Bookshop Guide | The New Local

Bookshop Guide.

Unabridged Bookstore,
Lakeview

The first bookstore I stumbled upon after moving here, this shop's got a killer new fiction selection, a welcome sign adorned regularly with authorial quotes, and monthly reading events for the bibliophiles who just can't get enough lit in their life.

Volumes Bookcafe,
Wicker Park

Do you see that glass of wine? The first time I stopped in was around 2 p.m. on a Saturday, ordered some wine, and beelined it for the back. At Volumes, you can curl up with a book on a cozy chair or open your computer with espresso at table at this intimate store.

Myopic Bookstore,
Wicker Park

Myopic is my favorite used bookstore! You're squeezing down narrow aisles with hundreds of books on either side of you and can easily lose time from all the perusing there is to do. Head over on Mondays for live music.

My Apartment Building,
Lincoln Park

Yes, my apartment complex has three floor length bookshelves with Leave One Take Ones. We moved into the building after only doing a virtual tour, so you can imagine my surprise/happiness when I moved in and discovered this hallway. I'm kind basically Belle, if Belle's castle sometimes smelled like Chinese takeout and the elevator never worked. Hey, small victories!

Pilsen Community Books,
Pilsen

This shop is tiny, but don't forget to look up. The store fills its high ceilings with books and a ladder to climb to reach, (but I usually camp out at the new arrivals for a while!) Pilsen Community Books also has a great buy back program, if you ever need to clean up your bookcase a bit.

Though this is an annual pop up, when this shop comes to town as part of the nonprofit Turning the Page, all proceed benefit Chicago Public Schools. If a fan of used books, you might as well buy them then a great cause is the benefactor!

Carpe Librum Pop Up,
The Loop

What are some of your favorite shops?

Let me know!