Awesome bookstore! Probably my favorite bookstore of all. A huge selection of new and used books, very well organized. The store is also very clean. Customer assistance has always been very friendly. I had a friend from Ireland in town and she found a book she was looking for, and they went and put a new dust cover on the book without being asked. I thought that was pretty cool. Check this place out if you get the chance. If you love finding a good book to read like I do, then I highly recommend this place! read more

Afterwords is a treasure. In a world of corporate chain bookstores, it is an independent bookstore that uses integrity in determining its selection. It offers new (some signed copies) and used books. Used books are further discounted if they have been in inventory for 1 year. Inventory is well organized and the space provides some seating for browsing. The staff is knowledgeable. Among its categories are a great selection of art/coffee table books, books of specific interest to Chicagoans, books on film, anthologies, author autobiographies and literary criticism. It is conveniently accessible via the Lake St or the State and Grand el. I visit at least monthly. read more

Very unpleasant experience on my first (and last) visit to this bookstore tonight. Judging by what I've now read from numerous other customers who describe the rude treatment they've received from staff, this isn't unusual here. In short, I was asked upon entering the store whether I would mind if they held my bags. Not a problem. However, I noticed while shopping that I was the only customer whose bags had been taken, as both members of a couple had huge backpacks on, and another woman had a very large purse. Upon leaving the store and retrieving my bags, I mentioned very calmly and politely that I noticed that I was the only person who's bags had been taken. The woman behind the desk, making no effort to reply with the same quiet and discreet tone, argued loudly enough for anyone to hear that everyone else's bags HAD, in fact, been taken as well. Pointing out that this simply wasn't true, she replied that they had at least been taken since she'd been there. I suggested that they should make an effort to apply their policy more consistently so as to not give customers the impression (as they gave me) that they are being treated unequally, and she immediately clapped back once more that it IS applied consistently, despite all evidence to the contrary. Absolutely terrible customer service! Argumentative and defensive response to me taking the time to politely voice this simple concern. Basically refused to acknowledge the inconsistent application of their bag checking policy and the bad impression this left on me as the sole customer singled out to check his bags. Zero, I repeat, ZERO apology. Realizing even bringing it up was a mistake, I simply said "Ok" and left the store as the woman behind the counter remained silent as I walked out. They clearly don't give a f***. read more

it's a cute store with a wide variety of books to read. It's located downtown so you can hop off the redline at grand or Chicago.

Not a bad independent bookstore. Downstairs all books marked older than 2005 on the sticker are 25% off. If you can stand the music, it a great place to stop during the lunch hour. The staff is nice too. read more

I love after-words! There are new and used books peacefully coexisting, seats in the basement, and regular markdowns. They also purchase books from you, it you have what they're looking for! If you like, they will add you to their database and send you a card for $5 off of any purchase during your birthday month. How sweet is that? read more

I was visiting Chicago and found this bookstore as my family and I were wandering around. The top floor is children's books and signed books. They have a really great selection. The bottom floor is everything else. Some of the local authors have signed books floating around! I got a book by Ana Castillo signed for $16 It's a really cool bookstore. The employees are friendly and helpful. The woman cashier has a very "Daria" like attitude. Overall very cool feel to the place. I could've stayed for hours but my family wanted to explore more. read more

I like the space and general look of the bookstore. They sell basically every genre, neatly organized with signs above the shelves. If you're looking for a recently published book, you will probably find it here. The only downside is that there aren't many used books, and the ones that are used aren't that much cheaper than the original listed price. If you're looking for a good deal on used books, you'll probably be better off elsewhere. read more

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They have a very large selection that is well organized. The staff was super helpful. I came looking for some books from the everyman's library collection and they had a few mixed in along the large wall and a small sampling on a front end cap. Tons of children's books as well. read more

This book store is great I love it so much the service is great the books are organized very well the employees explained the books good and well I loved the atmosphere and the books are in good condition the pages are not ripped or crumbled up it was nice and In a good area it wasnt in a rough town I sat and read a book I also needed help finding a good one so the employees helped me I take my kids to get books here all the time I feel safe bringing them here I am definitely coming here to get my next book read more

I love this bookstore! Its two levels (one for new books, one for used) ensure that I can find pretty much whatever book I want. Everyone is VERY helpful, knowledgeable, and able to provide fantastic suggestions based on my interests. I've never had anything but good experiences at After-Words. In fact, I now refuse to go to any other bookstore in the city. Support this local business! You won't regret it. read more

A great source for used popular books that are under a year old... I don't think I've ever NOT found a book here. Love the fact that they give you a little bookmark every time you buy a book. Nice location, and the cozy chairs make this the ideal place to spend an hour while shopping Michigan Avenue. read more

I had the greatest experience at after words. I bought a plethora of books for a great price, and they have such an extensive collection of used and new books. The staff was accommodating, helpful, and kind. Coming to this book store was the highlight of my trip in Illinois. read more

I found two books before yoga. I only let myself buy one, but it was from downstairs, so it was reasonably priced. Nice place.

