23 Book Stores in ILLINOIS (Peaceful, Relaxing, & Cozy)
Nowadays, people tend to find the books they need on the internet at just the tap of their fingers, and they will immediately find the ones they’re searching for.
Nonetheless, nothing beats the experience you will get by going to a physical book store.
Have a relaxing time browsing through the store, chat with the other visitors or with the staff to share each other’s preferences, and take home the books that you love and are interested in.
Illinois has some of the best book stores in the country, with a wide selection of readings and a peaceful atmosphere where you can relax.
Without further ado, here are 23 book stores in Illinois!
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Pet Stores in Illinois.
Book Stores in Peoria, Illinois
1. Barnes & Noble – Peoria (Vast Selection & Excellent Service)
From over a thousand customers, this book store has acquired an excellent 4.5-star rating which says a lot about the vast array of books and services they offer here.
Barnes & Noble is a popular book store chain in the United States, which is famous for having the most recent books and top-notch services by its trained personnel.
Have a relaxing visit here, browse through the wide selection of books, and bring home the ones that have piqued your interest.
Socialize with the other visitors; you never know, you might make a lifelong friendship with Barnes & Noble!
Converse with each other and have a healthy exchange about the books you love and recommend something to talk about for your next visit.
Address: 5001 N Big Hollow Rd, Peoria, IL 61615, United States
2. Book Rack Books & Gifts (Affordable Deals & Passionate Staff)
Without a doubt, Book Rack Books has the best deals for books in Peoria, Illinois; that is why if you are looking for a book store where you can purchase a lot of readings without breaking the bank, this is the right place for you!
Ask one of the staff about the books you are interested in buying; you can rest assured that you will get the right amount of information you need because they are very passionate about their jobs!
Share with the personnel your preferences, the genres you like, and the authors you love; they will promptly have an idea of what to recommend.
Book Rack also offers other products such as homemade candles, soaps, and other gift items; buy some for your beloved one as a souvenir to show your appreciation for her!
Address: Oak Cliff Shopping Center, 4408 Knoxville Ave # 2C, Peoria, IL 61614, United States
3. Lit. on Fire Books (Diverse Genres & Cozy Atmosphere)
Just from the name itself, you may now have an idea about Lit. on Fire Books.
This book store is well-liked by the townspeople of Peoria due to its vast array of book selections, from fantasy to science-fiction to historical books; this place has it all!
That is why no matter what book you are trying to find, you will a hundred percent find it in this spot.
Lit. on Fire Books is also famous for its coziness and relaxing atmosphere, where customers keep coming back to socialize or have a quiet time reading by themselves.
Immediately read the book you bought here, have a cup of coffee, and fully immerse yourself in the world of literature in the designated reading area.
Address: 712 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606, United States
4. Book Nook Shop (Great Books & Better Prices)
Book Nook Shop’s motto is “Great Books, Better Prices,” based on this, you may now have an idea about the notable attributes of this book store.
This book store has the best-selling books in the country and offers them at an affordable price for everyone.
Purchase the book you have meant to read, written by the author you love.
Treat yourself and read it with a cup of coffee while sitting in a calm place; relax as you release all your pent-up stress from work.
Another good thing about this store is its friendly and accommodating staff who will make sure you will find what you are looking for.
Check out some of their best sellers here, and discover a new author or a book you have never heard of before to diversify your selection of literature.
Address: 6944 N University St, Peoria, IL 61614, United States
Also see our article on Coffee Shops in Illinois.
Book Stores in Springfield, Illinois
1. Books on the Square (Historical Focus & Latest Literature)
History lovers will definitely love this place due to its selection of historical books from different countries!
Expand your knowledge about the Civil War, the state of Illinois, or the country’s history by going through the book store’s collection of books.
In addition, Books on the Square ensures that it is always getting the latest literature, so you will find the books that are currently popular in their respective fields.
Have a healthy exchange with the other customers about the United States history, and deepen your understanding of how it transformed into its current condition.
Books on the Square also sells valuable items by famous authors that you can buy at a reasonable price.
Join some of its events to spend some time with other book lovers and make new friends along the way!
