Best of 24 kid bookstores in Chicago
Chicago is home to several kid bookstores that offer a wide selection of children's books, games, and toys. These stores are dedicated to fostering a love of reading in young minds, and they provide a cozy and welcoming environment for families to explore. From well-known chains to independent shops, kid bookstores in Chicago are a great resource for parents and educators looking to encourage literacy and learning in children.
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- 1. City Lit Books
- 2. RoscoeBooks
- 3. Volumes Bookcafe
- 4. Madison Street Books
- 5. after-words bookstore
- 6. Unabridged Bookstore
- 7. 57th Street Books
- 8. Sandmeyer's Bookstore
- 9. The Book Cellar
- 10. Open Books Pilsen
- 11. Heirloom Books
- 12. Powell's Books Chicago
- 13. Pilsen Community Books
- 14. Ayden's Book Club
- 15. New Book Joy
- 16. Three Avenues Bookshop
- 17. Barnes & Noble College Bookstore
- 18. Open Books Logan Square
- 19. D&Z House of Books - Polish Bookstore. Dom Książki
- 20. Armadillo's Pillow Inc
- 21. Seminary Co-op Bookstores
- 22. Ravenswood Used Books
- 23. Barnes & Noble
- 24. Sebastian's Dream, LLC
1. City Lit Books
Independent bookstore with personal touch
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City Lit Books offers a wide selection of books, including hardcover and paperback titles, with a focus on spotlighting local authors and publishers. The store is divided into various sections, such as new releases, fiction, young adult, biographies, self-help, cooking, and an expanding children's section in the back. Among the genres they specialize in are contemporary fiction and non-fiction, speculative fiction, poetry, and a carefully chosen collection of children's literature.
At our store, customers can find a richly curated assortment of books, with an emphasis on contemporary fiction and non-fiction, children's literature, speculative fiction, and poetry. Our children's literature section is particularly noteworthy due to its carefully selected titles, ensuring that young readers have access to high-quality books. Additionally, we offer a diverse range of genres, including speculative fiction and poetry, to cater to various reading preferences.
City Lit Books offers a wide selection of books, including hardcover and paperback titles, with a focus on spotlighting local authors and publishers. The store is divided into various sections, such as new releases, fiction, young adult, biographies, self-help, cooking, and an expanding children's section in the back. Among the genres they specialize in are contemporary fiction and non-fiction, speculative fiction, poetry, and a carefully chosen collection of children's literature.
At our store, customers can find a richly curated assortment of books, with an emphasis on contemporary fiction and non-fiction, children's literature, speculative fiction, and poetry. Our children's literature section is particularly noteworthy due to its carefully selected titles, ensuring that young readers have access to high-quality books. Additionally, we offer a diverse range of genres, including speculative fiction and poetry, to cater to various reading preferences.
2. RoscoeBooks
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
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Roscoe Village is home to a gem of a bookstore, which offers a vast selection of books and hosts events for children, making it an ideal place to cultivate a love for reading in young ones. The store's inventory is extensive, providing a wide range of choices for book lovers. The option to order books online and have them delivered to your home is a convenient feature for customers.
The staff at this bookstore are consistently friendly and helpful, particularly when assisting in the search for children's books. This establishment is a fantastic bookstore that caters to a wide variety of readers and goes the extra mile to ensure a positive experience for its customers, whether in-store or online.
Roscoe Village is home to a gem of a bookstore, which offers a vast selection of books and hosts events for children, making it an ideal place to cultivate a love for reading in young ones. The store's inventory is extensive, providing a wide range of choices for book lovers. The option to order books online and have them delivered to your home is a convenient feature for customers.
The staff at this bookstore are consistently friendly and helpful, particularly when assisting in the search for children's books. This establishment is a fantastic bookstore that caters to a wide variety of readers and goes the extra mile to ensure a positive experience for its customers, whether in-store or online.
3. Volumes Bookcafe
Cozy reading nooks and community events
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Volumes, a local bookstore, is a charming place to visit for coffee and books. The children's section is especially appealing with its cozy atmosphere and carefully selected collection of books. The size of the collection is moderate, but each book is thoughtfully chosen.
