Coolest little bookstore, such a chill place. Walking downstairs was like walking into a book narnia. So many great options!

This has to be one of the best bookstores I've ever seen. Similar to Half Price bookstores in Texas, this place appeared to hit all categories, subjects with an awesome offering of books not rarely seen (at least by me --- and I love going through all bookstores casing out a variety of topics). If your looking for a particular book, maybe-maybe not they'll have it. What I guarantee you will find is a host of related books, ones you've seen, others not... to complement your investigative inquiring mind. Take a look read more

See all

Thank goodness I finally found a used bookstore within walking distance of the condo. I liked After-Words; it was spacious with a nice atmosphere, although it's more "airy" than "cozy." They have a LOT of books, but like another reviewer noted, the variety is not as wide as you might imagine it would be. For instance, I couldn't find a copy of 1984. Still, there are two whole levels to browse through, and they sell new and used books, which is nice. AND, they have a mailing list, and will send you a $5 coupon during your birthday month! Rock on! read more

Spectacular independent bookstore! I love everything about this place- great location (a few blocks from one of my jobs)- great neighbors (Jazz Record Mart and Star of Siam)- Locally owned- Extensive selection of both new and used books- relaxed environment... What more could I ask for? read more

I love the smell of old books. You know, that musty scent that actually feels like you're inhaling a dusty residue that coats the inside of your nostrils. Perhaps maybe not so overwhelming... No matter, that is exactly how I'd describe After-Words--at least the basement. A few friends and I stumbled upon this place while exploring Chicago on a Sunday afternoon. I hate the fact that I've lived in the city nearly five years now, but rarely take the opportunity to get out and explore! My frustration is expounded when I find little treasures like this place. We spent probably two hours browsing the various new and used books. What's great about a place like this, as opposed to a Barnes and Noble or Borders is the type of books they will feature. B&N isn't likely to put a collection of erotic pulp art done by the guy who created Superman in its front window. For the folks at After-Words, it's probably an afterthought! The one item of service that I thought was particularly interesting, but didn't spend too much time browsing, was a section where folks can select invitation (wedding, party, birthday, etc.) stationery. Some of the stock was quite high quality! Rather than stew about not finding After-Words sooner, I'll simply use it as impetus to continue exploring my amazing city whenever possible. read more

I DO like this bookstore. I appreciate how they have both new and used books available so you are certain to find whatever it is that you are looking for. I have found some great deals here, but have also had to forgo a few rip-offs also. One in particular, was a book priced at $6 (so I thought) - when I went to purchase it, it rang up as $14. I questioned the price and they told me that they forgot to erase that price. At that point, to save my dignity and that of the store - I would have just honored the $6 price - but no such luck and I walked out empty handed and disappointed. I remain a bit wary, since the guy was also a little rude about it. Grudges aside, they do have one of the better and more generous return/exchange policies, not to mention an extensive selection. And book signings and community activities here and there. It's a local gem and I will continue to support it in the community. read more

I've been to After Words twice, and both times I left without a good find. The selection appears pretty good, but maybe it's better for fiction than non-fiction, my preferred genre. I found only a very small sampling of Science/Nature books, and all of them were about outer space. I did find more interesting books upstairs, but they were new and, thus, cover priced. Also, the store gets very warm. I went once in the dead of the Polar Vortex, and I had to remove all my layers in the basement because it was supremely hot. Very uncomfortable. This time, in mid-July, it may have been cooler than in January, possibly because there were more fans. There were more fans than Science books. Maybe there was a hidden section I missed, and I should have asked someone for help. I don't know. But I got uncomfortable so fast, I didn't want to stay. Plus the store is loud. Everything is wood, so anyone walking around on the first floor causes the floorboards to creak above your head. There were a lot of noises either from neighbors being loud or kids I could not need skipping around. Either way, I had to leave before the sounds drove me crazy. And, here's a very picky, stupid comment: The music they play in the store is awful. It is hits from yesteryear that get stuck in your head so you leave the store humming it, until you angrily realize four hours later that you're still singing it, yet you hate that song, who why the hell would you be singing it? Oh, right: because they were playing it for no good reason inside the bookstore! Argh!! Alright; rant over. But seriously, play something ambient, instrumental, or just better. Please. And get more science books, or stop hiding the ones you have. read more

