One of the saddest things in my hometown has been the loss of one of our best independent bookstores. As a result, I needed to see Exile in Bookville, and I'm so glad I did. A lot of bookstores curate themselves toward the big hits, and you don't often see a lot of attention paid to a wider variety of writers. Exile in Bookville is completely different: you can tell through the shelf talkers that the employees are passionate about books (and music, as witnessed by the music selection and the owner's vinyl collection). I also like the idea that the books are there for you to find, like you're in a hunt for what you might like, giving you the chance to discover books you wouldn't have searched for otherwise. It's small but well packed, with a thoughtfully curated selection that is truly speaks to the love of reading and books. read more

What a cute little bookstore. I was too uncool to listen to Liz Phair but the store's name is an homage to the raised-in-Chicago artist's album Exile in Guyville. Anyway, I brought my toddler to a show at the Studedekbaer downstairs and we thought we'd explore a bit of the building. Heading up to the bookstore in the building was of course part of that plan. It's tiny but mighty and they have a surprisingly large selection. They also had a really interesting coffee table book called The Fine Arts Building that I had to talk myself out of buying. Instead, we bought a copy of Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile, which they had in stock because the show was playing downstairs. I'll keep an eye on their events and since I now know it's here, may pop in when I'm downtown in my office. No parking since it's downtown--unless you want to pay for parking--but it's just near the CTA and south side Metra lines. read more

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Small but mighty! This cute bookshop is tucked away on the 2nd floor of the Fine Arts building, which is an excursion in and of itself because it has the last manually operated public elevator in Chicago. The bookshop also has a special view overlooking Grant Park to Lake Michigan. I've been to Exile for an event before (which they had in a separate space) and I recently stopped in again to browse their books. I can appreciate their collection is thoughtfully and uniquely curated, with prices on par with the average independent bookstore in Chicago. I also like the handwritten summaries and recommendations for standout books. They are not going to have everything because they're in a small space but I was able to find both a popular book that was on my wishlist and also a book I'd never heard of before that piqued my interest, so I purchased both. I also love that they're open every day of the week, which makes it easy to pop by! read more

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Such a cool space! It has an incredible view of the park and Lake. It's not a big space but they use the space well. We stopped in today after going to the violin shop at the Fine Arts Building. It was really busy! Lots of people inside a little hard to maneuver around, but all good. I'm happy they were busy! Books were well organized and easy to find. read more

Exile in Bookville - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Located on the second floor of the gorgeous, historic Fine Arts Building downtown, it has incredible views from large windows in every room. A small space with so much goodness packed in - tons of books, records, and more. The natural light and high ceilings makes it feel so much bigger than it is. Such a joy to explore - each room with a thoughtfully curated mix of new and classic. A true hidden gem with friendly service, great tunes, and events! Easy to spend hours here. Worth multiple visits. read more

Exile in Bookville - One inside view - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love this bookstore! Located on the second floor of the beautiful and historic Fine Arts Building downtown, it has incredible views from its large windows. So much natural light, high ceilings, and it feels so bright and airy! It's a pleasure to walk around and explore the different rooms. They also have vinyl records. It feels like a hidden gem and it's thoughtfully curated. Friendly service. I love the floor-to-ceiling shelves! I could spend hours here. read more

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Tucked away in the fine arts building it's impressive. How many books are on offer and the wide range of the selection of books. I would say there are quite a few unique and eccentric books here as well. read more

Hidden in a building upstairs. (Extremely hot inside). Great selection, but thought it was a used bookstore, which it is NOT. read more

Exile in Bookville - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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LOVE LOVE LOVE Exile in Bookville! This independent bookstore is located in the Fine Arts building inside Studebaker - Their selection is unbelievable - well-organized, and you will both find local and independent authors - a bibliophile's dream! Looking for pencils or pens? They have a wall of Japanese pens that will exceed those who have discerning taste! You can literally spend the whole day here, and the staff are super friendly and can locate or make great suggestions. They are open daily and have author/musician/bookseller events as well! Check this out when you're in the area - you won't be disappointed! +independent authors +amazing collection +friendly staff +located inside Studebaker read more

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Nestled on the second floor of Roosevelt University's Fine Arts Building, Exile in Bookville is a public book store full of character and charm with a great selection. From a wide variety of contemporary fiction to narrative nonfiction, I left with book on philosophy, a graphic novel and musical analysis book I've been on the hunt for. I was impressed by their musical book collection. They has analysis collections of popular and culturally significant albums sold along with paired vinyls. At checkout, they threw in a bonus book of short stories! I'm not sure if this is a standard practice, but my friend received a horror novel with her purchase too. It is a great way to expose readers to new authors they may not consider and build customer relationships. If you are a book store lover, this is worth a stop when visiting Chicago! read more

