Very nice, independent bookstore filled with many used and hard to find books. Located 5 minute walk off the Loyola stop, this is a great place to spend a lot of time browsing for your next good read! There are a few small rooms that each contain different types of books from fiction, non fiction, classics, sci-fi, you name it! It's best to come here without a title or author in mind as this place allows you to further explore your interests when it comes to reading. You can test drive any book you want as there is a good amount of comfortable seating to relax in. The prices are fairly reasonable as the books are used, although some books I found in the non fiction area were very outdated and some weren't in the best condition. If you have an open mind and enjoy browsing without being bothered, this is a great local business to support. This is truly a 'book purists' paradise. read more

There's a Starbucks right across the street from and it's immensely pleasurable to treat yourself to a big expensive fancy coffee and go to Armadillo's Pillow and get lost in books. Everything is pretty reasonably priced and the store's interior smells like Nag Champa incense. The sales staff there has always been helpful and friendly, always ready to assist. read more

I love this store. It's a shame I don't get up here as often as I did before, but when I lived nearby I was in a ton and took friends- and even a date or two- here. You find so many hidden treasures here it's simply remarkable. Don't go in mind with any expectations on what books you want, but maybe just a type of book- and leave yourself plenty of time. I usually tell my friends that this place is essentially a wizard's home. If there were stairs up in the back to a cauldron and a crystal ball you would find them perfectly in place. read more

I love the smell of books and you get a waft of it as you walk by Armadillo's Pillow! No, I didn't walk past it, I went in. The lure of books lining every wall and table is too much to bear! The shelves are sectioned off very nicely and are filled/overflowing with books of all titles, shapes, sizes and authors. It is FANTASTIC! You are certain to find leather bound copies of all your favorite books. I found mine! Look for old and odd titles, speak with the guys that run the place if you can't. Odd looking arm chairs, the sort you see by an old fireplace are placed in convenient locations in the shelves. It is a beautiful little bookstore and they are open every single day of the week. I'll be going back there to scoop up some leather bounds soon! read more

Perfection. The staff leaves you alone to browse for as long as you want. The book selection is wonderful, and rotates fairly often. The tchotchkes and knick knacks are super cool, too, so give those a browse after you're done buying the entire bookstore. read more

This is probably my favorite shop in the city. I love everything about it, from the smell (old paperbacks and Nag Champa) to the prices (cheap!). There's comfy seating, and a large selection considering the size of the store. Near the front, they sell handmade jewelry and knick-knacks as well... I admit to having bought a tiny plastic dinosaur last time I was there. As for the prices, most of the things I've bought have been in the $1 - $4 range, though I have an overwhelming love of paperbacks, so I can't comment on what a hardcover book would cost. If you want some laid-back book browsing in a cozy environment, the Armadillo's Pillow is perfect. read more

This place works with what it's author-mama's gave it. I have had nothing but pleasant experiences with the owner, even if they are unable to find what I am looking for. I recently discovered they do even exchanges here if you're looking to trade for a different book = awesome. This is the best place for cheap books(new and old), and a quiet, intimate, well-organized search for your next read. I will miss this must-have when I remove myself from Roger's Park at the end of this month for commuting reasons. But as I said before..this place is a must-love, and a must-have. they accept credit card purchases with 10 $ or more, and they are more than willing to email you when they snag something in particular that you are looking for. read more

This is an adorable bookstore. I found a cool little S.E. Hinton book today and they also have awesome organic lip balm. I thought I was going to have to go to the drugstore for that. Plus they have jewelry. The guy working was also very helpful. I'll def be back again. read more

Ahhh, the 'Armadill'... It's a sanctuary. One minute you are peering into the dimly-lit interior of the store as cars squawk horns and screech by on busy Sheridan and the next minute you are admiring custom jewelry and trinkits as you clutch a book you anxiously long to read while a myriad of soft-scented incense oils waft gently throughout the store to tickle your nose and ease your mind. Not THEE largest collection of books but certainly a collection worth exploring. Quality over quantity. read more

I stumbled upon this place in a book, literally. I visited Downtown Books Bought & Sold in Milwaukee and lo and behold there was a bookmark for Armadillo's Pillow! I've been to a few used bookstores in Chicago, but I hadn't heard of this one so figured this must be an old book shop from bygones. To my surprise the shop was open and open late. We went around 6:30-7 on Saturday and enjoyed exploring the neatly arranged vast array. It's a charming place and a visit can easily be paired with a nice Ethopian dinner at the Diamond down the street. Sounds like the perfect date night to me! read more

Ahhhhh I'm super stoked to have found this neighborhood bookstore near my job!! I could literally spend hours browsing and reading in here! Book prices are like 80% lower than the retail value! My 1st visit I got a brand new best seller for $1. The customer service is great!! The place has a bohemian feel! Ample seating that are plush & relaxing! I love it! I donated my change from my first purchase! I'm a life member! read more

