonderful emphasis on local artists with their offeringnof stickers and zines.”
“Such a fantastic selection of diverse and inclusive books!! And the staff are truly so kind and helpful. This bookstore also hosts some of the best bookish/author events in the city! I plan to come again as often as possible!”
“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.”
“Amazing little polish bookstore. When in doubt, you can always call ahead to see availability of a title. Lady there is very friendly and very helpful. Amazing experience.”
“Best record store in Chicago, period. I lived in Lincoln Square for 4 years and made it a part of my regular routine to stop here on my walk home from the train station at least once a week. They are always getting new goodies in so you have to go often or you might miss something good! Very well organized. Insane selection of vinyl, CDs and actually a good book collection in the back. From brand new music to classics from the 60's, they carry it all. And eclectic stuff that is tough to find. The people who work there will become your friends. Gem store in the best 'hood in Chicago!”
“I just bought my first Quran from here it arrived sooner than expected and in perfect condition.Hands down best customer service that went above and beyond to help me. Staff members were friendly and resourceful I definitely recommend 10/10.I’m looking forward to visiting the store in person for my next purchase.”
“One the better locations I've been too, I like the layout of the store, and it was very clean and easy to locate what I needed. I really loved the older woman who helped me out. She was very kind and did a great job. I wish I would have got her name but the receipt said cashier 8587.”
“Barbara's bookstore is a great place to grab a book or magazine or gift for someone while traveling traveling through Chicago's O'Hare airport. The staff at these bookstores are extremely helpful and knowledgeable in regards to All things relating to books! They have a computer system and can look all the books they have. I also appreciate they have helpful items for kids like drawing books, markers colored pencils. I had to stop here because I forgot my reading glasses and they had a wide selection to choose from.”
10AM - 7PM
56 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling“Great place. Very nice and knowledgeable owner. Great selection for any interest! Prices are reasonable for reality as it is now. Tidy, bright, convinient location. Big parking lot.”
11:30AM - 8PM
6348 N Campbell Ave, Chicago“Very nice and down to earth people! I highly recommend to give business to this place; it's much needed! Please help small businesses survive in this changing world!”
“Expansive bookstore with tons of NU logo'ed purple goodies! Check out the stuff for dogs. Adorable wildcat mini plush toy Keychain is a sure winner for anyone. Welcoming friendly staff go out of their way to help. Excellent university bookstore. And right next to a convenience type market.”
9:30AM - 6:30PM
811 Elm St, Winnetka“I love the Bookstall! It's comfy. Staff is very helpful. They wrap gifts. I love their game selection. It's not often I buy gifts for kids, but when I do, the selection is always thoughtful, but also, engaging for the kids. They also have great little notebooks and a lovely card selection.”
“The employees here are some of the most awesome people here, one of them complemented my tote bag and it made my day honestly :)
I am rather shy but I always try and ask for help finding a book or asking if they have a specific volume in stock!
The atmosphere here is really nice and the smell of coffee adds to it :D
I love their wide variety of manhwa too!”
10AM - 8PM
5605 W Touhy Ave, Niles“This has been my favorite place to get books ever since I moved to the area. There's always new and fun things every time I go. It has such a chill vibe and friendly atmosphere.”
“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!”