This is DeKalb's only independent bookstore other than the adult one. It's run out of what used to…read morebe a garage in back of the main building at 115 N. 1st Street; hours are limited and the stock doesn't rotate much. Still, they have an awful lot of books packed into a small space, and the proprietor - a retired professor who's just looking to break even - is very helpful. He'll help you find what you're looking for, and if you're interested in something there isn't much demand for - such as books in French - he may be able, if you call ahead, to grab some out of storage for you. Prices are reasonable.

Wonderful treasure in downtown Dekalb. A very eclectic assortment of used and rare books. The owner…read morehimself is a gem and will be happy to talk about a variety of subjects as you explore the shelves searching for that book you didn't know you wanted. A great way to spend an afternoon!

This was the only place that came up for coffee in Dixon, nearest Starbucks is an hour away so I…read morethought I'd give it a try, crossing my fingers that they have espresso and not just some lukewarm coffee in the corner for the book customers. They definitely make an outstanding Americano and for only a 1.50! While I was at the counter I overheard the locals talking about planting trees and high school sports. The shop owner asked me if I was from around here and when I said I was from Oklahoma, he told me about his trip down Route 66. Eventually, I told him I was a poet doing shows in the area and he got on the computer right then and ordered my books for the store! I snagged a book while I was there and left with my morning dose of small town charm. FYI, Dixon is Ronald Reagon's hometown + has a really pretty arch going into downtown. Definitely worth checking out this shop.

Great independent book store and cafe I luckily came across while passing through downtown Dixon…read more Friendly staff and a nice selection of books to go with the good coffee. Would happily stop in again.

This ofc needs no introduction! I adore this bookstore! I'm from an hour away and whenever I come…read moreto Joliet I make sure to stop by! Everyone is always super friendly!!!! I even stopped a worker just to talk about a book and she was happy to do so. There are numerous amounts of books! So many different genres and a beautiful kids section :) plus Starbucks heck yeah! It is a bit pricey but every Barnes and nobles is, and if you're on the reward system it helps a ton! Overall amazing. Only downside the Starbucks can't take gift cards :(

I'm reading the bad reviews and I think they're a bit silly. I shop here all the time and have…read morenever had a problem. I do miss the carousel that had new paperback books out and I miss the way they used to display new books but the store in general is fine. The folks who complained had very specific issues and nothing to do with every day shopping

A very cozy neighborhood bookstore that's full of surprises as they fill in every nook, every…read morecorner of this place with books & other merch! They have good coffee too! Friendly staff!

Continues to be my favorite bookstore for new books in the area! The vibe here is so great, nice…read moreselection for a smaller store, and staff is very friendly. Despite it being on multiple floors, there is an elevator (it's slow but it works) which is great news for us disabled folks. So many little charming spots to rest and read! Don't miss this spot for all your reading and gift needs

Great selection!!!! They had just what I was looking for! Friendly staff!!!!!! Will go again!!!!!read more

Tucked in a corner filled to the Brim with Books and what nots....Found this to be a great find…read morewhat was nice it was very well organized and the prices where just right when looking for deals. The staff was helpful and able to point my husband in the right direction to the author he was seeking out

We Decided to pop in on The Friday after Thanksgiving‼ Hopeful that we would be seated! We were…read morewarmly welcomed! And quickly seated at our favorite Table....we have had so many wonderful memories and special moments at this Table in the corner! My parents loved this place and because of that shared it with generations. We recently lost them both. My Daughter had a wonderful idea to come and sit, dine and reminisce and remember, celebrate and cherish all the times together at the Book House Cafe. Thank you for the memories! We look forward to making many many more. 4 generations of Memories Cherished! About the food! It's amazing! Delicious and Very thoughtfully served! The staff is a delight and the Book store perfect after dinner stroll! Add this to your Holiday bucket list!! And Become a regular!