I don't get the chance to visit this place as often as I would like to but whenever I'm in the area I almost always demand that my friends and I stop in there because the place feels absolutely magical. Love the friendly staff, love how home-y the store feels, and I love their selection of books which seems to rotate on a pretty ergular basis. read more

This is a wonderful used book store with a nice selection. They also sell earrings and some pictures with ceramic faces. They have some cozy chairs set up for your leisurely enjoyment. read more

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Chill vibes, smell of incense and a very wide selection of books that pack the shelves and are stacked around the store. Whimsical decor and many other unique items can be found around every corner. I read more

You can find any classic book here for super cheap. I love their selection of used postcards, usually with hysterical messages from people's past- I used to collect them! The staff is super nice, and it's located right by a Starbucks, helping me mix my corporate feelings with my indie roots. read more

I have never walked out of this store without buying a book. They have a great selection of books in great condition with really reasonable prices. You instantly feel relaxed walking in, it feels very homey and welcoming, plus, they sell plastic dinos at the register for .25 cents! They also have some pretty cool artwork. We have one the Gathering Crowd faces in our house it's great, very quirky and slightly disapproving. This place is a true gem and perfect for browsing before catching a movie at the New 400 read more

Great bookstore for those who go in there unexpecting a book , I like the mystery in what you will find. They even have some comic books by the window ! Definitely some cool points in my book. read more

Armadillo's Pillow - Entrance - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hidden Treasure. Great place for workshops and small classes. They help you get a book if they don't have it. You can trade in your older books for credit. Owned and operated by a great special couple. read more

I bought my first Star Wars book from them, Shadows of the Empire. If you love incense and books, little collectibles, charms.... Please visit!! This place is a rare Gem in the neighborhood of Rogers Park. A perfect place to take a date. Perfect place to plan a day. Buy a book, go grab a bite to eat close by and head to the beach for a nice read. No money? Sometimes a freebie box is in front :) read more

Great selection of slightly used novels- really cute and eclectic. One of the few independent bookstores I really like in the Midwest.

Despite both having lived in the Edgewater/Rogers Park area for a bit over a year and my habit of dropping ducats on books like it was goin' out of style, it was only recently that I stopped in to Armadillo's Pillow to give it a once over. The shop is small but well-organized. There's a large literature section in the front. Sci-fi and mystery/thriller are broken out into their own sections, and there are quite a bit of non-fiction titles as well. I spent quite a bit of time in the psychology and reference sections. The first time I visited, I picked up "The Growth of Logical Thinking from Childhood through Adolescence" (Piaget, kid!). On my second visit I browsed around a bit more, and ended up picking up some reference books on writing and a couple of novels. The cashier was quite friendly. If you're looking for something in particular, they'll look it up for you on their computer, which is awesome and not something I expected since the shop is pretty small. There are a few seats here and there so you can pop a squat and scan through the titles. OF NOTE FOR NERDS: Given that I'm on a comic book kick, I checked out their stash. There aren't many comic books; I found a few volumes of comic strips (Far Side, Dilbert, oy vey) and some old manga (Ranma 1/2 and Maison Ikkoku, god damn, seriously?!) but not much more than that. However, they have a large selection of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and ROBOTECH novels, for fuck's sake. Add to that a smattering of X-Files books, and the right type of person could probably be in a special kind of nerdy heaven in this place. The most expensive book I saw was about $6.50. Most things are priced around $4-5 bucks. They take credit if you're spending more than $5. If you want to buy more than books, they have a smattering of jewelry, incense, postcards, and other trinkets to suit your fancy. The hours are a little weird, but I think they're open until 8 pm most days. One question remains. What the hell does the armadillo have to do with anything? read more

Armadillow's Pillow is a 2nd hand book shop which has a cozy style and charm. I have a new appreciation for this place, having just visited a much much bigger 2nd hand book place that felt like some guy's organized attic, in a really distracting way. In Armadillow's Pillow I felt comfortable enough to really think about the various books, to read a paragraph or two, and make some choices. I was usually very pleased with the book prices too. I'll be back. Parking in this area is an issue, so ideally you could try the train or coming during non-peak hrs. read more

The Armadillo's Pillow is a great little bookstore hidden away in Rogers Park. It's small, but it has a wide selection of books and is on the cheaper end of the spectrum compared to other used bookstores in the city. Usually the owner is working when I stop in and she's very helpful and friendly. I've made some really great finds here. It's very relaxed and they don't mind if you browse forever or dig around their shelves. They also sell handmade jewelry and other little things at the counter. read more

Great little bookstore, certainly my favorite in Rogers Park. Good variety and atmosphere. Don't believe what everyone says though, Rogers Park is not that scary or run down and this shop is a great compliment to the neighborhood. read more

