This Hyde Park bookstore has an excellent children’s section (with expert recommendations available by age group), and story time for kids every Wednesday. Join the Seminary Co-Op by purchasing three $10 shares of stock to receive a ten percent discount on purchases and a share in the store earnings.
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After-Words 23 E. Illinois St., Chicago, 312-464-1110The children’s section carries a mix of new and used titles starting from board books and paper doll kits up to young adult fiction. Bring in books to sell and get cash or store credit in return.
Anderson’s Bookshop 5112 Main St., Downers Grove, 630-963-2665 123 W. Jefferson St., Naperville, 630-355-2665 andersonsbookshop.com *Story timeAn independent, family-owned bookstore with retailing roots in Naperville back to the 19th century. The shop has an excellent children’s section (the company has a particular expertise in this area, as one of the sister companies is a children’s book fair company), and hosts frequent story times, readings from children’s book authors, and game demonstrations.
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Barbara’s Bookstore 1218 S. Halsted St., Chicago, 312-413-2665 810 Village Center Dr., Burr Ridge, 630-920-1500 barbarasbookstore.com *Story timeLocally-owned Barbara’s Bookstore is a Chicago institution and has successfully gone head to head with chain bookstores for years. The author line-up is impressive, particularly at the Halsted Street store. Both locations have large children’s sections and story times; the Burr Ridge location has an excellent bargain section.
Barnes and Noble Visit barnesandnoble.com for locations *Story timeThis mega-chain has an extensive, if mainstream, selection of children’s books, with expert recommendations for floundering gift givers. (Many kid books now are available for the Nook.) Story times and author readings vary by store. Check out the online tool where kids can make their own book: they write a story, upload their own art, and have it published in hardcover or soft cover.
The Book Bin 1151 Church St., Northbrook, 847-498-4999 bookbinnorthbrook.comA local independent bookstore with a devotion to children and young adult books and an excellent selection in both categories. The shop still offers a rental library—check out books for a nominal, by-the-day charge.
The Book Cellar 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-293-2665 bookcellarinc.com *Story timeAn organized neighborhood bookshop that proclaims to join books and wine in a “beautiful marriage.” The children’s section is crowd-pleasing, and the Book Cellar hosts a weekly story time. Stop in for a book for junior and maybe a glass of wine for mom and dad.
The Book Table 1045 Lake St., Oak Park, 708-386-9800 booktable.netAn independent bookstore stocked with used and discounted new books. The children’s section, which has a table and chairs where little ones can kick back and read, is a mix of new books and used classics, and any book can be special ordered at a 20 percent discount.
Booklegger’s Used Books 2907 N. Broadway St., Chicago, 773-404-8780This Lakeview spot specializes in science fiction, mysteries, and other rare books, but also carries collectible children’s books, like author signed books and first editions.
The Book Market 2651 Navy Blvd., Glenview, 847-904-7304 barbarasbookstore.com *Story timeThe very friendly staff here doesn’t mind parents and kids who linger and are happy to make recommendations. The children’s section is well-stocked, and the bargain book area is large and full of deep discounts. Games, puzzles, and toys from Melissa and Doug mingle with the book assortment.
The Book Stall 811 Elm St., Winnetka, 847-446-8880 thebookstall.com*Free gift wrap *Story time
This independent bookstore is a Winnetka institution and boasts an expert staff that attracts as many top-name authors as the major chains. The children’s section is unparalleled, a mix of beautiful editions of classics such as The Wizard of Oz with old favorites and recent releases. The Children’s Book Club is an outstanding gift—choose to send books either six or 12 times a year to a child in your life, and books are hand-selected by staff members according to the child’s age and particular interests.
The Bookstore 475 Main St., Glen Ellyn, 630-469-2891 justthebookstore.comThis independent bookstore has been in the same Glen Ellyn spot for more than 50 years. The children’s section is in the rear of the store, with everything from board books to tween reads, as well as some puzzles and Melissa and Doug toys.
The Bookie’s Paperbacks 2419 W. 103rd St., Chicago, 773-239-1110 bookiespaperbacks.comThis Beverly bookshop is located next to a 7-11, but the exterior belies the quality of books within. (Not to mention provides an excuse to stock up on both books and Big Gulps.) The store carries a combination of new and discounted books, including new titles and old favorites of board books, toddler and kid reads, and young adult novels. Donate books to receive store credit toward future purchases.