I love small bookstores and After-words is one of them! I discovered After-words walking downtown Chicago and had to stop on. Though I wasn't intending to get any books, I left with 4, as they have a great collection. Some of the used books are a great deal, but some aren't much different than new books. It's a bit tough to find things there, but I guess that's part of the fun...exploring the shelves until you find something you're looking for or you find something else you didn't know existed! The store is beautiful, with hardwood floors and clean space. There are a few chairs if you want to sit and read for awhile. They also have a large space that apparently is available for rent. After-words is definitely worth a visit, whether you live in Chicago or are just visiting for the weekend. read more

Ok...before I go any further, I don't know much about bookstores other than I usually go to Borders or a Barnes and Noble I didn't know what to really expect coming into a smaller bookstore, but my first impression was: "wow...very nice" The selection of books is HUGE - you can easily spend a couple of hours in there without realizing it. I stopped in with my gf for what I thought would only be 15-20 minutes, but ended up staying for about 1.5 hours! I got lost looking for books I don't think I'll have time to read, but it definitely was fun! The only real downside was it was hard to find a book you were looking for and some were very dusty. However, all in all, a fun little bookstore! read more

A pretty good, clean, well-organized selection of new and used books, including local authors and local interests sections. Also a larger than normal section of signed copies. Very few of any places to sit down and peruse books. I was not welcomed on entry or acknowledged on departure. The used books are mixed in with the news ones, and the used books were about 50% too high in my opinion. I didn't end up buying anything and would only go back if I needed a local or signed book for some reason. It is near a Thai restaurant called Star of Siam, so if you're craving Thai and a new or used but overpriced book, this may be the perfect place for you. read more

Maybe the most underrated downtown store and a refreshing break from the big box nonsense on michigan. Really passionate, informed leadership, they have interesting and diverse stock, new and old with a deep chicago and regional focus. Highly recommended. read more

An extensive bookstore on two floors. I like the way they mix together new and used titles, and discount the used titles that have been around a while. Every category seems to be covered, in both fiction and nonfiction, and the books are carefully arranged within each section, making it easy to browse or to search for a particular item. read more

I love the comfortablity of the store. The basement has a section with couches and tables so you can just sit for a while and read. I was really excited that they sold used books but the prices are not as low as you would think. Most the books I found down there were around $6-7 and up. Doesn't seem that bad considering full priced books are $30+ but maybe I spoiled myself by finding books at thrift stores for $0.50 to a $1. The staff were all very nice and offered their suggestions on good books. Apparently you can also sell your books to them so I would be interested to see how much they would offer. From what I've read, they only offer cash on certain days before a certain time otherwise they give you store credit. I would go here and look around but most likely only buy a book if it's cheaper than on Amazon (with shipping). One cool thing was that any used book over a year old is 25% off the marked price which can really help out. If your so inclined to spend a little more on books than I'm willing to, I would def check this place out. The staff is really nice and helpful and they have a huge used book selection. read more

I used to love this place - it had a great old bookstore vibe, tons of good used books. Stopped in there recently for the first time in a while, and it has changed for the worse. The selection consists mainly of new books now, not old, the place seems empty, and the entire first floor now seems dedicated to books for teens. I may have been there for the last time. read more

Wonderful independent bookstore in the River North area of Chicago! I was in town for a conference and stayed at the nearby Hotel Palomar. Coming back from the Magnificent Mile, I happened to walk by this store, which is next to a jazz record store. They sell new and used books, carefully organized by section in the basement. Very helpful staff! I found a nice used history book ("His Excellency" by Joseph Ellis) for the flight home, and it was $7.00 (actually $5.74 with the "retirement discount" for used books that have been on the shelves for more than a year). They did not have the widest selection, but the overall quality of books is very high. I'm glad this independent bookstore is surviving in "the age of Amazon" and hope it will thrive in the future. If you enjoy reading and are staying in the River North area of Chicago, it's well worth a visit for browsing! read more

I stopped in there from walking by. They have plentiful selections with lots of space on two levels. Their employees are on the intelligent and passionate side by researching for you on the spot. They aren't fully organized yet as books keep piling into store with no price or placement. I found an original binding of an 17-18th century historical memoir from a monk in a British monastery, those institutions had their own presses back then. Obviously I found no publisher name on it and I wanted the original historical sentiment of the book, maybe revealing some code thoughts. The owner/boss lady had to price and couldn't find any other digital sale. She wanted to charge $30 +. My sister had to talk me out of it and said the store seems too expensive for used books anyway. My only possible competition for that book are academics, intellectuals, and history buffs who may never buy it if they can't find it! I would've at most $15 for that based on the condition of the decent bound. Anyhow, I'm on book treasure hunt rampage so my next visit to downtown I want to stop by and take more time in there. read more

