Spent a lifetime in the world of vinyl and I can definitively say Squeezebox knows what they are doing. From variety to quality to customer service, they tick all the boxes above and beyond. read more

Great selection of new and second hand books and vinyls! Very reasonably priced and friendly staff. Love this place!!

Just a quick update on one of my favorite shops in Evanston. While the pandemic and my own precaution level has prevented me from taking my weekly trips here to spend a good hour or so digging through all the different bins (you never know what treasures you may find), I will say their social media game is killing it. They're great about posting "Friday flips" on Instagram to show what's new, and posting throughout the week with new books, vinyl, and other items that come in. They're really quite creative with it as well, so it's always entertaining to watch and still get some weekly Squeezebox content virtually. And, they make it super easy and tempting to DM them when you see something you like to have them hold it for you -- I've done that a few times on an impulse when I see something that captures my attention. All the staff here are awesome as well. Highly recommend! read more

Great experience moving old albums to a new home!! Helpful staff and fair price to take them off our hands.

The selection of music here is amazing!! I have found so many gems here that were missing in my cd collection. The owner Tim is so nice and will answer any of your questions. The quality of the used cds is excellent they never have any scratches or smudges on them and play perfectly. I really value every purchase I make from them!! I highly recommend this store to music lovers!! Happy listening!! read more

Gem of a place. Outstanding collection. Place has character and helpful staff. They sell new and used books

Cute little gem right in Evanston! I randomly stumbled across this gem and decided that off the bat it was treat yourself to a record day! They have some cool vintage books in there but I was there for vinyl. The do have a small selection from other record stores but what they have is decent. For me, it seemed heavy on rock which is all good so if you are into that you hit the spot! However you still can find a little bit of everything. I scored 3 greatest hits records. Now some I for sure over paid but I really wanted them and couldn't decide and wanted to support my local shop. They are very friendly and willing to help you find whatever. Also if you have an issue with a record, they are willing to return it too (I had an issue with a new one, but I'll make some adjustments to my record player first before being it back). I'd come back again! read more

A worthy and diverse vinyl shop! Got The Who, Old soul, and Christmas something in one stop.

What's not to like? In a world in which Amazon can deliver any book to your door, it might seem like a store that sells used books and LPs is out of place, but it's a great shop--and I say this as one who spent many, many hours in the used bookstores and record shops of Chicago. Prices are good and selection is wide-ranging and eclectic. Staff are friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable. I'm thrilled that we have this shop in Evanston. read more

Decent place, but prices are a bit high. Though if you don't mind paying for it and supporting a vinyl store there's alot to find here

Staff was so rude ! They don't help you. Not welcoming Bad energy Get a book from somewhere else read more

Found some gem books for great prices. I love walking into such joy, not knowing what I might find. (: They take Apple Pay, too!!!

I love this place. I always manage to find something I wasn't even looking for in the first place. It's cute & small but has a great selection of books & music. Update- August 2019, the new expanded location has been open for awhile and while I miss the former, cozy location, I understand the need for expansion. I'm hoping the new location (other businesses haven't taken off at this spot, it's a bit off in terms of location) sustains them because I'd miss this place. The new space is bright and airy. The staff is great and always helpful. read more

A great local record store. They have some great bargain bins, as well as a great selection of new and used vinyl. Most stores have two many new reissues nowadays, but Squeezebox has a good balance between new and used, that I admire. They also have books and a selection of DVD's and CD's. The employees are very friendly and the prices are fair. What more could you ask for? read more

The best used (and new) record store, with a very interesting mix of used books. Worth an hour or two; I'd come every week if it was closer to me. read more

So cute I want to give this place a big giant... wait for it... squeeze! Pete D was the one who initially enticed me to check this place out, and I finally made it in. And, I'm so glad I did, because if it wasn't for today's stop, I wouldn't be the proud owner of the Charlie Brown Dictionary that I snagged for $5! I LOVE used book stores! Kids books like Big Nate mixed with classic Hardy Boys, Little Golden Books, and who could mix the Moving Pictures section or the *Mies van der Prose* section. Everything in this shop seems perfectly thought out and well organized. Aside from the books, they also have a generous selection of vinyl LPs. The shop is tiny, maybe 800SF, but you'll be able to easily navigate your way around because everything is well labeled. A few comic books, some old classic Playboys and more. Worth the stop. Something for everyone. read more

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Great place.... there are tons of vinyl to look through. I originally went in for Spanish literature books (they don't carry anything in the Spanish language), and vinyl for my moms birthday. I was surprised to see a new Earth, Wind & Fire album. Also grabbed a Carpenters and Pointer Sisters (used but excellent condition). Price point was where it should be, not over priced by any means. Guy was super helpful too in helping me find an album. read more

Fantastic used book and music shop on Main Street. Great selection of vintage books for kids and adults alike, tons of records, CDs, and even cassettes. Spacious, sunny shop with lots of fun displays (my born-in-Dublin husband got a kick out of the collection of Irish books set up for St. Patrick's day). Friendly staff, really reasonable prices. read more

I have been in love with this shop and its wonderful owner (Tim) since the moment I happened upon it by accident during opening week. It's gorgeous, well organized, and has the best selection of stuff that you never knew you wanted until you see it right there in front of you. Eclectic books and music, small bits of art and book plates, DVDs too. I have yet to see a dud book that doesn't pull me in and fascinate me so. Tim is a wonderful, cheerful conversationalist. His enthusiasm is infectious and he really knows the PERFECT thing to give a friend on days I am looking for that thing. He is always spinning the best vinyl too. His personal record collection is huge, and his passion and discerning eye for his inventory (whether you are selling or buying) is clear from the second one walks into the shop. I give this place very high marks. I shout to you, SHOP HERE! A true gem in a jewel box of a shop. Keep up the good work, Tim! read more

