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Best Independent Bookstores In Chicago

In Chicago, a city that lays claim to Carl Sandburg, Ernest Hemingway, Gwendolyn Brooks and Saul Bellow in addition to several colleges, you'd expect to find really good, independent bookstores. Indeed, narrowing down all the great bookstores in Metropolitan Chicago to five top ones is not just daunting, it's bound to spark heated discussions. Talk to readers in Chicago's suburbs and neighborhoods and you are likely to hear about a favorite one that lies a few streets or a couple of suburbs away. Certainly some folks order on Amazon and some download books to their electronic reader. But when it comes to asking for recommendations, browsing shelves and aisles, hearing an author or discussing genres with other readers, then nothing beats the independent bookstore. Listing 15 bookstores would be easier, but at least consider these five places when looking for a new place to visit.
Book Stall
(Photo Credit: thebookstall.com)

The Book Stall At Chestnut Court
811 Elm St.
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-8880
www.thebookstall.com

Owned by Stephanie Hockschild,who bought the store abut two years ago, The Book Stall is often referred to by suburbanites as Chestnut Court — the original name from 1940 —and is the go-to place in north suburban Chicago to meet and hear authors. The store recently welcomed Richard Ford, Robert Reich and Keith Korman. The big draw here, aside from a friendly and knowledgeable staff, are the store's events. The Book Stall has book clubs and hosts special guests such as Dana Buffone and Chet Coppock, who talked about the late Chicago Bear Doug Buffone's "Monster of the Midway" memoir.

The Book Cellar
4736 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 293-2665
www.bookcellarinc.com

In business for just 11 years,The Book Cellar in the city's Lincoln Square neighborhood has become a popular place to hang out and, of course, find a book. Maybe its popularity is because visitors can get a glass of wine here or a latte in its cafe. However, the store carries a wide range of titles, including some signed best sellers. The Book Cellar currently hosts eight book clubs ranging from Soul Pages to The Salon but is happy to host more if a group wants to meet there. Recent author events have featured Joe Meno and Tasha Alexander. But there is always something going on here, including people to meet and a new book to discover.

Powell's
(Photo Credit: Powell's Books Chicago's Facebook)

Powell's Bookstore
1501 E. 57th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 955-7780
www.powellschicago.com

If looking for a scholarly tome or a book you think might be out of print, Powell's Bookstore in Hyde Park would be the place to look first and probably last. Sitting as it does next to the University of Chicago campus, it is exactly the kind of bookstore you would expect in this brainy environment. It carries thousands of books and has more in its warehouse. The store specializes in used and remainder books, so expect a good price. Even though its customer base tends to look for art, science and history treasures, the store also has a children's section. The word among people in the know is that Powell's is unique.

Related: Best Books Based In Chicago

Myopic Books
1564 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 862-4882
www.myopicbookstore.com

The only problem with stopping in Myopic Books in the Wicker Park neighborhood is that you may get lost in thought or time browsing three floors of shelves overflowing with used books.  The place hosts poetry and other readings. If you're there on Monday nights you can also listen to experimental music. If interested in selling any books check its Friday and Saturday selling and trading hours.

Anderson's Bookshop
123 W. Jefferson Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 355-2665
www.andersonsbookshop.com

Anderson's Bookshop is a fifth generation family operation in west suburban Naperville. The store hosts several book groups, discussions, special events and author signings. James Rollins, author of the Sigma Force series, was among the January guests. Rollins was there to sign "The Bone Labyrinth." A very community-oriented store, it sponsors a young writers' conference, a children's breakfast and works with the schools and libraries on reading programs.

Related: A Hollywood-Inspired Reading List

Jodie Jacobs is a veteran journalist who loves writing about Chicago, art, theater, museums and travel. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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