One of my two favorite Chicago bookstores. A great selection of used books and a short walk from downtown. I shop here a few times a year and always get at least four books at every visit read more

I purchase a lot of books because I read a lot. In the past (pre-2020), on several occasions I donated several boxes of books to Open Books and bought books there (mostly the downtown location). This year (2024) I planned to donate books and called called before loading the car and driving to Open Books with boxes of books. I'm glad that I called first, because on each occasion the person I talked with (at the Pilsen location) was unfriendly and vague about whether large book donations would be accepted. My advice is to call before planning to donate. read more

best bookstore in the loop area HANDS DOWN. the store features new and used books for amazing prices-- used books usually go for $3-$8, and most are $5. awesome and expansive selection too, i can truly spend HOURS in here, and seems like the selection is constantly and frequently being updated! and despite the huge selection of books, the interior layout is cute, accessible, and organized. read more

Only went here once, but it seemed like a really nice little bookstore. I love that they support children's literacy. Kudos also to the excellent booksellers. read more

Been here a couple times and every time I step in, I'm amazed at how huge this place is! I love it, and they even have a map on the wall to help you navigate all the bookshelves. I like that they have both new and used books, and the prices are so affordable. Plus, I love how they support local literacy programs; it really is such a sustainable bookstore. I also love that they have an online catalog. I can only drop by when I'm in the city, and if I'm looking for a certain book in particular, I like knowing if they have it on their shelves before going. Even if they don't have a certain book in store, you can submit a watchlist request and they'll email you when/if they get any copies. The employees are super friendly, and they're happy to help you look up any books if you can't find them inside the store. read more

Open Books is a tidy used bookstore in the West Loop. The big draw is the discount prices on hard cover and paperback books with proceeds going to instructional programs for kids. There is an excellent in-house literacy program for youth that includes storytime, reading buddies, field trips, and publishing workshops. One of my own high school students completed the one-year Publishing Academy program and raved about the individualized attention and empowering experience. If you work in public service or schools, you can apply for the Book Grant and receive free texts! The shopping experience: The tables and bookshelves were easy to navigate and clearly labeled by genre. There's tons of variety, from newly inked bestsellers to the classics. Nearly all books are $5 and up. There are no deep discounts at this location, with the exception of $1 science fiction magazines and other older materials. Some popular and newer books are in the $10-$25 range. If you were going to buy the full price book anyway, you might as well shop here and rest easy knowing that your cash is going towards a great cause supporting students here in Chicago. Better yet, donate your own books! There are even t-shirts for sale so you can rep Open Books and spread the word! Support their mission and read more on their website: https://www.open-books.org. read more

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My husband has a nose for book stores, like some kind of paper-sniffing hound, so he was shocked when he found out I was a newbie to Open Books. Newbie no longer, I make it a point to stop in whenever I arrive too early for a happy hour at Moneygun, which happens a lot. I also know exactly where my husband is when he's "running late" to meet me for drinks... Open Books is well organized, has great prices and a great selection of both used books and newer titles. The staff are very helpful and they have an online inventory if you're looking for something specific. The really great thing is the wealth of literacy programming they offer. If you're in the midst of Kon-Mari mayhem, they'll gladly accept your donations! read more

While I am a Barnes and Noble member and do what I can to support their stores, I also make an intentional effort to support Open Books any way I can. This is an amazing bookstore, fellow Chicagoans. It is full of numerous great books that are (largely) in great shape and you can buy them for wonderfully affordable prices. The best part is their profits are put back into our communities and supporting literacy causes for the children of our schools. I think what I like most about this store is that you can see the environment they create when you decide to stop in. I actually went this past Saturday morning, and I found myself so much happier as I shopped to see young kids listening and reading stories, having such a wonderful time, and getting excited to read. The work they do is meaningful, and I truly believe it makes a difference. If you don't care about the kids, at least check out the store for the great inventory. Every random topic my heart cares to learn about, there is a book, new or old, that is able to fulfill what I'm trying to learn more about. This is not an experience you can get in many retail bookstores that have to move product to make space for the newest published books. Please, spread the word and help support them! read more

