The 16 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 16 used bookstores in Chicago:
- Wide selection of genres and authors
- Competitive pricing on rare and collectible books
- Cozy and welcoming ambiance for browsing
- Convenient location with easy access to public transportation
Embark on a literary adventure in Chicago by exploring these exceptional used bookstores and uncovering literary treasures waiting to be unearthed.
- 1. Unabridged Bookstore
- 2. Open Books
- 3. Myopic Books
- 4. City Lit Books
- 5. Powell's Books Chicago
- 6. Armadillo's Pillow Inc
- 7. Bookie's - New and Used Books
- 8. Madison Street Books
- 9. Tangible Books
- 10. Books4Cause Free Bookstore
- 11. Ravenswood Used Books
- 12. Heirloom Books
- 13. Uncharted Books
- 14. after-words bookstore
- 15. Pilsen Community Books
- 16. The Gallery Bookstore Ltd

- Monday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–7 PM
1. Unabridged Bookstore
Information and Reviews
- Great selection of books
- Knowledgeable staff with unexpected recommendations
- Not wheelchair friendly due to layout
- Basement only accessible by stairs
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.

- Monday: 10:30 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM–6 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–7 PM
2. Open Books
Information and Reviews
Customers have praised Open Books for its fantastic selection, fair pricing, and friendly staff. Here are some key points from their reviews:
- 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 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.

- Monday: 12–8 PM
- Tuesday: 12–8 PM
- Wednesday: 12–8 PM
- Thursday: 12–8 PM
- Friday: 12–8 PM
- Saturday: 12–8 PM
- Sunday: 12–8 PM
3. Myopic Books
Information and Reviews
- 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

- Monday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
4. City Lit Books
Information and Reviews
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:
- 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.
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.

- Monday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
5. Powell's Books Chicago
Information and Reviews
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:
- 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.
Explore Powell's Books Chicago for an enriching and delightful book shopping experience!

- Monday: 12–8 PM
- Tuesday: 12–8 PM
- Wednesday: 12–8 PM
- Thursday: 12–8 PM
- Friday: 12–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 12–8 PM
6. Armadillo's Pillow Inc
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews highlight:
- Large selection of interesting books and miscellaneous items
- Fair prices
- Super nice and helpful staff

- Monday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 12–6 PM
7. Bookie's - New and Used Books
Information and Reviews
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:
- Fantastic selection of books for all tastes
- Helpful and friendly staff
- Warm and inviting atmosphere
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 - New and Used Books is the place to visit.

- Monday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–6 PM
8. Madison Street Books
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews rave about the delightful experience at Madison Street Books. Some key points from reviews include:
- Knowledgeable and friendly staff.
- Inclusive atmosphere with bilingual children's books and entertaining events.
- Cozy ambiance with comfortable chairs for reading.
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.

- Monday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–7 PM
9. Tangible Books
Information and Reviews
- 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.
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!

- Monday: 12–5 PM
- Tuesday: 12–5 PM
- Wednesday: 12–5 PM
- Thursday: 12–5 PM
- Friday: 12–5 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
10. Books4Cause Free Bookstore
Information and Reviews
- 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.
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!

- Monday: 12–6:30 PM
- Tuesday: 12–6:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12–6:30 PM
- Thursday: 12–6:30 PM
- Friday: 12–6:30 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–6:30 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–6:30 PM
11. Ravenswood Used Books
Information and Reviews
Some key points from customer reviews:
- 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.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12–7 PM
- Wednesday: 12–7 PM
- Thursday: 12–7 PM
- Friday: 12–7 PM
- Saturday: 12–7 PM
- Sunday: 12–7 PM
12. Heirloom Books
Information and Reviews
Some key points from customer reviews:
- 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.

- Monday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
13. Uncharted Books
Information and Reviews
- 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.
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.

- Monday: 12–8 PM
- Tuesday: 12–8 PM
- Wednesday: 12–8 PM
- Thursday: 12–8 PM
- Friday: 12–9 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 12–7 PM
14. after-words bookstore
Information and Reviews
Customers have raved about their experiences at After-Words Bookstore, with reviews highlighting a few key points:
- 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
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.

- Monday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–5 PM
15. Pilsen Community Books
Information and Reviews
- 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.

- Monday: 2–7 PM
- Tuesday: 2–7 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 2–7 PM
- Friday: 2–7 PM
- Saturday: 2–7 PM
- Sunday: 2–7 PM
16. The Gallery Bookstore Ltd
Information and Reviews
- If you appreciate old books and a quiet atmosphere, this is the place for you
- The owner's eccentric personality adds to the charm of the bookstore
- Expect a diverse selection of genres to explore
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.
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