Fabulous bookstore! Kind and helpful staff. Really well organized. Spacious. It can hold a lot of people and not feel crowded. I love the high ceilings and open layout. Impressive selection, including indie publications. It's a really cool place! It's Chicago's only employee-owned and operated independent bookstore. They have really cool events and guest speakers, and have a community focused mission. I really appreciate what they do! read more

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Came on a recent day-trip to Pilsen from my far-north enclave, and this is one great bookstore! I mean, I've never been to a bookstore I didn't like, but this one was phenomenal. They have a great selection, including some books that I'd been looking for and hadn't found at other shops around town. If you stop in, which you should, definitely take the time and be leisurely about browsing the shelves. You'll find something, I promise. Many of the books are priced less than retail (both books I picked up were), so there's good bang for your buck. I almost passed out from sheer joy when I found the NYRB Classics section. I will be back just to take a closer look at that! read more

Great, what looks to be little bit is very big, bookstore located in Pilsen. Lots of great books on topics you won't find at a big box bookstore. I actually looked to see if they had my book in stock via their site and they indicate if it's in-store or online. I was greeted when I walked in and started browsing at all of their books. Quite a large selection for a neighborhood bookstore. They were covered floor to ceiling. I had the books that I wanted and was very happy to walk out with the book and another book for a gift. They have lots of books on organizing, colonization, and other forms of resistance. It was refreshing to see these, as I can't really find them many other places. read more

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First and foremost, I love that Pilsen's is employee owned. It has a fantastic selection of books and I love the progressive curation of art and history books they have. What really made the experience for me was the focus on public health and safety. As an immunocompromised person who was disabled by the pandemic 6yrs ago, it was such a rare comfort to browse with the added security of community masking. I didn't have to rush, and worry about occupying small spaces. It was such an appreciated gesture. read more

An employee owned, extraordinarily well curated bookstore with a relative focus on sociological and economic topics for the reader who might be looking to become a bit radicalized. A must visit for anyone in the area who is interested in things like burning it all to the ground, how the f all this happened, what we should be doing, or how to embrace the humanity of others. They have a huge selection of books at reasonable prices, friendly and helpful employees, a tidy and well organized shop and a tote that you can purchase, (if it's in stock) that gets you a discount when you bring it in to shop. If you're cool...give this place a visit. And remember, always carry a book! read more

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One of my favorite bookstores. They sell a thoughtfully curated mix of items and even have a lovely children's section in the back. Great gift options. They also host events in this space which I'd love to attend someday. read more

Pilsen Community Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is one of the best bookstores in the city of Chicago. They have a great selection of books for you to choose from various categories and subject areas . I ordered online and they were super-fast at delivering my order and kept in contact with me throughout the whole process i like the fact that they require you to wear a mask before you can enter to me that shows they care about your health and their employee's health. I would recommend them to any true book lover read more

I wandered in here before a brunch, and not only was I blown away by the selection, I really dig the independent, worker- and community-centric the books and vibe was. I appreciated the care they took in curating their shelves and the focus on health with masks required. I had to buy SOMETHING, and the prices were very good for the stuff I bought. Will definitely be back. read more

Always interesting books on display and they can order things that might not be in stock. Always carry a book!

My new favorite book store. They have an amazing selection, but not too much that you get overwhelmed, and the staff is always super friendly. It's so cozy and I wish I could hang out there all day everything is also well priced. I love that it's in pilsen read more

Pilsen Community Books - Interior - Used Bookstore Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I really think this is an excellent local bookstore, however one thing I was let down by on my recent visit was the prices and the lack of used books. I generally see it as a bad sign when a bookstore only has new books which usually means the prices are going to be quite high. The selection was great, especially the philosophy section but there's no way I'm going to pay upwards of $20.00 per book at retail unless it's like a huge tome. Another small complaint, no horror or sci-fi just a " thriller" section that ends at H. Again I love the store just think there's room for improvement. Ignore the reviews talking about bad customer service, all my favorite bookstores are run by grouches. read more

Impressive book collection in a clean and organized used/new bookstore! This was a great stop on my visit through Pilsen. I saw it in a guide book and was really impressed. The space is small but they've got a really impressive collection- the books go from floor to ceiling. They did a great job of highlighting new authors and books that focus on important social issues. It was cozy and quiet inside and I stayed for a quite a while reading. The staff are really Kind and welcoming. They still ask that you wear a mask inside but have masks available if you don't have your own. read more

Pilsen Community Books - Inside - Used Bookstore Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Loved the wide variety here! Staff was very competent and helped us find what we needed. I'm publishing a book and asked about that process to get it in the store and that went well. Exited about my next visit and book/art purchase. read more

It's a good bookstore and I try to go whenever I'm in Chicago. Staff require you to wear a mask upon entering however, which I find very annoying. It's 2025??? read more

Love the employees and the selection. Great books and they will order anything you ahh them too.