Address: 427 E Washington St, Springfield, IL 62701, United States
2. Book Rack (Passionate About Literature)
The perfect example of a book store that is highly passionate about literature, Book Rack takes this subject matter seriously.
Book Rack makes sure to get the latest and best-selling books in the country for their customers who are deep lovers of reading.
Furthermore, its staff constantly studies everything about books, no matter what genre, date it was written, or author who wrote it, they always make certain to have the appropriate amount of knowledge to provide the best services.
Ask Book Rack’s well-read personnel for some recommendations based on your preference.
Surely, they will gladly suggest several books that you will absolutely love!
What’s more, the books here are very affordable, so you won’t have to worry about your wallet!
Address: 2943 W White Oaks Dr # 3, Springfield, IL 62704, United States
3. Elf Shelf Books & Music (Fiction & Non-Fiction, CDs & DVDs)
Elf Shelf Books & Music is one of Springfield’s most beloved local shops, which features a cozy ambiance where you can sit down, relax, and read a book.
In terms of books, this store specializes in fiction and non-fiction releases, so if you are an avid lover of these genres, it is a definite must to check out this place!
Ask about the selection of books and for some suggestions from the staff who are widely known to be amiable who ensure every customer feels welcome.
Aside from literature, Elf Shelf Books & Music also has CDs, cassettes, collector’s items, DVDs, and VHS that are up for sale.
Grab a couple of rare items from your favorite music artist or some cassettes of old music that you love as gifts to yourself.
Address: 413 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701, United States
4. Prairie Archives (Rich History & Wide Selection)
Come visit this one-of-a-kind book store which has a rich history behind it.
Prairie Archives has been around since the 1970s, serving as a place of comfort for book lovers.
An estimated 250,000 books are in stock in this store, indicating its wide selection of literature.
Without a doubt, no matter what book you are trying to find, there is a high chance that Prairie Archives has a copy of it.
You will be delighted to know this book store is famous for having the best prices for books!
Purchase those readings that you have been meaning to acquire, indulge yourself in the world of literature, and have the time of your life!
Additionally, Prairie’s staff will give their best efforts to help you in any way they can.
Address: 522 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701, United States
5. UIS Bookstore (University Selection & Diverse Merchandise)
Located in the University of Illinois Springfield, this shop possesses the books that are typically required for students.
No matter what readings you are required to have, UIS Bookstore indeed has that, so come and check this place out now!
What’s more, the UIS Bookstore always ensures to have the latest books in different fields of study.
Browse the diverse selection of literature here and use it to expand your knowledge.
Learn new things and deepen your understanding of various subjects.
Another notable thing about this book store is it sells a diverse set of merchandise, such as hoodies, sweatshirts, drinkware, diploma frames, hats, and even Apple devices!
They sell gift cards here that you can give as presents to your friends, family, or significant other.
Address: 2200 Ernest Hemingway Dr, Springfield, IL 62703, United States
Also see our article on High Tea in Illinois.
Book Stores in Orland Park, Illinois
1. Half Price Books (Affordable Secondhand Books)
Have a relaxing trip here at Half Price Books, featuring secondhand books that are in good condition and are up for sale.
Find those books you read as a kid or your parents have been telling you about, and have that nostalgic feeling by reading them once again.
Browse through the vast array of books here and pick out a couple of them to give to your beloved one for your anniversary or her special day.
Without breaking the bank, you will be able to acquire several books here since the prices are very affordable!
Half Price Books’ staff will try their best to help you find the books you are looking for and even recommend some great reads!
Address: 31 Orland Square Dr, Orland Park, IL 60462, United States
2. Barbara’s Bookstore (Discounts & Latest Books)
Since 1963, this book store has been around, serving as a place of comfort for the book lovers of Orland Park, Illinois.
That is why if you are an avid fan of literature, it is an absolute must for you to visit this place even once in your life.
Barbara’s Bookstore always gives its customers a discount as a form of support for people who love to read.
The latest and best-selling books are always available here due to the efforts of the owner to provide the best service to the customers.
Furthermore, the staff is trained never to stop studying everything there is to know about books, so they can always give a helpful response to their consumers’ inquiries.
Ask for some recommendations based on your preferences; surely, the personnel will know the right books for you!
