Where To Buy Used Books In Chicago
By Allison Yates
It’s no secret the Read & Run Chicago community loves to read. With some readers & runners logging hundreds of books per year, we source books from many different places—and not just new from our favorite indie bookstores. You’ll find us borrowing from the Chicago Public Library, discovering new favorites at our book swaps, and peeking into Little Free Libraries on our runs.
And luckily for the readers & runners looking for more affordable and environmentally-conscious options, there are tons of places to buy used books in Chicago.
We asked the Read & Run Chicago community on Instagram to share some of their favorite places to buy used books in Chicago. Here’s what they had to say.
Thrift stores
“Hunting for books at the thrift store is like a real life treasure hunt! You never know what you’ll find. I enjoy being introduced to older titles I might have overlooked at a traditional bookstore and I love the feel of a used & well loved book! Plus, you really can’t beat those prices!” —Lesly
Tangible Books
“Tangible Books is a menagerie of a bookstore nestled away in a part of Chicago which had lacked bookstore access for a long time. I met the owner when he was in the process of moving back up to Chicago, and was unpacking his books and each time I went back, more and more shelves have been erected until you can see now the maze of books that exist there today. There's a book for every topic there, priced to sell, and you can sell your old books for credit!! Several days of the week. I basically use it as a book exchange aside from all the events they host!” —Joc
after-words
“after-word books sends you a cute little birthday coupon every year! They have a huge basement collection of used/sometimes new books (and new books on the top floor). I love looking at their cookbooks there and they have a massive and unique history collection.” —Joc
Myopic Books
“I like Myopic because it’s cozy, packed with endless shelves, and every visit feels like an adventure - you never know what treasure you’ll stumble upon.” —Julie
Jarvis Square Books
“Jarvis Square Books is one of my favorite used bookstores in Chicago. It’s tiny, but it’s so well curated that I never leave empty handed. I always find a gem, especially in the fiction and poetry sections.” —Cynthia O.
Bookie’s
“Bookies is a fantastic new and used bookstore in Beverly! They've got a fantastic variety of genres and titles and have very helpful staff. I love how open and bright it is there and I always manage to find something to take home!” —Kaitlyn (@thelooneylibrarian)
Powell’s
“I like it because the stacks feel endless and you can always discover something fun!” —Alli H.
Uncharted Books
“Uncharted has an easygoing atmosphere where you can get lost in browsing for things you maybe wouldn’t see in a mainstream bookstore anymore. Shopdog Ramona is amazing. It’s just a great place to find a new book, especially if you’re on a budget.” —Katie E.
Open Books
“I’d recommend Open Books to all book lovers due to their extensive selection of used books, super knowledgeable and kind staff, and meticulously organized sections. They always have new selections and any time I get stuck on a new topic or genre, Open Books has exactly what I’m looking for at an incredibly reasonable price. Bonus, they have locations in West Loop and Pilsen!” —Anne L.