To me, Open Books will always stand as the undisputed best bookstore in Chicago. Not only do the proceeds go to literacy projects all over the city, but the store also opens its self up to all kinds of great events from writing groups, to book clubs, to comedy shows. The staff and volunteers are friendly, and knowledgeable. The space is cozy, with plenty of seating and browsing room. It's a great place to hang out and study, or work on a creative project- if you can resist the incredible stock of books and graphic novels. If you're in Chicago, do yourself a favor and check it out. read more

My all time favorite used bookstore. It may look small but they literally have everything. Great deals on used books ($5!) I asked if they had a specific book, thinking they wouldn't because it was sold out everywhere else, and they had it! So yeah I'm a huge fan of this cute lil shop & I now have a fully stocked bookshelf with things I never would have found at a Barnes & Noble. read more

This place is heaven on earth for anyone moderately interested in books and reading. The collection at this place is incredible, ranging from new titles to older, obscure titles in every category you can imagine. Newer titles are a few dollars off the list price, with older books significantly discounted - $5 for most. The place has character too (check out the cool wallpaper collection in the bathroom) and is neat and tidy. There are several comfy chairs around the store for you to check out the books you gather. I will definitely be back! read more

I came here for a field trip with my class. We were doing a slam poetry workshop. I thought that it would be really boring but I ended up having fun and writing a good poem. At the end we also got to go in the bookshop and take a free book. read more

An incredibly well-stocked store. Lovely. And all for an excellent cause. Wow. I only had a few minutes to stop in today but plan to be back soon. It's like the best of both worlds between used bookstore and new. read more

I am a devoted fan of Open Books. An excellent, constantly shifting selection of new and used books, powered by a collective of intelligent bookworms who donate, purchase, volunteer and donate some more. Chairs around the store invite you to sit awhile and read if you like. The proceeds of Open Books power literacy initiatives in Chicago. You cannot ask for a better cause and a better business to receive your book donations. The prices vary; rare books do not fly under the radar and are priced accordingly, but most of the options are affordable and reasonable. The only drawback of this location is the fact that there is nowhere to park, so if you have a large donation, loading and unloading can be tricky. If you're on foot in the West Loop, I encourage you to stop in and browse. read more

Really glad I stopped in here. Huge selection, well organized, and the staff was really great too. I hate shopping at Barnes and Noble and I usually just order on Amazon. However I will definitely keep Open Books on my radar. read more

I'm visiting and it's It's a wonderful place to buy book because you know your money goes to good will

This bookstore is one of the best in the entire city, and I hear that their Pilsen location is even bigger! (I can't wait to try that one next.) All their books are well-priced, and it feels good being able to give to a literacy program while you still get to keep something from the exchange, though they also take donations. AND they have trivia nights! Really fun themed ones! read more

I went out to Chicago for a day, I heard of this place a few days before. So glad I took the time to visit. Mostly used books, which means they're very reasonably priced. It's got a big selection so you're guaranteed to find something you like. Best part is all proceeds go to literacy programs, meaning all workers are volunteering. Please go support this great business! read more

I've been searching for a particular book for a couple of years and I thought I would never find it! One day, while I was visiting Chicago, I decided to try again at the Open Book. I asked if they had it and they actually did. After I bought it, I wanted to see what else they have and I ended up spending a couple of hours there. Those who work there are very nice, helpful and friendly. You can even give them your e-mail address, and if they ever have the book you're looking for, they will contact you. I can say that they have one of the best customer services I have ever seen. They have a great selection of books, and the prices are totally affordable. Even though the books aren't new, they are being taken care of very carefully.  I understood that there are many literacy programs, and this is fantastic because you don't have to pay anything to sign up. It's amazing to see that there are people out there doing these things because they enjoy it and there is no profit involved. I will definitely come back to Open Books when I have the chance. read more

Horrible. They misrepresent the condition of items ( I purchased a 'like new' book which was an old ex-library book without a dust cover, but with many stamps and labels as well as water damage). When I tried to return it, they wanted me to pay return shipping! Go elsewhere-anywhere but this place. read more

Wow! Love the mission and ambiance of this bookstore. Fantastic selection, great prices, comfy couches. Highly recommended!