In a society hyper-consumed with online purchases its nice to have a brick-and-mortar store to pick up a book and see it in person. The shop is tucked away in a concealed part of the city: between State and Wabash next to a set of stairs and an Indian restaurant. Although the shop has changed since I was last here in 2010 it still has a mystique to it. The top (ground level) floor has been renovated and reconfigured as an event space with hardwood floors. There are a few shelves in the main lobby by the checkout counter but down the stairs is where the magic is. Open-beam ceiling that is low, maybe 7 feet, adds to the magic of the store. Books are arranged neatly and organized in a way that has good flow. Both new and used texts can be found here in every genre one could think. Some small seating areas allow for day dreaming. It feels nice to support this shop and helping them keep the doors open. read more

See all

The bookstore welcomes you with the smell of a traditional library (versus the coffee shop smell of modern, pedestrian book stores) in such a way that says, welcome in old friend. The staff is quite helpful and the selection is larger than expected. I highly recommend this store for their used inventory and the fun of finding less trendy books. Their new books, as to be expected, are priced at full retail - bringing this to four stars versus five. read more

Nicely organized. Decent selection. But after I spent some time browsing and picked up a nice copy of Silas Marner they had priced at $3 they told me I had to pay cash. I had no cash at all on me -- not even a penny. They didn't offer any solution at all. What a mean, unhelpful, lady! read more

Its a bookstore. In the middle of the city. And it has good books - curated if you will. It doesn't look like much from the outside (or even the first floor) but the basement is where the action is at. Reasonable prices and good service make this a place to seek out. read more

I enjoy coming here to browse the books from time to time on my lunch break at work...It's a block away from my office, so that's a super-plus! The employees are pretty attentive and helpful, and just plain nice. It's a pretty big store, there's a downstairs, so it's double the size that you expect when walking in...The upstairs seems to have the newer stuff--the one thing that disappoints me is that you're not really getting a discount on the price of the more current booksm even if they are used. The downstairs has that musty, old smell to it and has those old crusty books that were long-forgotten. But, I like it! That's where you can truly find those hidden gems that time forgot at bargain-basement prices! Earlier this year I found some older (but not too old to be terribly dated) wedding themed books for the "mother of the bride" and the "maid of honor" (I'n getting married soon). I think I paid under $10 for them together! Deal! Totally come here if you're looking for something to read...You can browse for hours here! read more

This is a great book store. They specialize in out-of-print books and treasures abound from floor to floor, wall to wall. My top find to date here is a cookbook of recipes that were used on the Titanic. Score! Also have found some great fiction pieces and misc. others. They are a 4 star for books but get an extra star for having computers with internet for public use (you have to pay but its cheap) and a clean and well organized facility. read more

This cute little book store is the perfect mash up of new and old. The basement houses tons of used books along side their new counterparts with a sticker system for pricing. There's also a great meeting space that General Assembly uses for classes. Staff is friendly and let's you shop. read more

Absolutely love this bookstore. They are a large and independent books store with very very helpful associates. They have wonderful recommendations and a HUGE used book section. They have a large downstairs with a section of tables and a couch to read and look through books. They are very helpful in looking for books. They have a annual book sale where you can fill any paper bag with books and it $5 or $10 dollars. This is a place that you can get away from the loud and busy downtown and retreat into the wonderful quietness of books. read more

Four stars for putting the books they've bought, but not yet priced, on shelving so you can browse them and see if anything interesting has arrived. More stores should follow this practice. Two stars for pricing interesting and collectible books according to the Internet price. Look, if I wasn't hoping to find a deal, I would just be shopping online. Still, it's well organized and pleasant. So three stars overall. read more

After-Words is a cute book store right next to the Jazz Record Mart. The main floor is about the size of a typical Walden Books, but then there is a downstairs as well, which makes it a fairly large bookstore. The upstairs has a mix of new and used books, while the downstairs is all used. Compared to other used book stores that I have been in, After-Words is very clean and organized. Now, with cleanliness and order comes a slightly smaller selection. All of the books are shelved neatly. If you are the sort of person who thinks a used bookstore should have dusty books stacked to the ceiling, After-words might not be for you. But, if you want clean, in some cases new-looking used books that are organized by subject, After-Words is exactly that. The staff is really friendly, too. Now, the prices are a little bit higher than online or at some other used book stores, but the books are generally in really nice condition and the location (right off Michigan Ave) is convenient. And, they are open late. read more

