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!

This is an awesome spot! This makes shopping for books enjoyable. The size is a perfect balance of small shop meets nice size inventory. The books are laid out to make the most use of the small space which gives a cozy feel. It's completely contrary to the larger book stores. It's located in a high pedestrian area so there are few cars around, but plenty of street parking available. Everyone is friendly and very knowledgeable of all the books they carry. There's little room to sit and read but you can easily walk to the many nearby shops and restaurants with your book!

I love Pilsen books! Have always had incredibly good experiences while there. Also have contacted them about 2 or 3 books I've been searching for and they respond quickly via email and hold the book for me for a day or two until I can get in and pick it up. They've been smart about COVID practices. They also sell these recycled paper notebooks and I'm on my 4th one, as I've been using it as a daily journal for the last year or so. Good prices. Great atmosphere. Fantastic people doing fantastic things. Keep doing your thing, Pilsen Community Books!

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!

Pilsen Community Books is among the best bookshops in Chicago and definitely one of my favorite places in Pilsen. It's worth checking out if you are from other neighborhoods in the city. Their selection changes at a good rate to make it worth visiting weekly, the staff is helpful and knowledgeable, and the books themselves are in very good condition with excellent pricing. The art and poetry sections are my favorite by far, always offering new books and the often rare findings.

I've wanted to visit Pilsen Communiy Books since buying their Always Carry A Book sweater and visiting this weekend from Minneapolis, this space was all I ever dreamed of! Great poetry and non-fiction selection, plus a lovely assortment of children's books, with many Spanish language books available to offer to the surrounding Latinx community. This is a bookstore that puts the ideas and dreams of radical writing into action!! I will be back!

Discovered this bookstore while living in Pilsen for a month, and continue going back over and over. The selection is incredible – I always find interesting and compelling books that I don't see elsewhere. Their children's book section is also expansive – this is a go-to store for gifts for the kiddos in my life that will expand their horizons a bit. Grateful to have found it, and will continue coming back whenever I have the opportunity.

Giving them 5 stars cause I want to support them and they absolutely have some of the best selections in the city. Im so frustrated that they arent open Sundays. I work M-F and Sat/Sun are ideally days to go to the bookstore. We woke up with hopes to go get a book on a snowy Sunday and theyre closed :/ Just wondering if others feel the same about visiting on a Sunday. Again, amazing bookstore, wish they were open all weekend.

I love this bookstore, what a gem in the Pilsen community! There are so many books, and they’re very well-organized. There’s even a children’s section in the back of the store. Most of the books seem to be new or barely used. Today was Independent Bookstore Day so everything was 10% off, I got an awesome haul of books! The staff were also very friendly. I had a wonderful time here!

Really great selection and atmosphere. I regularly make purchases here and can’t wait to explore the children’s section with my kid. Service is very friendly. I do wonder about the guy wearing the communist pin at the register though. Is this a communist book store? PCB definitely has more books than me... sooo do we still have to pay for these “community” books?

I was making a conscious effort to support small businesses when I visited this store. For a small book store, I was met with a really cold response. Not sure if they suspected stealing but I clearly didn’t come in to commit a crime. I never felt welcome whatsoever as a female minority who largely kept to myself. I’m disappointed and won’t be back.

PCB continues to be a place of refuge for the radical left in Chicago. I’m so thankful for its owners who have developed a safe space for many to create, to love, and be in solidarity with each other. Whether you’re beginning your political journey or need the latest abolitionist book release, PCB has what you’re looking for— + more, + more!

powerful space of community, healing, and revolutionary learning. you’ll definitely find something you weren’t expecting but gain a lot from. talk to the employees if you’re there, it’s a coop and they’re all really cool people. Posted is a banner that a group of badasses made at an art build preparing for the may day rally ft Lucy Parsons

Horrible place. Rude employees throughout. As soon as I requested the shelf location to purchase a Bible, I was told by the employee she wishes they didn't sell bibles and she then walked away from me. She crouched behind another shelf and rocked herself for 10 minutes while her head oscillates. I decided to leave without my purchase.

