Chicago is a literary city—though often overlooked as such—and our many independent, locally-owned bookstores have long championed a bookish culture. Across the Windy City, residents value shopping local at Chicago gift shops, Black-owned businesses and indie bookstores that provide books as well as spaces for representation and identity. The following spots cater to every interest, from Spanish language children’s books to contemporary novels by BIPOC writers to LGBTQ history. Whether you like to read dog-eared, ripped pages of used books or shiny new hardcovers, you’re bound to stumble upon your great next read at the best Chicago bookstores.
RECOMMENDED: Free things you can get with a Chicago Public Library card