Squeezebox has a great collection of records and old books. The owner is really good at picking out technical books that show things 'the way they were'--fascinating stuff. I'd like to see a little bit more mathematical texts in there, but that's a pretty specialized niche, and probably asking too much. One of my very good friends is in here a lot more than me, and I'm always jealous of the books he picks out. Plus, said friend won a raffle for a couple tickets to a really great jazz concert, so everything about here has been really great! The record selection is perfect, too--love seeing some of the old classics here, along with a huge stack of very inexpensive records which are all in great condition. read more

was happy it was open til 8pm on a Sunday eve. grabbed some classic disco 12 inches and #PinkFloyd boots. The Book Collection was impressive as well. read more

Squeezebox Books & Music - Bookstores Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

SqueezeBox is a great record store. I have found so many great records and books for a low price. The employees are very knowledgeable and friendly. This is easily the best record store in Evanston. I recommend Squeezebox to anyone in the area. read more

Great shop. I brought my collection of records and books to the store to sell and they gave me a great payout in cash and store credit. Had a lot of fun talking to the staff and bought some new music. Highly recommended if you're vinyl junkie or pulp fiction fan. read more

An amazing treasure trove of vinyl, and books from all sorts of eras and genres. Tim is a smart and friendly guy, with extensive knowledge of many esoteric subjects. This is where you need to come and get the hard to please book lover their gift. I will definitely be back to Squeezebox. read more

I was just there this afternoon and I was completely blown away, this is a definite gem. Impeccable selection of newer reissues and used vinyl, super fair prices and the employees there seemed really sweet and kind! A very smart and well curated selection of books as well to compliment the music selection. Even their bargain records are a worthwhile browse, they skip the obvious mancini titles and opt for a more seasoned selection. Overall a lovely place, would highly recommend! read more

My husband brought in 100+ vinyl records to sell from the 60s to 80s. He felt he received a fair price for the lot which was carefully evaluated by the shop's record buyer. All but a handful of the LPs were accepted which was welcome news as he expected that Goodwill would be the next stop for many of them. The employees wore masks and customers were encouraged to do so as well. If you have records, CDs or books to sell, and don't want to go the online route, Squeezebox is a good place to start. read more

Love Squeezebox, friendly engaging staff, great prices, and wide selection! I have bought and sold there and am never disappointed. Everyone there is passionate about books and music. A really fun environment! read more

Update: new location. Same cool products, vibe and staff. Went in because I was in the neighborhood and for better or worse walked out with an armful of goods. The new spot is on a sunny corner, and has more room to browse. Highly recommended. read more

Great variety of albums, dvd and books. Definitely worth checking out- give your self time to browse.

Discovered this fine shop over the weekend...great music section and very reasonable prices!....didnt know the owner formerly ran Hi-Fi Records,which was a great place...as is this... read more

What a warm place with nice things that are always in fantastic condition. I mostly buy LPs and they're in superb shape with reasonable prices. And the staff is just sickly kind and friendly. read more

I get to go to Chicago for business 3 or 4 times a year & this place is always on my list to hit. Perfectly curated little shop of books & music. I am always able to stumble across a few things of interest. Prices are fair for a big city & the staff is always helpful. They have a great ( but small) selection of art & photography books at fair prices. All & all - small but worthy. read more

Great selection and always worth a stop when I am passing thru Evanston. Great selection of books, CDs, vinyl and DVDs... What's not to like? read more

Love this tiny bookstore. Their selection is limited, but they always have very interesting books. Make sure to stop by!

A class store with a knowledgeable owner. The books and records are all in clean excellent condition, no junk here! Prices are reasonable as well. A fun place to browse at. Highly recommended! read more

Wow. I just discovered this place today. It is charming and awesome, and has a great selection. I'm a big horror guy, and this place was full of treasures. 1st edition Stephen King hardback for $3.99. Signed Clive Barker book for $10. And the best selection of Arkham House stuff in, I think, Chicagoland...at least since Bookman's Alley has started to go kaput. Small, but it's definitely worth your time, check this place out. read more

Great little place fantastic service found so great records and really good prices! I will always come here when in town!

This is an excellent boutique-style bookshop and record store. I love having this place in Evanston. The guy who runs the place is super friendly and informative and the collection of interesting, desirable used items he sells are organized along unique lines - "Travel Stories," "Roaring 20s Lit and Film," "1950s Children's Lit," "Hipster Fiction" - (I'm making these up, but you get the picture), making it a well-curated store. Check it out. Not many out there like this one. read more

First time I've felt compelled to create a yelp account just to leave a review. Squeezebox has an awesome collection of new and used vinyl, books, and magazines for really reasonable prices. Cozy little store but I could spend hours perusing. Tim is a great guy who's clearly passionate and knowledgable about his stock, and I always manage to leave with something I'm excited about. I'm always happy to support this business (especially after the closing of 2nd Hand Tunes), and their selection of recent releases is growing all the time. 5 stars. read more

Hands down, this is one of the best book stores in the Chicago area. Small, but nothing but quality stock. Great ambience, and a cool owner.... I love that they have music as well.... read more