Absolutely love and adore this place. I come here probably once a month. There is a great selection with new books coming in all the time. The books here are in really great shape, some look almost positively brand new (in addition to used books in great condition they also have actual brand new books). The prices are also extremely reasonable (around $5 for bestsellers) and the proceeds benefit Chicago literacy programs, it's a win-win for everyone. The staff is also great, they are as interactive as you need them to be. read more

Today was my first trip to Open Books, but it will be the first of many. I was very happy with the friendly staff, the great selection, fun atmosphere, prices, and the fact that I got to support a great mission. I really loved perusing the organized sections and ended up buying three books! For sure a place to check out! read more

I stopped by after purchasing their Groupon special. Their selection was amazing. I found everything I was looking for and the staff was super friendly. Definitely will be shopping there regularly. read more

Children book review I have only been here once so far but I love Open Books. I hope they will consider expanding to NYC. I was hoping to be able to purchase a full bag of children books. I ended up buying 4 but that was after spending hours there. Unfortunately, the way it's sectioned made it very hard to find. I was looking for specific topics and they were organized by author. I ended up finding a few book titles but the store did not have it. Also, there was only a tiny section of bilingual books or sound books. There's no cafe inside but they have a restroom. The books I came across were $1-$4 (even for books retailed at $14) and you can get additional discount if they have a promotion. Kids that visits the bookstore 5x gets a free book and it's not necessarily to purchase a book. They have story-time on Thursdays at 10am but most of the kids are 1. I was informed that they get many donations and the shelves will be filled with new books each day. Most people who work there are volunteers but they were not knowledge about children books. If you need help, I would suggest asking for Don. He is a staff but is very busy with many other task. read more

Top notch used bookstore. Loved the old location, recently visited the new one for the first time. Extremely well organized for a used bookstore and the mission of their organization is extremely admirable. Love Open Books, keep donating your gently used books here to support their mission! read more

Heaven is a place with books and walking into Open Books was like chicken soup for the soul. Not only was the selection fantastic but it had such a warm and inviting atmosphere, I genuinely could have stayed there all day. The books were super affordable and all purchases go towards a great cause! Loved coming here and will definitely be coming back soon!! read more

I love Open Books and promote it constantly. Having volunteered there for over four years, I admit to being biased, but it's a wonderful store. Its great qualities continue at the new location, especially from being tirelessly presided over by co-manager Dom. And the sales from their reasonably-priced books support the essential cause of literacy. read more

I was so happy when Open Books moved into my neighborhood. It has two weekly story times for little ones. Miss Nancy is terrific at engaging the children. The children's section is large and is tucked away in the back. I love taking my chidren here to read and pick out books. I've also spent time looking and browsing books for myself and was pleasantly surprised to find almost every book I had come for. I was able to fill out a card for a book that I couldn't find and they called me once that book was donated (only took a few weeks!). The staff is very friendly and helpful and the overall environment is chill and inviting. So happy to have such an awesome place within walking distance! read more

Was just in Chicago for 3 day visit (taking in a hockey game) and found this wonderful book store a short walk from our hotel on Jefferson. Excellent selection of books and well laid out store. The lady working was a great help assisting me in locating some books of interest and explained all the funds went to literacy project. Picked up 3 books and gladly paid more that asked for donation purposes. Could have easily bought more books but had limited space in luggage. read more

Very nice used bookstores (both location). I thought the prices were a bit high overall, but as an educator I appreciate how much they do for teachers. read more

I love used book stores for the discoveries to be made. This was a pretty good place, though it lacked the typical "come through the stacks" experience I enjoy and they are quite pricey. However, every cent goes back to a literacy charity, so I don't truly mind the prices! A caveat: the selection trends to current releases. read more

