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Independent Bookstores in Illinois

NewPages.com guide to the best Illinois indie bookstores

Independent bookstores in Illinois are sorted by City as you scroll through. If your favorite indie bookstore is missing, please contact us.

If you are the owner of an indie bookstore, you can submit a free enhanced listing for your bookstore in our Guide here.

  • Little Bean Books
  • 875 Main St
  • City: Antioch
  • Phone: (224) 360-9616
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Feminist, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Stationery
  • Events: Book Clubs
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Little Bean Books is a small woman owned bookstore. We love talking about books with people who love reading them. Little Bean Books is a general bookstore with genre sections including romance, fantasy, and spooky. We carry adults, children’s, and young adult titles. Stop by for a new read, a bookmark or a new sticker (or three!).

Yellow Bird Books is a woman-owned independent bookstore located in Aurora. We stock new fiction and nonfiction books by diverse authors for diverse audiences of all ages.

20,000 new and used titles in all categories. We buy books!

  • Belleville Books
  • 20 East Main St
  • City: Belleville
  • Phone: (801) 793-3187
  • Type: New books, Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Facebook

Belleville Books in Belleville, IL, believes in the enduring power of books and is committed to the free exchange of ideas, diverse perspectives and supporting the community of readers and authors of which we are a part.

  • The Pile Bookstore
  • 7117 B Roosevelt Road
  • City: Berwyn
  • Phone: (708) 320-1001
  • Type: New books, Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Website

We are a new and used book store (with coffee and snacks!) on beautiful Roosevelt Road in Berwyn, IL.

  • Bobzbay
  • 419 N. Main St.
  • City: Bloomington
  • Phone: (309) 740-2012
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Newspapers
  • Facebook
  • Website

Bobzbay is a used & new book and media store in downtown Bloomington, IL. We buy and sell all types of media – from collectible books to blu-rays and everything in between. We buy books, records, textbooks, collectibles and vintage toys.

Used books for sale to and from the Southern Illinois area (between the Ohio and the Mississippi). Online orders and curbside pickup. See website and/or email for more information.

Jane Addams Book Shop

Jane Addams Book Shop in downtown Champaign, Illinois is a locally owned, independent bookstore that has been in business since 1984. Carrying over 70,000 titles, we have a number of very well-stocked sections that span fifteen separate rooms on three floors.

The Literary is a bookstore & bar serving up the finest wine, beer, and reads on planet earth. We’re all about community, connection, and getting together around things that light us up.

57th Street Books is a neighborhood bookstore located at 57th and Kimbark in Chicago’s Hyde Park. We carry an impressive selection of literature: mysteries, cookbooks, travel books, children’s books, magazines and newspapers, and a broad selection of nonfiction titles.

Abraham Lincoln Book Shop, Inc.

Abraham Lincoln Book Shop, since 1938, specialists in rare and antiquarian titles covering Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Civil War, all U.S. Presidents, other Americana, and notable individuals.

After-words is one of the few independent bookstores left in downtown Chicago. Our two floors house a huge collection of over 70,000 new and used volumes.

We specialize in common, uncommon & hard-to-find used books.

Chicago’s neighborhood bookstore. Find us in NWM Hospital, Macy’s on State and in Glenview and Burr Ridge.

We sell first editions of modern literature, jazz and blues, labor history, African American studies, surrealism, and illustrated books by appointment.

The Book Cellar

Bringing books and wine together in what can only be described as a beautiful marriage. Hosting signings, storytimes, and more.

Bookie's

  • Bookie's
  • 10324 S. Western Ave.
  • City: Chicago
  • Phone: (773) 239-1110
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Twitter
  • Website

Bookie’s has been selling books on the South Side since 1989, it is a treasure trove of books from out-of-print titles to the newest bestsellers. Stop in today!

Bucket O'Blood Books & Records

Bucket O’Blood Books & Records specializes in new and used genre fiction, primarily horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Additionally, we carry graphic novels, manga, children’s books, middle grade books, literary fiction, true crime, occult, and media studies books. Beyond books, we carry new and used movies (with an emphasis on horror) and vinyl records and cassettes.

Call & Response is a Black woman-owned bookstore based on the South Side of Chicago that centers writings and experiences of Black people and other people of color.

