Best Local Bookstores In Chicago

Are you looking for an independent bookstore in the Chicago area? From the city to the suburbs, the Chicago area has plenty of independent bookstores with a varied selection of books covering a range of topics. Independent bookstores can also help you find just the right book you're looking for while providing a warm and inviting place to peruse the selection of books. To get started in finding additional independent bookstores in the Chicago area, keep the following venues in mind. For an additional list of bookstores, consider checking out this article.
(Photo Credit: abookabove.com)

(Photo Credit: abookabove.com)

A Book Above
136 W. Vallette St., Suite 6
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 993-0133
www.abookabove.com

If you're looking for an independent children's bookstore, add A Book Above in Elmhurst to your list. The shop features a mix of classic favorites, including the Nancy Drew series, and new books. A selection of fiction and nonfiction books for adults is also available, so you can peruse the selection while your child shops. In addition to books, A Book Above has gift items available for purchase. It also offers events, including author book signings and concerts.

(Photo Credit: The Book Cellar's Facebook)

(Photo Credit: The Book Cellar's Facebook)

The Book Cellar
4736 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 293-2665
www.bookcellarinc.com

If you are in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood and in need of a new book, consider checking out The Book Cellar. This independent bookstore offers everything from Michael Pollan's latest to classic novels and works from independent publishers. The Book Cellar also offers staff picks, so you can easily find a new book to read. The bookstore offers more than just books, as it has a cafe that serves wine, coffee, baked goods and lighter fare. It also hosts a number of author appearances and currently has eight different book clubs that call The Book Cellar home.

The Book Table
1045 Lake St.
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 386-9800
www.booktable.net

Whether you're looking for used books, new books, something for yourself or something for your child, consider stopping into The Book Table in Oak Park. The store features local interests, including authors from the area (in addition to Ernest Hemingway) and an extensive selection of books on famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It also co-sponsors author events with other venues in and around Oak Park, making it an integral part of the community. In addition, the store is within an easy walking distance of both the Metra and CTA stops.
 
Related: Most Community-Centered Bookstores In Chicago
Market Fresh Books
700 Church St.
Evanston, IL 60201
www.marketfreshbooks.com

Ever heard of buying used books by the pound? At Market Fresh Books, you can. The store stocks an assortment of used books, including recent bestsellers, textbooks and children's books. You can also sell the books you no longer want for cash or store credit. Market Fresh offers more than just books, as it also sells DVDs, CDs, Blu-rays and video games. The bookstore also has a textbook buyback program, so you can unload those books you no longer need from your last Comp Lit course. It is also located near public transportation, and is right in the heart of downtown Evanston, making it an easy walk to nearby restaurants and shops. In addition to its Evanston location, Market Fresh has a store in Chicago's University Village neighborhood.
Sandmeyer's Bookstore
714 S. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-2104
www.sandmeyersbookstore.com

Located in Chicago's famed Printer's Row neighborhood within the city's South Loop, Sandmeyer's Bookstore offers a wide selection of books for everyone in your family. Peruse the children's books or latest releases, or try a new cuisine by selecting a publication from the cookbook section. You can also drop by the bookstore and meet authors, as Sandmeyer's frequently hosts signings and events. The bookstore is also involved with the community, and has participated in a variety of fundraising events and outreach programs.
 
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Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.