It was one of those serendipitous moments in life where my friend had to use a bathroom and we happened to be right near Open Books. The space was industrial and really nice looking-- I had absolutely no idea it was a used book store at all until I saw that the books were in slightly less than pristine condition (though all still really great!). This place is everything I love in a bookstore, used books galore to explore, incredibly friendly staff, great collection, and still organized (to an extent) in a way that helps guide me through the store. Open Books also apparently does a lot of good for the community, especially youth, and sounds like they are a really incredible non-profit social venture: providing kids with a place and activities to do in the summer, encouraging children to visualize and understand how movement and bodies work on the pages by seeing it in real life, and inviting some really well known and inspirational authors in. As a child this would have been my absolute favorite place in the world. Now, as an adult? I want to get involve with the organization and will make a conscious effort to contribute to this bookstore whenever I can. Absolutely love, love, love this place already and looking for more years of interaction to come! read more

BOOK HEAVEN. The staff was very friendly, the prices are amazing, the books are in great condition, and the selection is vast. I will DEFINITELY be back to support this awesome bookstore! read more

An email from Yelp about book stores brought Open Books to my attention. It sounds like a nice bookstore with a great mission and the best part is that you can help that mission by donating your books - - and make some space in your home at the same time! The best part is that they pickup your donation. It can take about 7 weeks for them to make the pickup, so keep this in mind when scheduling a book pickup. You can easily make your pickup by email and they will notify you with donation guidelines: items they accept, like cds, books they do not accept and size and weight of boxes or bags. They will notify you a week before the pickup and again the day before. They will email you a donation receipt for taxes, if you want one. If you don't want to wait for a pickup, there are locations where you can drop off your donation. The pickup time was between 10 AM and 3 PM. It was nice not to have to get up too early to put those boxes out :) read more

Great selection, books in good shape and reasonably priced, clean bathroom, and friendly staff. I made out with a huge stack of books and signed up for the membership. This place is a delight and I feel good about supporting them. read more

I've been business neighbors with Open Books since the location opened, and drop in a couple times a month to pick up something new. This place is a gem. Combined with its literacy mission, it's a must-visit location. The front desk staff is friendly and helpful. They have a great display of rare books, new arrivals, and popular paperbacks right out front for easy impulse buys. Moving back we enter a well-curated collection of used books from every genre. I often see lots of books about Chicago, so stop by to learn more about our city. Every now and then, expect a big group of students visiting the store. It's a reminder that Open Books is more than a used books store. Shop local and support this awesome nonprofit. read more

I came across Open books while visiting a coffee shop in the neighborhood. For someone who loves to read and is always looking out for local Bookshops , I was surprised on how did I miss this place for so long . Open books is amazing, they have an extensive collection of books from all the genres at a fantastic rate. The staff is super super helpful and this is my go to place for books shopping now. read more

absolutely love this book store just everything you could want and more. it's super organized and big inside. it's mostly used books which is interesting and i've had some great finds. they also have a selection of new books which is nice. i love the inside it feels like a book store from a book. definitely check it out you won't regret it! read more

Open Books - inside - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Such a wonderful bookstore. I used to come here all the time just to sit and read. They have a wonderful collection of books, and the music isn't very loud or obnoxious. It's a super chill place to have a quiet minute (or 3 hours lol) to yourself. Plus the staff is very friendly! read more

Went here to kill time before a flight. Ended up buying five books. A brilliant book store, new and used books, for a good cause. Loved it. read more

Open Books - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Hands down the best bookstore- used or new- that I have ever been to. Chicago has so many wonderful bookstore but open books is absolutely amazing. Love the selection, staff and the fact they are so supportive in the community. You can essentially "sponsor" a child for $25 and they get free books sent to them. Huge huge huge fan! read more

This bookstore has a story time that my nanny and son attend. One time my son forgot his shoes there and I called the store and they were kind enough to set the shoes aside for me to pick up. I stopped by here to get the shoes and also picked up a couple used board books that my son is now obsessed with. Great spot! read more

This is the best bookstore out there, hands down!! I'm a niche reader, and every time I stop by they always have something that I can't help but buy -- usually 10 or 15 things. They have mainly used books, but so many of them are in like-new condition, and the prices are incredible. Like better than what you would pay to get the cheapest used book on eBay. And, it is such a cute space and so well-curated and organized. And, the staff have always been super helpful. And, it's a nonprofit that supports literacy initiatives in Chicago schools. They also have their entire stock online for you to shop, and you can pick up in store (fast) for free, just walk in, get your book off the shelf, and leave (or, stay for 5 minutes and browse to find another book!). Please, support this bookstore -- it's a real gem to the community. read more

Staff was extremely helpful. Excellent selection of mystery/thriller novels and many more besides. I am definitely going back, the next time that I am in Chicago and surely I will invite my friends! I'm a huge lover of books and am always looking for a good bookstore.. this one of my favorites! read more

