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Best Independent Bookstores in Chicago
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items Chicago’s indie bookstore scene is a treasure trove for readers of all kinds. From feminist powerhouses to labyrinths of used books, these beloved spots offer more than just shelves—they’re hubs of culture, creativity, and community. Whether you're a...
Map
One of the largest feminist bookstores in the country, Women & Children First is a haven for women’s and LGBTQ+ literature. Founded in 1979, it offers a curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and children’s books, and hosts some of t...
Women & Children First
A perfect blend of bookstore and café, The Book Cellar invites you to sip wine or coffee while browsing. Known for its neighborhood charm and wide-ranging selection, it’s also home to regular book clubs, readings, and events that make it feel like a ...
The Book Cellar
A bright, welcoming shop with a great selection for adults and children alike. RoscoeBooks excels at making recommendations, and its community-focused events and storytimes make it a favorite among families.
RoscoeBooks
Since 1980, Unabridged has been a go-to for thoughtful readers, particularly known for its extensive LGBTQ+ section, literary fiction, and helpful staff picks. It’s the kind of place where the handwritten recommendation tags are as valuable as the bo...
Unabridged Bookstore
Volumes combines books, coffee, and community in one stylish package. It’s great for contemporary reads, local authors, and frequent cultural events that keep the creative energy flowing.
Volumes Bookcafe
A multi-story used bookstore with over 80,000 titles, Myopic is a dream for those who love the thrill of the hunt. The narrow aisles and towering shelves are part of the charm, making it one of the best places to get lost in a book.
Myopic Books
Worker-owned and community-minded, this bilingual bookstore prioritizes social justice and literature in equal measure. With new and used books, frequent poetry readings, and a commitment to local literacy, it’s more than a bookstore, it’s a movement...
Pilsen Community Books
Different from its Portland namesake, Powell’s in Chicago specializes in used and academic books, making it a favorite for students and scholars. With affordable pricing and deep selection, it’s a low-key gem near UIC.
Powell's Books Chicago
A book lover’s paradise, the Seminary Co-op is world-renowned for its academic and scholarly collections. Browsing here feels like entering a temple of knowledge, with shelves full of philosophy, history, critical theory, and more.
Seminary Co-op Bookstores
A cozy, general-interest sibling to the Seminary Co-op, 57th Street Books offers a more accessible but still deeply curated selection. Excellent for fiction, cookbooks, graphic novels, and children’s books.
57th Street Books
Chicago’s headquarters for the strange, the subversive, and the self-published. Quimby’s is packed with zines, indie comics, and experimental works, supporting artists and readers far outside the mainstream.
Quimby's Bookstore
Can't make it to one of these independent bookstores? You can support them by shopping on Bookshop, an online site which gives a portion of their sales to supporting local independent bookstores in communities across the country.
Bookshop