Books On First

This place is filled top to bottom with stuff almost like a step back in time with the records…read more it's multiple floors plan on spending some time to explore

I was traveling through Rockford and stopped by this place to get some vinyl and books. Their…read moreonline store is generally good so I ordered for pickup there. They were actually out of the book I wanted so told me that I can get credit for a different book. I was looking for mystery and they told me it was "everywhere". The book portion of this place is a bit of a mess and it took me longer to find something that struck my fancy since there was no section devoted to mysteries (there was one for Sci Fi). They have a deal on comic books that was pretty nice so the visit was worth it. I liked it, even with its weirdness.

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Classic Books

4.8(5 reviews)

38.0 mi

This is DeKalb's only independent bookstore other than the adult one. It's run out of what used to…read morebe a garage in back of the main building at 115 N. 1st Street; hours are limited and the stock doesn't rotate much. Still, they have an awful lot of books packed into a small space, and the proprietor - a retired professor who's just looking to break even - is very helpful. He'll help you find what you're looking for, and if you're interested in something there isn't much demand for - such as books in French - he may be able, if you call ahead, to grab some out of storage for you. Prices are reasonable.

Wonderful treasure in downtown Dekalb. A very eclectic assortment of used and rare books. The owner…read morehimself is a gem and will be happy to talk about a variety of subjects as you explore the shelves searching for that book you didn't know you wanted. A great way to spend an afternoon!

Barnes & Noble

3.2(13 reviews)

38.1 mi

Tip: Online orders are available for pick up at CUSTOMER SERVICE; straight back from front doors…read more NOT at the check out. (They should maybe consider putting a sign up, eh?) Picked up my online order, for which I had been emailed a receipt, and was then offered a printed receipt in store.... Stop it. Stop the insanity. Save the paper for books, and toilet paper. Everything else can be digital.

I love this store and I have been there several times, but checkout is sometimes difficult. At my…read morefirst visit to the store, the clerk asked if I had a rewards membership. I told her I once had a premium account but I thought it had lapsed and I might need to renew. She asked which kind of membership I had and I told her I wasn't sure. She told me I had to know or she couldn't process it. She entered my phone number and rang up the order as a basic membership. I let it go and shopped there a few more times without being asked which type of membership I had. Last Friday, I was waiting to check out, and the woman ahead of me was asked for her phone number to enter for rewards. When I checked out, I wasn't asked so I asked the clerk if she didn't want to enter my phone number for rewards. She was generally kind of rude but did enter the numbee and didn't ask about a membership type. When I got out to my car, I logged into my account. It indicated that I had a basic membership but listed the differences between the basic and premium and allowed me to upgrade. I upgraded without incident. I think the staff should know how to access the membership type and should be able to upgrade for you if you are willing to pay the cost of a premium account. The staff on the floor seem nice and helpful but checking out could be a more pleasant experience.

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Maze Books

3.2(5 reviews)

35.7 mi

Great bookstore. Great politics. I appreciate the vibe in the store. I love my "Read books. Burn…read moreFascists" shirt and button. Got my dad a gift certificate because I want to support a great local business.

AVOID! RUDE! Went in to ask about local author book signings and the manager/owner was so…read moreincredibly rude, wouldn't take his eyes off of his phone to even have a conversation, as another reviewer indicated...inhospitable. I do NOT recommend this bookstore to anyone! Customer beware!

Interior, couch and bookshelf

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Prairie Fox Books

4.8(8 reviews)

47.6 mi

I don't know how anyone could give Prairie Fox Books anything less than 5 stars!…read more This independent bookstore is located in DT Ottawa, and they have such a great collection, from children's books, best-sellers, to cookbooks, and even various plushies, accessories, and gifts. The staff here are super kind, welcoming, and helpful, and they are readily available to assist or locate a particular book that you are looking for. The items are all well-organized, and there's ample room to move around. Such a great stop if you're in the area! Plenty of street parking available. +great independent bookstore +friendly & helpful staff

Service selection and value all in one shop and now they are open on Sundays along with the coffee…read moreshop's yeah!!!

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Gotta love a Harry Potter display (should've asked if they had any floo powder for the fireplace)!

voices book nook

5.0(1 review)

32.7 mi

A new discovery for me, quite far from My home in Chicago but worth the 1:45 drive for sure. Great…read moreprices, the staff is really friendly, and most importantly, Lots and lots of books, in every genre! Hardcover and softcover. I will be back for sure. They even do sales where books are only quarter price and lower! One of a kind because of the nonprofit model it follows. Glad I found it, and looking forward to visiting it for years to come!

From the owner: We are a not for profit book store with over 60,000 gently used books. We also carry DVDs, CDs,…read moreVHS, Puzzles, Cards, Records, and more.

Our current store front...we have 3000 square feet.

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The Little Way

5.0(11 reviews)

65.9 mi

I was looking for a religious store and found The Little Way in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The Little…read moreWay has become my favorite place to shop, and sometimes just visit. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and ready to answer any questions or provide guidance and suggestions for items I want to purchase. I was warmly welcomed on my very first visit and every visit since. The owner has an incredible memory and asked after a close family member facing health challenges that I made some encouragement purchases for. Highly. . .HIGHLY recommend. Religious or not. . .just stop by to take in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

For a little shop, it has an amazing selection of just about everything. The prices are reasonable…read moreas well. It's a little "ma & pa" shop and they're very helpful. Lastly, it's handicapped accessible--even a scooter can get around.

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I love that they have a section with books in Spanish!

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Zachary H.

15 years ago

Books on First is one of my favorite places anywhere. Wonderful choices are available right there and special orders are quick and always right. There's live music most weekends. You can sip coffee all day while you read the paper if it's one of those rare days. read more

Roberta T.

4 years ago

It's a great place to shop, they are very kind and helpful. I will go back there soon. I have a couple more books I want to have!

Joel J.

13 years ago

A great independent bookstore. Friendly service. Wide variety of books.

Anthony W.

4 years ago

Great bookstore and coffee house meeting place!

Books On First - bookstores - Updated October 2026

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