NewPages Guide to
Indie Bookstores in Illinois

Cafe Book is a gathering place in downtown Antioch, IL where people can connect in a warm and friendly environment! We offer coffee and bakery, delicious made to order lunches and gelato. Don’t forget to stop in at our gift shop, Rustique is located right inside offering antiques, home décor, and artwork.

We're an independent bookstore that prides itself upon a selection varied and different from your typical bookstore. We've been in business in Chicago since 1963. We're the newest entry into the business and are excited to enter and serve Burr Ridge and the surrounding communities.

Jane Addams Book Shop in downtown Champaign, Illinois is a locally owned, independent bookstore that has been in business since 1984. Carrying over 70,000 titles, we have a number of very well-stocked sections that span fifteen separate rooms on three floors.

A used bookstore on the Lincoln Ave. in Charleston, IL. We carry thousands of used books and are open until 10:00 PM daily. The most organized and friendly bookstore in the area.

57th Street Books is a neighborhood bookstore located at 57th and Kimbark in Chicago's Hyde Park. We carry an impressive selection of literature: mysteries, cookbooks, travel books, children's books, magazines and newspapers, and a broad selection of nonfiction titles.

Abraham Lincoln Book Shop, since 1938, specialists in Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Civil War, all U.S. Presidents, other Americana and notable individuals.

After-words is one of the few independent bookstores left in downtown Chicago. Our two floors house a huge collection of over 70,000 new and used volumes.

We specialize in common, uncommon & hard-to-find used books.

Chicago's neighborhood bookstore. Find us in NWM Hospital, Macy's on State and in Glenview and Burr Ridge.

We sell first editions of modern literature, jazz and blues, labor history, African American studies, surrealism, and illustrated books by appointment.

Bringing books and wine together in what can only be described as a beautiful marriage. Hosting signings, storytimes, and more.

Bookie's has been selling books on the South Side since 1989, it is a treasure trove of books from out-of-print titles to the newest bestsellers. Stop in today!

By appointment only.

City Lit is a place for people who love books. We know that every time we read a book, it changes us. City Lit is here to help you find that special book that changes your understanding of the world around you. The book that takes you to an alternate universe. The book that brings you home to emotions and experiences that are at once new and familiar.

On May 16, 1978, Joe Angelastri opened up the corner newsstand that would become the largest magazine store in Chicago, and one of the largest news newsstands in the country, City Newsstand. Twenty-five years later it has grown into the two largest newsstands in Chicagoland and it’s still growing!

Curbside Books & Records is a small book and record store located next to Revival Bar | Café. Curated by the staff of award-winning independent press Curbside Splendor Publishing (“Best Chicago Independent Publisher 2014,” Chicago magazine), Curbside Books & Records features a rotating selection of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry from small presses, as well as records and cassettes from independent labels.

We feature our own collection of publications as well as countless titles on all subjects including natural health, spirituality, history, metaphysics, black empowerment, hair care, and children's books.

Our new bookbar features various seating options to play games, attend events, relax, unplug and chat with fellow visitors and enjoy a menu of cheeses, Chicago-style hot dogs and ice cream, along with beer, wine and slow-brewed coffee. Guests are encouraged to browse our carefully curated selection of uncommon and interesting books, both new and used, in the liberal arts category, and to engage in face to face communication in this WIFI-FREE zone.

Open Books Pilsen stocks a huge selection of books especially suitable for families and educators. The warehouse-style setup also features books starting at $1 and special sales events tied to neighborhood celebrations like 2nd Fridays and the Pilsen Flea Market.

Open Books provides literacy experiences for tens of thousands of readers through inspiring programs and creative capitalization of books.

Powell’s Books Chicago has been recycling ideas to the world for over 40 years. Our independent retail store in Hyde Park has well over a quarter million quality used, rare, and discounted books. We primarily specialize in academic and scholarly books, but also have extensive general interest sections.

Purveyor of independently-published and small press zines, comics, books, and other bizarre periodicals.

Read It & Eat is a culinary bookstore specializing in food-oriented books and events.

We are your friendly neighborhood bookstore located in Chicago's Roscoe Village. Stop in and see us!

Sandmeyer's Bookstore: Independent and family-owned in the South Loop since 1982. Stop in today; you're always going to find something good at Sandmeyer's!

We are a fiercely independent bookstore in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, regularly hosting literary events.

Uncharted is a used bookstore and artists' haven in Chicago's Logan Square.

We are Chicago's new independent bookstore. Proudly brewing Metropolis coffee and serving Dollop baked goods. Local beer and select wine on rotating menu! Join us for events.

Decode your creativity. Unlock your imagination. All sales support 826CHI's free writing programs. We regularly host a variety of events.

We are one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country, stocking more than 30,000 books by and about women, with children's books for all ages, and hosting events.

Frugal Muse Books, Music & Video is an independently owned and operated bookstore serving Chicago's western suburbs. We sell both used and new media.

Premier bookstore/coffeehouse in the heart of Dixon, IL. Committed to being a great place to visit & community resource for reading, learning, and enjoying life.

Afterwords Books is a family owned and operated bookstore, proud to call Edwardsville home. We offer our customers both new and used books, a trade for credit program, free children’s story times, book clubs for all ages, a monthly documentary club, educational toys, unique gifts crafted from local artisans, and impeccable customer service, all in a relaxing, inviting environment. We look forward to seeing you soon!

A Book Above Family Bookshop opened in 2013 as a family business. We cater to children and their parents, but welcome everyone! We partner with our sister children's literacy charity, Readers Ignite, for a variety of topical events. Saturday events feature basketball, hockey, trains or animals, with speakers related to the topic throughout the day. We offer field trips, a Baby Library Registry, Book-of-the-Month Club, and topical book fairs. We also showcase local authors as much as possible! Thanks for supporting literacy in your community!

