I'm not sure if I'd heard of The Book Stall before. I learned that the children's author Sherri…read moreDuskey Rinker, who happens to live in the suburbs, is doing story time events at several suburban bookstores to celebrate the release of her newest book. My daughter is a big fan of her Construction Site and Steam Train Dream Train series, so I was excited to bring her here for the event. We got here a little too early--about five minutes before they opened, and 35 minutes before story time--but I wanted to make sure we got a spot! The area where they hold story time was really large for an independent bookstore. After the story was over, the author personalized her signed books for the kids. I'm glad we went to this event because in addition to it being fun, we picked up several books and one of them has so quickly become a new favorite of my daughter's that she already can recite pages from it three days later. The bookstore is nice, and larger than I was expecting to be honest. It was fun to wander, even whilst trying to keep an eye on a toddler. They have various events, story time, fundraisers, and so on. I think it has the potential to be kind of a madhouse for some of their bigger events... it seemed a little unorganized getting folks in line for this signing and they don't really have a lot of space for folks to queue up so some people were cutting in front of folks so it might be kind of messy when there's a big event happening. But still, worth a stop if you like bookstores! There's lots of parking around on the street and even a municipal lot.

The Book Stall is a treasure. You can always find a great book from just browsing the shelves. If…read moreyou check their inventory on-line for a special book and it shows as being available, it will be! The author events are more than readings; they are intimate conversations. The Book Stall takes its role as an independent bookseller seriously and it does its job well. Writing this makes me want to visit again soon!

This bookstore is the creation of my wife, Nina B., and the store's devoted and talented…read morestaff--just to make clear my conflict of interest at the outset of this review! I have watched over the years (since 2014) as Bookends & Beginnings has morphed from a dream into beautiful reality, but it is still the product of Nina's mind and her dreams. The new location next to Fountain Square was cut from whole cloth. It began as a large empty piece of real estate all painted in white--a blank canvas!--and was transformed into what it is today: a carefully planned and executed space on two levels painted in dark teal, gold, and white, with a hand-picked selection of over 10,000 books arrayed attractively and intelligently. (Not to mention a reak carousel horse and a giant paper-maché giraffe.) The striking floor-to-ceiling mural, the work of her two graphic-artists sons, presides over the store and is visible day and night. You really should check out Bookends & Beginnings, if you don't know it already!

This bookstore does not support local authors. A local bookstore should. They are very rude and…read morepompous as well. We don't need that behavior in Evanston.

Awesome place to get great reads - for travel, anytime reading, and up-cycled gifts. Love to bring…read morethe kids and have them make a cash transaction with the helpful volunteers. A hidden gem in downtown Wilmette!

I love this place. Anytime I'm in the Chicago area, I have to go here, I find so many treasures. I…read moreeven had to get an extra suitcase on my flight back to Houston just to take back all the amazing finds. Books are so amazingly priced, that if you love books, you must visit. Cash is preferred, but you can pay by card upstairs at the front desk.

For the amount of times I've shopped at the various Barnes and noble location in this mall I'm…read moreshocked I have yet to write a review. Throughout high school, I spent SO much time at the location on the other side of the mall by Nordstrom's and was heartbroken when I was told they were closing only for them to reopen across from Cheesecake Factory. Then I was told they were relocating again and I'm actually loving this new location. I do wish they had a cafe in the bookstore but there are so many nearby coffee shops in the mall that it doesn't make much sense. But they didn't have very many spaces for folks to sit and read and enjoy like they used to but in return, I think the layout is set up with more intention and more eye appealing. The staff has always been incredibly friendly in locating books and making suggestions. Pro tip is to get the membership because it basically pays for itself if you buy even 5 books during the year.

I love the fact that they retained Barnes & Noble at Old Orchard. It used to be the staple store…read morewhen it was located front and center facing Skokie Blvd. It was a frequent place to visit as it was a massive two floor venue. It closed down for a bit but was revived in a location right across Cheesecake factory. It is now located next to Anthropology. The store is so inviting and the service is amazing! The workers cater to your needs and are so friendly. They really have a passion for books. The selection of books is not as large as it once was but it is supplemented by their online catalog. From the value perspective, you can find online outlets with a more price competitive offering BUT there is no replacement for browsing the aisles and loojo g through the books and selection of titles for an intriguing options to read. I'm so happy that my daughter can continue to enjoy the benefits of Barnes!

Whimsical bookstore with a curated collection. I happened upon this bookstore when I was on my way…read moreto the nearby coffee shop. They have many children's books for all ages and a brief adult section. It took me a while to choose from all the options but the associate was very helpful and offered suggestions. I love the selection they offer and am happy I stumbled upon this place

Well-curated indie bookstore with knowledgeable and friendly staff. Great to have them in the…read moreneighborhood!

What listings and notices fail to mention is that Amaranth's selection of rare/used books is…read moreinexpensive, in some cases surprisingly so. Thumbing through some mid-19th century curiosity it comes as a shock to discover such a seeming rarity priced at under $5!

I love this little gem! Very clean, organized and amazing prices on books! I had somw great finds!!read more

great folks with a major wad-o-books!...fair prices for books going in or out...made for rainy,…read moresnowy afternoons...

This cozy and cluttered bookstore is a bibliophiles funhouse. With patience, and a desire to dig…read morethru book piles and inadequately labeled shelves, you'll find a treasure or two. Mind where you walk and sit, many books are haphazardly piled in aisles and against shelves so you will have to move items, lamps etc in sections of the shop. Something to note: if you are sensitive to dust or mold or respiratory challenged, you may want to limit your visit. Old books, too many piles to clean around and strong incense equals poor air quality.

This hidden gem in the Ravinia business district welcomes visitors with its small but well-curated…read moreaisles, stocked with antiques, books, and rare finds. The owners are warm and welcoming and even provide a "wish list" notebook for customer requests. This shop, with Vintage Rescue next door, offers a delightful treasure hunting trip, followed by a stop at the Astra Coffee shop or Mil Colibris bakery and cafe a few doors down; or the Chunky Scones vegan bakery around the corner.

Several weeks ago, we went in were looking for a shofar, and we had multiple from which to choose…read more Yesterday, I knocked a treasured menorah off our island and needed another to light for Chanukah last night. I arrived at 11 am as I thought that is when they opened. Turns out they opened next at 11 am ON WEDNESDAY (yesterday was Monday). I called the number on the door, and one of the owners was there in 10 minutes! I found a gorgeous antique menorah I will treasure. AFTER purchasing it and leaving the store, the owners texted me wonderful information they had researched about the piece without my even asking. The selection at Ravinia Books, Antiques Etc. is excellent but it's not as wonderful as the kindness and knowledge of the owners.