It's a small shop on the corner of Northwestern Hospital's Galter Pavilion at Huron and North St Clair street. Barbara's is a small but amazing bookstore! They have tons of classics, mysteries, new releases, etc. They also have a great selection of newspapers and magazines. Friendly staff. All books are brand new and I really like the versions of paperbacks and hardcovers they carry. Maybe a little expensive, but worth the quality! For example Kafka's The Trial with the cover illustration of the eyes. In a few minutes I hope you can find something too! What a great thing to have a really nice bookstore in a hospital lobby. Two escalators above the bookstore you will find a spacious food court with a Greek fast casual restaurant, Panera Bread, Burrito Beach, Subway, Cafe L'Appetito, Fare, Blackwood BBQ and tons of seating. You could spend an afternoon up here! read more

This is a really lovely bookstore that is such a welcome treat in the hospital. I used to come by regularly and thought the staff was very knowledgeable about new books and passionate about reading. Yes, the prices were retail and there wasn't much discount, but I was happy to pay given their science-related curated selection that seemed very well thought out. It may not be the biggest bookstore, but I think it's worth checking out if you're there! read more

Lucas at the desk was super welcoming and we had a nice chat about this bookstores great selection of beautiful and uniquely artistic Chicago postcards! LOVED the special section up front of "Dissent" titles, bought 3 books and I am thoroughly enjoying the first, the history of the women's reproductive rights movement in Chicago. This bookshop is located in Northwestern Hospital and I stop in every time I am here for tests and check-ups. It is small, but super well stocked and the service is amazing. LOVE this bookshop and I look forward to visiting. read more

The manager of this store, Rebecca, was very knowledgeable & showed me more interesting books I would want to buy. She knows her genres & we buyers get to use her knowledge to buy books we know we will enjoy reading. Stop in while waiting at Northwestern Hospital & ask what's new that you would enjoy. read more

Barbara's Bestsellers is like a convenience store for books. You can't sit and stay, browsing books over a cup of coffee, but you can pop in and pop out for a new title. If you're looking for a specific book, you may not find it here unless it's a new release or bestseller. I was there the day Harper Lee's highly anticipated Go Set a Watchman was released and they had lots of copies available. There wasn't a large selection of titles but if all you want is a GOOD book then you might get lucky. It helps to be flexible. Recommendations from the staff are posted all along the shelves to highlight their favorite reads. I really appreciated their personal touch. This is a teeny bookstore but they offer a well-organized selection of good reads. read more

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This little bookstore is a welcome find. Managed by one of Chicago's finest independent bookstores, they have a good selection of bestsellers, classics, magazines, and newspapers. Just the place to pick up a 'get well' gift or something to fill the hours if you're spending a lot of time at NMH. Hours: Monday - Friday 7AM - 8PM Saturday 8AM - 7PM Sunday 10AM - 7PM read more

Barbara's Bestsellers - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This has to be one of the poorest excuses for a bookstore in Oak Park. The selection of books is very limited, they had no New Age or Alternative Religion books and when I asked, the Gentleman behind the counter gave me a scowl and began to preach at me about finding Jesus. After I told him what he could do with his sermon and beliefs, I walked out the door! Ironically, I read in the newspaper that next day that they are being shut down and booted out for not paying almost a years worth of rent. Goes to show you that Kharma really does exist! read more

For a bookstore in a hospital, this place is really good. Part of the independently owned chain, the only difference between this branch and its non-hospital based counterparts is its slightly smaller size. Staff is still extremely helpful and recommendations are always spot on. I do kinda wish they carried a larger selection of magazines, but I suppose that's what the Borders at Michigan/Pearson is for. read more

You may or may not know that there is a Barbara's bookstore at Northwestern Memorial hospital. Even though this location is smaller than their standard stores, they still carry a well thought out selection, and what they may lack in quantity they make up for in quality. It's worth a trip a couple of blocks east of michigan if you're in the area. Here's a special treat. It is a rare thing these days to find bookstore employees who actually read and care about books. This location is lucky to have one of Chicago's most knowledgable and experienced booksellers, Guilietta, who has worked at Barbara's for many years in various locations. If you are stuck on what to read, or what to buy as a gift, she will steer you in the right direction. read more

Given that I would like to support independent bookstores, I really wish I could give this place a higher rating. Unfortunately, there is no real difference between this location and any chain bookseller. Great independent bookstores provide great advice and slightly unusual selections. Going into one makes the trip worth the effort. Unfortunately, the selection at Barbara's is similar to what you would find in any airport book store. The staff doesn't seem particularly interested in books or motivated generally. The only real reason to go is if you are a hospital patient. Everybody else can save the trip and go to Amazon, or go find a real independent bookseller. read more

A great little place to pick up a book while you are at hospital and maybe stressed out

They have a great selection of books. They open early on the weekdays, thank goodness because there are the pod people who wake up at four to go to work and by the time they get to the city Barbara's is like their savior to get a good book for the ride home. read more

As an employee of the hospital, I'm always looking for stuff to read on my breaks. Now, the selection isn't mighty, by any means because it's more of a satellite store, but I've always found something to read. If not, the staff has really good recommendations, and are always really personable. read more

I have never felt the need to write a negative review in my life, but today that changed. I walked in Barbara's bookstore in Northwestern Hospital looking to buy a Tribune newspaper. Since the Cubs won the World Series last night, I figured that the chances of them having one would be very low, but worth a shot anyways. I walked in and asked the tall male cashier who was decked out in Cubs gear and he didn't even make eye contact with me and yelled back "you're too late. We sold out hours ago. You're not going to get it anywhere, stop trying." With zero eye contact at all, an annoyed and loud tone and glued to his phone. Another cashier was also there and she was doing the same thing. I walked out and another customer suggested a location that still had some and I went there and was sure enough able to purchase it. Avoid this bookstore and it's rude associates, I will never be going back. read more