I've tried to read Kindle books for years and it never took. I've gone back to physical books and it has motivated me to read more in this screen-infested society. I don't live very close to Barbara's Bookstore, so I do a lot of my browsing online. When, in the past, I would have ordered a book on Amazon, I now mostly order from Barbara's. If the book isn't on their shelves, they order it for me and let me know when it's ready. They can also just ship it directly to me, but since my wife works nearby, she can usually pick it up and I don't pay shipping. It's worth the wait for me to support a local business. The customer service is top notch. Once I place an order, Cory replies very quickly and keeps me updated. Employees in store are nice too. Finally, anyone can join their free club, "Barb Wire", and get 10% off. As a teacher, I get 15% off. This is great because Barnes and Noble discontinued their teacher discount and usually charge for their membership. Finally, when I do have a book shipped by Barbara's, they are packaged well so there's no damage to the book. Even if I liked Amazon, they stopped packaging books well years ago. Now they throw it in a loose box or bag and it often arrives damaged. I've returned many damaged books to Amazon due to careless packaging. read more

I love bookstores. This is a very large space but I was surprised by how empty it seemed. There doesn't appear to be a lot of inventory, and the back area is set up with a lot of chairs as if for a reading or lecture and there are a few alcoves being used as storage space. Is this a temporary situation? There are other Barbara's locations throughout Chicagoland. read more

Barbara’s Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Vernon Hills, Illinois

See all

I'm a reader and I love a good ole bookstore. Some may say that reading a good book, with the crinkled and worn pages and the loud noise of a crackling book spine is dead and gone but that's what I love about tangible books. No disrespect to the infinite audiobooks, podcasts and kindle readers but there's just something about a tangible book that modern technology can't replace. Anyways, I'm rambling on... I've been into this bookstore some times before and those working here are always kind enough to help me find a book. It's usually quiet and all the genres and sections are neat and nicely taken care of. They have cute novelty items everywhere and I love it. It's clean and never over crowded plus the employees and customer service are top notch. Also, they have hansa coffee here and if you know....you know. *chefs kiss* Being the suburbanite that I am, this place took place of the two story Barnes and Nobles that was here prior to the renovation. I enjoy coming here because being in a book store is just comforting. I wish I could say that prices hiked up but with current inflation, I mean, is that really a surprise anymore? Regardless, I'm also a Barbara's Bookstore club member so getting discounts from that is always good. I'm all for supporting local businesses as opposed to other bookstores that barely ever have the books that I'm looking for. I will continue to come here and for those of you who liked a good read and chill place to relax and soothe your mind, stop on by! read more

This Barbara's Bookstore replaced the Barnes & Noble that moved to a new location in VH. Most of the interior is the same including the kid's area and the cafe area. They changed the first floor from another area with books to some type of presentation/audience place where I assume they bring in people like authors to talk to the public. I honestly do not know how all these bookstores are thriving in an age of devices and gadgets but it's nice to see that Barnes didn't just leave behind an empty wall like much of the rest of this mall. Most importantly, the Starbucks and cafe area was replaced with Hansa Coffee, a more local cafe with a location also in Libertyville. Because of the cafe and the spacious seating area, this Bookstore is definitely a great place to study, get some work done, or meet up with people to chat. Wifi works well, not too loud, kind of warm but nbd. read more

See all

Barbara's took over what used to be the bookstore in the mall. It's still a two-story store, however when i was there they had just opened and the lower level was yet to be built out. Sounds like they have some cool plans for the lower level. Nice layout. Fairly similar to the original store. All the employees were friendly. Found a few book ideas. Places to sit. They had a coffee store where the Starbucks used to be. Definitely worth a stop!! Gave 4 stars since it's really just the one level now, and feel like they need to fill it up with product still. Once they get everything built out, i'll come back and update review. Check it out! read more

Barbara’s Bookstore - Exterior. Southern side of mall, attached to mall. - Bookstores Near Me - Vernon Hills, Illinois

