Such a cute bookstore in the heart of Lake Forest. Located right next to Starbucks if anyone is having a hard time finding it! When you walk in, it looks small but it carries tons of incredible titles. To the left you find all the shelves with trinkets, and fun gifts along with toys and children's/young adult books. Our little guy loved looking and exploring the toys. On the main side of the store you'll find best sellers, bookseller recommendations, even a section for Chicago Themed goodies. I love support indie bookstores whenever I can, the staff were so friendly and the shelves were super organized. They even had hand written notes of book recommendations which actually helped me pick out the book I purchased. Overall a great experience and I look forward to visiting when I'm in the area again soon! read more

This is a small shop with a great selection of books, cards, gifts packed into the space. I stopped in to see what might be available for the neighbors and there was a plethora of items in all price ranges. I loved their seasonal Halloween offerings and the kids section was the best! When I have more time, I'll gladly peruse the titles of this independent book shop. Conveniently located close to the square and train station. Lots of available street parking. Friendly staff. read more

Lake Forest Book Store - Bookstores Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

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A charming local independent bookstore with a very friendly staff and varied selection. There are helpful bookseller "hints" posted throughout the store. Because it's chocked full of books it is a bit cramped and can be challenging to browse without bumping into something or someone. A few chairs would be a nice touch. These shops are vanishing across the country so it's super nice to see one going strong. read more

Good little and independent bookstore. In downtown Lake Forest, this is conveniently located not that far from the train station, and I popped in to get a few gifts. Pretty cool place for such a snobby rich suburb. Friendly and knowledgeable employees. There's a pretty nice variety of subjects to look through. A place to find almost anything. It has all kinds of books. This covers all types of subjects. All genres. There's biographies, cookbooks, novels of every preference. Even has an area for children. There's lots of new and old. Also they proudly have "banned books." You know, the books those people complaining about cancel culture - want to cancel, lol. Get these here. Then give them to your kids and others. For an independent bookstore it has a pretty good amount to choose from. It has many well known and not as well known. The prices are pretty good considering it's an independent bookstore in a rich suburb. read more

Lake Forest Book Store - Banned Books - Bookstores Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

I adore this bookstore. It is charming, pleasant to be in, good assortment of fiction (my favorite) and an amazing children's department. They also have wonderful seasonal decor. It feels like a small, independent bookstore you would dream up in your mind when reading a book. They sell a membership to give you discounts throughout the year and have free gift wrapping on books. It's a 5 star experience every time. read more

Very friendly staff. Knowledgeable and helpful! Also patient with children. The books are very neatly placed and the store is designed well. A lot of options. Good atmosphere. read more

This place is awesome! I wanted to buy a couple of books for Christmas and they gift wrapped each one of them and sent them individually for me. It was super easy to make an order over the phone and they shipped the next day. read more

Best independent bookstore. The people are extremely knowledgable about any book in the store. Ask for something you're in the mood for and they will meet your challenge. I once went in asking for a lighter read (not chic lit) that also had substance to it. They sent me home with two books that did not disappoint. And if there's a book you want that they don't carry, they will go out of their way to special order it for you. Oh, and they just added e-books that you can purchase through their store. Cool. read more

One of my favorite Book Stores for new/current titles. If I am looking for something that has been out of print for a while, is somewhat difficult to find or I just need help, the friendly staff at Lake Forest Book Store are more than happy and willing to assist. LFBS has an exceptional travel and maps section if you are planning a getaway sometime soon. If you like books- and are a bit tired of the "crowd" at the Mega-booksellers, I'd encourage you to try this quaint, friendly and well stocked store just off the Lake Forest "square". read more

A cute little independent bookstore that will have everything you're looking for, and even more that you didn't know you wanted. From books to games, tea towels to candles, puzzles to greeting cards, stationary to enamel pins, artisan chocolates to jewelry, and more for all ages, I would be stunned if you didn't walk out with something for either yourself or as a future gift! They even have a variety of wrapping paper and offer to wrap your purchase for you - for free! All the sales ladies are so sweet and offer their recommendations outside of what is already recommended on the shelves with their handwritten notes should you need further guidance. Definitely a charming shop that I wouldn't miss if you're ever in need of a new book! read more

Lake Forest Book Store - View from the front after entering. There's an entire section to the left devoted to children! - Bookstores Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

They should have a sign on their door "Masks necessary, Republican/Conservatives Not Welcome." I purchased 5 books and two of them were written by conservative writers. The book store clerk saw me outside of the store after I made my purchase and began making unsolicited comments to me about my political views based off the books I bought. Disagree with me? Cool. Have your own opinion. But to assert your opinions to me, a paying customer (and stranger) because you disagree with me is completely absurd. Inappropriate and unprofessional, they do not treat Republican/Conservatives well. I returned my books soon after that comment was made. The clerk said "she just wants to see the world be better." Great, so start with letting people buy their books in peace! read more

Great place to pick up a gift certificate or get advice on something new to read for yourself or as a gift. My daughters always find a new treat to read. The staff are super friendly and helpful, though know when you just want to browse. read more

Lake Forest Book Store - Bookstores Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Absolutely LOVE this bookstore... Staff is super knowledgeable, they have such a wonderfully curated selection of books and gifts... You can tell that they're passionate about books and giving good customer service... we recently purchased a bunch of books that they helped us pick out (young adult, cookbooks and novels/ biographies).. highly recommend them.. read more

Hands down one of my favorite bookstores. It's small and cozy but that doesn't hinder their selection whatsoever- every time I go here I find a new favorite book. Those who work in the shop are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to provide recommendations but aren't pushy. Great selection of: -cookbooks -travel books -fiction and crime novels -biographies -historical novels -books to make you smarter or better And WHAT a kids section! It's excellent! If you're looking for a bookstore in Lake County, look no further. You'll find this will satisfy your bookworm needs and become a fast favorite. read more

The BEST bookstore. Staff picks have proven to be exceptional choices. Thanks for making me look like a hero to my nieces.

