We've been here before and that's the reason we've returned. Yes, you probably could find almost any book on the Internet and order it to be delivered to you, but what if you really weren't sure what you were looking for? You need to find a small, curated, family friendly book store. Well for us it's Galena Book & Paper. I'm a true history buff and my partner is into fiction, opposites in the same place. We both love to browse the selection, read some, then make some choices. Jason, the clerk, welcomed us as we entered and asked if there was anything we we specifically looking for. We smiled and told him we're browsers who've been here before and we're searching for some special reads. After about 45 minutes of browsing we found our choices for this trip. Six books and two note cards(plantable seeds inside) for less than $150. They are always welcoming and have a great variety in all categories. So happy they are in Galena. Thanks for all you provide for the greater community. Us too. read more

Galena Book & Paper - Back of the store, cards and paper on the left. Midday Thursday no crowds. - Bookstores Near Me - Galena, Illinois

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Charming independent bookstore, compact but compelling. They seem to specialize in self-help/modern philosophy/social issues type of titles, but there is plenty of fiction, history, local interest, and any other genre that you would expect. They sell beautiful posters at extremely reasonable prices as well as framing kits for them. There are offbeat greeting cards and writing supplies too. And quaint jigsaw puzzles! Back in the children's area there is a small shelf of graphic novels. However, some of these titles are definitely not for kids, e.g. The Road and 1984. Yikes! read more

I was there for the scout event and was wandering. Found this store and really did not want to leave. My kids were fine, they didn't need me, I thought. I was asked right away if I needed anything and was left alone when I said no, thanks. I appreciated the acknowledgement and the space to enjoy the store. It was neat, orderly and very intriguing. I made a purchase and literally have dreamt about going back (minus scouts ) read more

I like books. I like stationery. And this place has enough things to make me forget what's outside. Pros: Clean, friendly, organized. Cons: Giant companies get million dollar tax breaks while beautiful stores like this have to pay their 'fair share'. I enjoyed finding this store. The book selections were varied enough to account for different genres and interests. The stationary offerings were a decent balance between not enough and overwhelming. And the customer service was helpful, friendly, and kind. We really enjoyed our visit. Wish we lived closer. read more

A busy little stationery shop on Galena's downtown main drag. I was able to get some local postcards here, and the shop was full of other customers as well! Always glad to see a small local bookstore or paper merchant, and here they've combined the two! read more

This is not your typical bookstore. For a small space, it makes use of every inch and it feels highly curated. The unique papers that could make posters or even wallpaper are amazing. And they have books for any interest. Friendly and helpful staff (owner?) behind the desk too. Make sure to stop in when shopping downtown! read more

Independent bookstores are great! Galena Books & Paper is a spacious bookstore with a solid collection for a smaller store. They had a nice selection of Galena/Illinois history, in addition to newer/popular fiction and nonfiction. They had a small display highlighting some books that would be good to read and redolent upon in light of Juneteenth this weekend. They had a nice children's section as well, a little secluded area in the back with toys and books to amuse little ones. They also sell stationery items, which I'm sure you'd expect from a store with this name. They have funky paperclips, notepads, writing implements, lots of greeting cards... they even had some aprons and cloth napkins when I was here. So you may be able to find gifts for folks with many different interests. There's a small step up to enter. Most folks could probably clear it--it's maybe an inch or two--but just as an FYI, it is not level. read more

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Lovely store with an interesting selection of books and paper products. Knowledgeable and pleasant staff. A totally pleasant experience.

We have thoroughly enjoyed having Galena Book & Paper in downtown Galena. Whenever we are in town, it is a must on our Main Street shopping adventures! Galena Book & Paper has such an eclectic and diverse selection of books, greeting cards/stationary, and other reading/writing supply needs. The fun and creative selection and displays create a welcoming and wonderful bookstore meandering atmosphere. I could spend an hour just wandering and discovering new books that I want to read! We always find fun stationary and card sets when we visit. This time we were enamored by a postcard box set of painted Bookstore storefronts from around the world. So cool! We are excited to start using the postcards to communicate with friends and family! Earlier in the day, I had been reading about an awesome history book about indigenous American tribes before colonialism. I had a suspicion that if any book would have it in stock, it would be Galena Book & Paper because they always have such a great selection, especially in nonfiction! Sure enough, there was '1491' right on the shelf! It was so fortuitous I HAD to purchase it! Furthermore, prices are reasonable, the store is bright, open, and clean, and the owner is always friendly. The cherry on top is that Galena Book & Paper takes COVID safety seriously, so we always feel safe when we visit. Thank you, Galena Book & Paper, for an excellent bookstore and customer service experience every time! See you next time we are in town! read more

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What a bizarre experience. My husband and I were in looking for a book, when his brother called. He answered the phone and had a brief conversation while I hunted down the title we were looking for. When my husband hung up less than a minute later, a man I can only assume was the owner confronted him and furiously told him to leave the store. It was so out of the blue that at first I thought he must be talking to someone else. As we left the store, I scanned everywhere for any sign or poster indicating that cell phones weren't allowed, which to my mind, would have been the only justification for this reaction. Worse still, this man wasn't satisfied to see us leave. He actually chased us down the street, continuing to shout at my husband about how rude he was for talking on his phone in a bookstore. I don't know what triggered this man to behave that way but I can only say I wouldn't return to his store if my life depended on it. He was out of control. read more

What a charming bookstore! As an author married to a book-lover, we love checking out local independent bookstores when we travel. Even though the selection of books was small in comparison to a "big box" store, it was so well-curated AND so well laid-out. We found exactly what we were looking for an then some. We even came back the next day to buy another book! read more

an unfortunate establishment. staff member was incredibly rude to my daughter and me. will not return

This bookstore is my most anticipated stop when I visit Galena from 4 hours away. The bookstore may look small, but they have a wonderful collection of books on the shelves. There are many options for fiction, including both hardcover and paperback, new releases and classics. I absolutely love their nonfiction collection - so many great books, and books that I know I will enjoy reading. The store also has some wonderful Stationery and other items that would make lovely gifts. This is an independent bookstore that you are sure to love! read more

I had a great time visiting Galena Books & Paper! A very nice lady was working and we were discussing books and giving great recommendations back and forth! I had a wonderful time :) read more

Quaint little book store, nice selection but the owner needs an attitude adjustment. I had a bit of a complaint because the instore price was 20 dollars more than Amazon, so I said so on a emailed receipt review. I must've struck a nerve, here was the response I received... read more

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My Wife and I stopped in as we were walking around town a little after 5 on a weekday. A lot of places on the block close around 5, and when we asked when the store closed, the gentlemen said they close at 5, but invited us to keep looking as they were staying to complete some work. They're a small shop, but they have a nice selection of books, puzzles, and greeting cards that I haven't seen at many other places. Even though the owner was clearly busy, he very kindly took time to chat with us and couldn't have been nicer. We spoke enough that my wife asked asked about a book in the fiction department that's a biography. I explained that she's an English teacher and he offered her a free sticker that read, "Grammar police". That forever endeared her to the store and we both were very appreciative that he allowed us to browse as I'm sure that didn't make his work easier. We are planning to come back to Galena again and will gladly support what we found to be a very enjoyable shop. read more

Don't bring kids into this store. We came into the store on Black Friday. My daughter (6) & niece (11) were looking in the children's books. The gentleman working began yelling at them about touching the merchandise. Before we left, he made a scene that his job was not to put things back that my child got out. First of all, my daughter did not make a mess in the store. I feel like he did not want children in his store. If that is the case, he should not have had a children's section. read more