The Weekly Yap: 8 Chicago Indie Bookstore's You Need to Visit

And one honorable mention of the prettiest B&N you've ever seen.

Happy Thursday everyone, and welcome to our weekly yap. How are we? My energy levels are loooow this week. I blame it on the clouds and day three of my cycle. I have been staying in my sweats well past 10 a.m. and have yet to don a pair of jeans this week. However! I’ve edited two meaty scenes in my manuscript that I’m really happy with and moving straight on to the next one (for context, I’m currently working on draft four of my manuscript which is a tennis romance based in Chicago with big heart energy). I’m at the point where things are flowing and I have a vision for edits to come. Yay!

This week, we’re chatting Indie Bookstore’s in Chicago. With the holiday’s literally around the corner and the constant gift guides being thrown in our faces I think it’s always important to shop small and local. Add these indie bookstores to your list for Small Business Saturday. And don’t worry if you’re an audiobook pal, you can support your favorite local bookstore using Libro.fm. I personally support The Book Cellar through Libro.fm which feels better than giving Jeff more of my $$$. Not a Chicagoan? That’s cool! Save this guide for the next time you’re visiting and thank yourselves later.

Grab your favorite bevvy (I’ve got my water and coffee ready to go) and let’s dive in.

The Book Cellar located in Lincoln Square

If you’ve ever wanted a Stars Hollow like experience in a bigger city, you need to go to Lincoln Square. The Book Cellar is right off the square, and although small, is mighty. They are a woman-owned shop and cafe where they offer coffee or wine. They frequently host author events and book clubs, too!

Three Avenues Bookshop located in Lakeview

Probably one of my favorite bookstores in the city. They have a wonderful selection of general fiction, cute merch, and an adorable section for kids. They also host events, and I was lucky to snag a ticket to

Olivia Muenter

SABI event this summer (pictured on the right, it was fab).

RoscoeBooks located in Roscoe Village

Another woman-owned bookstore (you love to see it) with a wonderful selection, book clubs and lots of fun author events. Oh, and the most adorable little kids section! I can’t wait to bring my niece here, she’s going to love it.

The Last Chapter Bookstore located in Roscoe Village

Across the street from RoscoeBooks is Chicago’s first (and only) Romance dedicated bookstore! Their selection is amazingly curated as is the merch and would make for the perfect friend date. For my fellow romance lovers, trust me when I say, they have it all! Oh, and it’s very insta worthy!!

Open Books located in Logan Square

There are three Open Books throughout the city, but Logan Square’s location can’t be beat. It’s across the street from the best Ramen spot in the city (Wasabi Ramen, order the spicy garlic miso). They offer a wide selection of used and new books at great prices. They also operate as a non-profit through the donation of books and inspiring children’s literary programs.

Myopic Books located in Wicker Park

Has been a neighborhood staple for over thirty years located in the heart of Wicker Park. It is just off the Blue Line, Damen stop, and sits among many other wonderful shops in the neighborhood. They have a huge selection—three whole floors—of new and used books. It is easy to get lost in the stacks here and find some real gems at a great price. You can also sell books to them every Friday and Saturday (check their sites for specific times).

Volume’s Bookcafe located in Wicker Park

Want to take a little coffee break with this view? Then go check out Volume’s. Another classic Wicker Park haunt, that I personally love visiting as they accept gently used books and offer a credit in return! Stock is a mix of new releases plus used books. Definitely a cute one to visit on a coffee date.

SemiColon located in River West and another location on Mag Mile

SemiColon is another nonprofit bookstore in Chicago. Black Woman-Founded, dedicated to bridging the literary gap among minority communities by providing access to books. They’ve moved storefronts a few times so I haven’t been able to visit the new locations yet, but I’m excited to check them out!

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Know that there are far more than eight amazing indie bookstores in Chicago but then this post might never end. Maybe a part two??

Oh and as promised, if you find yourself in Wicker Park then do yourself a favor and visit the stunning new Barnes & Noble location taking up resident in an old historic bank.

I repeat stunning!

I’d love to hear some of your favorite indie bookstores so I can bookmark (ha! see what I did there) for future travels in the comments below.

See you soon,

MacKenzie