Children’s bookstore in Evanston, IL.

Bookends & Beginnings is located in the heart of downtown Evanston, right of Sherman Avenue. We offer an eclectic mix of new, used, and remaindered books, additionally an attractive (and affordable) line of jewelry from Germany, blank notebooks (also from Germany), book boxes, handmade pens and writing paraphernalia, and other gift items. Customer orders for books not in stock are fulfilled within 2-5 days.

Warm, comfortable setting with very knowledgeable staff to help you. Independent bookstore—specializing in history, mystery, biography and related subjects, for adults & children—which hosts three discussion groups (history, mystery, & G.K. Chesterton), as well as regular Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America meetings, and author events. Free gift wrapping, on street parking, access from two commuter train lines & three bus lines. Accessible.

The Old Book Barn is a fantastic destination for those who love books! The store is a book browser’s paradise! Books are organized by genre (romance, mystery, general fiction, etc.) and the store is simply HUGE. Prices are very reasonable, and there are many book “treasures” waiting to be found. While the majority of books offered are used, there are some new books available, and inquiries about books that can be ordered are welcome. Hope to see you soon!

A Peace of the Past carries 30,000+ volumes serving the casual reader and serious collector surrounded by vintage and antique treasures. Located on Main Street in historic Galena, Illinois since 1991. New inventory arrives daily.

Inner Wisdom is a book and gift store offering massage therapy, reflexology, Reiki, psychic readings, and workshops to promote health and well being.

Harvey’s Tales invites the community to come together to learn, explore, escape, and relax through books and other diversions in Geneva, IL.

The Republic of Letters is a literary center, bookstore, and publisher. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We hope to provide an enchanting space dedicated to the literary arts. We are here to practice and defend open discourse; we believe in writing, reading, and critical dialogue; and we offer writing classes, discussion groups, and literary events.

Your proudly independent bookstore, located in historic Downtown Glen Ellyn. In addition to providing books to the community, we also host regular events, including author signings, storytimes, and more.

The BookMarket is your good old-fashioned indie bookstore complete with knowledgeable, friendly staff in an atmosphere that will make you want to linger. Come check out our best-seller, bargains, kid's corner, free Wi-FI, tons of comfy seat and more!

At Our Town Books you will find a variety of new and good-quality used books including contemporary fiction, children’s books, Civil War history, and books with a local flavor.

New Copperfield’s Book Service is a general interest, independent, retail bookstore with current bestsellers, new titles, local authors, and regional interest books. We carry a selection of recent children's books. Special orders are welcome.

Afriware Books makes the best of our rich African heritage available as expressed through books, specialty products, and events. For over 15 years Afriware has served the community by providing a platform to showcase authors, artists, and activists who infuse us with a sense of cultural pride.

King City Books has a great atmosphere! Our shop has lots of character and a great layout. We offer a wide variety of books to choose from, even a kiddy area! Our scones and coffee are delicious, and our staff is very knowledgeable, personable, and ready to assist you. Come visit us once and you will plan on spending lots of time here. We gladly welcome school and other groups to join us for readings and special events.

A local and independently-owned bookstore offering an eclectic selection of new and used books alongside unique games.

Northbrook's Community Bookstore

We're an independent discount new and used bookstore in Downtown Oak Park.

Local bookstore that offers friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, and hosts/sponsors multiple events such as author talks, book signings, book clubs, and community events. We also are the home of Sonny the Cat.

Bookworm Books is a used bookstore in Pekin, IL. We give store credit for used book in good condition and can order new books at a discounted price.

Largest bookstore in the area, we stock over 120,000 books. Find what you are looking for from children books to cookbooks. We buy and trade on books.

Your local indie bookstore of over 35 years that trades & sells used books. We currently have over 40,000 used books for your perusal and our inventory is growing by leaps and bounds daily.  We help support local charities such as the Dyslexia Awareness Network.  In addition, we make and sell the best soy candles you will ever burn! There is nothing better than snuggling up in a warm blanket with a Grandma's Kitchen candle on the end table, and reading a fabulous book that you paid a reasonable price for! Come see us; we can't wait to meet you!

Reducing Environmental Impact | Reconnecting the Community | Reviving Bohemia

I Know You Like A Book is an independent bookstore in Peoria Heights, IL. The store features new books, used books, first editions, and a variety of gift items.

A "brick and mortar" Bookstore located in Roselle. We deal in Used Books to read, collect, and enjoy for all ages. You will also find notecards, bookmarks, photography, art, and gift items in the store. Looking for something special we will help you find it or would you like a customized notecard or bookmark then we will try to create it just for you!

Books on the Square began operations in 1993. Today it consists of three buildings full of used and collectible materials.

Books on the Square began operations in 1993. Today it consists of three buildings full of used and collectible materials. The shop is open Monday through Saturday and by appointment evenings and Sunday.

The Sly Fox bookstore is an independent bookstore in Virden, IL, specializing in children's books, mysteries, books about Illinois, and books for reading groups. We regularly special order books for customers. Friendly, helpful, personal service.

Our Washington location is approximately 2,000 square feet and stocks over 20,000 items. Together we process approximately 250-500 used books daily through our trade credit program. New items hit the shelves every day! We currently offer new books at highly discounted rates and our online marketplace has an inventory of approx 300 rare and unusual books. We stock CDs, DVDs, and audio books as well.

Drop by Prairie Path Books, opened in June 2014, for a cup of coffee and check out our great hand picked selection of books and gifts. 

Read Between is a unique community oriented general bookstore located on the historic Woodstock Square. We offer a curated collection of new books for readers of all ages.