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The 15 Best Used Bookstores in Chicago

Exploring the vibrant literary scene of Chicago, avid readers often seek out the hidden gems tucked away in the city's used bookstores. Whether browsing for a rare edition or simply looking for a new favorite novel, the Windy City's array of independent bookshops offers a unique and eclectic selection of titles waiting to be discovered.

For those in search of the best options for second-hand books, it's essential to consider factors such as variety, price, atmosphere, and location. To assist in the quest for the perfect bookstore, here is a curated list of the top 15 used bookstores in Chicago:

Embark on a literary adventure in Chicago by exploring these exceptional used bookstores and uncovering literary treasures waiting to be unearthed.

How this ranking works

This guide does not try to list everyone. It is our pick of used bookstores in Chicago, built on each business's public reputation and on how central this service is to what it does.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3Full rankingMapTips for choosing

Our 15 local picks compared

Unabridged Bookstore, Chicago#1
What sets it apart
  • Great selection of books

  • Knowledgeable staff with unexpected recommendations

  • Not wheelchair friendly due to layout

  • Basement only accessible by stairs

Unabridged Bookstore

4.9979 reviews
3251 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

Unabridged Bookstore is a charming book store located in Chicago that offers a wide selection of books for all tastes. Customers praise the knowledgeable staff and the unexpected book recommendations. The store is not wheelchair friendly due to its layout, with a basement accessible only by stairs. Here are some key points from customers' reviews:

With a rating of 4.9, customers appreciate the large selection of books, the themed sections, and the friendly staff. If you are in search of your next favorite book, Unabridged Bookstore is the place to visit.

Open Books, Chicago#2
What sets it apart
  • Extremely fair pricing with a diverse selection of books

  • Organized by category and alphabetized for easy browsing

  • Friendly and helpful staff who provide excellent customer service

  • Proceeds support children's literacy programs in underserved communities

Open Books

4.9790 reviews
651 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661, United States

Open Books is a beloved bookstore located in Chicago that offers a variety of services to its customers. Whether you're looking for kerbside pickup, delivery, in-store pick-up, or in-store shopping, Open Books has you covered. Their amenities include gender-neutral toilets and Wi-Fi for your convenience. With options for quick visits and various payment methods accepted, Open Books makes buying books a breeze.

Customers have praised Open Books for its fantastic selection, fair pricing, and friendly staff. Here are some key points from their reviews:

Open Books is not just a bookstore; it's a community hub that promotes literacy and provides a welcoming space for book lovers of all kinds. With a high rating of 4.9, it's clear that customers can't get enough of this literary gem in the city. Whether you're a bookworm or just looking to explore new reads, Open Books is the perfect destination for all your literary needs.

Madison Street Books, Chicago#3
What sets it apart
  • Knowledgeable and friendly staff.

  • Inclusive atmosphere with bilingual children's books and entertaining events.

  • Cozy ambiance with comfortable chairs for reading.

Madison Street Books

4.9128 reviews
1127 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

Madison Street Books is a charming bookstore located in Chicago that offers a variety of services to cater to book lovers. With options like kerbside pickup, delivery, in-store pick-up, and same-day delivery, customers can easily access their favorite reads. The store is welcoming to all, with features like a wheelchair-accessible entrance, gender-neutral toilets, and a LGBTQ+ friendly environment.

Customer reviews rave about the delightful experience at Madison Street Books. Some key points from reviews include:

Whether you're looking for a new book to cozy up with or want to explore different genres, Madison Street Books is the perfect place to indulge in your love for reading.

City Lit Books, Chicago#4
What sets it apart
  • Loved the selection, especially the sections highlighting Palestine and Arab Heritage Month in April. The store goes in quite deep, and there were a lot of people, which was great to see.

  • A small but great bookstore with a fantastic selection of authors and books. The staff were extremely nice, and there was a small area to sit at, which is amazing.

  • City Lit is a wonderful contribution to the neighborhood, offering a vast and intriguing selection of new releases and works from a variety of backgrounds. Definitely worth a visit to browse and find something special to enjoy.

City Lit Books

4.8356 reviews
2523 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

City Lit Books is a charming bookstore located in Chicago, IL. This small business is women-owned and prides itself on providing a welcoming and LGBTQ+ friendly environment for all book lovers.

Customers have raved about the variety of books available and the friendly staff at City Lit Books. Here are a few key points from their customer reviews:

Whether you're looking for a new release, a hidden gem, or a cozy spot to read, City Lit Books is the place to be. Visit their website, give them a call, or stop by in person to experience the magic of this neighborhood bookstore.

Books4Cause Free Bookstore, Chicago#5
What sets it apart
  • Customers appreciate the concept of a free bookstore and find it to be a valuable resource for the community.

  • The selection of books is varied and well-organized, with specific sections for different genres and age groups.

