Independent Bookstores in Illinois
Discover 108 independent bookstores in Illinois on BookQuest. Browse hours, upcoming author events, and check in to earn points as you explore.
Upcoming book events in Illinois
The next 20 upcoming author events, readings, and signings.
- Author Event: Will Quam (@brickofchicago) celebrates Fire and ClayFri, Aug 7, 11:30 PMat City Lit Books in Chicago
- Women, History, and MagicSat, Aug 8, 12:00 AMat Anderson's Bookshops in Naperville
- Q&A and Book Signing with Francesca CocchiSat, Aug 8, 11:00 PMat The Last Chapter Book Shop in Chicago
- Plot Twist Used Book Club: The Tender Bar by J.R. MoehringerSun, Aug 9, 7:00 PMat Plot Twist Used Books in Chicago
- Second Sunday Poetry Un-SlamSun, Aug 9, 9:00 PMat Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney in Chicago
- Book Club: Cookbook ClubMon, Aug 10, 11:30 PMat City Lit Books in Chicago
- Book Club: On Earth We're Briefly Gay (August Reschedule)Tue, Aug 11, 11:30 PMat City Lit Books in Chicago
- Page Break — Silent Book ClubWed, Aug 12, 11:30 PMat Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney in Chicago
- Book Club: Club 150Wed, Aug 12, 11:30 PMat City Lit Books in Chicago
- Kibbitznest Book Club with Sara SchroederThu, Aug 13, 11:30 PMat Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney in Chicago
- Book Club: Blood & GutsThu, Aug 13, 11:30 PMat City Lit Books in Chicago
- Romance Reads Book ClubFri, Aug 14, 12:00 AMat Anderson's Bookshop in Downers Grove
- Romancing RoscoeSat, Aug 15, 3:00 PMat The Last Chapter Book Shop in Chicago
- Storytime: Rocks Rock! featuring author Lucy KnisleySat, Aug 15, 3:30 PMat City Lit Books in Chicago
- Release Event: Back for Blood - Never Whistle at Night Part IITue, Aug 18, 11:00 PMat City Lit Books in Chicago
- Modern Fiction Bookclub: The Things We Never Say by E. StroutTue, Aug 18, 11:30 PMat Lilliput Books in Chicago
- Dungeon Crawler Carl Bookclub: Anarchist Cookbook (Book 3)Wed, Aug 19, 11:30 PMat Lilliput Books in Chicago
- Aaron MahnkeThu, Aug 20, 12:00 AMat Anderson's Bookshops in Naperville
- Q&A and Book Signing with B.B. ReidFri, Aug 21, 12:00 AMat The Last Chapter Book Shop in Chicago
- Sci-Fi/Fantasy Bookclub: Lathe of HeavenWed, Aug 26, 11:30 PMat Lilliput Books in Chicago
Bookstores in Illinois
- Anderson's BookshopDowners GroveAnderson's Bookshop in Downers Grove, IL, is a family-owned independent bookstore that has served the community since 1…1 upcoming event
- Anderson's BookshopsNapervilleAnderson's Bookshops in Naperville, IL, is a historic, independent, fifth-generation family-owned bookstore. Establishe…3 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…13 upcoming events
- Kibbitznest Books, Brews & BlarneyChicagoKibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney is a non-profit bookbar on the west side of Lincoln Park in Chicago, founded in 2016…15 upcoming events
- Lilliput BooksChicagoLilliput Books is a cozy, community-focused independent bookstore located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago,…3 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…2 upcoming events
- The Last Chapter Book ShopChicago7 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…
- Anderson's BookshopAuroraAnderson’s Bookshop in Aurora, IL, is the hub for Anderson’s Bookfair Company, part of a 5th-generation family-owned in…
- 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…
- Exile in BookvilleChicagoExile in Bookville is an independent bookstore on South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, IL, hosting author events and 'Auth…
- 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…
- 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…
- Pilsen Community BooksChicagoPilsen Community Books is Chicago’s only employee-owned independent bookstore. Located in Chicago, IL, this shop offers…
- 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…
- Seminary Co-op BookstoreChicagoThe Seminary Co-op Bookstore in Chicago, IL, is a renowned independent academic bookstore founded in 1961. Located in H…
- 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 & SpineDanvilleBooks meet boutique in downtown Danville, IL. Silk & Spine curates literary finds, apparel, artisan gifts, and statione…
- 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 CellarChicagoThe Book Cellar is an independent, woman-owned bookstore and cafe in Chicago, IL. Located in Lincoln Square, it hosts f…
- 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…
- Unabridged BookstoreChicagoUnabridged Bookstore in Chicago, IL, is an independent neighborhood bookstore founded in 1980. Known for its knowledgea…
- Women & Children FirstChicagoWomen & Children First is an independent feminist bookstore in Chicago, IL. Since 1979, this intersectional and trans-i…
- Wordsmith BookshoppeGalesburgWordsmith Bookshoppe in Galesburg, Illinois, is an independent bookstore offering a wide selection of new books, magazi…
- Tangible BooksChicago
- Uncharted BooksChicago