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Half Price Books
5605 W. Touhy Ave., Niles, 847-588-2286
1319 N. Rand Rd., Palatine, 847-359-8250
151 Skokie Valley Rd., Highland Park, 847-831-2820
366 W. Army Trail Rd., Bloomingdale, 630-893-8907
14 Countryside Plaza, Countryside, 708-579-1770
31 Orland Square Mall Dr., Orland Park, 708-403-4589
hpb.com
As the name suggests, this new and used bookstore offers a daily changing stock of books and movies at half the publisher’s price.
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Lake Forest Bookstore 680 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest, 847-234-4420 lakeforestbookstore.comThis independent book store in Market Square has been a town staple since 1949. The quaint shop has a children’s section in the back, ranging from picture books to beginning chapter books and young adult novels.
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Magic Tree Bookstore 141 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 708-848-0770 magictreebooks.com *Story timeThis beautiful children’s bookstore has been keeping Oak Park kids in books since 1984, with a selection ranging from infant board books to teen lit. Weekly story times are Wednesday at 11 a.m., and Magic Tree hosts many other special events, including visiting children’s authors and readings.
Market Fresh Books 700 Church St., Evanston marketfreshbooks.comPrinted materials at deli-style pricing— books are sold for $3.99 a pound. Stop in to browse current titles and an excellent variety of children’s books (Dr. Seuss to Harry Potter.) Market Fresh also rents books: Just pay the cover price as a deposit, then return it to receive the deposit minus the 75 cent daily rental fee.
Myopic Books 1564 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 773-862-4882 myopicbookstore.comThree floors of bibliophile goodness, this used bookstore is a wonderful place to while away the afternoon. Browse the gently used children’s tomes for everything from classics to more offbeat selections.
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Open Books 213 W. Institute Pl., Chicago, 312-473-1355 open-books.org *Story timeA loft-like used bookstore with more than 50,000 donated books, including a delightful children’s section that hosts a weekly story time and other events like puppet shows. All proceeds from the book sales benefit Open Books’ literacy programs.
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Powell’s Bookstore 2850 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-248-1444 1501 E. 57th St., Chicago, 773-955-7780 powellschicago.comPowell’s is the antidote to big box bookstores, perfect for kids and parents who want to browse a selection of books that may include a Beatrix Potter classic or a rare title. Each location stocks more than 250,000 used, rare, and remainder books.
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Ravenswood Used Books 4620 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-593-9166 chibooks.blogspot.comStacks upon stacks of books line this labyrinthine shop, a browser’s dream. The children’s section is characterized by an eclectic selection of classics, new favorites, and the never heard of it.
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Sandmeyer’s Bookstore 714 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, 312-922-2104 sandmeyersbookstore.comThis independent, family-owned bookstore has been in the Printer’s Row district since 1982 and is beloved by locals who appreciate the personalized service. The children’s section is large and covers the bases from Goodnight, Moon to Twilight.
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Town House Books 105 N. Second Ave., St. Charles, 630-584-8600 townhousebooks.com *Free gift wrapThe children’s section at St. Charles’ independent bookstore is stocked with excellent picks from the expert staff. Stop by the adjacent café to relax while the kiddos browse their new reads.
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Unabridged Bookstore 3251 N. Broadway, Chicago, 773-883-9119 unabridgedbookstore.comThis Lakeview bookstore is a neighborhood favorite. The children’s section ranges from classic to quirky, from Harold and The Purple Crayon to Mo Willem’s Pigeon books. This shop is more for parents or gifters to shop than to bring the kids and stay a while, so while there, grown-ups should be sure to browse the exceptional travel section.
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Women and Children First 5233 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-769-9299 womenandchildrenfirst.com *Story time *Birthday partiesThis feminist bookstore has been in Andersonville since 1979, and the knowledgeable staff can offer advice on good reads. Children’s titles are stocked along the back wall and weekly story times throw in a little singing and dancing for good measure. Women and Children First also hosts children’s birthday parties in the space; inquire for details.