City Lit is located in the heart of the Logan Square neighborhood, just south of the square. We’re just off the Blue Line and several bus routes. There is free and metered parking on Kedzie, and a free lot behind the store.

On May 16, 1978, Joe Angelastri opened up the corner newsstand that would become the largest magazine store in Chicago, and one of the largest news newsstands in the country, City Newsstand. Twenty-five years later it has grown into the two largest newsstands in Chicagoland and it’s still growing!

Exile in Bookville

Indie bookstore located in the Fine Arts Building on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue.

  • Heirloom Books
  • 6239 N. Clark St.
  • City: Chicago
  • Phone: (239) 595-7426
  • Type: Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Website

A used bookstore should cherish the growth of book-reading, one page at a time. Chicago book stores are heirlooms to our city, thus our name.

Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney

Our no-wifi bookbar features various comfy seating options to play games, attend events, relax, unplug, and chat with fellow visitors and enjoy a menu of appetizers and Homer’s Gourmet Homemade ice cream, along with 25 craft cocktails, 35 different beers, wine, and slow-brewed coffee and loose-leaf teas. Browse our carefully curated selection of new and used uncommon and interesting books, in the liberal arts category, and engage in face-to-face communication in this WIFI-FREE zone.

The Last Chapter Book Shop

The Last Chapter is Chicago’s very own romance-only bookstore in the Roscoe village area, offering a diverse selection of romance books and merchandise. We’ve cultivated an inclusive, welcoming environment for those celebrating the magic of storytelling. Our mission is to continue to support the many members of romancelandia, and connect you with the books you love, the merch you can’t live without, and the authors that are a positive force in the community.

Madison Street Books

Madison Street Books is proudly a woman-owned and independent bookstore in Chicago’s West Loop. Our focus and vision is to be a community-minded space with something in store for everyone.

  • Myopic Books
  • 1564 N. Milwaukee Ave.
  • City: Chicago
  • Phone: (773) 862-4882
  • Type: Used books
  • Website
  • The Newberry Bookshop
  • 60 West Walton Street
  • City: Chicago
  • Phone: (312) 255-3520
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, BIPOC, Children's, Educational, Literary, Regional
  • Sidelines: Gifts
  • Website

The Newberry Bookshop is an indie bookstore located inside the historic Newberry Library in Chicago. We’ve curated our offerings to reflect the Newberry’s unique collection spanning more than six centuries of human history in Europe and the Americas. Enjoy a range of subjects including history, literature, children’s books, cartography, Indigenous Studies, and more.

90+ years since first opening, The Occult Bookstore remains dedicated to the spiritual community. With our soon to be launched online store, we are at your disposal to provide you with all of your magickal needs.

Open Books Pilsen stocks a huge selection of books especially suitable for families and educators. The warehouse-style setup also features books starting at $1 and special sales events tied to neighborhood celebrations like 2nd Fridays and the Pilsen Flea Market.

Open Books provides literacy experiences for tens of thousands of readers through inspiring programs and creative capitalization of books.

Pilsen Community Books

Powell’s Books Chicago has been recycling ideas to the world for over 40 years. Our independent retail store in Hyde Park has well over a quarter million quality used, rare, and discounted books. We primarily specialize in academic and scholarly books, but also have extensive general interest sections.

Quimby's

Purveyor of independently-published and small press zines, comics, books, and other bizarre periodicals.

Roscoe Books

We are your friendly neighborhood bookstore located in Chicago’s Roscoe Village. Stop in and see us!

Sandmeyer’s Bookstore: Independent and family-owned in the South Loop since 1982. Stop in today; you’re always going to find something good at Sandmeyer’s!

We are booksellers dedicated to bridging the literacy gap among minoritized communities by providing access TO and building interest IN books.

Skunk Cabbage Books in Chicago, IL is an independent bookstore and community workshop space offering new books and local artist’s goods that remind us of human’s own place in our more-than-human world.

Three Avenues Bookshop
  • Three Avenues Bookshop
  • 3009 North Southport Avenue
  • City: Chicago
  • Phone: (773) 697-4697
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Calendars, Coffee/Tea, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Puzzles, Stationery, Toys/Games
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs, Storytime
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Website

A family-run independent neighborhood bookstore in Chicago’s West Lakeview Neighborhood

We are a fiercely independent bookstore in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, regularly hosting literary events.