The staff at Volumes are friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help. They are able to make suitable recommendations based on customers' preferences. It is beneficial that some staff members share similar book tastes with regular customers, making it easier to find alternatives if a specific book is not available.
Volumes, a local bookstore, is a charming place to visit for coffee and books. The children's section is especially appealing with its cozy atmosphere and carefully selected collection of books. The size of the collection is moderate, but each book is thoughtfully chosen.
The staff at Volumes are friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help. They are able to make suitable recommendations based on customers' preferences. It is beneficial that some staff members share similar book tastes with regular customers, making it easier to find alternatives if a specific book is not available.
4. Madison Street Books
Cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff
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A newly opened or reopened bookstore can be found on Madison Street, offering a great selection of books and a wide range of children's books. The store's bright, organized, and friendly atmosphere makes it an inviting space for book lovers.
This new addition to Madison Street is a well-stocked bookstore, with a particular focus on children's literature. Its clean and well-organized interior, along with its friendly staff, contribute to a warm and welcoming environment. Overall, the bookstore is a wonderful addition to the street and a must-visit destination for book enthusiasts of all ages.
A newly opened or reopened bookstore can be found on Madison Street, offering a great selection of books and a wide range of children's books. The store's bright, organized, and friendly atmosphere makes it an inviting space for book lovers.
This new addition to Madison Street is a well-stocked bookstore, with a particular focus on children's literature. Its clean and well-organized interior, along with its friendly staff, contribute to a warm and welcoming environment. Overall, the bookstore is a wonderful addition to the street and a must-visit destination for book enthusiasts of all ages.
5. after-words bookstore
Offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere
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After-Words Bookstore offers an impressive selection of children's books, making it a favorite destination for families. The store's basement section is particularly popular among young readers, who enjoy exploring its many offerings.
This bookstore is a true treasure, especially for those with young children. The kids' section is outstanding, and the staff is consistently helpful in locating the perfect book for each child's interests and reading level. Overall, After-Words Bookstore is a great place for families to discover and enjoy books together.
After-Words Bookstore offers an impressive selection of children's books, making it a favorite destination for families. The store's basement section is particularly popular among young readers, who enjoy exploring its many offerings.
This bookstore is a true treasure, especially for those with young children. The kids' section is outstanding, and the staff is consistently helpful in locating the perfect book for each child's interests and reading level. Overall, After-Words Bookstore is a great place for families to discover and enjoy books together.
6. Unabridged Bookstore
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
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The children's section at this bookstore is truly exceptional. It is well-organized, making it easy for kids to find books that cater to their interests. The store offers an impressive selection of books, ensuring that there is something for children of all ages.
My kids and I are big fans of the children's section at Unabridged Bookstore. We always have a great time exploring the shelves and discovering new books. The store's collection is diverse and exciting, which keeps my children engaged and looking forward to our next visit.
The children's section at this bookstore is truly exceptional. It is well-organized, making it easy for kids to find books that cater to their interests. The store offers an impressive selection of books, ensuring that there is something for children of all ages.
My kids and I are big fans of the children's section at Unabridged Bookstore. We always have a great time exploring the shelves and discovering new books. The store's collection is diverse and exciting, which keeps my children engaged and looking forward to our next visit.
7. 57th Street Books
Knowledgeable staff and cozy atmosphere
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57th St. Books is a renowned independent bookstore, known for its exceptional children's department and extensive backlist selection. The store has gained a reputation for its knowledgeable and passionate staff who are dedicated to providing excellent customer service.
The bookstore offers a wide range of general interest titles, catering to diverse reading preferences. Its collection includes kids’ books, popular fiction, cookbooks, science fiction, mysteries, and graphic novels, making it a one-stop-shop for book lovers of all ages.
57th St. Books is a renowned independent bookstore, known for its exceptional children's department and extensive backlist selection. The store has gained a reputation for its knowledgeable and passionate staff who are dedicated to providing excellent customer service.
