Independent Bookstores in Illinois
Discover 106 independent bookstores in Illinois on BookQuest. Browse hours, upcoming author events, and check in to earn points as you explore.
Bookstores in Illinois
- Anderson's BookshopAuroraAnderson’s Bookshop in Aurora, IL, is the hub for Anderson’s Bookfair Company, part of a 5th-generation family-owned in…3 upcoming events
- Anderson's BookshopDowners GroveAnderson's Bookshop in Downers Grove, IL, is a family-owned independent bookstore that has served the community since 1…7 upcoming events
- Anderson's BookshopsNapervilleAnderson's Bookshops in Naperville, IL, is a historic, independent, fifth-generation family-owned bookstore. Establishe…16 upcoming events
- City Lit BooksChicagoCity Lit Books is an independent bookstore in Chicago, IL, serving as a community literary hub in Logan Square. It offe…6 upcoming events
- Exile in BookvilleChicagoExile in Bookville is an independent bookstore on South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, IL, hosting author events and 'Auth…1 upcoming event
- Pilsen Community BooksChicagoPilsen Community Books is Chicago’s only employee-owned independent bookstore. Located in Chicago, IL, this shop offers…6 upcoming events
- Plot Twist Used BooksChicagoPlot Twist Used Books is a woman-owned independent bookstore in Chicago, IL. Located on the Northwest side, this commun…1 upcoming event
- Seminary Co-op BookstoreChicagoThe Seminary Co-op Bookstore in Chicago, IL, is a renowned independent academic bookstore founded in 1961. Located in H…8 upcoming events
- The Book CellarChicagoThe Book Cellar is an independent, woman-owned bookstore and cafe in Chicago, IL. Located in Lincoln Square, it hosts f…5 upcoming events
- Unabridged BookstoreChicagoUnabridged Bookstore in Chicago, IL, is an independent neighborhood bookstore founded in 1980. Known for its knowledgea…5 upcoming events
- Women & Children FirstChicagoWomen & Children First is an independent feminist bookstore in Chicago, IL. Since 1979, this intersectional and trans-i…5 upcoming events
- 57th Street BooksChicagoEstablished in 1983, 57th Street Books in Chicago, IL, is a neighborhood institution catering to the South Side communi…
- Abraham Lincoln Book ShopChicagoAbraham Lincoln Book Shop in Chicago, IL, established in 1938, specializes in rare books, autographs, and manuscripts r…
- After-Words New and Used BooksChicagoAfter-Words New and Used Books in Chicago, IL, is an independent bookstore featuring two floors of hand-curated volumes…
- ArchivesBataviaArchives Chicagoland is an independent bookstore and mocktail bar located at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops in Batavia, IL…
- Aw Yeah ComicsSkokieAw Yeah Comics in Skokie, Illinois, is an all-ages friendly comic book and toy shop located in downtown Skokie near the…
- Barbara's BookstoreChicagoBarbara's Bookstore in Chicago, IL, offers a curated selection of new and classic titles for all ages. Locations includ…
- Barbara's BookstoreVernon HillsBarbara's Bookstore in Vernon Hills, IL, is located in the Hawthorn Mall. This bookstore offers a curated selection of…
- Barbara's Bookstore @ Macy'sChicagoBarbara's Bookstore @ Macy's in Chicago, IL, is a full-service bookstore located on the lower level of the Macy's on St…
- Book BinNorthbrookBook Bin is an independent bookstore serving Northbrook, Illinois, since 1971. Located at 1929 Cherry Lane in the Meado…
- Book Rack Used BooksPeoriaBook Rack Used Books in Peoria, IL, is a woman and veteran-owned independent bookstore offering used and new books, aud…
- BookedEvanstonBooked is an independent bookstore in Evanston, IL, offering a curated selection of titles for children and adults. Loc…
- Bookends & BeginningsEvanstonBookends & Beginnings is an independent bookstore in Evanston, IL, founded in 2014 by Nina Barrett. The shop features a…
- Bookie'sChicagoBookie's in Chicago, IL, is an independent bookstore that has served the Beverly neighborhood since 1989. The shop offe…