This combination bookstore and cafe is in an older building and particularly on the bookstore side…read moreisn't terribly accessible: books are crammed along narrow hallways, small rooms and such. There was an eclectic blend of choices but they didn't have two titles I was seeking, and the clerk seemed slightly annoyed when I inquired. The restaurant, though small, was more accessible, and had some great food! I had the roast pork apple sandwich and my friend got the signature salad, and we split the bourbon pecan pie, all of which were delicious. Our server was friendly and attentive even though it was busy, and other servers also kept an eye on bussing empty plates from our table. Parking is across the street; both crosswalks had steps leading down from the parking lot. Would certainly return for the cafe!

It's a cute bookstore. It's very clean, and really quite spacious. But I confess, I was pretty…read moresurprised by the dearth of books! I guess that's where the "and more" part comes in (and does a lot of heavy lifting). Of the books on display, they had only a single copy (at least out on the floor). And the books were displayed face out, which makes sense when you're trying to catch the attention of young children many of whom can't read, but then when only half of your shelves hold books it's fairly sparse. They also had some stuff from some local purveyors and gifts and stuff. I got some bath stuff to try with my little one to shake up bath time a bit. They have some stuffed animals and stuff. They have some benches and pillows, spaces for kids to hang out and play; one was a wardrobe that was really nicely arranged as a reading nook which my kiddo really enjoyed. (I wish I had the vision to see something like a wardrobe and find that if I take the doors off and anchor it to a wall, it could be a fun place to cuddle up!) Something that's really cool is that they have a fishtank with a couple of axolotls, which my babe was astonished by. The bookstore seems to have a cool thing where you can arrange to have your kid feed them. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of our visit here was the reason we came. I saw on Instagram that they were having train day, mentioning train books and crafts. My daughter loves trains, so we headed down. I think there were three train books on display. And the "craft" was some half-sheets of paper, crayons, and sheets of stickers that had trains on them. There was another family that had come in at the same time as us and I couldn't help but wonder if they were as let down as I was. I'd been really looking forward to visiting this bookstore--I wanted to about a year ago but hadn't been able to get here. I don't know that I'd come back even if I was nearby, because there are so few books that I don't know I'd want to just stop in to take a look since I'm not sure we'd find anything. Depending upon what's happening I'm not sure what parking is like; there's a good deal of parking down the block near the train station, but otherwise limited street parking.

A very big shoutout to Three Stories Books for making my daughter's birthday celebration extra…read morespecial ! You must go visit this adorable bookstore nestled in the heart of downtown Lemont. All of the fun activities and decor were taken care of and we basically just had to bring the birthday girl ! The whole experience was magical from the wish list shopping to the special activities that were all surrounding the theme. Thank you cos much.

The books are all 40% off the cover price…read more You can turn in books for 20% cover price given as store credit. Large selection that is sold only in store, no inline sales. The owner/operator was very friendly and showed me to my favorite author. I'll definitely be back and will be bringing friends.

Do you remember the days when the only place to buy a book was a book store? This is like…read moreyesteryear. A place where time stands still. You can rummage through aisle after aisle of books upon books. See them, feel them and touch them before you buy. They have real live authors coming in for book signings. Yep, real people. They have a local author section. They also have knowledge about how to market a book. All these things are available in person! You must give them a try.

This shop is just magical. I drove past after work one day and couldn't wait to spend my saturday…read morethere! Immediately transported to a world of warmth love and joy of story telling and books! very fair prices Pam is such a kind owner with great stories herself! Not to mention the wonderful bookmarks she makes as well!

Very friendly, excellent selection! My daughter loved shopping here! A local treasure!read more

A neat little bookstore on the edge of the shopping district in Peoria Heights, inside is a cozy,…read morefriendly bookstore. The used books are mixed in with the new books so it can be a bit of an adventure. While they have a limited selection, this is definitely a bookstore you should visit. There is a bar-styled area near the back that has fun books about cocktails and making drinks.

Love this place and stopping in for a good book. Also they have great suggestions for gifts and…read morethey can order anything not on hand for pick up.