Incredible Indie Bookshops and Small Bookstores in Wisconsin and Illinois

Oct 5, 2024

With National Bookshop Day fast approaching, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate some of our wonderful fellow local businesses. This special day is celebrated each October on the Second Saturday of the month, this year that will be October 12th. Consider checking out some of these incredible bookstores and supporting literacy efforts in our local community! Many bookstores will also be hosting a series of special events on Bookshop Day, so don’t miss out – check the events calendar to catch your favorite authors, special book promos, and more.

We love the opportunity to shop locally for gift-giving season! These bookstores and shops also make a fantastic one-stop shop for some early holiday shopping ideas. Check out their selection of literary themed gifts, curated board games, and locally made artisan goods, too!

Amazing Bookstores and Indie Bookshops to Explore in Illinois and Wisconsin to Celebrate National Bookshop Day

This Old Book in Grayslake offers preloved books, rare, and out-of-print books
Lake Forest Book Store in Lake Forest is an indie bookseller offering a wide array of books as well as writing supplies and journals.
The Book Bin in Northbrook prides themselves on being your friendly neighborhood book experts, offering a very strong children and teen section, and extensive personalized inventory.
Bookends & Beginnings in Evanston is an independent woman-owned business offering new, used, and bargain options as well as unique literary-themed gifts.
Barbara’s Bookstore in Vernon Hills is one of several small chain indie bookstores, a fixture in the community since 1963.
Booklady’s Book Attic in Bartlett is a cozy little bookstore on the top floor of a historic home, offering used books for readers of all ages.
Myopic Books in Chicago has three levels of book buying bliss featuring more than 80,000 books, live concerts and events, as well as poetry nights.
Booked in Evanston offers a carefully curated selection of diverse titles as well as a series of live Art and Poetry events throughout the year, and cozy family story hours.
Amaranth Books in Evanston has been a community fixture for more than 30 years, offering unique used and rare book titles plus a wide library of music and films.
The Green Read in Crystal Lake offers a cozy shopping experience with puzzles, unique gifts, and 1000s of high quality used books to peruse.
Uncharted Books
Read Between the Lynes in Woodstock is located in the Historic Woodstock Square and offers a wide selection of books as well as an ice cream shop, coffee bar, and candy counter for an unmatched book shopping experience.
The Looking Glass in Oak Park features book-themed gifts, a carefully curated children’s department, and a variety of all-ages and all-categories books.
The Book Stall in Winnetka offers a unique range of titles and varying subjects, with a very knowledgeable staff and excellent children’s section.
Dust Bunny Books in Lake Geneva (WI) is a small indie seller with a warm, inviting atmosphere which offers new, used, and antique collectible books, and has especially good selection for children/families.
Blue House Books in Kenosha (WI) is the area’s only full-service indie bookstore, offering a prime selection of curated titles and bestsellers, hosting their very own monthly Banned Book Club and several other book meets and author events.
Reads By the River Books and Gifts in Waterford (WI) is an independent bookstore offering current and classic books with a curated selection of staff picks, as well as offering local authors a unique opportunity to apply as a retailer of their work!