NewPages Guide to
Indie Bookstores in Illinois

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.

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.

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!

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.

Our new bookbar features various seating options to play games, 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.

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.

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.

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

Book World - DeKalb offers a huge selection of books, magazines, toys, games, greeting cards, DVD's & CD's, coffee, and much more.

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!

Chicago Rare Book Center is a multi-owner store with collectible and interesting books in many categories, and all price ranges, as well as ephemera such as old postcards, advertising, valentines, etc. We also sell maps and prints. Call or check our website for hours.

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.

Book World provides readers with a huge selection of books, magazines, toys, trading cards, games, and much more in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Book World offers a huge selection of books, magazines, toys, trading cards, games, & much more in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

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.

Located inside the Southpark Mall.

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.

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.

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!

Lit. on Fire Used Books is the newest book store in Peoria, Illinois, boasting over 6,000 well cared for, unique, hand-picked titles to choose from and growing daily! We are located in the Studios on Sheridan (in the Sunbeam Building) nestled between other unique shops and art studios. Customers are welcomed to draw, write poetry, and doodle on the bookcases to add to the already artistic atmosphere.

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!

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.

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.