I love quaint locations like this that supply more interesting reading. It's been some time since I visited the location. But I will be going back soon. read more

If you're a fan of bookstores, run to Pilsen Community Books. It's one of (if not the only) bookstore in the Pilsen neighborhood. It's in a block of several other row houses and this house is converted into an independent, used bookstore. It's well organized, but the books stay on the first floor of the row house. For housing tons of used books, Pilsen Community Books is clean. The books are in good condition and the store is kept clean. The staff (who can often be seen reading when not helping customers) are helpful and know the store and its books well. If you're looking for a fun day of exploration in Chicago, go to Pilsen and add this bookstore to the itinerary. There are nearby cafes and restaurants with some of the best and most creative food in the city! read more

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I came in last night and tried to get help finding a book and the staff wasn't pleasant or helpful. I try to support local businesses, but I will not be returning. Disappointing. read more

A community-minded bookstore with a radical slant. They host many workshops and readings, and they have an awesome collection. Not sure if they still buy books, but I have taken books there in the past. A real treasure! They also have a great kid's section, too! read more

My fav bookstore in Chicago. My top 5 fav life bookstore. Nice set up, cool Vibe. Scored a first edition Edward Gorey for my daughter, one visit. read more

My new favorite book store. They have some amazing books and the prices are really good Most of the books were under ten dollars and I'm very pleased with the selection. We just went over to check it out not really knowing what to expect and found a hidden gem in Pilsen. read more

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OMG. This bookstore is one of Chicago's must go destination! It's also Chicago's best kept open secret too. If you are from out of town, don't miss this place. The owner, Mandy, is super knowledgeable on books. Don't hesitate to ask her if you need a recommendation for a few great reads. Prices for books are very reasonable and they have an unbeatable selection of books on deep, meaningful and educational topics, like climate crisis, the pandemic and struggles of indigenous folks beyond North America. We truly wish we live closer to Pilsen Community Books. Chicago is lucky to have it! Until next time, can't wait! read more

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One of the best bookstores in Chicago. Well-curated, excellent poetry, and the philosophy and radical politics sections are outstanding. I am looking forward to visiting Chicago, and this bookstore again. read more

I have visited plenty of bookstores throughout the city looking for stories and authors by POC. I was so happy I found this place in Pilsen! The extensive collection of Latinx books is so impressive! A lot of the authors I haven't read since college. There is even books in Spanish:) the collection of books by Black authors and Black issues and even Native Americans is amazing!!! Rows and rows to choose from. The people that work there are so friendly! You can customer order a book over the phone or even online if it's not in store! Won't be spending my money anywhere else! read more

Pilsen Community Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We were in the area having dinner. Pilsen Community Books was across the street and they were hosting a Tarot Card Reader. I loved that this was a community run bookstore. The books in the store are for the most part - previously loved. It has a lovely feel to the space. It felt like I could have sat down in a chair and peacefully read books all evening. They have books in so many different categories. I couldn't help but walk out with four books. This store also has cute gift cards and gift items. It's right across the street from Haisous and a few other fantastic restaurants. At the event the bookstore had wine and cookies. The tarot reader was a lot of fun. It seemed like the store had a lot of regulars as well. This is the seemingly one area in Chicago where parking is not so bad. We were able to find a space quickly. read more

I stopped in and was not impressed. Customer service wasn't very good. Book selection was weird. I guess I was expecting something like Waldenbooks but those days are gone. A great bookstore will have "Ladies of the Night: A Historical and Personal Perspective on the Oldest Profession in the World" by Gene Simmons. A great bookstore will offer to order it for you. read more

Very unwelcoming. Rude staff. I'll stick with Amazon. Much better prices and selection.