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This is a quaint and small bookstore located inside the fine arts building. It's not the most extensive bookstore I've been to but but they did have a good section of fiction and nonfiction as well as music too. read more

Exile in Bookville - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was visiting Chicago on a work trip and decided to pop in, the book selection was great. Was surprised to hear that one of their most popular authors was Higashino and was able to purchase a novel there. They also carry some of my favorite stationery items- Midori and Blackwing. If you are a Chicago native, you are lucky! If you are visiting, check it out. Music was also on point. read more

Exile in Bookville - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yes! I love this space in the fine arts building, this isn't the biggest bookstore you have been to but it is one of the best curated. Almost everything I had wanted to read, my favorite books, and many new things to explore seem concentrated in this lovely bookstore. It's a nice place to view the street/park as well, from the windows. Cozy and inviting, nice service. Support independent bookstores always! read more

I've been to a lot bookstores and this is definitely one of my favorites because the selection was amazing. I see the same books over and over again sometimes going to different bookstores but I felt like Exile had sections & sections of books I've never seen and they were all intriguing! I absolutely recommend if you're in Chicago! Customer service was amazing and the cashier was very friendly :) read more

This bookstore is AH-MAZING...nestled on the second floor is book lover heaven. The store is quirky and packed with classics & bestsellers. I discovered the location while walking to my hotel. The service was friendly & helpful. I didn't need another book but I couldn't leave this location without making a purchase. It's literally a bookstore I could visit all day; everyday. If you visit downtown, Chicago be sure to check them out. Oh and the bookmark business card is adorable!! read more

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The cutest little bookstore. Great selection of books, wonderful and knowledgeable staff. It's easy to miss from the outside, but it's worth stopping in. Highly recommend saving room in your suitcase - if only I did! read more

Amazing, eclectic book shop! We loved the layout and the recommendation tags. There were such great suggestions! We were impressed with the variety of the collection. We were so tempted to buy a bunch of new books. I definitely recommend stopping by! read more

Exile in Bookville - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Make a plan to go here. These folks care about the whole bookstore experience: the music (Bjork, whilst we were there), the temperature (lovely cooling fans on our hot day), and book tables curated to entice any reader (*The Need*, *Fleabag*, and *Small Rain* went home with us). You like quiet spaces with lots of mental stimulation? EIB is perfect. read more

Shoutout to Kevin for giving me recs for a book for my hubby! This is a beautiful and well stocked book store. It's a bit hidden but they are 100% worth the visit. read more

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When I need something new to read, this is one of my favorite spots to go. I'm not always sure what I want, but if I go in with a genre in mind, I can always get a list of recommendations from whoever is working - whether it's a chart topper, or something from an author I've never heard of. They've got really cool events all the time, and the space is awesome. Highly recommend - vibes are high here! read more

I was exploring the loop with my mom and decided to FINALLY check out this bookstore. It had been on my bucket list for ages, and this hidden gem of a bookstore exceeded my expectations. The store is on the second floor of the Chicago Fine Arts Building with a lovely view of Grant Park. I had initially wanted to go for the view, and I was impressed that they had a great collection of books. I happened to pick out a middle grade mystery book for my nephew with a glowing recommendation and a note that the author was local. Little did I know that he WRITES in the building and knows the owner! He had the author come down and personalize the book, which I though was such a sweet gesture! I'll definitely be back! read more

Exile in Bookville - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Such a cool bookstore in an historic building! It has a great collection of everything. Came here to get gifts for my husband for his birthday. They have a great Chicago history section which was perfect for my nerdy history PhD husband. We will be back together to buy more books that's for sure. read more

Exile in Bookville is perfectly tucked away on the second floor of the beautiful and historic Fine Arts Building. In a city of renowned architecture, the Fine Arts Building is a stunning Romanesque example, worth visiting by itself, and an awesome setting for a bookstore. Exile feels cozy and welcoming; due in part to the space, but also the friendly staff, who are happy to answer questions and give recommendations, but to also let you just float and browse the floor to ceiling shelves that wrap every wall. They have a large selection for a smaller, independent bookstore, which is well organized, with a little something for everyone. Staff pick notes are left throughout, which I appreciate. Exile also has a small vinyl selection (the stereo is always on here, adding a pleasant backdrop), writing supplies, merchandise, and other book-related accessories. They also organize and host a number of events like author talks and book signings, so make sure to ask about their special events, limited editions, and signed copies. What I appreciate most is the comforting and inviting environment they have created - even if you have nothing in mind to purchase, Exile in Bookville is worth a visit. Just for vibes. read more