Easily one of the best bookstores in the city. I come here about twice a month and always leave with a huge pile of new books to read. I give them 5 stars alone for their literacy programs. Educating children is one of the best things a business can do IMO. Not to mention they have a huge!!! section or books. Everything from best seller to old classics to comic books to poetry. My personal favorite is Scifi but I love spending time just walking between the rows of shelves just exploring. You could get lost in here forever. Also the books are very reasonably priced since they are mostly second hand. They also sell tshirts (I got one and it's super comfy). Only downside is that there's no wifi or parking but it's super accessible by CTA. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's a hidden gem but it's a worthy business that you need to check out. read more

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Very cute! Prices of books vary a lot, so look for deals! Also make sure you take a trip to the bathroom. Sounds weird but they're decorated so cute! read more

Open Books - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Our book club decided to take a road trip from St. Louis to Chicago and we wanted to visit some fun book stores. The first one on Printer's Row was expensive and kind of a dud. We looked this one up on Yelp and decided to walk here. It was AMAZING! We got so many great books for an amazing price highly recommend. read more

A wonderful shop with a great mission! Very neat, organized, well stocked and with wonderful prices and deals on books ranging from new titles that were recently released and available in many other "popular" bookstores in the area (but often for a better deal) to more obscure and niche titles in a wonderful range of categories. Lovely! read more

My wife and I go to this bookstore regularly. There are so many book options and so many places to sit and read. The guy who is regularly there on Saturdays is extremely knowledgeable and gives amazing recommendations. Some of my favorite books I've read recently have been his recommendation. read more

Open Books - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is one of my favorite places in Chicago. I can spend hours and hours here. Friendly staff, great selection of books, what else would you need? :) read more

Open Books was always on my list of bookstores to go to when I moved to Chicago. But inevitably I always went someplace else, until I finally made the trek here a year later (silly because I live nearby). It's wonderful and I love that a brilliant concept like this became a reality. A non-profit literacy center/used book store where funds from the store support the mission of the organization. It's too perfect for words. The actual used bookstore I'm reviewing is worth the 5 stars alone. The books are well organized, the flow between sections is probably the best I've been too. I don't know how much curation is done but I find so many excellent and interesting books that I have to think someone smart is to praise. The staff which is made up of volunteers is friendly and knowledgeable. The pricing is beyond fair and reasonable. This store is superb. Get here now. read more

Great selection of books, comics & LPs on and open seven days a week. Easy street parking and helpful staff!

I can't say enough good things about this bookstore. I've been here quite a few times and each time the employees there have been so helpful in case I was not able to find something I was looking for. The prices are amazing and you can find some great deals. The level of organization is incredible as well which I really appreciate. I'm also glad to know that the money I spend here goes towards great causes such as literacy programs. Another resource that is very helpful is their online inventory system which makes it so easy to find exactly what you're looking for or just to browse for fun. It's so convenient to place an order on the website and drop by for an easy pickup. I've been to a few other bookstores such as Myopic and Bookman's Corner and I can say with confidence that this is my favorite. I highly recommend you check this place out! read more

I like this place. It's cute, quiet, cozy and quaint. It's a nice outing during the weekend or right after work to check out their newest items. I also do appreciate the prices of the books as well -- I think that's my favorite part ;) Some book prices are comparable to online prices. On very few occasions did I find a significant difference, but typically it's either the same price or $1-2 difference; not bad. read more

Open Books is a good bookstore with great prices. I only have 2 issues with them: 1) The books are packed on the shelves and in no real order, only categorized by subject. Can be a quite daunting task to find a specific book. You would need to go to the counter 2) The folks at the register are not that friendly. On my last visit, I handed the cashier my credit card, and after she swiped it, I reached back for it, and instead of handing it back to me (in hand) she purposely set it on the counter as well as my receipt, and did not even say "Thank you". I've experienced this on more than one occasion shopping there. TIP for cashiers: Always hand customers their credit cards and receipts in hand. It's considered rude to set on counter, especially if the customer reaches for it. read more

Used book stores are my new obsession: I love browsing the art and art history sections (especially stores in other states) to find some specialty books that I wouldn't have known I needed! When planning a Chicago trip, I knew I had to come here and was not disappointed! In a mix of new and used books, it's just a nice place to browse. They had an especially full art corner, which I browsed thoroughly! I left with 4 books at a bargain, and had the flight back home to start shifting through them! I would definitely come back if I ever find myself back in Chicago. read more

