The Book Bin is my go to for interesting books and games. They offer books for all tastes, and…read morealways help me out when I'm looking for something hard to find. They make enjoying fiction or true tales affordable.

They have a decent selection and helpful staff. It's a local treasure. Three cheers for local,…read moreindependent book stores.

This location format is similar to the Old Orchard's, almost labyrinthine. But I like that the…read morecounter is situated by the entrance and not hard to find. The bargain shelves ar to be found on the northeast corner of the store. I was on the hunt for the Illustrated Odyssey B&N edition. I'm glad to find it here still in sale.

The selection at this Barnes and Noble is good. The value…read moreat this Barnes and Noble is definitely lower than other locations. The service isn't good. This was my second time going to this Barnes and Noble and had a positive experience here. But when I went there today my experience wasn't great. And hence this review. I waited and waited for a staff person to come by the computer station where I could place an order for a couple of books to be delivered to my house and no one came. I have never had to wait that long at a Barnes and Noble for this kind of service. Go to another location if you can.

Awesome place to get great reads - for travel, anytime reading, and up-cycled gifts. Love to bring…read morethe kids and have them make a cash transaction with the helpful volunteers. A hidden gem in downtown Wilmette!

I love this place. Anytime I'm in the Chicago area, I have to go here, I find so many treasures. I…read moreeven had to get an extra suitcase on my flight back to Houston just to take back all the amazing finds. Books are so amazingly priced, that if you love books, you must visit. Cash is preferred, but you can pay by card upstairs at the front desk.

I'm not sure if I'd heard of The Book Stall before. I learned that the children's author Sherri…read moreDuskey Rinker, who happens to live in the suburbs, is doing story time events at several suburban bookstores to celebrate the release of her newest book. My daughter is a big fan of her Construction Site and Steam Train Dream Train series, so I was excited to bring her here for the event. We got here a little too early--about five minutes before they opened, and 35 minutes before story time--but I wanted to make sure we got a spot! The area where they hold story time was really large for an independent bookstore. After the story was over, the author personalized her signed books for the kids. I'm glad we went to this event because in addition to it being fun, we picked up several books and one of them has so quickly become a new favorite of my daughter's that she already can recite pages from it three days later. The bookstore is nice, and larger than I was expecting to be honest. It was fun to wander, even whilst trying to keep an eye on a toddler. They have various events, story time, fundraisers, and so on. I think it has the potential to be kind of a madhouse for some of their bigger events... it seemed a little unorganized getting folks in line for this signing and they don't really have a lot of space for folks to queue up so some people were cutting in front of folks so it might be kind of messy when there's a big event happening. But still, worth a stop if you like bookstores! There's lots of parking around on the street and even a municipal lot.

The Book Stall is a treasure. You can always find a great book from just browsing the shelves. If…read moreyou check their inventory on-line for a special book and it shows as being available, it will be! The author events are more than readings; they are intimate conversations. The Book Stall takes its role as an independent bookseller seriously and it does its job well. Writing this makes me want to visit again soon!

This bookstore is the creation of my wife, Nina B., and the store's devoted and talented…read morestaff--just to make clear my conflict of interest at the outset of this review! I have watched over the years (since 2014) as Bookends & Beginnings has morphed from a dream into beautiful reality, but it is still the product of Nina's mind and her dreams. The new location next to Fountain Square was cut from whole cloth. It began as a large empty piece of real estate all painted in white--a blank canvas!--and was transformed into what it is today: a carefully planned and executed space on two levels painted in dark teal, gold, and white, with a hand-picked selection of over 10,000 books arrayed attractively and intelligently. (Not to mention a reak carousel horse and a giant paper-maché giraffe.) The striking floor-to-ceiling mural, the work of her two graphic-artists sons, presides over the store and is visible day and night. You really should check out Bookends & Beginnings, if you don't know it already!

