This was the only place that came up for coffee in Dixon, nearest Starbucks is an hour away so I thought I'd give it a try, crossing my fingers that they have espresso and not just some lukewarm coffee in the corner for the book customers. They definitely make an outstanding Americano and for only a 1.50! While I was at the counter I overheard the locals talking about planting trees and high school sports. The shop owner asked me if I was from around here and when I said I was from Oklahoma, he told me about his trip down Route 66. Eventually, I told him I was a poet doing shows in the area and he got on the computer right then and ordered my books for the store! I snagged a book while I was there and left with my morning dose of small town charm. FYI, Dixon is Ronald Reagon's hometown + has a really pretty arch going into downtown. Definitely worth checking out this shop. read more

Great independent book store and cafe I luckily came across while passing through downtown Dixon. Friendly staff and a nice selection of books to go with the good coffee. Would happily stop in again. read more

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Nice bookstore. You'll probably find something perusing the aisles. I found a haunted book about haunted places in Aurora!

Real welcoming! Neighborly,very accommodating; attractive wholesome treats; wide variety of books! Prices reasonable. Good place to connect; other Musicians are encouraging; yet a comfortable, serene atmosphere,good spot where study could be enjoying! Employees are very engaging! read more

Books On First - Another MusicArtist greeted me after seeing the Harp strings,and invited to connect!! Trusting Dixon will be my "Creative Launching Pad"! - Bookstores Near Me - Dixon, Illinois

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Stopped here for a coffee and was delighted to find a full service bookstore in downtown Dixon. And a full service coffee shop with pastries, cookies and other treats. Try the Aussie Bites, a tiny scone-like pastry that's tasty and healthy. read more

Books On First - the outside of a bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Dixon, Illinois

Decent coffee. But every time I come in they don't have enough coffee ready for ONE CUP. Even if it's dead and there are no customers. So I always have to wait for them to brew a whole damn pot. Lazy workers. Sad to see this place slip. read more

Great books, great coffee, and THE place to meet some very interesting and inquisitive people like yourself. The owner is present most of the time as well. This is far more than a "book store." Be sure to visit this business and find out for yourself how much this can help you to have a fine day! You will also probably find that it is a great place to roost and browse on those ugly rainy days etc. when your spirits sag a bit. If it is a new work in print, they will have it or find it for you! I hope you are not on a diet when you are there! Father Richard R. Kramer read more

Great little bookshop in downtown Dixon. Besides books, they have cards, kids toys, coffee, drinks and pastries. Locals congregate here in the morning for coffee and conversation. Come in and support this small independent bookstore! read more

Love this staple in our little town! Was there and the customer in front of me bought four of my buttons! Great atmosphere!

This place is great! Friendly staff, lots of local art, and plenty of books for adults and children! Prices are reasonable and the ambiance is that of a small town coffee shop. Unexpectedly large selection of books. A separate, large room with lots of toys and books specifically for children. This reminds me of what it was like to go to Borders when it still existed. read more

Found this cool independent book store while in Dixon, IL this weekend. They have a great selection of books for young and old, not to mention the quality beverages! (I had 2 while I was there!) They were very friendly and helpful. This shop should be your first stop on any trip to Dixon. read more

This bookstore is the jewel in the crown that is the Dixon downtown area. The selection of books is thoughtful and wide-ranging. They serve coffee drinks, which are delicious. They also offer a great selection of children's toys and books. read more

A great independent bookstore. I make the trip regularly from Lena, to enjoy Books On First. Very friendly, helpful staff, great books and kids' toys. The drinks are not bad too! read more

My favorite local place to grab a good cup of coffee. The book selection is good for such a small location. The people that work here are great, very friendly. read more

Lovely place to stop for coffee while on the road. Quality book selection and a pleasant place to sit. Local art on the walls & kind barista. Easy parking in Downtown Dixon, IL read more

A hot spot in Dixon for people to hang out. It always has a fabulous selection of books and is always willing to order a book for you. The people who work there are really nice and always ready to help. The drinks to get are really good (Italian soda...yum!) and their lemon poppy seed muffins are to die for!y They recently bought out the store next-door and expanded their children's section which is decorated really nicely. About once a month or more they have musical entertainment, which is really great, before they expanded, the music was in the front near the register and it was extremely crowded, but they moved to the children's section for the entertainment and it's much more roomy and sweet. read more

One of my all-time favorite book stores! They have a good selection of books and an adorable kids department. Not to mention the coffee is excellent! read more

Cute bookstore and great coffee! I was able to get a large coffee and a small americano for $3.75! Everything tasted as it should and looks like they have a good local clientele. If you're in the area and want a coffee or some good reads, it's worth stopping in! read more

This place is an absolute GEM and has really injected a healthy dose of culture into Dixon. I applaud the owners of this place for running an excellent little business. Books, classical music, coffee shop? Perfect. read more

One of the increasingly rare independent bookstores. Super place to browse, sip custom coffee drinks, eat bakery treats. Owner and clerks all well informed and knowledgeable. Occupies 2 small stores on the main commercial street in Dixon with other stores, including an antique mall, art gallery (Next Picture Show), and several charming restaurants/cafes within a couple of blocks. read more

Great selection of books, coffee and food! Wonderful owners and employees. Customers come everyday to be treated to the best customer experience. A local store that caters to the needs of the people who live in a small town. An independent book store that lives for their customers unlike the big impersonal box stores or ordering online. It is the place where everyone knows your name and enjoys your company. It is so much more than just another book store because there is live music, art on display and a large dedicated children's section. read more

Always willing to order books they don't have! Perfect for summer reading lists!

Great atmosphere and great people. Best bookstore in Sauk Valley, and best coffee in Dixon. This place is a must when you're in the area!

Great place, great atmosphere, but, my recent trip there didn't seem to go very well. It was about an hour before closing time. The barista didn't seem very motivated. I got a Chai Latte and my girlfriend got a Cappuccino. Both were, not so good. My Chai was just made from a basic Oregon chai extract you could buy at your local Walmart. I wouldn't have so much of a problem if it was more Chai and less milk. Considering I could buy the extract at Walmart for under 5$ and my Latte was almost 3$ doesn't seen worth it. Then on to my girlfriends Cappuccino, let's just say it was a more watered down version. Like she used way to much milk and not enough foam. Overall a great place. I love to support the community and local businesses but, a situation like this makes me not want to go back for awhile. read more

A great little independent bookstore. All of the books are split up by sections: fiction, poetry, books on Reagan, etc. There are a few tables where someone could sit, browse book and drink coffee. The cashier/barista was very knowledgeable. Books are regular price except this one bookshelf that has books for two dollars each. There are also stickers for a certain percentage off (20 to 50) featured books. Credit cards are accepted on purchases over five dollars. In addition to buy a book one can get a drink or a pastry treat. A delightful place to visit whether you live in the area or are just passing through! read more