I love this bookstore. Being a New Yorker who loves to read, I always search out local bookstores. Like the Strand, this book store is a den of wonder. Like any good local store, they have staff recommendations that are excellent. The atmosphere is friendly and the decor is colorful, with lots of couches to sit and read, and an adorable kids section. There is a mix of old and new books and while you might not find what you are looking for, there are gems hiding in every shelf for a very affordable price. Can't wait to visit again! read more

Love this bookstore! The funds raised through this bookstore is donated to a program to promote literacy. The $5 off $10 or more is very generous too. It's easy to find books that have been lightly used. They also have single sofa chairs with a movable desk for those who want to read before buying. read more

Great local bookstore. Their children's section includes a toy area so littles stay occupied while mama or older kids look around. The staff was very helpful and welcoming! Great go-to during winter. read more

LOVE the fact that a place like this can still thrive in the digital age. Friendly, knowledgeable staff supporting an AMAZING (and well organized), highly diverse inventory of books. Pretty much the exact opposite experience of walking into a Barnes & Noble. That is a big compliment, in case it's not clear. ;-) read more

An amazing book store :) Love their collections of books. Recently went for their sale and brought back a bag of interesting reads!

Sweet spot for families as it is clean and well organized with lots of seating to comfortably read and take your time choosing your next book. I was able to bring my little puppy so that was very helpful and can be an easy stop during an afternoon walk with your tiny pooch! The staff was very helpful :) read more

Quiet. Cheap. Good vibes. Everything I could want from a bookstore. Only con is that it's a little difficult navigating the sections, but there are signs up everywhere and the staff I've run into are super nice. There are lots of DIRT CHEAP books here. And it's usually super quiet because there's not a ton of people here. read more

I came here by used while my lady was getting a haircut and the selection of books here is above and beyond. I found two of my favorite authors upon asking the guy working here. Cheap and fun place to come. read more

Really great place, great selection and it's always nice supporting a good cause.

Such a cool business! I could get lost in this bookstore forever. I will say that you have to come with an open mind of just picking up books that look interesting. It's difficult to come in with an idea of what you're looking for because the collection is just so expansive and unique. Overall though its a very fun experience, equipped with a cute little sitting area to also just read. read more

I love this place. If you go in looking for a specific book they almost always have it, but I love browsing there. It has an excellent collection, both in volume and quality. read more

Had a wonderful time there with my 4year old. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Plenty of books to sift through and grab for yourself and child. read more

Awesome used bookstore - tons of beautiful quality books, all adult topics, and a great kids selection and cool decorated kids' room. Prices are way low for the value of the books. They take all book donations; all proceeds go to their kids' literacy programs (see their website for info - looks really wonderful and they use lots of volunteers, too). They had a great sidewalk sale a few weeks ago. They also have author events, and an Open House coming up in October. I certainly plan to support them more, as I find all sorts of great books here (gift-giving, you know) They have a warehouse in Pilsen, too, also open to the public. read more

Terrific place. The clerks were incredibly helpful. They had books on each of the subjects we asked about. Welcoming space to browse, sit and read. I was really intrigued by their community purpose of encouraging children literacy. A must to check out. read more

C'mon, what's not to love. Cheap books, great selection, cute decor, keeps books out of the landfill, and the money you spend is essentially a donation to an incredibly worthwhile literacy charity. Bonus: the guy with the beard who often works the register is a human Pandora for book recommendations. "Oh, I noticed you've purchased X, Y, and Z.... well if you like this element of X author, then you might really like this other series... if it's more this other element of the writing that appeals to you, then try this ...." and oh man he's always right. Take his suggestions, you won't be sad. read more

I held an event in the space, which worked perfectly and the employees were very accommodating. The selection is awesome and affordable PLUS they're dedicated to education and literacy. Win win! read more