I've tried to read Kindle books for years and it never took. I've gone back to physical books and…read moreit 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.

I love bookstores. This is a very large space but I was surprised by how empty it seemed. There…read moredoesn'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.

This is the book store I always wished had been at this location! Prior to Secret World Books…read moreopening up here, it was a religious reading room. The space was so nice looking, and they had this adorable little garden in the back that I had only gotten glimpses of for years (like as far back as the 1990s) - but it didn't cater to my tastes and beliefs, so I never really visited there. Secret World Books recently occupied the space, and turned it into everything I love about small independently owned book nooks, which makes me so happy! They have a nicely-curated collection of books. Such a small shop obviously cannot compare to major book stores in sheer volume, but runs laps around them when it comes to style and vibe (sorry, I'm probably gonna say 'vibe' a lot here, please bear with). If you want books from local authors, if you want well-loved hidden gems that maybe missed the "[Insert Celebrity Name] Book Club™®©" spotlight, if you want to find some gently-read books with character unique to used books, if you're looking for some retro magazines, if you like comic books / graphic novels, if you're into tabletop RPGs, if you want books catering to out-of-the-box thinkers, and might enjoy an inviting safe space for people of all walks of life... Yeah, this just might be your place. And if you DO want the latest greatest manufactured-viral or pop culture hit, the Secret World staff can still get it for you, and seem chill about it. Hey, sometimes I just wanna read the latest entry in a best-selling megacorporation-owned franchise, without being judged... It's all good. Just go to the front and ask them to get a copy for you; easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Just maybe also consider looking behind the counter at their collection of books from local and lesser-known authors, who might have something that'll pull you in. It's so tough for local artists, crafters, writers, and other creative individuals go get traction; IMO, it's always bodacious when you put a little effort into checking 'em out, and generate some word-of-mouth magic to help them advance their message and/or skills. You might even just run into an author you know. They recently had some poets reading from their works, including Katana Smith and Highland Park's own poet laureate Laura Joyce-Hubbard. This weekend they'll have authors Jenna Satterwaite and Beth Kander. Seems like this is a somewhat common occurrence here... Pretty cool, huh? Oh, man, and the atmosphere here is sooo... I dunno, my ADHD want to say "cozy" and "crunchy" at the same time. "Crunchozy?" Thanks, wacky-internal-monologue-voice! Secret World feels nice and chill, but still filled with positive lively vibes. It's physically just comfortable, too. They have some comfy seats and a tea station that adds to the vibe, plus a gorgeous view of their secret garden. Dude, they even call it the "Secret Garden," which - funny(ish) personal story - I've been calling it for years. Literally, for decades, I had known there was a cool little secluded garden back there; but it's completely walled in, so I could only catch fleeting glimpses. I had a running head-canon that I would unlock an Elder Scrolls-esque mission there someday. I finally got to see it in person, and it's even cooler now! No RPG mission yet, but I'll be back to see what the zen racoon has to say. Okay, sorry, I've babbled on enough. Secret World Books book store: Cool place. Nice books. Friendly peeps. Comfy vibe. They spread the word on exercising your 5th amendment rights. They have complementary hot tea. Plenty of free street parking, near some 2-hour-free public parking lots. Neighbors to Curt's Café. Yeah, pretty awesome. Books; check 'em out!

This place is great! I was able to find a cool board game for a party. I also found some cool…read morecomics here as well!

As a book collector and avid reader, I love exploring new bookstores. This one is located in the…read moreheart of Libertyville and such a fun place! When you walk in you can immediately feel the charm and there being a bookstore pup, what more is there to ask for! From best sellers, to cook books, to a fun children's section and even local authors. There's something for everyone. They even host book clubs and local events. I've bought a few of the recommended books, stickers and books for the little man that we read for bed time. Can't wait to come back and find some other fun reads soon!

