The 10 Best Bookstores in Chicago
Chicago’s independent bookstores are the heart and soul of its vibrant literary community. Across the city, these booksellers host everything from open mic nights and book groups to readings from well-known and newly discovered authors. Many are also committed to giving back to their local communities. Oh, and they sell some pretty great books, too. Each locale has its own unique character that makes shopping there an experience in itself. So close that Amazon tab, head out the door and show some love to these Chicago independent bookstores.
1. Pilsen Community Books
Bookstore
You’ll spot this little shop easily by the whimsical neon sign in the window that reads, “Books sold here!” With floor-to-ceiling bookshelves spanning the entire store, you are sure to find something you like at Pilsen Community Books. Located in Chicago’s Lower West Side neighborhood known as Pilsen, the store is dedicated to supporting local schools by providing books to students. And if you’re someone who likes to browse in peace and quiet, Pilsen Community Books is the place for you. The shop’s employees respond to all inquiries via email, taking no phone calls, to keep the store a quiet, calming refuge from the bustle of the city.
2. The Book Cellar, Chicago
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3. Open Books
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4. The Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co.
Bookstore
Stop by this one-of-a-kind bookstore to fulfill all your reading and secret agent needs. In addition to a bevy of progressive titles, this shop provides everything a kid requires to become the perfect spy – from mustache disguises to soda can safes. And that’s not all. Behind a secret door in the back lies a huge writing center called 826CHI, which thousands of Chicago’s young people visit every year to partake in free creative writing programs. The Secret Agent Supply Co. also sells the published work of 826CHI’s student writers. Every dollar spent at the store goes to supporting 826CHI’s programs and amplifying student voices.
5. 57th Street Books, Chicago
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6. Women and Children First, Chicago
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7. Sandmeyer's Bookstore
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8. Unabridged Bookstore, Chicago
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9. Volumes Bookcafé
Bookstore
Opened in Wicker Park by two reading-obsessed sisters, Volumes Bookcafé is a delightful and relaxing café/bookshop hybrid. It’s a great place to visit to either browse for books or to order a cup of coffee and start writing one of your own. The Volumes calendar is chock-full of nighttime events like open mic nights and trivia nights. During the day it also offers story time (sometimes, bilingual story time) for the little ones.
10. Read It and Eat, Chicago
Bookstore
This article is an updated version of a story created by Rachel Medlock.
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