  • Visitors enjoy the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the store, making it a pleasant place to browse for new reads.

  • Many reviewers mention their intention to return and donate books to support the bookstore's mission.

Books4Cause Free Bookstore

4.999 reviews
2931 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

Books4Cause Free Bookstore is a unique used book store located in Chicago, IL. This small business prides itself on being a LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, providing a welcoming environment for all book lovers. With a rating of 4.9 based on 99 reviews, it's clear that customers love what Books4Cause has to offer.

If you're in the mood for a new book and want to support a great cause, don't hesitate to check out Books4Cause Free Bookstore!

Armadillo's Pillow Inc, Chicago#6
What sets it apart
  • Large selection of interesting books and miscellaneous items

  • Fair prices

  • Super nice and helpful staff

Armadillo's Pillow Inc

4.8264 reviews
6753 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626, United States

Armadillo's Pillow Inc is a charming used book store located in Chicago, Illinois. The store offers a quick visit experience for book enthusiasts, complete with the convenience of credit card payments. Customers rave about the variety of interesting books and small miscellaneous items available for purchase, all at fair prices. The friendly staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere, making visitors feel right at home.

Customer reviews highlight:

Bookie's, Chicago#7
What sets it apart
  • Fantastic selection of books for all tastes

  • Helpful and friendly staff

  • Warm and inviting atmosphere

Bookie's

4.8234 reviews
10324 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643, United States

Bookie's is a beloved book store located in Chicago, IL that offers a wide selection of books for all ages and interests. Customers can enjoy browsing through new releases, best sellers, and rare finds in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The store provides kerbside pickup, in-store pick-up, and in-store shopping options for added convenience.

With a stellar rating of 4.8 stars out of 5, customers rave about their experience at Bookie's. Here are some key points from their reviews:

Bookie's is also committed to inclusivity and accessibility, offering gender-neutral toilets and being LGBTQ+ friendly. Whether you're looking for a new release or a hard-to-find gem, Bookie's is the place to visit.

Tangible Books, Chicago#8
What sets it apart
  • Customers appreciate the extensive collection of books covering various genres and subjects.

  • The owner is praised for being helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable about the inventory.

  • The prices are considered affordable and competitive, making it a go-to spot for bookworms on a budget.

Tangible Books

4.8216 reviews
3324 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States

Tangible Books is a charming used book store located in Chicago that has captured the hearts of book lovers far and wide. The store offers a wide array of books in excellent condition and at very fair prices. Customers are delighted by the diverse selection, organized layout, and welcoming atmosphere. Here are some key points from recent reviews:

With a 4.8 rating and a wealth of positive reviews, Tangible Books stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking literary treasures in the Bridgeport area!

Heirloom Books, Chicago#9
What sets it apart
  • A cozy bookstore with tons of used books, helpful staff, and a narrow but cozy standing space.

  • Interesting finds and unique organization, book prices based on internet searches, limited accessibility for plus-size or mobility aid users.

  • Impressive selection, well-organized layout, outstanding customer service, variety of cozy seating areas, and helpful staff checking online for the best deals.

  • Incredibly nice people, prices not revealed until checkout but not overwhelming.

Heirloom Books

4.8149 reviews
6239 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660, United States

Heirloom Books is a charming bookstore located in Chicago, offering a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of used books. Customers rave about the helpful and friendly staff who assist in finding the perfect book. The store is known for its unique organization and inviting ambiance, with plenty of cozy seating areas to relax and enjoy a good read. Prices are based on online searches to ensure customers get the best deals available.

Some key points from customer reviews:

Powell's Books Chicago#10
What sets it apart
  • Wide variety of book topics, thoughtful selection, and reasonable prices.

  • Unique sections like socialism and biblical commentary, and an impressive antique book collection.

  • Great deals on book purchases and well-classified book categories.

Powell's Books Chicago

4.7455 reviews
1501 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, United States

Powell's Books Chicago is a fascinating used book store located in Chicago, IL. The store offers a variety of services and features to cater to book lovers. Customers can enjoy kerbside pickup, in-store pick-up, and in-store shopping. The business is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring everyone can explore its rich offerings.

With a rating of 4.7 stars based on 455 reviews, Powell's Books Chicago has received high praise from its visitors. Some key points from customer reviews include:

Explore Powell's Books Chicago for an enriching and delightful book shopping experience!

Ravenswood Used Books, Chicago#11
What sets it apart
  • Very fun and quirky atmosphere with lots of interesting items on the walls.

  • Great prices, friendly staff, and a welcoming environment.

  • A neighborhood institution with a vast selection of treasures waiting to be discovered.

  • Knowledgeable and helpful book lovers providing good trade value in a cozy setting.

Ravenswood Used Books

4.7267 reviews
2005 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

Ravenswood Used Books is a cozy used book store located in Chicago. The store offers a wide selection of old-style books at quite reasonable prices. Customers highly praise the excellent selection, friendly service, and good hours for a neighborhood business.