When my cousin said she wanted to go to a used book store, I mentioned Open Books and how it's not just a used book store but how they sponsor literary programs for kids and schools. She happily agreed and I was just as interested as I've always wanted to visit. All the books I found were in excellent condition. The layout is broken down by section--fiction, sports, cook books, science, etc. The front room does showcase more of the recent best sellers so if you are always on the hunt for the current NYTimes #1 book, check the front table first. There is also a separate room for the kids and young adults books. Plan to browse because each section is packed with so many books ready for you to take home. I found some modern classics I've always wanted to read and some fun kids books for the bubs. The folks working here were friendly. The prices were reasonable. Found easy metered parking just a block away. Worth a visit for folks who love books and want to put their money towards improving literacy. read more

I'll always love Open Books, Chicago's volunteer-led used book store that sponsors literacy programming across the city. When you buy or donate a book, you're supporting reading tutors and writing workshops for Chicago-area students and free books for teachers, among other programs. Awesome! When you step into the West Lake location, you'll see colorful shelf after shelf of used books in good condition, including plenty of popular titles from the past several years. You'll also find a few tables of new releases and current best-sellers, all available for a little (10%?) less than full price. And in person or over the phone, the volunteer staff can search their inventory database if you're looking for something specific. More importantly, you should be proud to donate used books of my own. You can contribute fiction, nonfiction, craft books, cookbooks, children's books, DVDs, and more at the Pilsen warehouse or at a few large dropboxes around town (http://www.open-books.org/give/donate-books/). If you're a reader like me, you've probably got a pile around the house already! I only wish the new location were as convenient as the old one. From Lakeview, I find myself taking the Brown Line to the Pink Line, at least an hour's trek. I think you'd also have to pay to park. read more

Love the smell of a new-bookstore-meets-old-books in the afternoon! I mourned the day Open Books abandoned its River North locale for greener pastures. What used to be just down the street, was now 10 mins by car. A tote in hand and some cash, I decided to make the pilgrimmage on foot. Not much has changed cosmetically in the newer space-- similar exposed loft interiors with all the same furniture. It definitely feels more warehouse than homey bookstore. I do miss all the windows from their former location. Back then, it seemed they couldn't cram enough books onto their shelves. Here, it seemed all of them had room to breathe. New reads and recs, fiction, poetry, historical, self help, sci fi, local Chicago, kids, etc... when you don't have a title in mind, every bookcase is an adventure to explore. I ended up leaving with a few oldies but goodies for ~$3 each. There's just something about a classic read with the aroma of old paper. Mmmmmm! read more

Open Books - Choose your own adventure - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

3.5 stars. I absolutely love Open Books--their mission, what they do, their involvement in literacy and what they do for youth. Their new location is larger than their old River North location but it's much more difficult for us to get to. Our first time here since their relocation, we drove on accident and parking is $4/hr (ouch). We left with $50 worth of books and got probably about 10 (it was half off day). We were pleased with their selection and how much comfortable seating they have. However, I was browsing and an employee asked, "Sir, are you finding anything okay?" And since I am a female, I did not turn around and respond. Since I didn't turn around and respond, the employee increased their voice and repeated their question until I did. I turn around and the employee says, "Oh, I'm sorry you're female. Cute haircut." The other customers and employees quietly laughed at the whole situation. Sigh. While I'm not taking it as a personal attack on me, but rather, a lack of training. I will always love Open Books and hold them close in my hearts as my favorite bookstore in Chicagoland, I will say that new creative ways to ask customers if they are doing okay without referencing gender would be appreciated. PS. I believe only one cash register is able to process debit/credit cards so the wait can be a bit to check out at times. read more

staff was really friendly and helpful. really large selection as well, the space is huge! could have stayed in there for hours exploring

One of the cutest bookstores I have been to. I've been to the warehouse which is very different from the warehouse in Pilsen. This Open Books was less dusty and full of color. They made it feel so open and everything was very organized. I could find multiple copies of books form popular authors. It had less books than the warehouse but if you don't like digging into shelves on books then this is the place to go! read more

Love this used bookstore in this neighborhood. It's neat and tidy with a wide selection of books organized by genre. It's fairly easy to navigate around and the staff is more than happy to help you if you have any questions. They have great deals on books and just like any other used bookstore, you just need the patience to find them. Open Books also sells new books too (just not as wide of a selection compared to used books of course) along with postcards, maps, and t shirts. Highly, highly recommend coming to this bookstore. You'll definitely find something you like! read more