Uncharted is a used bookstore and artists’ haven.

Owned and operated by two passionate theatre artists, The Understudy is dedicated to fostering discovery, community, and collaboration every day. The Understudy is a theatre bookstore with over 3000 titles on our shelves, and a breadth of coffee knowledge behind our specialty coffee bar. There’s always something worth uncovering at The Understudy.

Volumes Bookcafe

  • Volumes Bookcafe
  • 1373 N Milwaukee Ave
  • City: Chicago
  • Phone: (773) 697-8066
  • Type: New books, Used books
  • Specialty: Children's, Feminist, LGBTQ+, Literary, YA
  • Sidelines: Coffee/Tea, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Stationery, Toys/Games
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs, Readings, Storytime
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Website

We are two sister, former educators and we have two independent two bookstore one in Wicker Park Volumes Bookcafe 1373 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, and one in the Gold Coast Volumes Bookstore 900 N Michigan Ave 5th Floor of the 900 Shops.

Volumes Bookstore
  • Volumes Bookstore
  • 900 N. Michigan Ave. 5th Floor
  • City: Chicago
  • Phone: (312) 846-6750
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Feminist, LGBTQ+, Literary, YA
  • Sidelines: Curiosities, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Puzzles, Toys/Games
  • Events: Author Signings, Readings, Storytime
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Website

This is the second small indie bookstore of sisters and former educators Kimberly and Rebecca.

Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co

Decode your creativity. Unlock your imagination. All sales support 826CHI’s free writing programs. We regularly host a variety of events.

We are one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country, stocking more than 30,000 books by and about women, with children’s books for all ages, and hosting events.

Come shop the only independent bookstore in Crystal Lake, IL! We are located in the Historic Downtown area and carry all genres with an especially outstanding Children’s Books section. And when you visit, don’t forget to say “Hi!” to our bookstore dog, George.

  • Frugal Muse
  • 7511 Lemont Rd.
  • City: Darien
  • Phone: (630) 427-1140
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Newspapers
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Website

Frugal Muse Books, Music & Video is an independently owned and operated bookstore serving Chicago’s western suburbs. We sell both used and new media.

Novel Ideas Books & Gifts

  • Novel Ideas Books & Gifts
  • 480 E. Main St.
  • City: Decatur
  • Phone: (217) 429-1995
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Metaphysical/New Age
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Newspapers
  • Facebook
  • Website

Novel Ideas Books and Gifts has been serving our community since 1995. What can we help you find today? New books – check. Used books – yup. Puzzles – oh yeah! Toys for all ages – come and play! Sports fan? Packers, Cubs, Cardinals, Illini. Spiritual journey? new age and religion to guide. Journals – absolutely!

We are an independent bookstore; a place where you can enjoy a cup of tea/coffee, and discover your next favorite read!

Books on First

  • Books on First
  • 202 W. 1st St.
  • City: Dixon
  • Phone: (815) 285-2665
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Regional
  • Sidelines: Café/Food, Coffee/Tea, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Newspapers
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Website

Located 100 miles west of Chicago off US I-88 and 40 miles shy of the Mississippi River in downtown Dixon, IL—Ronald Reagan’s boyhood hometown—we are an Indiebound bookseller with books for readers of all ages and interests, specializing in local history, prairie, and children’s learning. We also have Melissa & Doug toys, locally made soaps & candles, greeting cards, and more! Special orders welcome. We offer coffee, espresso drinks, other hot & cold beverages, and sweet treats for sale, plus conversation no money can buy. We hope you come visit us soon!

Afterwords Books

  • Afterwords Books
  • 441 E. Vandalia St.
  • City: Edwardsville
  • Phone: (618) 655-0355
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Newspapers
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Website

Afterwords Books is a family owned and operated bookstore, proud to call Edwardsville home. We offer our customers both new and used books, a trade for credit program, free children’s story times, book clubs for all ages, a monthly documentary club, educational toys, unique gifts crafted from local artisans, and impeccable customer service, all in a relaxing, inviting environment. We look forward to seeing you soon!