Love this local Libertyville bookstore! The books offer a phenomenal cross section of different…read moregenres and cultures reflecting the diversity of the world we live in. There is a small children's section with creative, interesting books for newborns to teens and the adults section has themed sections with suggested topics. There are a few cozy seating areas where you can relax and read a bit, and the staff are very helpful and knowledgeable if you need assistance. I love this bookstore and plan to continue patronizing and ordering books directly from them rather than using other sources, to keep this community gem in business!

Offering exclusive drops of the newest viral squishys, this place has it all! With friendly…read moreservice and a wide variety of options, Parkway is our favorite toy shop on the Northshore.

What a sweet little gem in our community! I wandered in on a weekday afternoon while my husband was…read morefinishing up his eye exam next door. I wasn't sure I was going to buy anything - I'm generally on the lookout for gifts for the kidlets in our lives. The store is bright and easy to navigate. The displays seemed to be arranged by age, which was really helpful as I looked at things for four kids ranging from two to thirteen. And because the emphasis is on screen-free play and interactive play, I knew I would get the parents' seal of approval on anything I picked out. If I can get their faces away from a phone or Nintendo Switch, even for 30 minutes, I'll be aunt of the year! The staff were warm and friendly, asking me a few times if I needed any help. Before I knew it, I had some holiday gifts selected for the littlest friends in my life. They'll be pleased with the crayon rings and books and fidget toys, and I can be pleased that I was able to support a local shop in our community. I'm looking forward to coming back as the kids' interests and ages change. And, let's be honest, I had as much fun there as I expect the kids will.

A true gem in Highland Park. My go to place when I want to…read morebuy a gift. Style Shack always has exactly what I am looking for. The store carries unique and unusual things that I have never seen elsewhere. The ladies who work there are always available to show you how to style a scarf in a way that is incredible and totally foreign to me. They have also arranged vases with succulents that I wouldn't have thought of. Gifts that are just truly special and unique to give. I love going there! It's a wonderful place!

If you need a gift for someone there's a good chance you'll find something here. I've purchased…read moremany candles, picture frames and other home decor for holiday gifts and other occasions. I've also taken my 13 year old daughter here to look for jewelry and she's a big fan of their earrings and necklaces. The prices range, but I'm always able to find something within the range I'm looking for. The staff is also super helpful and always willing to help with a specific idea when I tell them who/what I'm shopping for.

If you don't mind a loud, pushy owner who likes to chat about why other toy stores are awful and…read morefollows you around the store, then this store is for you! I have only been in the store one time but she made me so uncomfortable that I left without making a purchase. It's really a shame as they have an excellent selection of toys for every age. I just can't give her my business.

Went in to buy some gifts/activities for a friend children. Told the owner i was looking to buy a…read morecouple items for each child. And as the owner was "helping me" (so pushy) she basically yelled at me when I told her some items were probably too difficult for the children I was buying for because my own children are not interested in them. She told me donate it all and be quiet because this is her business!!! I am all about supporting small business, which is why I was in the store but I will not be returning. Sat items down and left. Glenview's small. Word gets around quickly. Looks like I'll take my business elsewhere

I went in looking for a gift for my friend's nieces. Rudest staff! Did not event greet me or offer…read moreany help of any kind. I would not recommend.

I refer to this place as Snickerdoodles bc it always gets a fun reaction from my kids…read more Overall, big selection of toys and nice curation. I really like that they wrap toys for gifts. It's worth any full price or mark up to me to have it wrapped. At times the sales folks have made me a tinge uncomfortable. Kind of comes off as overbearing and I get some stares. I still drive an hour to Naperville to another locally owned toy shop whenever possible bc I tend to feel more welcomed there. Here, there is a bit of a weird vibe. Still, nice to have as a local option.

Love it. I want to visit again and again. I've been twice already. Gotten a handful of books for…read moremyself and some for others

I love this bookstore! Great selection of books at great prices. customer service is wonderful too.read more