It was a nice surprise that the bookstore was still open after our post-dinner treat. It's always…read morefun to browse, and the store is very attractively laid out, with book covers gleaming and beckoning like inviting gems. I found a new book from my to-read list, coveted a cute display of Studio Ghibli merch, smiled at the witty cards, and soon my companions and I amassed a stockpile of items to purchase and so they gave us a nice tote. Maybe next time we'll skip dessert and head straight here (must check hours to see when the bar is open).

For the amount of times I've shopped at the various Barnes and noble location in this mall I'm…read moreshocked I have yet to write a review. Throughout high school, I spent SO much time at the location on the other side of the mall by Nordstrom's and was heartbroken when I was told they were closing only for them to reopen across from Cheesecake Factory. Then I was told they were relocating again and I'm actually loving this new location. I do wish they had a cafe in the bookstore but there are so many nearby coffee shops in the mall that it doesn't make much sense. But they didn't have very many spaces for folks to sit and read and enjoy like they used to but in return, I think the layout is set up with more intention and more eye appealing. The staff has always been incredibly friendly in locating books and making suggestions. Pro tip is to get the membership because it basically pays for itself if you buy even 5 books during the year.

I love the fact that they retained Barnes & Noble at Old Orchard. It used to be the staple store…read morewhen it was located front and center facing Skokie Blvd. It was a frequent place to visit as it was a massive two floor venue. It closed down for a bit but was revived in a location right across Cheesecake factory. It is now located next to Anthropology. The store is so inviting and the service is amazing! The workers cater to your needs and are so friendly. They really have a passion for books. The selection of books is not as large as it once was but it is supplemented by their online catalog. From the value perspective, you can find online outlets with a more price competitive offering BUT there is no replacement for browsing the aisles and loojo g through the books and selection of titles for an intriguing options to read. I'm so happy that my daughter can continue to enjoy the benefits of Barnes!

If it is worth your time and effort to drag heavy books into Half Time Books, then go for it but…read moredon't expect more than a penny on the dollar...if that. Then count the cost of gas to go to/from the location. In my case my go forward plan is to gift my old books to the garbage and not waste my time given what they paid really didn't cover the cost of my gas, let alone my time.

Do I like throwing away money? Do I like spending more than I should? I guess I must because I…read morereally like shopping at book stores. Can't we have both? Yes we can. I really should make a point of stopping in here first. I brought a friend here recently and bought them an art journal. For half price (or discounted to be accurate). They were pleased with the journal and I felt good that they felt good and I also felt good that it was not full price.

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!

Such a cute bookstore in the heart of Lake Forest. Located right next to Starbucks if anyone is…read morehaving a hard time finding it! When you walk in, it looks small but it carries tons of incredible titles. To the left you find all the shelves with trinkets, and fun gifts along with toys and children's/young adult books. Our little guy loved looking and exploring the toys. On the main side of the store you'll find best sellers, bookseller recommendations, even a section for Chicago Themed goodies. I love support indie bookstores whenever I can, the staff were so friendly and the shelves were super organized. They even had hand written notes of book recommendations which actually helped me pick out the book I purchased. Overall a great experience and I look forward to visiting when I'm in the area again soon!

A charming local independent bookstore with a very friendly staff and varied selection. There are…read morehelpful bookseller "hints" posted throughout the store. Because it's chocked full of books it is a bit cramped and can be challenging to browse without bumping into something or someone. A few chairs would be a nice touch. These shops are vanishing across the country so it's super nice to see one going strong.

This is a pretty cool "bookstore" located in Mitsuwa Marketplace. Lots of awesome manga, both in…read moreEnglish and Japanese. They had some classic series and lots of modern stuff that's blowing up right now. This could be a great place to start a collection or fill gaps for an existing one. They've got plenty of merchandise as well. Figures and posters and bookmarks and so much more! The place was super crowded but it was a Saturday, so I'll plan to come back and make some purchases on a weekday when browsing might be easier.

There is a large selection of products within this location. The biggest advantage to this location…read moreis it's located in a large market/store with other locations nearby. The wide variety of products within the store is great. I would say my only critique is the prices..affordability varies. I would say the space is laid out pretty well. It is a busy place, so if you're not comfortable with a ton of people I recommend waiting until it's less busy.