  • Booked
  • 506 Main St.
  • City: Evanston
  • Phone: (847) 868-8047
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: Children's, Literary
  • Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Facebook
  • Website

Booked offers a carefully curated, diverse selection of new titles and classics for youthful readers of all ages. From board books for babies to literary bestsellers for adults (and everything in-between), we have new books for the readers in your life, whoever they are.

Bookends & Beginnings

  • Bookends & Beginnings
  • 1620 Orrington Ave
  • City: Evanston
  • Phone: (224) 999-7722
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Literary, Regional
  • Sidelines: Curiosities, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Facebook
  • Website

Bookends & Beginnings is located in the heart of downtown Evanston, right of Sherman Avenue. We offer an eclectic mix of new, used, and remaindered books, additionally an attractive (and affordable) line of jewelry from Germany, blank notebooks (also from Germany), book boxes, handmade pens and writing paraphernalia, and other gift items. Customer orders for books not in stock are fulfilled within 2-5 days.

Warm, comfortable setting with very knowledgeable staff to help you. Independent bookstore—specializing in history, mystery, biography and related subjects, for adults & children—which hosts three discussion groups (history, mystery, & G.K. Chesterton), as well as regular Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America meetings, and author events. Free gift wrapping, on street parking, access from two commuter train lines & three bus lines. In business for over 30 years.

Old Book Barn

  • Old Book Barn
  • 126 S. Rte 51
  • City: Forsyth
  • Phone: (217) 875-0222
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Facebook

The Old Book Barn is a fantastic destination for those who love books! The store is a book browser’s paradise. Books are organized by genre (romance, mystery, general fiction, etc.) and the store is simply HUGE. Prices are very reasonable, and there are many book “treasures” waiting to be found. While the majority of books offered are used, there are some new books available, and inquiries about books that can be ordered are welcome. Hope to see you soon!

A Peace of the Past carries 30,000+ volumes serving the casual reader and serious collector surrounded by vintage and antique treasures. Located on Main Street in historic Galena, Illinois since 1991. New inventory arrives daily.

  • Inner Wisdom
  • 44 N. Seminary St.
  • City: Galesburg
  • Phone: (309) 343-8806
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: Metaphysical/New Age
  • Sidelines: Curiosities, Gifts
  • Facebook
  • Website

Inner Wisdom is a book and gift store offering massage therapy, reflexology, Reiki, psychic readings, and workshops to promote health and well being.

New books, magazines, and literary gifts in Galesburg, IL.

Harvey’s Tales invites the community to come together to learn, explore, escape, and relax through books and other diversions in Geneva, IL.

The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn

Since 1960, we have been your proudly independent neighborhood bookstore in Glen Ellyn, IL, committed to providing excellent customer service and a wide range of books for all readers.

This Old Book
  • This Old Book
  • 138 Center St.
  • City: Grayslake
  • Suburb of: Chicago
  • Phone: (847) 548-6951
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books, Rare books, Out-of-print books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Stationery
  • Events: Author Signings
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Website

This Old Book has been delighted to provide Grayslake with quality used, rare, and out-of-print books for sale since 2002. Located on Center Street in the heart of downtown Grayslake. We have over 35,000 books to choose from and a computerized inventory to better serve your needs. Whether you are a casual browser, a serious collector or just looking for a place to spend the day, we strive to offer a comfortable and inviting environment. Our store is a constant revolving treasure trove where new items arrive, and depart, daily. Never a dull moment nor an empty shelf as we are overflowing with current titles & vintage books of all genres.

Secret World Books in Highland Park, IL, offers used and new books, comics, and other wonders.

  • Bookie's
  • 18109 Dixie Hwy
  • City: Homewood
  • Phone: (708) 377-0789
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Website
Boxcar Books & Vinyl
  • Boxcar Books & Vinyl
  • 201 East Main Street
  • City: Hoopeston
  • Phone: (217) 769-9310
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Crime/Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA
  • Sidelines: Calendars, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Puzzles, Stationery, Toys/Games, Vinyl
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs, Storytime
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Website

Boxcar Books and Vinyl is a locally owned, independent bookstore committed to offering a variety of genres of literature for customers of all ages and backgrounds. We pride ourselves on being partners with our community by providing an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas through book talks, book clubs, author events, and in person discussions.

