Bookstores exist in a fragile ecosystem. During the COVID-19 outbreak, independent businesses took a brutal hit. Resilience was tested and many independent bookstores in particular were forced to permanently close their doors and empty their shelves.
Nevertheless, bookstores have fought to raise funds and reopen their doors. The rate of their success is so deeply dependent on communal support; studies have shown that for every book purchased at a local business, 68% circulates in the local economy, compared to 43% when purchased at a chain. On one hand, there is the inevitable environmental footprint of buying something in person versus online. On the other hand, there is nothing that compares to a cozy and bright bookstore where you can ponder alone or discuss recommendations with a bookshop employee or fellow customer and book-lover.
For businesses, authors, and readers, shopping at a local bookstore is a mutually beneficial relationship. They are places to browse and purchase books, but also hubs to connect and interact with the community. Over time, bookstores have continued to grow and become more diverse, offering collections tailored to the interests of their customers and events like author signings, discussions, and book clubs for community members to enjoy.
If you live in the Chicagoland area or are planning your next visit, these are a few great bookstores to stop by during your next bout of exploration. Maybe if you’re lucky or delusional enough, you will experience the kind of spontaneous meet-cute you read about.
1. Myopic Books
One of Chicago’s oldest and largest bookstores, Myopic Books has been selling lightly used secondhand books for over 30 years. Located in the heart of Wicker Park, you can easily spend hours scouring their three floors of both vintage and brand-new titles.
2. Women and Children First Bookstore
Located in Andersonville, this feminist bookstore features a wide array of feminist and queer literature. Not only is the selection vast, diverse, and unique, but each purchase goes towards a good cause — proceeds support local schools and groups like Chicago Books to Women in Prison.
3. 57th Street Books
If you remember the name, you’ll never forget where to find the bookstore’s iconic red doors. The Hyde Park landmark offers a range of literature, including some local authors. If you need help picking a book, determine it based on the recommendations of House of Dragon characters. These employees are certainly experts in their craft.
4. Exile in Bookville
Escape to S. Michigan Avenue and find this Indie bookstore on the second floor of the historic Fine Arts Building. This cool yet chique small shop even carries a wide selection of music. They recently revealed a collaboration with Columbus-based indie publishers, booksellers, and vegan cafe, Two Dollar Radio, known as “Exile Radio.”
5. Uncharted
Another stop on your next visit to Andersonville is the Uncharted bookstore stocked with literature and literary events. Pay a visit to the store, and you may run into the shop’s lovely, well-behaved dog, and fellow book lover, Ramona.
6. Unabridged Bookstore
This Lakeview stop is one for all levels of readers, with its vast children’s section and diverse advanced readers selection, including many LGBTQ+ picks. The staff saves you from scouring Goodreads or Google for book recommendations and leaves small and heartfelt notes to aid you through your search.
7. Skunk Cabbage Books
No, this is not the name of a heavy metal rock band, but an Avondale bookshop named after a unique and smelly plant native to the Chicagoland area. The independent bookstore doubles as a community workshop space highlighting “new books and local artist’s goods that remind us of human’s own place in our more-than-human world.”
8. The Last Chapter
The newest business on this list, this romance bookstore opened in Roscoe Village in 2023. You can find all your favorite romantic authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid and Emily Henry. It also sells merchandise perfect for book lovers and has a photo booth to commemorate your visit.
9. Pilsen Community Books
Living up to its name, this shop is a hub for the community that features motivating and uplifting seminars throughout the month for those who want to take learning beyond their books. Pilsen Community Books also runs its own youth literacy program, Pilsen Reads. As Chicago’s first employee-owned and operated independent bookstore since 2020, you can explore the many shelves or look at their website for curated reading lists.
10. The Book Cellar
This bookshop is for classy readers. You can attend engaging discussions and author events while sipping a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. This stop on North Lincoln has been a staple in Chicago for over 20 years for a reason.
11. Sandmeyer’s Bookstore
This family-owned business has been stationed in South Loop since 1983. You can find both bestsellers and underrated hand-picked reads beyond the warm and characteristic storefront. You can even visit the historic Printer’s Row neighborhood, starting at Sandmeyer’s and rewarding yourself at Printer’s Row restaurants and bars.
12. The Armadillo’s Pillow
This store on Sheridan is just as fun and quirky as its name. The vintage and bohemian bookshop is home to old and rare books where book lovers have hunted for treasured books since 1994, plus some jewelry and incense as added incentives.
Every purchase you make is a decision. By choosing to support these independent stores, you’ll help keep the doors of these beloved landmarks open and filled with book lovers for years to come.
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