Wonderful space, super friendly staff, nice view while you shop. Can't recommend enough. read more

Exile in Bookville - View while shopping. - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a cute bookstore and it has a lovely view as well as being in an old historic building. The staff wasn't super friendly but when asked did have comments or suggestions. The genres tended to be more haunting tales or darker side items for my taste, but they definitely had a lot of options. I couldn't find anything that would be a purchase this time, but perhaps it was my mood and not the books per se. I think if you are looking for out of the way or more obscure items this is a great spot. read more

Really cute little store! Organized and laid out in a way that really helps you find something new to read.

The selection is outstanding, offering everything from contemporary fiction and poetry to niche nonfiction, music-related titles, and unique finds you won't see in big-box stores. The layout is cozy yet well-organized, making it easy to browse and discover something new. Every shelf feels intentional, and you can tell the owners put a lot of heart into choosing books that spark curiosity and conversation. It's the kind of place where you can lose track of time exploring, which is exactly what a great bookstore should be. read more

Saw a video on TikTok slamming this business so I went to check it out for myself. The owner was super nice and even offered to put my water bottle behind the cash wrap while I browsed. read more

Was excited to check this store out since I live in River East, and "Exile in Guyville" (the store's namesake) is one of my favorite albums ever, handsdown. It has an unusual and stimulating collection, and a nice easy vibe. However, when I went to check out (with over $100 worth of books, I might add), I asked if I could have a 10% discount on a clearly damaged $30 hardcover, and was told, "We don't sell damaged books." Clearly meaning, they would rather just pawn it off on someone else that wouldn't notice the wrinkles in the corner paper. Or complain. Seems a little short-sighted and petty for a customer checking out with 6+ books, planning to return (and a voracious reader to boot). Not to mention bad business/retail policy. Don't think I'll be going back after all... read more

Service needs improvement. Disappointing since this store is aesthetically very cute.

Was off on a mini adventure before my flight back home. Found this cool bookstore near my hotel. The entrance is hidden like a speakeasy with the outdoor entrance as a facade. On the second floor of Chicago Fine Arts Building, it occupies a medium sized space with a great layout of shelves stacked high with indie books I haven't seen before and classic novels I've read in high school and college. Clean with beautiful wooden flooring, equipped with Dyson fans to keep customers cool, and book descriptions hanging over the shelves to entice avid readers. I was looking for a specific novel, and the associate was quick to help me by checking her system. She didn't have the specific book, but she was kind enough to offer me an alternative nearby bookstore to check out. Awesome service and top quality books. read more

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Obnoxious owner. Very poor, limited selection of books. Out of the way; hard to find.

This is such a charming independent bookstore. It is truly a hidden gem in the city and I'm so glad I saw their sign as I was walking by. Great selection of books and music and was welcomed warmly by the staff. If you're in downtown Chicago and are a book lover, you absolutely need to stop by. read more

I just cannot speak more highly of this shop or the people who run it. Javier and Kristen are passionate, kind, welcoming, knowledgeable--just wonderful people who operate one of the best bookstores imaginable. I love every visit to Exile in Bookville, and I cannot recommend it higher. read more

Love this place! They have a great selection and their Bookclubs are so fun and welcoming!!

An amazing bookstore. I can never visit without leaving with 2-3 books recommended by the owners, or from reading the placards written by fans of a particular book. The space is beautiful, always inviting, the events are some of the best in Chicago, and the staff go the extra mile to ensure you find what you're looking for. Truly a gem in the city that's worth seeking out. read more

I've been coming to Exile for years, and have yet to find a bookstore that feels more like home. I've attended many book clubs, author events, customer appreciation parties, and slow weekday evening hang outs at exile, and have met an amazing group of people all connected by their love of reading and writing. Their selection is excellent; in addition to a phenomenal range of new and classic fiction they feature small/ independent presses and foreign language translations as well local authors, and the owners, Kristin and Javier, are always happy to make recommendations or chat about what they're reading/ listening to. This is a very special place! read more

What a great bookstore. The jams, the selection, the views.... Love everything about this place. Go.

Truly the greatest bookstore I've ever been too. Great selection, awesome vibe, and the coolest owners. Couldn't recommend it more.

Amazing selection and incredible owners! This is a beautiful space to shop. Overall, just an incredible bookstore.