Came here with some friends to seek shelter during a storm. It was a lovely new and used bookstore with a large selection--however, the seating areas were very limited. The prices for used books are also not that much cheaper than the new ones.. read more

A pretty good new/used book store, although I focused my attention on the used section. Pretty good selections of history, fiction, and sci-fi. Prices are maybe a bit high, but they do appear to discount books that have been sitting on the shelves for a long time. read more

Nice atmosphere and music playing which made book browsing really pleasant. Amazingly clean bathroom too, if anyone cares! The used books are mixed in everywhere, so it's kind of confusing. I didn't find any during my visit, but I still got a new book for $3. I wish they had a table of $5 or $10 and under used books. read more

My wife was looking for an independent bookstore for Independent Bookstore Day. We're visiting from out of town, staying close by. Ran into this place, and since its vey close, decided to give it a shot. So glad we did. A local author was there, and we had a great chat along with others in the store. This is a great find. I'm sure we'll be back the next time we're in town. read more

For my East coast friends, this is like the WaWa of used bookstores (read: a step above). First, it doesn't smell like mold. Second, it's well-lit and organized. Third, the prices are reasonable. If you love books, it's definitely worth stopping in. read more

So fabulous. If you are in Chicago and need a legitimate bookstore experience, go here. Very friendly and knowledgeable sales staff. I wish they had a larger selection of used books, though. read more

I love this little bookstore! I use to look forward to coming here whenever I had a chance on my lunch break from a horrid toy store I worked at downtown. The best section of this store is the basement full of used books. The top floor is all new books and honestly there is nothing special about it. The new books are kind of expensive compared to large chain stores like Borders, which is to be expected. So why would you spend more to buy them from here except out of some kind of loyalty that is entirely misplaced in this economy? Clearly, you wouldn't, so stick with the basement. It's like a treasure trove full of wonderful and funny things like a plethora of Doctor Who and Star Wars novels from past decades and the original Martha Stewart Weddings guide. There is also a fair bit of new stuff and that's a pretty sweet deal because those are usually 50% off cover which is especially nice for the hardbacks. Another reason I like this place is the staff. Like a lot of "bookish" people can seem kind of introverted but a lot of time when I checkout they will ask me questions about the books I'm buying. Sometimes because they have read or are thinking about reading the same book, but I have kind of odd taste and usually they ask me I think they have enough variety in those sections because they don't really have an expert in those areas on staff. Those conversations are much more genuine to me than the ones I have with the staff at Borders and have helped me build a much stronger affinity versus other resale shops, and Chicago is covered with them so that is saying something. I am not downtown as much as I used to be but whenever I am nearby I do make it a point to check in here. read more

Who knew that this little gem existed so close to my office! I went in on my lunch break and was surprised at the great selection - and at the fact that they were quite busy on a Thursday afternoon. I did not have the chance to go downstairs but will definitely make time to do so on my next trip. The staff was very friendly and seemed helpful. Some bookstore employees won't even acknowledge your existence but this was not the case here. read more

Super clean and organized! Open til 10 p.m. which really helped me out last night. The guy that rang me up was nice and managed to find a used copy of the book I was about to buy at full price. Didn't get to look downstairs but I will when I go back! read more

These guys are great, I needed to pick up a book for my mom's bday and couldn't find it anywhere else in the city/also didn't have time to wait buying online. They were super friendly and helpful on the phone, then offered to stay open late so that I could pick up the book after work, luckily I made it in time for their 10 pm closing anyway but found the gesture and smiling faces upon arrival, with book set aside for me to be very helpful and appreciated. read more

I poked around here for a little while when I was in Chicago on business and had some time to myself. Nice, smallish used bookstore. I always like when a bookstore has very specific shelf categories for books. Helpful staff and a handful of chairs around the store. Good selection, a nice mix of old and new books. read more

Going there makes me happy. So much love and knowledge of literature. Pleased my beloved books find a new home and I discover new treasures