  • Our Town Books
  • 64 E. Central Park Plaza
  • City: Jacksonville
  • Phone: (217) 245-2665
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Toys/Games
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Website

At Our Town Books you will find a variety of new and good-quality used books including contemporary fiction, children’s books, Civil War history, and books with a local flavor.

Rubber Rose Books & Print

Rubber Rose is a used bookstore and print shop in downtown Kankakee, IL. We are a woman & LGBTQIA+ owned company who strives to create an environment where everyone feels welcome. We sell used books and handmade gifts by local artists. We host a monthly book club and are open for small events such as author signings, craft nights, and open mic/poetry readings.

Lake Forest Book Store

Lake Forest Book Store was opened in 1949 by a group of local women. Now located directly across from the Lake Forest train station, the store is right in the middle of historic Market Square.

Three Stories is a bright and cheerful children’s book and gift shop nestled in historic downtown Lemont. We look forward to creating a whimsical space the whole family will love.

We’re an independent bookstore that prides itself upon a selection varied and different from your typical bookstore.

New Copperfield's Book Service

  • New Copperfield's Book Service
  • 120 N. Side Square
  • City: Macomb
  • Phone: (309) 837-3052
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs, Readings
  • Facebook

New Copperfield’s Book Service is a general interest, independent, retail bookstore with current bestsellers, new titles, local authors, and regional interest books. We carry a selection of recent children’s books. Special orders are welcome.

Hartfield Book Co.

  • Hartfield Book Co.
  • 110 W. Washington St.
  • City: Monticello
  • Phone: (217) 631-1900
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Curiosities, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Newspapers
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Website

Hartfield Book Co. is located on the historic Courthouse Square in downtown Monticello, Illinois. We carry a diverse selection of new books for all ages and interests, as well as unique and bookish gift items. Just look for the yellow door!

Nokomis Bookstore & Gift Shop offers new & used books, along with a range of gift items including kitchen, home decor, baby and more. Toys and games are offered next door at Nokomis FunShop. Always accepting book donations & buying books.

Book Bin

Northbrook’s Community Bookstore

We’re an independent discount new and used bookstore in Downtown Oak Park.

Prairie Fox Books

  • Prairie Fox Books
  • 719 LaSalle St.
  • City: Ottawa
  • Phone: (815) 433-7323
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, LGBTQ+, Crime/Mystery, Regional
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Newspapers
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Website

Prairie Fox Books has been LaSalle County’s favorite independent bookstore since 2016. We have an old English library style, a welcoming and knowledgeable staff, and are community-driven. If we don’t have it, we will order it for you. We embrace local authors and artisans, we work closely with our local schools, and we have a surplus of unique events for all ages every year. Every customer is treated like family.

  • TAiLS of a Bookworm
  • 3265 Court St.
  • City: Pekin
  • Phone: (309) 353-7549
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Facebook

Bookworm Books is a used bookstore in Pekin, IL. We give store credit for used book in good condition and can order new books at a discounted price.

  • The Book Nook
  • 6944 N University
  • City: Peoria
  • Phone: (309) 693-3612
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's
  • Facebook
  • Website

Largest bookstore in the area, we stock over 120,000 books. Find what you are looking for from children books to cookbooks. We buy and trade on books.

Lit. on Fire Books
  • Lit. on Fire Books
  • 712 W. Main St.
  • City: Peoria
  • Phone: (309) 634-5383
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: Alternative/Political, Feminist, LGBTQ+, Metaphysical/New Age, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Website

Lit. on Fire Books in Peoria is dedicated to reducing environmental impact, reconnecting the community, and reviving Bohemia.

Peoria Book Rack Used Books

Your local indie bookstore of over 35 years that trades and sells used books. We currently have over 100,000 used books for your perusal and our inventory is growing daily.

  • Enchanted Books
  • 532 Maine Street
  • City: Quincy
  • Phone: (217) 262-1786
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Website

We’re your local book and toy store! Located in Quincy, Illinois, we carry all the newest bestsellers, old favorites, used books, magazines, stationery, greeting cards, candles and gifts! 

