Books & Music - Chicago Shopping

I don't know about you, but I always love to visit new bookstores when I travel, especially independently owned bookstores. For those of you who also enjoy independent bookstores, I've compiled a list that I have used. Hope it helps.

1. Barbara's Bookstores
a. 111 North State Street(at Marshall Field's)
b. 1218 South Halsted Street (at University of Illinois Chicago)
c. 1100 Lake Street (Oak Park)
d. 233 South Wacker Drive (Sears Tower-Lower, Level 1)
e. 201 East Huron (Northwestern Hospital)

2. Powell's Bookstores
a. 828 South Wabash Avenue(Burnham Park) [Near Hilton Chicago in South loop. This is more of a retail warehouse with just about everything you'd want]

b. 1501 East 57th Street (Hyde Park) [In University of Chicago neighborhood and thus quite scholarly. Located near the Museum of Science and Industry]

c. 2850 N. Lincoln Avenue (North/Lakeview)[strong in Art, Architecture, and Photography, rare books, children's section, lots of fiction, and a coffee bar]

I use "c" the most because it specializes in used, rare, and discounted books. This is a rather academic bookstore.

3. Women & Children First (Andersonville)
5233 North Clark
Don't be misled by the name. You don't have to be a kid or a woman to enjoy this fantastic bookstore. It's ranked among the country's finest bookstores. It's quite large [30,000 books in stock]. The staff is just wonderful and willing to help in any way possible. They really back Chicago area writers, and they schedule many interesting events, readings, and signings.

4. Booklegger's
2935 North Broadway

Books, Cds, videos, books on tape and any other book-related items. They offer philosophy, literary classics, and contemporary fiction as well as coffee table books. They also buy used books.

5.Bookworks
3444 North Clark

This store has parking available behind the shop. They buy CDs, LPs, and Ephemera.
This is really a BARGAIN BOOKSTORE. They sell new and used books and CDs, cassette tapes, vintage photographs, etc. They also have first-edition, fine bindings and hard-to-locate books.
"Beat Poet" fans will love it here. Most things are at least 10% off list price.

6.Bookman's Corner
2959 North Clark
They have reasonable prices; thus, they have been a favorite in the neighborhood since 1975. Books are everywhere. On skyhigh shelves, stacked on the floor, and anywhere else they can be secured. Unfortunatedly, it takes you longer to find books here because they are grouped by category rather than title. At times, you find a box outside the store advertising, FREE.

7.After Words Books
23 East Illinois Street

This is a downtown Chicago bookseller that is independent and they focus on service. They will order whatever you need. They also sell used books. [lower level] They offer Internet access for an hourly rate. If you sign up for their birthday program, you get a $5.00 coupon on the month of your birthday!
It's a comfortable place; a place to relax, to browse, and to sit down and read.
It's located next door to the Jazz Record Mart.

8. Sandmeyer's Bookstore
714 South Dearborn Street
This is a family-owned and operated store located in Printer's Row. It has the greatest travel section, and I love the children's section, too.

The price depends on the specific store you select.

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