Hateful, unwelcoming staff. Their particular selection of books are largely filled with drivel and deception. Imagine a person cleverly wished to destroy your family, society and everything good and aimed to do so by selling books filled with lies , disguised hatred and deception. This is what such a bookstore would look like.

A beautiful and serene bookstore, that reminds you that independently owned bookstores should always be in existance. Many of the books are used, but you would never know because they are in new condition, and less expensive! An amazing selection of books, you could spend many hours looking through, and enjoying every moment!

My family and I have lived in the Pilsen community tracing back almost 75 years and to have this bookstore refuse my brother service who is a resident of this community because he wears a blue uniform is disgusting from foreigners not even from our own community at that. They say they are radical left ? More like colonizers.

1st time there and I stepped back in time with wall to wall books. Totally loved, had a great assortment of books, beautifully set up. Customer service was very friendly, was greeted immediately and allowed to browse. cute area in the back for children's books with a garden view. Decor is minimal but impactful. Loved it!!!

Found a copy of 'Love' - a Toni Morrison book I was in the middle of reading until it was stolen with my luggage from a hotel. Went inside bookstore hoping they'd have it. $6 for the same paperback release w/ author's foreward. Surrounding neighborhood is vibrant! Thank you very much, Pilsen Community Bookstore!

Pilsen books is a great community bookstore! They're a small/medium bookshop, but you can also order books on their website and pick them up in store. They have several monthly book clubs that you can join and a large YA/children's book section. They also sell cards and stationary if you're looking for gifts.

Wide, unique selection of books and extremely pleasant atmosphere. The staff were friendly and approachable. The book sections are clearly organized and well labeled. Definitely worth the trip! There’s also a nice coffee shop conveniently a few doors down, to stop by after you pick out a new book.

This bookstore is bigoted. They once followed my sister around the bookstore when she took my nephew to check out the books. Yesterday they discriminated against a friend who is a police officer and Army Veteran. Imagine that, a gentrifier telling a local that they aren't welcome...smh.

Cute place! Even though they're not open to the public right now, just being able to see from the outside all of their books is amazing. Placed my order online and it was ready within minutes! Their attention to detail is the reason I prefer to shop here instead of corporate companies.

Incredible selection of books. I especially love their curation of books for educators. It's a relaxing space to mill about and find a book that opens up the world a little bit more. From picture books to pedagogy, I've never wanted to read every single book in a store until this one.

I have always supported small businesses, first time i will not. To see this place turn away a woman of color dressed in uniform is quite disgusting and shameful. The level of ignorance you may carry to do that is without measure. Please don’t support businesses that discriminate.

I was looking for a larger used books store, but this didn't disappoint. I got 2 new books (that I'll eventually get to), and the whole Narnia series in one book! And the price was dope! I'll be back. Great vibe, they were thoughtful when I stepped away for 1/2 an hour... great.

Changing my 4-star review to 1-star in light of recent events. I am against discrimination and hate in any of its forms, and can no longer with a good conscience support this business that discriminates against entire groups of people. Shame on PCB for its hateful policies.

It's defiantly a niche. I've only been inside the store once and I didn't buy anything. There was a selection of genres in the store. Unfortunately, none that captured my interest or my wallet. Overall, it's probably someone priced location but I'm not that someone.

These booksellers have created an incredibly inclusive and powerful environment. I really appreciate their selections for reading groups. I highly recommend this store for readers ready to question our surrounding ideologies. Visit if you have any spare time!

I got books delivered during the quarantine and this store was great! Very quick response, all the books were wrapped up really nicely and they even put in a little note! They had a wide and detailed online selection. Plus we love a worker-owned business.