  • The Artsy Bookworm
  • 1319 30th St.
  • City: Rock Island
  • Phone: (309) 558-0278
  • Type: New books, Used books
  • Specialty: African American, Feminist, LGBTQ+
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Puzzles, Toys/Games
  • Events: Author Signings, Readings
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Website

Hate has no home in our store! We welcome our diverse customers and curate selections specifically with them in mind. African American, Native American, LGBTQ+, Neurodiverse, selections and more, including in our children’s section. Art and literature by local artists and authors. We gladly make suggestions, fill special orders, and assist in any way we can. Conversations welcome

With over 15,000 titles in stock, we provide used and antique books to the community of Rockford, IL.

Maze Books is a community-driven bookstore located in Rockford, Illinois!

Born from a local residents love of books and community comes Rockton IL’s only independent bookstore! Come visit our vibrant downtown and peruse our carefully crafted selection of books and collectibles, records, and new & vintage clothing!

A brick and mortar bookstore located in Roselle. We deal in used books to read, collect, and enjoy for all ages. You will also find notecards, bookmarks, photography, art, and gift items in the store. Looking for something special? We will help you find it or would you like a customized notecard or bookmark then we will try to create it just for you!

  • Barbara's Bookstore
  • Woodfield Mall - 5 Woodfield Dr. Space D301
  • City: Schaumburg
  • Phone: (224) 520-8489
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Feminist, LGBTQ+, Literary
  • Sidelines: Curiosities, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Magazines, Newspapers
  • Facebook
  • Website

Newly opened in May, our newest mall location strives to fulfill your literary needs and desires. We have all categories, with a lot of salebooks and events planned.

  • Books on the Square
  • 427 E Washington St
  • City: Springfield
  • Phone: (217) 965-5443
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Regional
  • Website

Books on the Square began operations in 1993. Today it consists of three buildings full of used and collectible materials.

We have a wide selection of LPs, CDs, books, and movies. We also offer bulk 33rpm & 45rpm sleeves & jackets as well as 45rpm adapters for your turntables!

Located in the heart of historic downtown Springfield, Prairie Archives has been serving Central Illinois since 1973. We have occupied three locations since our founding and we’ve been at our current store since 1992. We have approximately 250,000 books in stock, documents, manuscript material, posters, prints, comics, collectibles, magazines, political buttons, postcards, and lots more. If you don’t see a title you’re looking for, please feel free to inquire; only a small part of our stock is catalogued.

We are an independent bookstore for all ages with a friendly knowledgeable staff located in historic Century Corners in downtown St. Charles, Illinois.

Welcome to Loves Sweet Arrow, the romance-only bookstore in the Chicago Land Area.

  • Books on the Square
  • 153 E. Jackson St.
  • City: Virden
  • Phone: (217) 965-5443
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Regional
  • Website

Books on the Square began operations in 1993. Today it consists of three buildings full of used and collectible materials. The shop is open Monday through Saturday and by appointment evenings and Sunday.

The Sly Fox
  • The Sly Fox
  • 123 N Springfield St.
  • City: Virden
  • Phone: (217) 965-3641
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Crime/Mystery, Literary, Regional
  • Sidelines: Puzzles
  • Events: Storytime
  • Facebook
  • Website

The Sly Fox is a small-town central Illinois independent bookstores stocking new books only in a wide variety of topics but principally childrens, mysteries, American history, cookbooks, literary, rom-com, regional books with Lovepop cards, jigsaw puzzles, games, and store merchandise.

  • The Book Nook
  • 641 N. Cummings Ln.
  • City: Washington
  • Phone: (309) 508-7323
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's
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Our Washington location is approximately 2,000 square feet and stocks over 20,000 items. Together we process approximately 250-500 used books daily through our trade credit program. New items hit the shelves every day! We currently offer new books at highly discounted rates and our online marketplace has an inventory of approx 300 rare and unusual books. We stock CDs, DVDs, and audio books as well.

Drop by Prairie Path Books, opened in June 2014, for a cup of coffee and check out our great hand picked selection of books and gifts. 

An independent bookstore and an institution on Chicago’s North Shore.

Read Between the Lynes

Read Between is a unique community oriented general bookstore located on the historic Woodstock Square. We offer a curated collection of new books for readers of all ages.