Support local physical bookstores! They're disappearing and that breaks my heart. I've spent many lovely hours in the basement, and always leave with BIG bag of books. Quiet is lovely. Cookbooks, history, fairly current fiction, auto- and biographies. In the wiki world (which I also love) I appreciate a place that isn't on auto-pilot to dissolve my memory. Finding perspective in information that's more than a week old in "history" is golden. And they have some fun b&w Chicago magnets, cards, books. Biggest problem? Parking probably. But I haven't had a car in so many years that it isn't important. Besides, it 's fun to walk around the area, shop, drink, eat. Go buy books ---- before I get all the good ones. read more

After-Words is hands-down my favorite bookstore in downtown Chicago. I always walk out of there with something I'd love to read at a very reasonable price (new or used). The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Their annual or semi-annual "Bag of Books" sale is tremendous! I've picked up something like 60 books from them for $12! And many of these are genuinely *good* books like "The World is Flat" by Tom Friedman, several Harry Potter books, works from novelists like Amy Tan, Barbara Kingsolver, Agatha Christie, etc. You can find this place on the lower part of Wabash and illinois. Just delightful! read more

After being a (little) bit disappointed by the most recommended Chicago bookstores (Seminary, Powells, 57th), this little shop was a pleasant surprise. The selection is not huge, but like all truly good bookstores, it's about quality, not quantity. This bookstore consistently displays, selects, highlights really good literature and history and local history. It's a store with a consistent eye, with taste -- they've trimmed out the most mundane stuff you'll find anywhere, they've left out the mediocre, and focus on the most interesting authors and titles. There aren't any big surprises -- I didn't see any books I wouldn't be able to find elsewhere, but it was a real pleasure to see how consistently good their picks were. It's the kind of pace that can educate readers and expand tastes rather than cater to them. If you don't find what you're looking for here, don't worry -- take their recommendations, instead. read more

Great new/used bookstore, they have a wonderful selection, but some of the most pretentious and meanest staff I've ever made a transaction with. read more

a wonderful place and people and highly recommended. It's not the dank filled with random old titles used bookstore you're used to thinking of and about 1/3 of their stuff is new. most of the titles are ones you're familiar with or have seen on bookshelves and they're about 1/3-40 percent more than you'd see at a suburban or neighborhood place but it's river north. a worthy stop and really nice, knowledgeable people. a must do! read more

Was visiting Chicago for a few days and found this place near my hotel. Found some cool stuff in the basement used area. Good prices...most good used books were about $7-8. read more

very neat store. Large space (two floors, downstairs all used books). Their used books are almost brand new, a bit expensive, admittedly. I went there with specific books and pricing in mind, didn't really get what I wanted. Still, fairly speaking, it's a great place, you might be luckier than me and find great, expected results. read more

Great place to get lost for an hour! Wonderful selection of new and used. Let's help keep the classic, quality bookstores open!!!!

This bookstore is the reason amazon is dominating the market. The selection was very limited, there was little organization, and the man behind the counter was a arrogant, smug, and overall just a giant douchebag. Thank you for reading and good day. read more

You almost have to know where this bookstore is to get there. It is near heavy traffic areas of the near north neighborhood, but is easy to miss. I've been buying books here for a decade. Lots of selection and the staff are friendlier than the average used-bookstore sorts. Worth the visit. Make sure that you see the downstairs section, too. read more

Great selection of both used and new books! I love used book stores. This is definitely one to check out!

I have only been here once...because I know how much trouble I'll be when I go back!!! So many books, so little time... This is a gem in the city. If you love books, or even like them, please visit this store. It is full of amazing finds! Plan to spend some time, too. It is a fairly large space and it all begs to be explored! read more

Certain members of the staff at After-Words have always been a little smug, but it was tolerable because I liked the store enough. It's a cool space with an adequate selection of new and used books. The customer service I received after trying to order a book through the store (an intentional decision to support a local bookseller over Amazon) was so poor, the attitudes of the sales representatives so rude, that there's no way I can continue to support this business. Based on previous Yelp reviews, reports of poor customer service don't seem to effect positive changes in staff interactions with customers. What a shame. read more

After-words is one of my favorite bookstores i Chicago which I discovered 21 years ago when I moved here. I love how organized and clean the store is and how they have both new and used books. I love the used book section downstairs the best where they sell such a wide arrange of books on all different topics. Browsing in an independently owned bookstore is on of my biggest delights.Beverly, the owner, is do helpful and I am glad her bookstore has thrived all these years. read more