I'm from Portland. If I had to name my favorites I'd have two in the top, Pilsen Community Books, and Powell's Books & I still wear my old Pilsen Tee with love (like the logo). If you're reading this... and haven't been-- just go. Don't think. Do. Read.

This place is an absolute gem. Every time I'm here I find so many interesting books and zines that I couldn't possibly buy them all. Everyone who works here is a badass who really cares about the space. Cooperatively owned, support local

First time in and easily my favorite bookstore in the city, an absolute joy to browse the selection. Curated in a way you won’t find anywhere else, I’m already looking forward to coming back and finding something new I never expected to

I used to come here all the time. I’ll Never step foot in here again. The owner is a fraud. Proclaims to be neighborly and inclusive but in reality, could not be further from the truth. Really makes me sad as I did enjoy this place

I’ve had many pleasant experiences with Pilsen Community Books ever since discovering them over two years ago! Extremely friendly staff, excellent shopping in-store, and a wide selection of online books. 10/10 would recommend!

Great bookstore in Pilsen, they have everything you could imagine and if they don't, they can order it for you. Their gift wrapping is also perfect and free!!! Also, their recommendations are always spot on! Check them out!

Cozy, quaint, diverse book store with a wide and eclectic selection. Great for finding local books about Chicago, books written from Chicago based authors, and a they offer a number of books in Spanish. LGBTQ friendly.

Great for snagging an unexpected read! Wide selection of books, and you leave knowing your purchase benefited the community (through the store's community programs or simply local business ownership.)

Such a lovely find in Pilsen. They have all the latest and greatest books and then more things you never knew you wanted to read! Most paperback books are <$10 and it's a place you can spend hours.

Great selection of all genres. They keep stocked on new books of broad, local, and specific appeal. I love stopping in to see what catches my eye. They also have some used and rare books for sale.

A quaint bookstore with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with affordable books. The selection was well curated with a reasonable number of books in each genre. The books that I checked were all $6.

Pilsen community books is exactly what Pilsen doesn’t need- gentrifying, privileged hipsters thinking they are saving the community. Don’t shop here if you’re a minority looking to feel welcomed

Lovely small independent bookstore with a good selection of new and used books. Prices are reasonable, staff is friendly and helpful. Enjoy finding books I didn't know I wanted when browsing.

Great selection of books especially if you are of the leftist variety. They also had a small amount of very cute Japanese stationary. Fair prices too. Will definitely come back!

Extensive book selection, donation system and obvious dedication to serving educators and learners. Would love to see a built-out Asian-American history/culture section someday.

A phenomenal selection of Leftist books, new and old. They stock the typical categories of fiction and nonfiction as well, but the political and activist sections stand out!

Great local bookstore with good prices and friendly, helpful employees. The selection is fantastic, with some great old editions mixed with the best in recent publications.

One of the best if not the best bookstores in Chicago. Outstanding selection of used books. Very well curated. Books are in great shape. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Why do they kick out police officers? Why do they still require masks in 2023 (insane)? Based on their communist book selection, I suspect its to promote "solidarity".

All my life looking for books on revolutionary ideas. Was even told at Barnes and Nobles that they didn’t possess books on Karl Marx since 1966. Will be coming back !

I love this place. Every time I come, I find more than I'm looking for! They're so helpful, whether I know exactly what I'm looking for or am looking for inspiration!

Excellent Selection and super cheap prices. They have fiction, biographies, philosophy, economics, politics, childrens books, photography, etc. soo many good choices.

Great neighborhood bookstore. Found books slightly cheaper online, but definitely felt it was worth supporting a local company. Staff was very helpful and patient.

Cute location, and additional info is on the website. I love that it's a used book store but not to many copys of the same book nor too many extra items for sell.

While the prices may be ok, ultimately the store is contributing to the gentrification of pilsen. It is not Hispanic owned and has a history of discrimination.

Refuses to do business with police officers. Remember: when you get held up, don't call the police. Call a social worker to assuage your hurt feelings.