The bookstore offers a wide range of general interest titles, catering to diverse reading preferences. Its collection includes kids’ books, popular fiction, cookbooks, science fiction, mysteries, and graphic novels, making it a one-stop-shop for book lovers of all ages.
8. Sandmeyer's Bookstore
Cozy atmosphere, personalized customer service.
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Sandmeyer's Bookstore is a beloved institution in the Printer's Row community, known for its independent status and welcoming atmosphere. The store offers a wide variety of books, ranging from children's literature to Chicago architecture and history, as well as new novels.
Similarly, in Hyde Park, there is a charming little bookstore that is just as delightful. It boasts easy parking and a diverse selection of books for both adults and children.
Sandmeyer's Bookstore is a beloved institution in the Printer's Row community, known for its independent status and welcoming atmosphere. The store offers a wide variety of books, ranging from children's literature to Chicago architecture and history, as well as new novels.
Similarly, in Hyde Park, there is a charming little bookstore that is just as delightful. It boasts easy parking and a diverse selection of books for both adults and children.
9. The Book Cellar
Cozy atmosphere, knowledgeable staff
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The Book Cellar is a community hub that offers a variety of events and activities for people of all ages. They have a children's story hour where young kids can enjoy listening to stories and developing a love for reading. For adults, they host book clubs and author events, providing opportunities for literature enthusiasts to engage in discussions and meet their favorite writers. The Book Cellar is a welcoming and relaxing space for anyone looking to enjoy a good book or participate in literary activities.
In addition to their regular events, The Book Cellar also hosts special occasions such as meet-the-author sessions. These events allow community members to interact with authors, learn about their writing processes, and get their books signed. Furthermore, The Book Cellar's children's events provide a fun and educational experience for young readers, helping to foster a love of reading at an early age. Whether you're a bookworm or just looking for a relaxing place to spend some time, The Book Cellar has something for everyone.
The Book Cellar is a community hub that offers a variety of events and activities for people of all ages. They have a children's story hour where young kids can enjoy listening to stories and developing a love for reading. For adults, they host book clubs and author events, providing opportunities for literature enthusiasts to engage in discussions and meet their favorite writers. The Book Cellar is a welcoming and relaxing space for anyone looking to enjoy a good book or participate in literary activities.
In addition to their regular events, The Book Cellar also hosts special occasions such as meet-the-author sessions. These events allow community members to interact with authors, learn about their writing processes, and get their books signed. Furthermore, The Book Cellar's children's events provide a fun and educational experience for young readers, helping to foster a love of reading at an early age. Whether you're a bookworm or just looking for a relaxing place to spend some time, The Book Cellar has something for everyone.
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10. Open Books Pilsen
Cozy atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and community events.
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Open Books Pilsen in Chicago has reopened with a fresh look and new inventory. The store operates from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week, and offers a wide range of books at affordable prices. Of particular interest to parents and children is the back room dedicated entirely to children's books. This section houses classic stories and more modern, progressive literature, making it an ideal destination for families.
The store's owner is known for being helpful and knowledgeable about their inventory. In addition to the free kids' books available, customers are encouraged to "pay what they want" for all other books in the store. This unique pricing model is just one more way that Open Books Pilsen is making high-quality literature accessible to all. Whether you're a collector of rare books or a parent looking for engaging stories for your children, this newly redesigned store has something for everyone.
Open Books Pilsen in Chicago has reopened with a fresh look and new inventory. The store operates from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week, and offers a wide range of books at affordable prices. Of particular interest to parents and children is the back room dedicated entirely to children's books. This section houses classic stories and more modern, progressive literature, making it an ideal destination for families.
The store's owner is known for being helpful and knowledgeable about their inventory. In addition to the free kids' books available, customers are encouraged to "pay what they want" for all other books in the store. This unique pricing model is just one more way that Open Books Pilsen is making high-quality literature accessible to all. Whether you're a collector of rare books or a parent looking for engaging stories for your children, this newly redesigned store has something for everyone.
11. Heirloom Books
Knowledgeable and passionate staff
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Heirloom Books is an excellent destination for children's literature, offering a wide selection that is sure to delight young readers. The staff is exceptionally helpful and friendly, providing a welcoming atmosphere for children to explore and discover new books they will love.