I'm thrilled to know that Barbara's replaced the old Barnes & Noble location, because IMO the world can't get enough bookstores. Based on my recent visit, I'm not 100% sure if they are still working on the space or if it's a pop up location. The space is two-story, but the bottom floor seems to be only for events (other than a table of books where I spotted a fun Martha Stewart how-to do anything book). They seem to have regularly scheduled programming downstairs and a small event space upstairs by the cafe. Speaking of the cafe, they didn't seem to have anyone working it when we stopped by in the afternoon, and the case of munchies was completely empty with the exception of a tray of cake pops. What I do love is that they support a local coffee roastery and serve Hansa brand coffee. The top story is the bookstore. It's not huge, but covers your basics. The kiddo section is adorable. My hubby and I love a quick time out to read magazines. They had many of our favorite publications (including Kinship), but the variety is scaled down from B&N and the categories aren't labeled, so it takes a minute to find what you're looking for. As far as seating, they have a nice mix of comfy sofa seating, mixed in with cafe chairs/tables. The only staff I saw was behind the register. I'll be back if in the area, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way (just because I have another bookstore 10 minutes from my house). read more

See all

Bookstores seem to be rare as time goes by. This bookstore had a chain store feel. It's a very large location. However, inside there did not seem to be an overwhelming amount of books. I've been to smaller bookstores, that seem to have more of a selection. It did seem like a nice location to bring children. Also, there is a coffee shop inside that is a good touch. The location is attached to the mall, so it is pretty convenient. read more

Barbara’s Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Vernon Hills, Illinois

See all

Unimpressed. This store occupies the former Barnes & Noble, which moved across the street to Mellody Farm. Barbara's only utilizes the second floor, but you can enter through the first floor and go up the escalator. The first floor is completely curtained off. The book selection is minimal and seems disorganized. B&N had really attractive shelving, which I guess was trashed for the short stumpy bookshelves Barbara's has. They did keep every bit of B&N aesthetic in the Children's area and on the walls. I also don't care for the way they display their magazines. Everything is just overlapping in piles faced outward. It's look very messy. The coffee area is still there provided by Hansa Coffee Roasters from Libertyville, but all the tables and chairs are gone. Chairs are scattered throughout the second floor. I guess I applaud them for moving into a space that might have been difficult to re-purpose, but it seems like they took advantage of a space that was too large for them to fully use. If I want a bookstore, I'll go to Barnes & Noble. This just isn't the cozy kind of bookstore that makes me want to spend time in it. read more

Service it was helpful. Exchanged some ideas about books and how to try to get reference materials in larger quantities.

Went to buy Hilary's Clinton's new book and Found the cost was $35.00 compared To $19.95 where we purchased the book. I Asked if the store would price match and The clerk was rude and just stated no. Not Sure I would buy any books at Barbara's. read more

It might be more empty than Barnes and Noble, but it has its own style. There are several books you wouldn't find at your typical chain bookstore. It's refreshing. The staff I have conversed with are very helpful and willing to recommend books to me. I love having personal recommendations from the staff; they're less robotic! I wish people saw Barbara's the way I do. read more

Terrible customer service 4.25.19 at VernonHills location. Store pretty empty in afternoon, went downstairs to pay for items. Only 1 cashier (but others setting up for speaker/book sign'g). She was talking w/a male employee both looking at the register then @ his phone. He moved down from the register she went w/him Never acknowledging us. We put items down & left. Who acts like she did & keeps her job? Only a very poorly run retail store. Will never go back. read more

Awesome bookstore, they often host events like author readings and have speakers come perform. I really enjoy the open layout with lots of couches. It really feels like they're inviting you to come and relax and read. It's also pretty neat that you get a bit of a discount on your book purchases if you buy a coffee at the coffee shop inside. read more

This is your basic small-time bookstore. Most of the books are full priced and the staff is neither helpful or friendly. Why would I pay full price for a new release when I can go across the street and get them cheaper. The prices are even better at Walmart (which is also across the street). The manager is a douche as well,so I don't see this store lasting very long. As much as I dislike Barnes & Nobles business technique, I will still shop there over this store. read more

Elisabeth and Amy helped me and my sister with 2 books. We could not have had better service friendly greetings very personal attention and the lively big band music in the store was great we love the new Vernon Hills store and the manager Elisabeth is wonderful. Only wish we had had time to spend in the coffee shop it smelled great we will be back. Thanks Elisabeth and Amy Mary read more

This bookstore is AWESOME - so clean and well organized, all sorts of books you can't find at other bookstores, and a comfy cafe with delicious drinks and treats. I've been several times - each time, every single staff member (especially the store manager) is so helpful and friendly. read more

Good selection of books, and a nice children's area but it feels kind of empty compared to the old B&N. The kid's area needs better seating for adults to watch the kid's play or sit together and read a book on a normal-sized chair. Terrible 90's grunge music. Something more relaxing would keep us there longer = more book sales. Needs improvement. Coffee ok but preferred Starbucks. read more