The most lovely welcoming bookstore! They stock a wide selection of books, cards, games, and children's items and have a very knowledgeable staff who are incredibly helpful in making recommendations. I bought a stack of books for my nephew and they happily offered to wrap and ship for me. Then I bought a few things for myself. Wonderful place! read more

This is one of the best personal service stores, period. Very willing to research topics and very conscientious about returning calls, letting you know the status of availability of topic you're looking for. Maybe not the less expensive book store but they sure work hard trying to assist you! read more

LF bookstore is my favorite bookstore. All the staff are so kind and it's a great atmosphere. They have a good selection of all types of books, plus so much more (home decor, candles, games, etc) Its my usual stop for myself and for gifts. read more

Have had several bad experiences. Have placed specific orders, trying to support local stores instead of Amazon, they received the book but never told me. I called several times and they blew me off and were rude... was at the front desk the whole time for a month! I am not in their discount program bc I was trying to support local business.... was happy to pay full price. Every time I am in there they treat me like a foreigner, even though I am local. Then in store, they charged me double the marked price. When I asked about it they were rude and insulting. Each item was priced incorrectly. Business is a complete mess and proprietor is grumpy and rude. Browse but then get it from Amazon. read more

Long live the independent bookstore! Beautifully displayed and expertly curated this is my favorite place to stop in Lake Forest. Everyone there is helpful and knowledgeable but if you're particularly lucky you'll overlap with their gifted buyer, Laura. After a brief chat, she'll match you with a book that will engage, transport, and inspire. It's her superpower. (She's recommended some of my all time favorites.) read more

Great little local book store with not only a great selection, but staff that are more than willing to get you whatever book you need/want within the next day most times. Having just recently moved to the area from out of state, we are so excited to find a cute little local bookshop like we had back home! Feels so much more personal than those big box shops and prices are the same list price as anywhere. We are sure to quickly become regulars! :) read more

Wonderful community bookstore conveniently located directly across from the LF train station. I hadn't been in here a while (understatement) as I live in downtown Chicago and the events had fallen off of my radar. I ventured here last night for an author talk, including Q and A and book signing, with mystery writer Laurie Rader Day. Since my last visit here, the bookstore had moved four doors down, and now features expanded and clearly delineated sections of books for children and adults, along with cards and gift items. I am a fan of this store for its personalized approach and was thrilled that I had the opportunity to talk with the author one-on-one before and after the program. The setup was gracious and reminiscent of a literary salon, with wine and light refreshments being served. I enjoyed meeting the store's events manager and learning more about upcoming events. Definitely a must-visit for anyone who enjoys hearing authors speak and read from their works. read more

I am always happy when I'm at this store. Staff is extremely helpful and has great recommendations. I tend to shop off of the paperback fiction table, and they always have a great selection. I have found some wonderful books here, and will return once my current stash is exhausted. (I can never buy just one book here!) They also have a great selection on non-fiction, and a wonderful children's section. Lastly, they have a number of different gift products for the book lover in your life. read more

Now I'm a notorious amazon.com addict, but I love Lake Forest Book Store! They have a great staff-- knowledgeable and friendly. They make great recommendations on all types of books and are happy to order anything for you. I love going in there to discover a new author or title I haven't read. They even have a 10% off club. Almost every time I go in, I come out with a few books that I always end up enjoying! Great local book store that understands great customer service :) read more

They had a lot of cooking and biography books, and a large amount of children's books. Not much in the way of sci-fi, fantasy, or mystery. They also had an okay amount of fiction, but not really great titles to choose from. I know you can order books you want and they have some kind of discount program. Just not much if you are passing by or looking for rare books. I would recommend it if you live close though. They offer decent deals and being able to order what you want is nice. read more

Wonderful treasure in the middle of downtown Lake Forest. Knowledgeable staff with an amazing selection of books; current and classics. Children's section is chock full of great gift ideas in a separate area. Love the remodel. Thanks for being unique!! read more

I have never regretted any of the times that I found myself wandering into this sweet little book shop! They are small, but that doesn't stop them from having floor to ceiling book shelves lining the perimeter and tables and tables full of books. You can tell that the people who work there are real book lovers just from the many little notes posted all about the shelves for recommendations and reviews. Speaking of the staff, they are wonderful and give great recommendations in person, I needed some light reading for my 12 hour flight and they totally nailed it, I was glued to the book for the whole trip! Thanks for being so fabulous Lake Forest Book Store! read more

The booksellers are fabulous! If you need a book that they don't have, they can order it the next day.

One of my favorite places to shop. I will NEVER go back to Barnes & Noble. This is the best place to buy books and if they don't have it they will order it. SHOP LOCAL! read more

Very lovely and friendly staff! Max and Diana gave me great recommendations and were very easy to talk to! The store is also charming and beautiful read more

I accidentally called because I thought the book store was in Lake Forest, California. What a happy accident! We ordered 75 books for our clients and the experience was so great. Laura offered to gift wrap each one for free, as well as got the order handled and shipped on time. We'll definitely be ordering from them again next year! read more