What struck me during my first visit: CLEAN! :) Most used bookstores are messy, but After Words is quite organized, open, and airy (at least on the main level). This bookstore also sells new books, and what I love about their presentation on the main level is that they display all the "buzzed about" fiction novels together, so basically, my entire "To-Read" shelf on Goodreads ;) Downstairs, where they keep the used books, it is quite hot. Not sure if they had the heat cranking too hard when I happened to visit, but I could not spend much time down there, otherwise I think I would have passed out! On the pricier side when it comes to their used books. Most used bookstores I've been to sell books for only $2-$3, here they are a a bit higher as a whole. I am now on their mailing list for birthday deals and to get news about their events. Hopefully I can attend an event there soon! Overall: Worth the visit! There aren't a ton of bookstores in the Streeterville area! read more

I wanted to get childrens' books to finish up my Xmas shopping at lunchtime. I am so glad I found this place! Had a great selection for kids and the woman working was excellent with helping give suggestions for 3 kids of varying ages. I loved the used and new mixed in because honestly, kids below 5 don't need brand new books! All in it was around $25 for three books, two new and one used. I think that's a great deal for shopping local. I would take off half a star because I wish the children's section was more clearly laid out by age group - I had a hard time following the layout before giving up and asking for help. But maybe that's more about me being used to ordering online and filtering by age? Overall I am very glad I found the place. When I have a bit more time, I intend to return to look for myself. read more

They had just the map I needed. They have a cool atmosphere, and a nice blend of old and new books. Tons of books! Lots of fun titles. I will definitely be back. read more

I am extremely pleased with this bookstore! They have multiple things going in their favor. 1) Not a chain bookstore! In today's overly corporate world, I really appreciate a locally owned bookstore that has a nice, bug selection of books! 2) The owner is actually in the store working behind the front desk on the weekend! When I was in the store yesterday she was actually working behind the desk. Love that! 3) Every once in a while, they have a $5 Bag of Books sale to benefit a different Chicago charity. They had a sale like that this weekend and it was awesome! To sum it up, come to this bookstore before heading to Barnes & Noble! read more

First, a caveat: I actually haven't visited After-Words, but I've had an experience that gives a lot of insight into who they are and why this bookstore deserves your support and business. It's sort of a long story, but here goes: I was vacationing in Chicago and shopping on Michigan Avenue (not at Afterwords) when my wallet was stolen out of my purse. Fortunately, I noticed it was missing right away, and was able to cancel my credit cards and mitigate any financial loss. Still, it was hugely disappointing and a tremendous inconvenience. Imagine my surprise when I got notifications through Facebook from Don, a manager at After-Words, that they had found some of my credit cards scattered in front of their store. They recognized that the cards had likely been stolen and dumped. That's when Don went the extra mile and searched the area around the store to see whether he could find any other contents with my name on them. Don actually found my wallet, and reached out to me to let me know he had it. Which is something he had absolutely no obligation to do, and I'm so appreciative of his concern and kindness for a total stranger. I was at the airport to return home when I got Don's messages, so I couldn't actually go to After-Words to get my things, but Don's shipping them to me and won't even let me pay for the shipping charges. He even did one more search of the area to see if he could find more of my missing things. Again, this is total above and beyond-level service. I had the opportunity to talk on the phone with a couple of staff members at After-Words through this experience, and every one of them was kind, caring, sympathetic and compassionate. They're good, trustworthy people, and the type that I want to support and do business with. You should too. The next time I'm in Chicago, I'm making a beeline to After-Words to meet these terrific folks and buy a whole bunch of books! read more

Unfortunately the staff is beyond rude. It's always from the same woman, said her name was Angie, at the front counter and it has happened the last three times I have been there. Whether it's making faces, putting that little bit of "stank" into her tone of voice or acting like you're bothering her when asking where a book is, she is habitually mean and nasty. I tried to rectify it with the manager the last time it happened, said his name was J.C., and he said, and I quote: What do you want me to do about it? Afterwords, I have been a loyal customer of yours for many years. I have brought friends to your store. I went in with cash to buy books today. But if something isn't done about the way your employees talk to loyal customers, I am out for good. read more