Unfriendly, uninterested in helping patrons of color. Staff is disregarding and stuffy towards Browns. Please remove the word community from your name.

Friendly staff; a pretty, clean and well organized store with a good variety of books for any sort of reader. It's a true neighborhood bookstore.

Extremely friendly staff, I love the little bookmarks they give you with each purchase that teaches you a new word. Prices are great! Very cozy.

Literally books from floor to ceiling is a plus in mind. Very simplistic layout as well; still best to ask if they have books available or nah.

Such an adorable treasure trove! Wide selection of reading materials, old-fashioned library decor. It's such a charming place to frequent!

I visited here a few weeks ago. The selection is amazing! Masks were required. They had a box of them outside if you don’t have your own.

Always a great experience! Every other Friday night they stay open late and host a special event. Excellent service and jovial staff. :)

A book lovers haven! Such wonderful book options and a great way to shop locally. Go in, peruse and make friends with the owner Mandy.

Super helpful and friendly staffs. Very reasonably priced used books. Not too big of a place but has a good selection of everything.

Great deals. Got a used book for half off the original price even though the book still looks brand new. Awesome place to buy books.

Very disappointed in Pilsen Community Books. Rude staff is not the way a decent person should act. I will never shop there again.

The wall to wall display of books was amazing to look at, but the great selection of books and reasonable prices was even better!

Employee-owned bookstore that also wraps books so nicely and sometimes includes cute little prints with orders? Take my money.

Pilsen community books slays so hard!!!!!!! A great selection of books with a great vibe. I also really love Mandy’s bangs

Really nice atmosphere and a great collection of books! Staff Knows a ton about pretty much any book you could ask about.

Great bookstore, it's small but has a good selection of books. Very nice people work there. I would highly recommend:)

Such a wonderful little book store with new, used, vintage, and rare books. They someone serve wine and cookies :)

Great selection of books for such a small space. Many political books you're unlikely to find many other places.

A place of business should not discriminate. I hate to say it, but Pilsen Community Books discriminates. So sad!

Very friendly people. Lots of good books and a pleasant environment. I wish every bookstore could be like this

One of my favorite book stores I’ve ever stumbled on! A wonderful assortment of books and what a cosy space!

Non inclusive , discriminatory store. Will never buy a book here. Don’t even support their own community.

Amazing selection—highly recommend the selected books, set aside. Incredible prices for these rare finds.

A must place to visit, great selection on books and they order books for you if they don’t carry it.

This place is awesome! Spacious and has a great selection of books. ! Employees are awesome …

Lovely space, wonderful staff. I always get solid recommendations and leave with some great books.

Love this place! Quiet, great book collection, (for the most part) Helpful staff, great prices!

The worse bookstore in Pilsen, believe you don’t want to go there and be discriminated against.

Good selection, good service, definitely meets its purpose of providing books and community.

Awesome selection of books. Will definitely return. Glad to have a nice book store in Pilsen

Love to see a COP free store in our community. My kids love picking books from here …

Friendly staff, great selection! Everything you could ask for in a neighborhood bookstore!

Very huge selection of books in Spanish and English with a very nice and friendly service.

Great selection. Great prices. Great staff. Im very glad to have this bookstore so nearby

Nice bookstore, owners seem to be very passionate about their work. A lot of rare books!

A small and independent neighborhood bookstore. Worth a quick visit if you're nearby.

You’ve honestly gotta be mentally ill if you’re still requiring masks at this point.

Best book store in Chicago! Mandy is so welcoming and the selection is impeccable.

DISNEYLAND for anarchist book lovers. Happiest place on earth, my dudes. ❤️ …

Amazing book store, worker owned and operated with friendly staff and good prices

Excellent selection, fabulous staff and principled business. Always Carry A Book!

An amazing new and used bookstore! Cozy with great lighting. And helpful service!

Very warm nice place! Great inexpensive books, great customer service. Loved it

Great place to browse books. If you ask they can order your new books as well.