My daughter has found many books that she enjoys at Heirloom Books, making it a hidden gem for kids' literature. Not only do they have a great selection of books, but the staff's warm and inviting demeanor creates a perfect environment for young readers to grow and develop their love for reading. Overall, Heirloom Books is a highly recommended spot for families with young children who love to read.
Heirloom Books is an excellent destination for children's literature, offering a wide selection that is sure to delight young readers. The staff is exceptionally helpful and friendly, providing a welcoming atmosphere for children to explore and discover new books they will love.
My daughter has found many books that she enjoys at Heirloom Books, making it a hidden gem for kids' literature. Not only do they have a great selection of books, but the staff's warm and inviting demeanor creates a perfect environment for young readers to grow and develop their love for reading. Overall, Heirloom Books is a highly recommended spot for families with young children who love to read.
12. Powell's Books Chicago
Iconic independent bookstore with a Chicago location
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If you're a book lover, this bookstore is a must-visit. They offer a wide variety of books at affordable prices, and all of the books are in great condition. The store's literature section is particularly impressive, with a vast selection of books that are hard to find in other places. Whether you're a casual reader or a dedicated book collector, you'll find something you love here.
This bookstore is an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys browsing for books. The prices are very fair, making it easy to expand your literary collection without breaking the bank. The literature section is enormous, and you can easily spend hours searching through the numerous books on the shelves. If you're a bookie who loves hunting for hidden gems, this bookstore is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
If you're a book lover, this bookstore is a must-visit. They offer a wide variety of books at affordable prices, and all of the books are in great condition. The store's literature section is particularly impressive, with a vast selection of books that are hard to find in other places. Whether you're a casual reader or a dedicated book collector, you'll find something you love here.
This bookstore is an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys browsing for books. The prices are very fair, making it easy to expand your literary collection without breaking the bank. The literature section is enormous, and you can easily spend hours searching through the numerous books on the shelves. If you're a bookie who loves hunting for hidden gems, this bookstore is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
13. Pilsen Community Books
Friendly atmosphere, community events, and local art
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The bookstore offers a wide variety of books and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. One customer, who is publishing a book, had a positive experience when they inquired about the process of getting their book in the store. The store combines the cozy atmosphere of a used bookstore with the cleanliness of a new one, making it a pleasant place to browse.
The customer was particularly impressed with the science fiction section, which while not yet fully organized, had a great selection of authors including Pratchett, Gaiman, Card, Stephenson, and Bacigalupi. The books in the store were in excellent condition, with each one feeling good to the touch. The customer even noted that they are now putting down their e-reader in favor of reading physical books again.
The bookstore offers a wide variety of books and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. One customer, who is publishing a book, had a positive experience when they inquired about the process of getting their book in the store. The store combines the cozy atmosphere of a used bookstore with the cleanliness of a new one, making it a pleasant place to browse.
The customer was particularly impressed with the science fiction section, which while not yet fully organized, had a great selection of authors including Pratchett, Gaiman, Card, Stephenson, and Bacigalupi. The books in the store were in excellent condition, with each one feeling good to the touch. The customer even noted that they are now putting down their e-reader in favor of reading physical books again.
14. Ayden's Book Club
15. New Book Joy
16. Three Avenues Bookshop
Strong community focus, book clubs, and events.
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Three Avenues Bookshop is an ideal spot for children, offering a wide range of kids' books and a comfortable reading nook. Young visitors, including my own children, enjoy exploring the diverse selection while surrounded by a welcoming atmosphere. The bookshop's knowledgeable and amiable staff cater to all ages, making it a perfect destination for families.
The bookshop's children's section is brimming with titles that engage and inspire young readers. My kids never leave disappointed, thanks to the staff's expertise in recommending books that match their interests and reading levels. Three Avenues Bookshop creates memorable experiences for children, fostering a love for reading that extends beyond their visits.
Three Avenues Bookshop is an ideal spot for children, offering a wide range of kids' books and a comfortable reading nook. Young visitors, including my own children, enjoy exploring the diverse selection while surrounded by a welcoming atmosphere. The bookshop's knowledgeable and amiable staff cater to all ages, making it a perfect destination for families.
