Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood is known for its creative scene, and a Barnes & Noble just opened right there. This opening has been getting a great deal of attention because it’s in the former iconic Noel Sate Bank Building and the infamous Walgreens ‘vitamin vault.’ This new addition to the neighborhood has been getting the attention of architecture enthusiasts and bibliophiles.
While this is exciting, it’s key to remember that indie bookstores are integral to what makes Wicker Park special. As Wicker Park evolves, it has also gained a reputation for soaring rents and rapid commercialization, raising concerns about the preservation of its independent charm. The area’s literary landscape mirrors this tension, with indie bookstores standing as vital cultural institutions amid changing times. The indie bookstores in Chicago as a whole offer more to the space than books. Instead, they create spaces for community. They host poetry readings, book clubs, and community discussions, creating spaces for genuine connection in an increasingly digital world. Their carefully curated collections often feature local and underrepresented voices, ensuring diversity in the stories being told.
Amid these changes, supporting local independent bookstores in Chicago is more important, so here are some independent bookstores you should explore and support:
Myopic Books
Myopic Books is a staple of Wicker Park. It is the oldest (over 30 years) and largest used bookstore in all of Wicker Park. There are three jam packed floors of new and used books, so one trip to Myopic won’t suffice.
Myopic Books also buys used books, making it a great option if you’re looking to refresh your shelves. Beyond the books, the store has become a cultural fixture, often hosting poetry readings and other literary events that draw the community together.
Visit Myopic Books at 1564 N Milwaukee Ave. Open daily from 12pm-8pm.
Quimby’s
Quimby’s is right next door to Myopic. This is the place to be if you’re a fan of zines, alternative literature, or comics. Since 1991, Quimby’s has specialized in more hard-to-find, independent titles. From underground zines and avant-garde graphic novels to self-published works and small press releases, the store caters to readers and creators who appreciate the art of independent storytelling. The shop frequently hosts events, from author signings to DIY zine workshops, fostering a creative community in Wicker Park.
Quimby’s is open 12pm-6pm Thursday to Monday. Visit them at 1854 W. North Ave.
Volumes Book Café
Combining books, coffee, and community, Volumes is a space where you can sip on a latte while browsing thoughtfully curated titles. The café’s warm and inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for casual reading or catching up with friends.
Volumes also hosts events for the diverse Chicago community. These events include a book club, trivia, author events, and many more. These events are special to fostering connections and celebrating literature.
Volumes is at 1373 N Milwaukee Ave and is open 10am-6pm daily.
Open Books Logan Square
Open Books in Logan Square is a must-visit for those who love literature and giving back. This nonprofit bookstore is dedicated to promoting literacy across Chicago, using proceeds from book sales to fund programs like writing workshops and book donations for schools.
Open Books offers an eclectic mix of new, used, and rare titles, all housed in a bright and welcoming space. There is a huge range of books, so you’re sure to find a book for anyone here. Its mission-driven approach adds an extra layer of meaning to every purchase, as each book sold supports efforts to foster a love of reading in underserved communities.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a unique gift, Open Books provides an opportunity to make a difference while enjoying a great read.
Open Books Logan Square is at 2068 N Milwaukee Ave and is open 10:30am-6pm.
Semicolon Bookstore and Gallery
As Chicago’s only Black woman-owned bookstore, Semicolon is a vibrant celebration of art, literature, and social justice. Semicolon emphasizes the importance of reading and celebrating community. The book selection is carefully curated by its owner, and each title is meant to show the significance of reading marginalized voices.
Semicolon isn’t just about books—it’s also a gallery that highlights the work of local artists. The integration of literature and visual art creates a unique cultural hub where visitors can explore the interplay of storytelling and creativity.
Semicolon has two locations in Chicago, and it’s obvious that its impact is continuing to grow.
Visit the West Town Shop at 1355 W Chicago Ave, Unit STO, which is open Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm-6pm. The MagMile shop is at 400 N Michigan Ave, Suite 100, open 11-6pm daily.
Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney
Kibbitznest is a book bar that emphasizes socialization and connecting with fellow patrons. What sets this place apart from many others is that there is no wi-fi and no laptops are allowed.
This is because Kibbitznest wants people to have a space for connecting with their community, which is extremely important in this day and age. Guests can explore a curated selection of books while enjoying craft beers, wines, or cocktails. The thoughtful design invites lingering, whether you're deep in conversation, reading, or participating in one of the bar’s community events like book discussions or game nights. In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven society, Kibbitznest stands as a reminder of the value of slowing down and connecting. It’s a space where people can rediscover the joy of being present, engaging with their neighbors, and building community.
Kibbitznest is at 2212 N Clybourn Ave.
It is open 6pm to 10pm on Tuesdays, 4pm-11pm Wednesday to Thursday, 4pm-12am on Fridays, 1pm-12am on Saturdays, and 1pm-7pm on Sundays.
Why Support Indie Bookstores?
While the arrival of Barnes & Noble adds a new dimension to Wicker Park’s literary scene, indie bookstores bring something unique: they are not just retail spaces but cultural institutions. They foster community, amplify diverse voices, and support local economies.
When you shop at an indie bookstore, you’re supporting passionate booksellers who curate unique collections and create welcoming spaces for readers of all kinds. These stores are often deeply embedded in their neighborhoods, offering a sense of place and connection that chain stores can’t replicate.
Visiting a variety of stores is also important to your own reading/consumer experience. It’s good to have variety when doing anything. With reading, though, reading different voices helps build empathy, which is becoming harder to find these days. Reading brings people of different backgrounds together, and these indie bookstores show how much of reading is intertwined with community. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite author or attending a local literary event, these spaces remind us of the joy of connection. Supporting them helps ensure that neighborhoods like Wicker Park maintain their unique identity and vibrant cultural history.
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