Address: 568 Orland Square Dr, Orland Park, IL 60462, United States
3. Love’s Sweet Arrow: A Romance Bookstore (Specializing in Romantic Literature)
Without a doubt, this book store is the most romantic one in the state of Illinois!
Love’s Sweet Arrow specializes in romantic literature, which is why lovers of this genre should one hundred percent check this place out!
Read some of the best romantic books ever written in history, make your life colorful, and experience the excitement you can only get by reading this type of literature.
As a couple, read some romantic novels to spice up your relationship and have that excitement you experienced during your first-time dating.
Browse through Love’s Sweet Arrow’s vast array of romantic literature that features countless popular authors both in the past and present.
The place’s staff will gladly recommend a couple of readings if you are just starting to read romantic literature.
Address: 11km away from Orland Park, IL, United States
4. Frugal Muse (Excellent Service & Author Events)
With an excellent 4.6-star rating, Frugal Muse offers one of the best services in the United States!
Inquire about the diverse selection of books here for the staff with profound knowledge and understanding of literature.
No matter your preferences, Frugal Muse’s workers will surely know what books to recommend since they always take the time to study every book they possess!
It is a must to visit this book store whenever there is an event because the owner often invites famous authors in the United States to have book signings and meet-and-greet events.
Come meet your favorite author, have a casual conversation about the books you love, and even ask for their autograph to commemorate your precious moment of meeting your idol!
Address: 25km away from Orland Park, IL, United States
Also see our article on Museums in Illinois.
Book Stores in Joliet, Illinois
1. JJC Bookstore (Intimate & Latest Books)
A very intimate and relaxing place, JJC Bookstore is a unique one in its field due to the efforts of the owner and the staff to provide a cozy environment where the customers could loosen up to read a book or to have a healthy conversation with other book lovers.
What’s more, this store is in a college and due to its location, the books here are constantly being restocked with the latest ones in various fields of study.
Students always come here first to acquire the readings they need since there is almost no chance of JJC Bookstore not possessing them.
Prepare a list of all the books you want to read and check this place to acquire them.
JJC Bookstore also offers legitimate e-books here if you prefer the soft copy of books you love.
Address: 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431, United States
2. The Book Market Sales and Trading Center (Diverse Genres & Since 1970s)
Diversify the genres of books you are reading by visiting this book store!
The owner and the employees will be showing you some of the best books for a variety of genres that you never knew you would be interested in.
Do yourself a favor and give the suggestions a chance to expand your understanding of different subject matters of the world.
Immediately purchase them to read them at home while sipping a cup of joe after a tiring day at work, and you won’t have to worry about the costs since the Book Market sells books at a reasonable price.
Another notable thing is that this establishment has been around ever since the 1970s, ensuring it gives the best services to its consumers.
Address: 7km away from Joliet, IL, United States
3. Three Stories Books (Children’s Books & Education)
Purchase a couple of books in this store to give as a present for your children, nieces, and nephews for the holidays!
Indeed, they will love your presents since Three Stories Books specializes in children’s books that are very engaging to tap into their creativity and spark their imagination.
Give the children of your family and relatives the best presents ever by choosing the best-selling books in this book store.
Help them develop the habit of reading and ignite a flame in them to be passionate about literature, which will significantly contribute to their education.
This establishment’s staff will do the best that they can to recommend the most exciting books they have and will make you feel welcome so you can have a nice time browsing through the store’s selection.
Address: 20km away from Joliet, IL, United States
Also see our article on Hidden gems in Illinois.
Book Stores in Kankakee, Illinois
1. Rubber Rose Books & Print (Independent & Affordable)
Considered a jewel due to its high value to the townspeople of Kankakee, Rubber Rose is a significant book store in its place due to its efforts to provide the best services to support young people’s education.
This establishment is an independent book store that sells used books at an affordable price because of its desire to give everyone a chance to acquire the books that they love.
Come check this place out, browse through the wide selection of literature here, and take a couple of them home.
While sipping a cup of joe, read your favorite books to unwind after a tiring day at work.
Fully immerse yourself in the beautiful world of books and have the time of your life!
Address: 111 E Court St, Kankakee, IL 60901, United States
2. Hammes Bookstore (Classic Literature & Rental Program)
Talking about Hammes Bookstore, you will be able to see classic literature here that is difficult to find in other book stores.