- Boxcar Books and VinylHoopestonBoxcar Books and Vinyl is a locally owned independent bookstore in Hoopeston, IL. Located on East Main Street, the shop…
- BUBO: Bookie’s Used Book OutletChicagoBookie's New & Used Books is an independent neighborhood bookstore in Chicago, IL, located in the Beverly area. Serving…
- Bucket O' Blood Books and RecordsChicagoBucket O' Blood Books and Records in Chicago, IL, is an independent store specializing in new and used horror, science…
- Build Coffee and BooksChicagoBuild Coffee and Books is a coffee shop and bookstore in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2017 and located in the Experime…
- Burst Into BooksChicagoBurst Into Books in Chicago, IL, is a nonprofit literacy organization and CPS vendor founded in 2018. The group provide…
- Call & Response BooksChicagoCall & Response Books is a Black woman-owned bookstore in Chicago, IL, located in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The shop…
- Challengers Comics + ConversationChicagoChallengers Comics + Conversation in Chicago, IL, is a full-service comic bookstore located in Bucktown near the Wester…
- Chicago-Main NewsstandEvanstonChicago-Main Newsstand in Evanston, IL, is a historic destination offering thousands of magazines and newspapers from a…
- City NewsChicagoCity Newsstand in Chicago, IL, has served the community since 1988 at 4018 N. Cicero Ave. The store offers dozens of ne…
- Comix RevolutionEvanstonComix Revolution is a specialty bookstore in Evanston, IL, specializing in comic books and graphic novels. Established…
- Confluence BooksCarbondaleConfluence Books in Carbondale, Illinois, is a secondhand bookstore in the historic Stotlar house. They offer a wide va…
- Cornerstone Used BooksVilla ParkCornerstone Used Books is a family-owned bookstore in Villa Park, IL, serving the community since 1959. The shop featur…
- Da Book JointChicagoDa Book Joint is a Black mother-daughter owned bookstore in Chicago, IL, specializing in African American literature. L…
- Dandelion BookshopOak ParkDandelion Bookshop in Oak Park, Illinois, is an independent bookstore in the historic Hemingway District. The shop offe…
- DIY BooksMount VernonDIY Books is a new and used bookstore in Mount Vernon, Illinois, featuring a variety of books, toys, games, and bookish…
- Elderberry & Plumb BookstoreSpringfieldElderberry & Plumb Bookstore in Springfield, IL, is located at 926 S 7th St in the Old Aristocracy Hill district. The s…
- Emerald & AmethystLexingtonEmerald & Amethyst is an independent bookstore in Lexington, Illinois, located on Route 66. Opened in January 2025, the…
- First Aid ComicsChicagoFirst Aid Comics is a full service comic shop in Chicago, IL, specializing in new releases, back issues, graphic novels…
- Galena Book and PaperGalenaGalena Book and Paper is an independent bookstore in Galena, Illinois, specializing in a curated selection of new and c…
- Graham Crackers Comic BooksNapervilleGraham Crackers Comic Books in Naperville, IL is the flagship location of this Chicagoland chain. This shop offers an e…
- Graham Crackers ComicsChicagoGraham Crackers Comics in Chicago, IL, is located at 77 E. Madison St. in the Loop, directly across from Millennium Par…
- Half Price BooksBloomingdaleHalf Price Books in Bloomingdale, IL, offers a wide selection of used and new books, music, movies, and collectibles. L…
- Half Price BooksNapervilleHalf Price Books in Naperville, IL, offers a wide selection of new and used books, music, movies, and collectibles. Loc…
- Half Price BooksSchaumburgHalf Price Books in Schaumburg, IL, is a family-owned chain store that sells new and used books, music, vinyl, and movi…
- Hartfield Book CompanyMonticelloHartfield Book Company is an independent bookstore located on the historic Courthouse Square in downtown Monticello, IL…
- Heirloom BooksChicagoHeirloom Books is a cozy, eclectic used bookstore in Chicago, IL, operating as an all-volunteer not-for-profit. Located…
- Hello Darling Books & BeyondMcHenryHello Darling Books & Beyond is a romance genre indie bookshop in McHenry, IL. Located at the McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes…
