Bookshops in Chicago: Chicago has a vibrant student community and a rich cultural heritage. Students from all across the world come here to study. It becomes vital to escape from the demanding, tedious academic routine when studying in Chicago. A getaway can be quite beneficial for relieving stress and anxiety. This blog will give you relief from your boring life. Here, we’ll discuss the best five bookstores in Chicago. Let’s begin.
Here are the Google ratings of Chicago’s top bookshops. Have a look.
| Bookshops in Chicago | Google Ratings & Reviews |
| Exile in Bookville |  |
| Open books |  |
| Sandmeyer Bookstore |  |
| The Book Cellar |  |
| Unabridged Bookstore |  |
This Blog Includes:
Exile in Bookville
Embed from Getty ImagesExile in Bookville is one of the oldest bookstores in Chicago. From its position on the second floor of the 125-year-old Fine Arts Building to its name, which was derived from the legendary album by local legend Liz Phair, this bookstore is dripping with Chicago history. Even though there is a wide variety and several bookshelves to get lost in, the well-stocked music section is undoubtedly the highlight. Don’t miss the establishment’s captivating “Authors on Tap” series, which features notable local authors like Jeff Tweedy and Lindsay Hunter as well as poet José Olivarez.
How To Reach
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Saturday | 10 am – 7 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am – 4 pm |
Also Read: Exploring Literary Treasures In London
Open books
Embed from Getty ImagesOne of the largest secondhand bookstores in Chicago is Open Books, which offers a selection of more than 50,000 items. In addition to offering books at reasonable prices, Open Books impresses us with its altruistic business philosophy. The bookstore has space for 10,000 teen and children’s books, but it also engages in educational outreach, matching volunteers with local schools for its “reading buddy” programme and creative writing programme, utilising book revenues to support their initiatives.
How To Reach
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Thursday | 10 am – 6 pm |
| Friday to Sunday | 10 am – 7 pm |
Sandmeyer Bookstore
Embed from Getty ImagesThis family-run bookstore, which is based on the South Loop, has been in operation since 1982. The book collection at Sandmeyer’s Bookstore is fantastic, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. You can find plenty of new releases, travel guides, children’s novels and other literary delights on the shelves of the brick structure, so you won’t get bored on the train ride to your student accommodation in Chicago. Additionally, the store hosts sporadic readings and book release celebrations. Sandmeyer Bookstore is also one of the most visited bookstores in Chicago.
How To Reach
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Wednesday | 11 am – 6:30 pm |
| Friday | 11 am – 6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am – 6:30 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am – 4 pm |
Also Read: How Can International Students Network In The UK?
The Book Cellar
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Book Cellar is a well-curated treasure for students who appreciate non-fiction and fiction books, and it’s housed in a modest location of Lincoln Square. The Book Cellar is an independently owned bookshop, café, and bistro with friendly personnel who are knowledgeable about their products. Anyone interested in participating in the literary conversation with the neighbourhood can attend any of the book club meetings and reading events hosted by the Book Cellar, or they can just drop by for a sandwich and a glass of wine in the late afternoon and hang out until the authors slam poets, or stand-up comedians (depending on the schedule!) arrive.
How To Reach
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Friday | 10 am – 8 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am – 6 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am – 4 pm |
Unabridged Bookstore
Embed from Getty ImagesIn Lakeside’s commercial area, the first in our list of the best bookshops in Chicago is located. This venerable establishment has been serving customers with the best works by regional writers since the 1980s. With a knowledgeable staff and a purist mentality, Unabridged Bookstore serves as one of the city’s oldest still-operating bookstores and one of its only homosexual bookstores. For students who love different types of books, this is a must-visit bookstore.
How To Reach
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Sunday | 10 am – 7 pm |
FAQs
Yes, many of the above-mentioned bookstores offer reasonably priced books, making them great options for students.
Absolutely! Several of these bookshops, such as Exile in Bookville and The Book Cellar, regularly host events like author readings, book release celebrations, and book club meetings.
Yes, these bookstores offer a variety of genres.
The variety of independent bookshops in Chicago reflects a strong literary environment. Whether you’re looking for socially aware reading material, rare editions, or just a relaxing setting to explore the world of books, these bookshops have a vast selection of titles for each and every one.
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