Specialty Bookstores

bookshelves

Of course, we love when you use the Library, but we understand that sometimes you just want to own a book that you don’t have to return! Whether you’re looking for something for yourself or shopping for a gift, check out one of these unique bookstores that specializes in specific genres or topics. 

 

Online Retailers 

  • The Mysterious Bookshop: The oldest mystery-only bookstore in the U.S. offers mystery fiction across all sub-genres and ships worldwide. 

  • The Ripped Bodice: Not only does this notable romance bookstore have locations in L.A. and Brooklyn, but it also lets you shop online. 

  • Valore Books: Buy or rent college textbooks from over 18,000 verified sellers. 

 

Local Chicago Area Stores 

  • Abraham Lincoln Book Shop: Geared towards scholars and professional historians, this store focuses on rare and collectible Abraham Lincoln books and memorabilia. 

  • Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore: A bookstore in Forest Park specializing in history, mystery, and biographies. 

  • Dreamland Comics: This store in Libertyville both buys and sells comics, vinyl records, and memorabilia. 

  • The Last Chapter Book Shop: This recently opened store in Chicago near Wrigleyville focuses on romance titles. 

  • Love’s Sweet Arrow: A romance-only bookstore located in Tinley Park. 

  • Paragon Book Gallery: With both an online store and a physical location in Chicago, this bookstore offers new and collectible titles from Asian countries such as China, Japan, Tibet, and Thailand. 

  • Polonia Bookstore: Established in 1969 and located in Chicago, this bookstore carries Polish literature as well as Polish translations of bestsellers. 

  • Quimby’s: Located in Chicago near Old Town, this store focuses on independently produced zines and graphic novels and stocks eclectic and obscure titles. 

  • Round Table Books: Located in Kildeer, this store specializes in rare, antiquarian, and collectible books. 

  • Third Coast Comics: A bookstore focused on comics and graphic novels in Chicago near Loyola University.

  • The Understudy: Located in Andersonville, this bookstore carries titles on theater and movie production, acting, writing, set design, and more.

 

While it doesn’t focus on any particular genre or subject, don’t forget about our very own Lake Forest Book Store just up the street from the Library!