This is a great neighborhood used bookstore, and one I go to as often as possible. The decor is funky eclectic and works for me. The store itself is moderately spacious, consisting of three separate reading rooms. The selection is very good, although the fiction/literature section is probably the most developed, along with the sci-fi section. Still, I have made some great finds in the anthropology and history sections, and the Armadillo's Pillow's collection overall seems pretty well-rounded. Comfortable seating and a cozy setting encourage you to sit, read, and take your time in making a sound book purchase. The store's prices are definitely good and definitely worth the visit. This is a great independent bookstore. read more

The Armadillo's Pillow is an amazing local used book shop... But it is so much more. They have everything from Sci-Fi to history, religion to children's books, novels to do it yourself guides, and classics to self help. They sponsor and support local artists by frequently hosting, "Artmadillo" with snacks, drinks and gorgeous art sold by local artists. They also carry also carry assorted jewelry, doo-dads and whatnot's which are handmade and beautiful, as well as carry an excellent fresh and locally roasted coffee brand, (Songbird). read more

After living in the area for nearly a year, I finally lost my tunnel vision and discovered Armadillo's Pillow. What a great bookstore! Independent, with used books, jewelry, coffee, this one is a keeper. It is a fairly small store, but they have books of every kind, including hard to find titles. Even better, it is open every day, 12-8. Great for a Sunday afternoon, or a quiet evening after work. read more

Chill atmosphere, and the selection of books was not terrible. But it was hard to find any books I was interested in because it is extremely disorganized. I would say this is a place to go if you have hours of time to scour, or are just looking for a random find. read more

Felt kinda of dumb being at this store...lots of books for "smart" people. It's small but is jampacked with stuff. Great place to browse. Great decor and atmosphere. read more

I got all hyped up to go, because the hype on the internet over this place, and it fell short. My biggest turn off, the fact that every book is covered in a layer of nasty stickiness. Like the incense has solidified onto the books in the store and gets all over your fingers and clothes. It was so stuffy and nasty in there I actually wheezed and my eyes were irritated. I am asthmatic, but not sensitive or allergic to anything but humidity and hay! It was a surprise to say the least. The book selection was also disappointing. Yes, there are tons of books, but alot of the same books serve as filler. I am really happy for all the people who have found something magical in this local place but it just didn't happen for me. read more

A funky little bookstore. Don't go here looking for a specific book, but go with an open mind and a willingness to look for something that might interest you. The staff are always good for a conversation and there are some odd and interesting finds on the shelves. read more

Unique, antique, boutique of used books. Very cool place to grab a book or couple on your way to the beach or to save yourself from a boring day :) read more

I am in here often, buying sci fi paperbacks for around two bucks a pop. The place is always getting new stuff, which makes it easy to keep coming in. The owners are super cool, and they make these awesome framed faces that hang on the walls--you can buy them, which I have (I think we have about eight now, and, considering those and the amount of paper my gal and I have hauled to our place across the street from this joint, I have christened our apartment the Armadillo's Pillow Northwest Annex). The incense smell is pleasant. It's not overpowering, as other reviews may lead you to believe. This is by far the best bookstore I've been to in Chicago, and I've been to a good many. Spend twenty bucks and read for a month. read more

This is one of those places that you can wander into and lose an hour if you're not careful. It smells of light incense and old books, there are so many things to stare at it's hard to get bored. You can sit, relax and time travel via old books. The prices are reasonable and the people are too. This is the type of place that makes Rogers Park, Rogers Park. read more

The employees here are great, the selection is great, has a very quaint and comfy feel to it. I've been here a few times and have found great hardcover classics for no more than $7.50! This is definitely my go to spot for used books! read more

This is one of those classic used book stores that you can let time fly by, as you dig into the various sections, finding treasures you didn't expect. The store keeps a few other things for sale also, such as incense and various knick knacks but taking time with a newly found book in a comfortable chair is really the best. read more

I love this place. I found so many truly interesting and serious books as well as not-as-serious books. The atmosphere is wonderfully eclectic and a place you can feel relaxed in too. It reminds me of the Bookman's Alley on a smaller scale. Aside from the gangbanger underbelly of Rogers Park, Armadillo's Pillow is a fine representation of the unappreciated side of Rogers' Park intelligensia/progressive/brainy hippy scene. read more

I've made several visits to this cozy little book nook since moving up the north side. I view this place as more of an escape and retreat than a place to shop for books. They carry a decent stock of eccentric used books, but not popular literature--though I once got very lucky here by finding a used copy of a health policy book that I needed for school. I come to Armadillo's Pillow for some quiet, a good whiff of incense, and the chance to get curl up and get lost in some antique psychiatry texts while the super-chill owners quietly go about their business. Aaaah... read more

This place is a bit too hippy-ish for me. However, this is a nice bookstore. I didn't have much time to peruse when I was there, but one thing I noticed is that it didn't smell musty at all. read more

I love this place. It's been around since as long as I can remember and I've been living in Rogers Park on and off since I was a kid (I'm 36 now). Just a really cool book store that does a lot with a little space. Cozy, nook-ish (a word?) atmosphere and the owners are great. If you're in the area, check it out! read more