- Hidden Chapter Bookshop LLCSycamoreHidden Chapter Bookshop in Sycamore, IL, is a cozy downtown bookstore specializing in romance, mystery, and fantasy tit…
- Howling PagesChicagoHowling Pages in Chicago, Illinois, is an independent bookstore specializing in graphic novels, indie comics, and manga…
- Illinois Association of School Boards BookstoreSpringfieldThe Illinois Association of School Boards Bookstore in Springfield, IL, offers a range of professional publications for…
- Ink by HudsonStickneyInk by Hudson in Stickney, IL, located within Midway International Airport, is a travel-focused bookstore. It offers a…
- Inkwell Books & ThreadsRocktonInkwell Books & Threads in Rockton, IL, is an independent bookstore offering a curated mix of new and secondhand reads,…
- Jane Addams Book ShopChampaignJane Addams Book Shop in Champaign, IL, is a locally owned independent bookstore operating since 1984. Located in a his…
- KinokuniyaArlington HeightsKinokuniya in Arlington Heights, IL, is located within Mitsuwa Marketplace. The store offers a vast selection of Japane…
- Lake Forest Book StoreLake ForestLake Forest Book Store in Lake Forest, Illinois, is an independent bookstore founded in 1949. Located at 662 North West…
- Lilliput BooksChicagoLilliput Books is a cozy, community-focused independent bookstore located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago,…
- Los Amigos BooksChicagoLos Amigos Books in Chicago, Illinois, is an independent bookstore specializing in Spanish-language and bilingual books…
- Lost Willow BooksWilmetteLost Willow Books is an independent children's bookstore in downtown Wilmette, Illinois. Founded in 2026, the shop offe…
- Love's Sweet ArrowTinley ParkLove's Sweet Arrow is a woman-owned independent romance bookstore located in Tinley Park, IL. They offer a curated sele…
- Myopic BooksChicagoMyopic Books in Chicago, IL, is one of the city's oldest and largest used bookstores. Located in the Wicker Park neighb…
- Myopic BookstoreCHICAGOMyopic Books is a used bookstore in Chicago, IL, located in the Wicker Park neighborhood. For over 30 years, it has off…
- New Book JoyLa Grange ParkNew Book Joy is a woman-owned "booktique" and reading lounge that hosts community events in La Grange Park, IL, and has…
- New Book JoyChicagoNew Book Joy is a booktique in Chicago, IL, offering a curated collection of books, unique gift boxes, and reading pair…
- Novel Ideas Books & GiftsDecaturNovel Ideas Books & Gifts in Decatur, Illinois, is an independent shop offering over 15,000 quality hardcover and trade…
- Open BooksChicagoOpen Books in Chicago, IL, operated a Logan Square bookstore at 2068 N. Milwaukee Ave. As a nonprofit, the store sold d…
- Open Books PilsenChicagoOpen Books Pilsen in Chicago, IL, features a community-focused bookstore model with free books for children and pay-wha…
- Open Books West LoopChicagoOpen Books West Loop in Chicago, IL, is a nonprofit bookstore featuring over 60,000 donated books. Sales support local…
- Passages Wine and BooksChicagoPassages Wine and Books is a West Town bookstore and wine cafe in Chicago, IL. The shop offers a curated selection of f…
- Perpetual BooksChicagoPerpetual Books in Chicago, IL, is an independent bookstore specializing in unusual and exceptional titles, including r…
- Plot Twist Books (IL)LockportPlot Twist Books in Lockport, IL, is a community bookstore and event space offering a curated selection of bestsellers,…
- Read Between the LynesWoodstockRead Between The Lynes is an independent bookstore located on the historic Woodstock Square in Woodstock, Illinois. Est…
- Restoried BookshopChicagoRestoried Bookshop is an independent, Asian American and family-owned bookstore in Chicago, IL. Located in Albany Park,…
- River City Reading RoomPeoriaRiver City Reading Room is an independent bookstore and cultural space in Peoria, IL. Located downtown, the shop offers…
- Rochelle Book Hub LLCRochelleRochelle Book Hub LLC is an independent bookstore in Rochelle, Illinois, specializing in new and used fiction across va…