This is the reason why avid lovers of books must check this place out even once in their lives!
Look around the bookshelves of the place, find the books you have been meaning to read, and take them home to appease your desire to finally get to know their stories.
Hammes Bookstore has a rental program for those who can’t afford books so that they won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
A variety of items are also available here, such as hoodies, sweatshirts, diploma frames, pennants, and drinkware, which you can purchase as presents for your family and friends!
What are you still waiting for?
Visit Hammes Bookstore now!
Address: 5km away from Kankakee, IL, United States
Also see our article on Castles in Illinois.
Book Stores in Edwardsville, Illinois
1. Afterwords Books (Top-Notch Service & Diverse Selection)
Undoubtedly, you won’t be disappointed by this book store since it is well known for its top-notch service, evidenced by its almost perfect 4.9-star rating!
The atmosphere here has a light feeling where everyone can have a nice time checking the books or reading to relax and unwind.
Ask the staff regarding the literature here, and you will a hundred percent get a satisfactory answer because they have profound knowledge about the subject matter due to their efforts of continuously studying various books.
With a smile on their faces, they will guide you through the store’s vast array of books and will gladly suggest new readings.
Have a pleasant conversation with the other visitors about the books that you love; you never know, you might make a lifelong friend in this store!
Address: 441 E Vandalia St, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
2. Books-A-Million (Community Interaction & Beyond Books)
Without a doubt, Books-A-Million is the best book store in Edwardsville, Illinois, which is supported by its astounding 4.5-star rating by over a thousand customers!
Converse with the other visitors, give a couple of recommendations to read, and have a pleasant talk for your next visit!
Share the notable points of the books that you have read and encourage others to give them a try!
This place’s personnel are very accommodating, and they will make sure to aid you throughout the process of finding the books you are looking for.
Besides books, Books-A-Million sells manga, toys, games, and collectibles such as figurines and baseball cards.
The store even has a small coffee shop where you can quietly read the books you have read while drinking a cup of coffee!
Address: 6601 Edwardsville Crossing Dr, Edwardsville, IL 62045, United States
Also see our article on Aquariums in Illinois.
Book Stores in Dekalb, Illinois
1. Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe (Serene Atmosphere & Quality Selection)
Have a pleasant time in the Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe, browsing through its diverse selection of literature and buying a couple of them to read at your home.
After a hectic week at work, treat yourself to this book store by purchasing a couple of books by the authors you love.
Go to a peaceful park, breathe in some fresh air, and take those books out to read them in this serene place.
Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe’s personnel puts their best efforts into ensuring they can give their consumers high-quality services by tirelessly working on diversifying their selection of books.
They aren’t just bringing in random books here, and the staff carefully scrutinizes every book that may enter their shop to screen out the finest ones.
Address: 218 E Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115, United States
2. Holmes Student Center Bookstore (NIU Focus & Quality Clothing)
You are surely interested in this book store by just reading its name.
Holmes Student Center Bookstore is located at Northern Illinois University.
This establishment focuses its efforts on providing the best books in different fields of study and readings the students need for their classes.
If you are trying to find classic literature for one of your subjects, then you should check out this place!
Ask the amiable employees who have extensive knowledge about the store’s selection regarding the books you are searching for.
Holmes Bookstore also offers clothing and supplies that are widely known to be high quality.
There is no time to waste; plan your next trip now at this book store and have an enjoyable time browsing through the bookshelves!
Address: 340 Carroll Ave, DeKalb, IL 60115, United States
3. Classic Books (Hidden Gem & Affordable Reads)
Indeed, this book store is a hidden gem of DeKalb, Illinois, since it is a small establishment that has a great selection and friendly customer service.
It is a definite must that you buy the books you have been meaning to obtain in Classic Books since it offers them at a very low price!
Without spending too much money, you will be able to take home books written by your favorite authors.
Furthermore, the store has a vast array of selections that several of its customers have noted that they lost track of time and spent hours browsing through them.
Classic Books staff are famous in DeKalb for being friendly, who will give you a warm welcome, and who will gladly recommend readings that you may love!
Address: 115 N 1st St, DeKalb, IL 60115, United States
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