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Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores
The Book Cellar is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

1. The Book Cellar

8.5
4736 N Lincoln Ave (btwn W Lawrence Ave & W Leland Ave), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Ravenswood · 34 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: Discover a unique 2-in-1 bookstore and cozy café serving coffee and wine in the heart of Lincoln Square, hosting events such as Essay Fiesta and Local Author Night.

57th Street Books is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

2. 57th Street Books

9.0
1101 E 57th St (at S Kimbark Ave), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Hyde Park · 16 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: A Michelle Obama favorite, this 26-year-old bookstore, part of the Seminary Co-op Bookstores, Inc., is a visually colorful nook with a vast collection children’s and cook books

Newberry Library is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

3. Newberry Library

60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL
College Library · Near North Side · 14 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: Set within the historic Newberry Library, this bookstore’s specialties include American Studies, Medieval and Renaissance History, Literature, and books about Chicago and the Midwest, to name a few.

Women & Children First is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

4. Women & Children First

8.7
5233 N Clark St (at Farragut Ave.), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Andersonville · 12 tips and reviews
Sandmeyer's Bookstore is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

5. Sandmeyer's Bookstore

8.3
714 S Dearborn St (at Polk), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Printer's Row · 15 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: Family-owned and operated since 1982, Sandmeyer’s Bookstore has been an independent neighborhood institution in the historic Printing House Row District for over 25 years.

Quimby's is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

6. Quimby's

8.5
1854 W North Ave (at N Wolcott Av), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Bucktown · 32 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: Quimby’s features one-of-a-kind publications such as small and independent press books, magazines, zines, and underground comics, like Chicago cartoonist Chris Ware's Quimby the Mouse.

Myopic Books is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

7. Myopic Books

8.8
1564 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Wicker Park · 62 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: With 3 floors of books stacked from floor to ceiling, Myopic is one of Chicago’s oldest and largest used bookstores. They also have a curious piece of memorabilia: Charles Bukowski’s “last breath”.

Open Books is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

8. Open Books

213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Near North Side · 23 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: Shop for a great cause! Buy a book and help a child learn to read. Purchases from this colorful used bookstore benefit the non-profit organization’s literacy programs.

Barbara's Bookstore is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

9. Barbara's Bookstore

1218 South Halsted Stree (Halsted & Roosevelt), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · University Village - Little Italy · 3 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: In business since the 1960s, Barbara’s Bookstore has earned a reputation in Chicago for it’s personalized service, amazing author event schedule and great book selection.

Chicago Architecture Foundation is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

10. Chicago Architecture Foundation

224 S Michigan Ave (at E Jackson Blvd), Chicago, IL
Museum · The Loop · 51 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: The foundation's bookshop offers out a plethora of titles ranging from architecture to children’s books, maps/guides, and Chicago-themed books, as well as gadgets and gifts inspired by architecture.

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

11. The Art Institute of Chicago

9.5
111 S Michigan Ave (btwn Monroe St & Jackson Dr), Chicago, IL
Art Museum · Grant Park · 685 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: Browse the Art Institute’s galleries, then head to their bookshops, which offer a comprehensive range of art titles, as well as artistic stationary and gifts.

Unabridged Books is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

12. Unabridged Books

9.4
3251 N Broadway St (at W Melrose St), Chicago, IL
Bookstore · Lake View East · 41 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: An independent neighborhood bookstore, Unabridged Bookstore is known for its specialization in gay and lesbian titles, but carries something for the book lover in anyone

Abraham Lincoln Book Shop is one of Buy Local Guide: Chicago's Independent Bookstores.

13. Abraham Lincoln Book Shop

375 W Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL
Bookstore · River North · 3 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: Browse historic books, documents, photographs and artifacts related to the history of the U.S., particularly pertaining to Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and presidential and military history.