How to Find Used Books in Chicago

Whether you need a rare book for some project or just want to get lost in the stacks, Chicago has a book store for everyone. While we all like to support new authors, there is nothing like the smell of thousands of well-handled, love-worn pages. Here are some recommendations for some outstanding establishments in the windy city.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Head to the Wicker Park/Bucktown area, where Myopic Books and Quimby’s are both local favorites. Myopic has an airy, 2-store layout and is a good place for the generalist to go and be surprised. Quimby’s is known for its graphic/comic collection, but they also have a strong selection of new contemporary literature.
2. Visit Bootlegger’s, within the amorphous Lakeview neighborhood. The employees here are very helpful and knowledgeable. Highlights of their collection are their philosophy, critical theory, poetry, and literary sections. Things are very organized and easy to find, a trait somewhat uncommon to used bookstores.
3. Go to Powell’s Books, one of the most well-known used book establishments in the U.S. Although most people think of the “city of books” in Portland, Oregon, the Hyde Park neighborhood is home to the first, somewhat smaller Powell’s outlet. Also, its progenitors graduated from University of Chicago nearby.
4. Be rewarded by a trip to Ravenswood Books; while it is a bit far north in the city, traveler’s to the Lincoln Square neighborhood will not be disappointed. It is a bit cluttered and cavernous, but they have many rare books you would never find at those bigger retail establishments. Another great place to let yourself be surprised.
5. Find dense, labyrinthian books stores in the University area. Both the Seminary Coop and 57th Street Books in Hyde Park fit the archetype, housing comprehensive, underground selections of popular, rare, and academic print from all subject areas. Members get 10% discounts on all purchases.

Tips & Warnings

• One of the best parts of used book stores is talking to the people who work in them. More often than not, they work there because they love books. Employees are an especially valuable resource for recommendations or obscure anecdotes from the literary world.
• Often times, book stores can order the book you are looking for if they don’t have it. Don’t be afraid to ask.