- RoscoeBooksChicagoRoscoeBooks is an independent bookstore for adults and kids located in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2014 in the Ro…
- Sandmeyer'sChicagoSandmeyer's Bookstore is a family-owned independent bookstore in Chicago, IL. Located in the historic Printer's Row nei…
- Semicolon BooksChicagoSemicolon Books is Chicago, IL's only Black woman-founded nonprofit bookseller and gallery. Located in West Town, the b…
- Seventh Street CoffeeRockfordSeventh Street Coffee operates as Katie's Cup in Rockford, IL. Located in the historic Lantow Building, this nonprofit…
- Side Quest StoriesNapervilleSide Quest Stories is a tiny used bookshop located within the Stitchers Garden yarn store in Naperville, Illinois. The…
- Silk & SpineDanvilleSilk & Spine in Danville, Illinois, is a curated boutique and bookstore offering a unique blend of apparel, gifts, and…
- Skunk Cabbage BooksChicagoSkunk Cabbage Books is an independent bookstore and community workshop space located in Chicago, Illinois. Situated in…
- Slant of Light BooksChicagoSlant of Light Books is an independent bookstore in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago, IL. This cozy shop offers a c…
- Squeezebox Books & MusicEvanstonSqueezebox Books & Music in Evanston, IL, is a boutique-style, thematically based store specializing in used books and…
- Swallow Stories BookshopLisleSwallow Stories Bookshop is a family-owned independent bookstore in downtown Lisle, Illinois. Established in 2024, the…
- TBR BooksO'FallonTBR Books is an independent bookstore in O'Fallon, Illinois, offering a curated selection of new books across many genr…
- THE BOOK LOFT OAK PARK, INCOAK PARKThe Book Loft Oak Park is an independent bookstore in Oak Park, IL, offering a selection of fiction, non-fiction, and c…
- The Book NookWashingtonThe Book Nook in Washington, IL, is an independent bookstore offering over 20,000 items, including used and new books,…
- The Dial BoomshopChicagoThe Dial Bookshop in Chicago, IL, is an independent bookstore on the second floor of the historic Fine Arts Building. I…
- The Jolly GiraffeFrankfortThe Jolly Giraffe is a book and gift store in Frankfort, Illinois, offering a variety of books for all ages, gift items…
- The Macabre LibrarianEast MolineThe Macabre Librarian is a Quad Cities pop-up bookshop and online store based in East Moline, Illinois. Founded by Nikk…
- The Noble CapybaraLisleThe Noble Capybara is an independent bookstore and gift shop in Lisle, IL, specializing in used, rare, and new books. T…
- The Novel SpotPecatonicaThe Novel Spot in Pecatonica, IL, is a woman-owned independent bookstore specializing in fiction. Owned by Emily Gibson…
- The Rock ShopHomewoodThe Rock Shop in Homewood, Illinois, is a boutique store featuring a curated collection of used and new vinyl, books, g…
- The Understudy Coffee and BooksChicagoThe Understudy Coffee and Books in Chicago, Illinois, is a theatre-focused bookstore and specialty coffee shop co-owned…
- This Old BookGrayslakeThis Old Book in Grayslake, IL, has provided quality used, rare, and out-of-print books since 2002. Located in downtown…
- Three Avenues BookshopChicagoThree Avenues Bookshop is a family-run independent bookstore in the West Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, IL. Establis…
- Three Stories Books and MoreLemontThree Stories Books and More is a whimsical bookstore in historic downtown Lemont, IL. The shop offers a curated select…
- Town House BooksSt. CharlesTown House Books is an independent bookstore in St. Charles, Illinois, founded in 1974. Located in a historic 1853 hous…
- Town House Books & CafeSt. CharlesTown House Books & Cafe is an independent bookstore located in historic downtown St. Charles, Illinois, since 1974. The…
- Wordsmith BookshoppeGalesburgWordsmith Bookshoppe in Galesburg, Illinois, is an independent bookstore offering a wide selection of new books, magazi…
- Tangible BooksChicago
- Uncharted BooksChicago