The bookshop's children's section is brimming with titles that engage and inspire young readers. My kids never leave disappointed, thanks to the staff's expertise in recommending books that match their interests and reading levels. Three Avenues Bookshop creates memorable experiences for children, fostering a love for reading that extends beyond their visits.
17. Barnes & Noble College Bookstore
Exclusive college textbook selection
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The children's section of the store is relatively small and concentrates mainly on college textbooks and DePaul merchandise. The variety of children's books and items is lacking. Visitors looking for a diverse selection of kids' books may be disappointed with the offerings.
This establishment primarily caters to college students, as evidenced by its focus on textbooks and merchandise for DePaul. The children's section does not compare to the larger, more specialized children's bookstores. Those seeking a wide range of books for children may need to look elsewhere.
The children's section of the store is relatively small and concentrates mainly on college textbooks and DePaul merchandise. The variety of children's books and items is lacking. Visitors looking for a diverse selection of kids' books may be disappointed with the offerings.
This establishment primarily caters to college students, as evidenced by its focus on textbooks and merchandise for DePaul. The children's section does not compare to the larger, more specialized children's bookstores. Those seeking a wide range of books for children may need to look elsewhere.
18. Open Books Logan Square
Knowledgeable and passionate staff
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The author had a positive experience at Open Books' pop-up bookstore in Logan Square, Chicago. They needed a distraction after a tough day, and the bookstore helped. Open Books is a nonprofit that aims to transform lives through reading, writing, and the power of books. They have two other locations in Pilsen and the West Loop and are preparing to open a third at 2068 N. Milwaukee.
Open Books receives over a million donated books annually, using them to fund literacy initiatives and increase access to books in underserved areas. They welcome more book donations due to high demand. A GoFundMe for the bookstore has raised over $14,000 as independent bookstores regain popularity nationwide. The author feels fulfilled engaging with the community and spreading the joy of books through Open Books.
The author had a positive experience at Open Books' pop-up bookstore in Logan Square, Chicago. They needed a distraction after a tough day, and the bookstore helped. Open Books is a nonprofit that aims to transform lives through reading, writing, and the power of books. They have two other locations in Pilsen and the West Loop and are preparing to open a third at 2068 N. Milwaukee.
Open Books receives over a million donated books annually, using them to fund literacy initiatives and increase access to books in underserved areas. They welcome more book donations due to high demand. A GoFundMe for the bookstore has raised over $14,000 as independent bookstores regain popularity nationwide. The author feels fulfilled engaging with the community and spreading the joy of books through Open Books.
19. D&Z House of Books - Polish Bookstore. Dom Książki
Only Polish bookstore in the area
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This store has an extensive collection of books in the Polish language, catering to the needs of Polish speakers and learners. In addition to providing a wide range of Polish books, the store also offers resources for those interested in learning the language. It's an excellent destination for book lovers, with a vast selection of books available for purchase.
The store's collection includes books for readers of all ages, with a particular focus on beautiful books for children. Whether you're looking for books to add to your own collection or gifts for the young readers in your life, this store has plenty of options to choose from. With its diverse range of books and commitment to promoting literacy, this store is a valuable resource for book enthusiasts.
This store has an extensive collection of books in the Polish language, catering to the needs of Polish speakers and learners. In addition to providing a wide range of Polish books, the store also offers resources for those interested in learning the language. It's an excellent destination for book lovers, with a vast selection of books available for purchase.
The store's collection includes books for readers of all ages, with a particular focus on beautiful books for children. Whether you're looking for books to add to your own collection or gifts for the young readers in your life, this store has plenty of options to choose from. With its diverse range of books and commitment to promoting literacy, this store is a valuable resource for book enthusiasts.
20. Armadillo's Pillow Inc
Fair trade products that support artisans worldwide.