Hidden behind Nordstroms... one of my all-time favorite bookstores in this city. The selection is astonishing in range- I always walk out with roughly 5 more books than I expected to, on a wide spectrum of subjects: I particularly love the biography shelves. The shop is pristinely clean, the employeees are always helpful without being remotely clingly. I don't know how they do it, but they will have you out the door with a gigantic bag packed tight with a half-dozen hardbacks, all for about the price you'd pay for only two books at Borders/Barnes & Noble/Waldenbooks... and the staff READS those volumes- Arty Books on the Elgin Marbles procured from the Parthenon? The gorgeous employee at the front desk found me an amazing first edition with color plates. Complete Letters of Napoleon (including the sexy ones to Josephine... Rawwr...) Right Here. Upcoming volunteer work how-tos? Looking for specialty cookbooks and/or cocktail mix handbooks? Hot Bestselling paperback? Take your pick. Crush on Johnny Depp? Gerard Depardieu? Baby, they've got some on them too. The prices for used books are phenomenal- go downstairs to see what I mean. 25% off if that volume has been waiting, just for you, for a while? True Love, I mean... Sold! read more

Prices on new books are on par with any chain store and a bit higher than online vendors, and while the used books are cheap and plentiful (go to the basement!), the selection is really hit or miss - a lot of mass market stuff and most of it is the non-essential mass market stuff (commonly referred to as schlock). However it's worth digging around through what they got - you are sure to unearth a few gems that suit your taste. read more

Stopped in here on a lunch break about a year ago and it seems like a really great store. I usually like to take my time book stores but it seemed great. I'd love to go back. read more

A nice bookstore, they have a huge collection of used books at good prices, but they are not very well organized. Overall it is a cool place and check the flyers and such sitting near the entrance-they pimp out a lot of cool stuff! read more

I was very dissatisfied in our 2nd trip to this bookstore. Number One, I was hoping to find some plays, but they only had 3 shelves worth and they were all duplicates or Shakespeare. Number 2, their used section was intermixed and very limited. Number 3, we went to go pay and they had already charged us when their machine started acting weird. They asked us to wait and we did, but the manager did not know how to deal with it. They then asked for us the leave the cc number, which I did not feel comfortable with. So, I said we would just leave the books and the manager did not protest that. They did refund us like 20 minutes later, but not worth the trip that Iwas looking forward to. read more

Off of what is a construction mess near Illinois, State, and Grand Streets is this new and used book store. I have passed it a million times during my lunch hours but never quite made it in. Finally. On a lazy day, with earphones and music keeping me in step, I went in. I was greeted by the employees and was asked to check in my one and only shopping bag. They keep any shopping bag(s) behind the counter in exchange for a ticket thing that you return when you're ready to leave or purchase (like a coat check system). It's a nice size two-story book store that seems to be fairly organized. With the exception of recently acquired used books that haven't been priced yet, the first floor has mostly for newer/non-used books like fiction, biographies, humor. The basement has a lot of used books (more fiction) and other genres. From what I saw, used books run about $8 or less and are in decent condition. Downstairs is pretty cool too with couch, a couple of table and chairs throughout the space. It's a cozy bookstore and unlike Borders or B&N, not at all loud or crowded... in a good way. Staff seemed nice and offered assistance to everyone who came in. I picked up a new copy of "The Devil in the White City," and at check out, an employee offered me a used copy for much less. Yay for cheap books that look brand new! Notice the sign on the door about turning off cell phone ringers. It's kind nice to shop without hearing obnoxious ringtones...uh, not that I have one or anything... read more

New and used books at reasonable prices. Very friendly and solicitous staff. All together too close to my job. I really don't need a book store on the way to the train. The new books section is limited. It does feature a interesting Chicago section. The used book section is alphabetized; a rarity in many a used book store. There is a lot of junk but I've found what I was looking for at a faction of the new book price. read more

I live right around the corner and was rather excited to have this book store so close. Only one women is not overly friendly nor helpful., I always try to think that people maybe having a bad day however, her days seem everyday. Not not dog friendly at all I asked If I may bring my dog in 10lbs she stated " I would prefer you not to but it is up to you"? I choose to leave. Not really a great experience it must come from management. The selection is weak for such a large store again not welcoming in many respects. read more