Seven Independent Bookstores in the Chicagoland Area That Every Book Lover Should Visit
There are many bookstore chains such at Barnes and Noble that are very popular. But every city has those cute, local, independent bookstores that not many know about (unless they are a bibliophile, of course). Here are seven local bookshops in the Chicagoland area.
Anderson's Bookshop
123 W Jefferson Ave.Naperville, IL
60565
(630) 355-2665
Visit the Anderson's Bookshop website
Located in (downtown) Naperville, a suburb west of Chicago, Anderson's Bookshop is a must-visit for all book lovers. This bookshop not only has a large variety of books, but it also hosts experiences such as book-signings!
Town House Books
105 N 2nd Ave.St. Charles, IL
60174
(630) 584-8600
Visit the Town House Books website
Town House Books is located in another western suburb of Chicago, St. Charles. Not only is this a great lunch spot (that receives glowing reviews for its homestyle food), but there is also quite a selection of books to choose from. This is the perfect combination of food and books.
Volumes Bookcafe
1373 N Milwaukee Ave.Chicago, IL
60622
(773) 697-8066
Visit the Volumes Bookcafe website
This location is half-cafe, half-bookstore. It's a perfect place to either get some work done, to catch up with a friend or just to spend some quality time shopping for books.
City Lit Books
2523 N Kedzie Blvd.Chicago, IL
60647
(773) 235-2523
Visit the City Lit Books website
This shop has a nice selection of books, and this place also hosts some book-signing events with authors. It has a set of relaxing chairs and a fireplace that gives the place a cozy feeling. Overall a great place to get books!
After-Words Bookstore
23 E Illinois St.Chicago, IL
60611
(312) 464-1110
Visit the After-Words Bookstore website
This two-story bookshop has quite a large selection of books to choose from. For locals and visitors to Chicago alike, this place has a great collection of books to choose from, especially recently published books.
Madison Street Books
1127 W Madison St.Chicago, IL
60607
(312) 929-4140
Visit the Madison Street Books website
Another independent bookshop that has a large selection of books in a variety of genres. This bookshop also has a variety of events for the local community that are shared with its members through a newsletter. Overall, this is a great place to shop for a selection of books.
The Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co.
1276 N Milwaukee Ave.Chicago, IL
60622
(773) 772-8108
Visit The Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co. website
This is one of the most unique bookstores in Chicago. This place is also host to a nonprofit organization that supports students ages 6-18 with their creative writing skills, as well as help teachers inspire their students to write.