Uncharted Books, Chicago#12
What sets it apart
  • Customers love the amazing selection of fiction books available.

  • Many appreciate the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the store.

  • The friendly staff and the presence of Ramona, the adorable husky, add to the charm of the place.

Uncharted Books

4.7243 reviews
5140 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

Uncharted Books is a beloved book store in Chicago that offers a wide selection of fiction books. Customers rave about the cozy atmosphere and the friendly staff, making it a must-visit spot for book lovers.

Whether you're looking for a new book to dive into or simply want to browse the shelves, Uncharted Books is the perfect place to spend an afternoon lost in the world of literature.

Myopic Books, Chicago#13
What sets it apart
  • No frills bookstore with a crowded yet welcoming ambiance

  • Lots of book variety at great prices with friendly staff

  • Unique and cute setting with randomly priced books

  • Iconic and must-visit destination in Chicago for book lovers

Myopic Books

4.61,351 reviews
1564 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States

Myopic Books is a beloved used book store nestled in the heart of Chicago. Offering a wide range of books at fair prices, customers can always find interesting finds during a visit. The store boasts a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, making the browsing experience enjoyable for all book lovers.

Pilsen Community Books, Chicago#14
What sets it apart
  • I love this bookstore, what a gem in the Pilsen community! There are so many books, and they’re very well-organized. There’s even a children’s section in the back of the store. Most of the books seem to be new or barely used. Today was Independent Bookstore Day so everything was 10% off, I got an awesome haul of books! The staff were also very friendly. I had a wonderful time here!

  • Such an amazing place. Really liked the Pilsen Community Books. The book selection was vast. They even have a section in Spanish.

  • Wide, unique selection of books and extremely pleasant atmosphere. The staff were friendly and approachable. The book sections are clearly organized and well labeled. Definitely worth the trip! There’s also a nice coffee shop conveniently a few doors down, to stop by after you pick out a new book.

  • Very enjoyable little book store. Awesome selection for the size. Large leftist and progressive collection of books and textbooks about a broad spectrum of subjects. There is also one of the best cookbook collections I’ve seen at an Indie store. Only two shelves of romance novels but does cover the must reads of tik tok. Found this a very enjoyable little spot and defo a great neighborhood book.

Pilsen Community Books

4.6395 reviews
1102 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States

Pilsen Community Books is a beloved bookstore located in Chicago that offers a vast selection of books for every taste. Customers can enjoy services such as Kerbside pickup, Delivery, and In-store pick-up. The bookstore is known for its well-organized book sections and friendly staff who create a pleasant atmosphere for book lovers.

after-words bookstore, Chicago#15
What sets it apart
  • This is a great local book store with kind employees and a wide selection of books

  • Visitors loved the cozy and accommodating atmosphere of the bookstore

  • Customers appreciated the nice staff and the variety of books available

  • One reviewer was impressed with the large selection of books, especially in the current affairs section

after-words bookstore

4.5684 reviews
23 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

After-Words Bookstore is a beloved book store located in Chicago, offering a variety of service options like in-store pick-up and cheques payments. The store boasts a wheelchair-accessible entrance and prides itself on being LGBTQ+ friendly. Visitors can enjoy a quick visit to browse through the extensive collection of books, both new and used, for adults and children alike.

Customers have raved about their experiences at After-Words Bookstore, with reviews highlighting a few key points:

From classics to contemporary literature, poetry to culture, visitors are sure to find something that piques their interest at After-Words Bookstore. With a stellar rating of 4.5 based on 684 reviews, this bookstore is a must-visit destination for book lovers of all ages.

The comparison in brief

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Unabridged Bookstore 4.9979
#2Open Books 4.9790
#3Madison Street Books 4.9128
#4City Lit Books 4.8356
#5Books4Cause Free Bookstore 4.999
#6Armadillo's Pillow Inc 4.8264
#7Bookie's 4.8234
#8Tangible Books 4.8216
#9Heirloom Books 4.8149
#10Powell's Books Chicago 4.7455
#11Ravenswood Used Books 4.7267
#12Uncharted Books 4.7243
#13Myopic Books 4.61,351
#14Pilsen Community Books 4.6395
#15after-words bookstore 4.5684

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Map of Used Bookstores in Chicago

Chicago is a book lover's paradise, with a plethora of used bookstores waiting to be explored. Whether you're searching for a rare first edition, a popular bestseller, or just looking for a cozy place to get lost in a good book, Chicago has something for everyone. Check out the map below to discover all the hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Tips for choosing Used Bookstores in Chicago

  1. Wide selection of genres and authors.
  2. Competitive pricing on rare and collectible books.
  3. Cozy and welcoming ambiance for browsing.
  4. Convenient location with easy access to public transportation.

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