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The bookstore is small but cozy, offering an eclectic and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for book lovers. The helpful staff adds to the shop's welcoming and fun vibe. However, with its many layers of books and old chairs scattered around, the store can be quite quirky and challenging to navigate. Despite the difficulty in finding specific titles, the vast selection of books makes it a must-visit destination for avid readers.
Despite the challenges in locating specific books amidst the sprawling and crammed shelves, the bookstore's abundant selection and cozy ambiance make it an appealing destination for book lovers. The quirky layout, marked by multiple levels and chairs scattered around, adds to the shop's unique character. With friendly and helpful staff, this bookstore offers a fun and engaging experience that makes it well worth a return visit.
The bookstore is small but cozy, offering an eclectic and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for book lovers. The helpful staff adds to the shop's welcoming and fun vibe. However, with its many layers of books and old chairs scattered around, the store can be quite quirky and challenging to navigate. Despite the difficulty in finding specific titles, the vast selection of books makes it a must-visit destination for avid readers.
Despite the challenges in locating specific books amidst the sprawling and crammed shelves, the bookstore's abundant selection and cozy ambiance make it an appealing destination for book lovers. The quirky layout, marked by multiple levels and chairs scattered around, adds to the shop's unique character. With friendly and helpful staff, this bookstore offers a fun and engaging experience that makes it well worth a return visit.
21. Seminary Co-op Bookstores
Co-op owned and operated, supporting academics since 1892
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Seminary Co-Op, a bookstore located on the South Side, features a handpicked selection of general interest titles on its homepage. This assortment includes children's books, romance novels, picture books, and young adult literature. Recently, Seminary Co-Op reopened its doors, while 57th Street Books remains closed temporarily due to COVID-19.
Before making the trip to the South Side to explore the store, visitors should first browse Seminary Co-Op's website, which offers a similar experience to walking through the physical store. The website's homepage showcases a diverse range of general interest books, such as kids' books, romance novels, picture books, and young adult literature, all carefully curated for the store's customers.
Seminary Co-Op, a bookstore located on the South Side, features a handpicked selection of general interest titles on its homepage. This assortment includes children's books, romance novels, picture books, and young adult literature. Recently, Seminary Co-Op reopened its doors, while 57th Street Books remains closed temporarily due to COVID-19.
Before making the trip to the South Side to explore the store, visitors should first browse Seminary Co-Op's website, which offers a similar experience to walking through the physical store. The website's homepage showcases a diverse range of general interest books, such as kids' books, romance novels, picture books, and young adult literature, all carefully curated for the store's customers.
22. Ravenswood Used Books
Knowledgeable staff, cozy atmosphere, and frequent sales
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Ravenswood Used Books is an amazing bookstore, although it may not be the best place for those with claustrophobia due to its rows of books piled all the way to the ceiling. You're sure to find a good deal, and it's not uncommon to receive a Kennedy half dollar as change. The store stocks a vast array of books, with rare first editions, classic titles, and books in foreign languages.
Located in the North Center/West Ravenswood neighborhood at 2005 West Montrose, Ravenswood Used Books offers a wide selection of books spanning all categories and periods. The store is open from Thursday to Monday, with hours varying between noon and 6 pm. In addition to its extensive collection, the store also carries out-of-print books, making it a full-service used bookstore. The store's previous location at 4626 North Lincoln Avenue may explain why it took some time for it to be discovered, but it's worth seeking out for any book lover.
Ravenswood Used Books is an amazing bookstore, although it may not be the best place for those with claustrophobia due to its rows of books piled all the way to the ceiling. You're sure to find a good deal, and it's not uncommon to receive a Kennedy half dollar as change. The store stocks a vast array of books, with rare first editions, classic titles, and books in foreign languages.
Located in the North Center/West Ravenswood neighborhood at 2005 West Montrose, Ravenswood Used Books offers a wide selection of books spanning all categories and periods. The store is open from Thursday to Monday, with hours varying between noon and 6 pm. In addition to its extensive collection, the store also carries out-of-print books, making it a full-service used bookstore. The store's previous location at 4626 North Lincoln Avenue may explain why it took some time for it to be discovered, but it's worth seeking out for any book lover.
23. Barnes & Noble
24. Sebastian's Dream, LLC
