Chicago has plenty of great places for book lovers to indulge in their hobby. From independent shops to cozy nooks, the city’s bookstores offer something for every type of reader. Here’s a list of eight bookstores in Chicago that you should visit whenever you feel like adding something new to your personal library.
Address – 1564 N Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park
Myopic Books is a Wicker Park institution that has served the literary community in that neighborhood for over 30 years. This beloved bookstore has a collection of over 80,000 books spread across three floors. The meandering layout invites visitors to lose themselves among the shelves of books, which house an assortment of literary styles including mainstream fiction, obscure philosophy texts, graphic novels, and more.
Address – 4736 N Lincoln Ave, Lincoln Square
The Book Cellar over in Lincoln Square offers an atmosphere that encompasses a blend of books, wine, and café culture. This independent bookstore features a wide selection of titles from various genres and a cozy café that serves wine, coffee, and light fare. The Book Cellar is also known for its support of local authors and its active involvement in community events, which often include playing host to book signings, author readings, and book clubs.
Address – 1301 E 57th St, Hyde Park
57th Street Books is a member of the Seminary Co-op Bookstores and has served the Hyde Park community since 1983. This bookstore is a paradise for readers, with its labyrinth of rooms filled with an impressive collection of academic and general interest books. As a result of its close proximity to the University of Chicago campus, it is well known for its scholarly selections, but it also maintains a large collection of literature from various other genres.
Address – 5233 N Clark St, Andersonville
Located in Andersonville is Women & Children First, a bookstore that also has the distinction of being one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country. With a focus on supplying books by and about women and other underrepresented groups, the store provides a vital service to the public as a community space for reflection and discussion. They also host numerous events including author readings, book release parties, and feminist book clubs that create opportunities for the community to engage in social discourse.
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Address – 3251 N Broadway, Lake View
Unabridged Bookstore has been a Lake View fixture since 1980. Beloved for its extensive selection of LGBTQIA+ literature as well as a wide range of children’s books, and both fiction and non-fiction titles. The staff at Unabridged are avid readers themselves, and are famously knowledgeable about their collection and are always ready to offer personalized recommendations.
Address – 1373 N Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park
First opened in 2016 by sisters Rebecca and Kimberly George, Volumes Bookcafe in Wicker Park is part bookstore, part café, and part community gathering space. The shop offers a modern approach to the bookstore model, with a well-curated book inventory and a café serving beer, wine, coffee, and pastries. Volumes also prides itself on its community involvement, hosting events such as book clubs, author nights, and even comedy shows.
Address – 714 S Dearborn St, Printer’s Row
Sandmeyer’s Bookstore in Printer’s Row is a family-owned shop that has been serving the neighborhood since 1982. Open 7 days a week, and boasting a large assortment of many different genres on their shelves, the store provides a perfect place to escape the city for a moment. For those looking to meet new friends who share an interest in reading, Sandmeyer’s hosts a monthly book club that features a different novel each month.
Address – 23 E Illinois St, River North
After-Words Books is one of the largest independent bookstores in River North, with two floors and over 70,000 titles in their collection. The store is also open fairly late on weekends, giving night owls an alternative to the usual River North nightlife scene.After-Words is available for events as well, and can host private parties for those looking to do something a little more out of the ordinary for their celebration.
The bookstores in Chicago are more than just retail spaces; they are also community centers and places for social discourse, where ideas thrive and imaginations can soar. Each of the eight bookstores featured on this list embody a unique aspect of Chicago’s collective identity. So if you’re looking for the latest bestseller, seeking a rare antique volume, or just looking for a quiet spot to read, these bookstores are the perfect places to visit.