Decided to take a leisurely bike ride to Pilsen last weekend and popped into this bookstore. Like many other reviewers this instantly became my favorite bookstore. The prices are very affordable, the selection is great, and the staff is very friendly. Don't wait to come here....run here! You will not be disappointed. read more

My heart feels warm and fuzzy when I come here. It feels like time stops and waits for you. This place gives you a nice homely feeling that modern bookstores just cannot do. You feel like you're back in time. I love their floor to ceiling bookshelves with sliding ladders. There's little scented candles and old typewriters and pretty lamps everywhere. Oh and they have a really good selection of books and friendly staff to assist you if you're interested. read more

Pilsen Community Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I really loved our visit to Pilsen Community Books. It is charming and well edited. The decor is just spot on. The kids section great. Full of good books and good lighting with a cozy vibe. My kids found a huge stack of books that they wanted then sat down in the window seat and started reading. It was easy to say yes to their large selection of books as the prices are so reasonable. So everyone was happy. We will be back! read more

My first association with this place has been on an Instagram. I added them a while back thinking "hey I'll stop by". They are quick to respond any question you have on their Instagram feed. So kind and patient with all my questions we found all the books we were looking for at affordable prices. I travel with two of my children who have autism and we are always trying to find a space where they can walk around freely in aisles wide enough. This place is awesome in the back there is a space for your kids were you can even play while you wait . This place is so quaint I know you're always thinking big book stores but it never hurts to recycle this place has some used books for a really good bargain try it out and check it out before you hit any other bookstore. And let me tell you no one had to punch anything in their computer to be able to give me a good recommendation on a book. read more

Pilsen Community Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I really like it here. A pleasant place to be inside of, spend some time in and find something interesting to read. Wide selection of books at decent prices. I love that they have a kids book section in the back, and stock some cool zines (including some from Chicago's own Tan & Loose Press). The wall to wall, floor to ceiling books is awesome--the rolling ladders are a book-lover's dream--but overwhelming. What books am I missing way up there near the ceiling? Definitely don't skip this place when you're in Pilsen; you'll love it! read more

Pilsen Community Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I visited this bookstore because I wanted to support independent bookstores during the pandemic. I contacted them looking for Elephant and Piggie books written in Spanish as a gift. They responded quickly to my email and when I arrived at the store it was a book lovers dream! Floor to ceiling shelves of books!! I could have spent all day there. I asked the owner for a book recommendation, I was looking for something different. She recommended several and the book I purchased was "The Great Believers". This book is so well written and interesting, I can't put it down. I will definitely be back. read more

Nice selection of books and a cute atmosphere, but bad customer service. I've given the place 3 different chances and each time it feels like I'm walking into an unwelcome atmosphere. To be honest, I've felt racist undertones. Which is bizarre because this place sells an image of progressiveness, but then have staff who side eye and ignore any minority (specifically Black person) who walks in. Very disappointing. read more

I live down the street from this bookstore and frequent it quite often. It's not huge, but the space is utilized well. Towards the front they have the rarer and more pricy books, older editions in nice condition. They have some displays, everything is clean and well organized. The selection is good. Towards the back you'll find a shelf dedicated to Chicago books and another shelf of local zines, which is nice. The back room is a very charming children's section. Overall a must visit for anyone in Pilsen. read more

"This is not a cop friendly space." I'm not sure what a cop was expecting when they came here!

What a beautiful place. If there were tables to sit at I'd sit and work here all day. Well lit, like a scene out of Harry Potter. The staff is friendly, the designs are cool, the book collections are well labeled. read more

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Rude staff. Generally unwelcoming atmosphere. Wish I would've just stayed home and shopped online

In over a year since it opened, Pilsen Community Books has become one of the best bookstores in Chicago. The bookstore specializes in used books. It sells the books in in prime condition at half the price found in regular bookstores. From fiction and poetry to history and philosophy, the two co-owners carefully curate their selection and decorate their store to give the bookstore an identity of its own. The bookstore now includes a monthly book club, organizes events for local and touring authors, and sells books in Spanish for the Latino community in the city. If you have any books to sell, just bring them to Pilsen Community Books. They will either offer you credit (based on book demand and availability on Amazon) or pay you in cash. I make the trek from Hyde Park to Pilsen just for this place. That's how good it is, and that's how much I value it. read more

This place surprised me. Located on 18th in the heart of Pilsen I was not expecting such a gem of a bookstore. Please understand I freakin love Pilsen so it's not a knock on the community or Pilsen itself. I was just surprised and joyfully so. This store has books shelved to the ceiling. A knowledge staff and the prices are very fair. They also have some collectors editions and hard to finds. Do yourself a favor and locate this bookstore. You will not be disappointed. read more