Semicolon reminds us all of why the era of the local bookstore is so sorely missed. It's unfortunately all too common to source one's books from online vendors (one very popular one in particular) for the sake of convenience, but the sacrifice in this approach is that you miss all of the gifts that the flesh and blood vendor has to offer. I stepped into Semicolon quite by chance on a Sunday afternoon, and both my wife and I were warmly and immediately greeted by no less than each of the staff present. It felt good to be acknowledged, to feel like our combined presence was something the staff appreciated. The cold zeroes and ones of an online shopping cart just can't compete. My wife and I didn't have any particular goal in visiting, but the staff nonetheless offered us multiple recommendations for books on shelf that they themselves had actually read. So enamored by this show of professional hospitality were we that my wife and I purchased one of the hanging art pieces for sale. It was a fantastic Sunday evening made all the more enjoyable by the personal touches of the Semicolon staff. Highly recommend!

My work allowed me to expense the book, Dare to Lead, for our work book club. So I immediately thought of Semicolon Bookstore. True, it would have been easy to just order this book off Amazon, however, Amazon could never offer this experience. I'm at a loss for words to describe just how beautiful this place is. I went in on Saturday to pick up the order I placed online. I was immediately greeted by several employees and promptly received my book order so I continued to look around and do some reading. This black owned business truly creates a safe and communal space to explore diverse narratives. I came in only 30 mins after they opened and it was full of people reading. I looked around and picked up a book for myself (as well a handful of books for upcoming baby showers). I'm thankful this place exists for me to expand my horizons and to share those expanded horizons with others. Many of the books I found were resonating with present day needs. There is more to come for this book store and I love how much it finds ways to give back and interact.

This place is just incredible. I met Danni (the proprietress of Semicolon) one day when I stopped in. They had just opened not to long before and things were very quiet. I perpetually would stop in more and more and we got on first name basis real quick. From the start to now this place has grown and become more of a 2nd home than a book store. The staff are warm, knowledgeable, and welcoming. The selection is specially curated and covers a little bit of everything. This ain’t a Barnes & Noble and it is not meant to be. It is an experience. Love to the Semicolon Staff, to Semi (their dog who appears periodically), and to Danni

If I could give more stars I would! I came here on a quick trip to Chicago and wish I could've stayed longer just to sit and read. This bookstore had some gems that I had been looking for and couldn't find online. When describing to my friend the type of books I was looking for, one of the clerks overheard me, went to the back, picked out a book and suggested I read it. Just from the description I knew it'd be good. THIS is how book stores should be! Friendly, beautiful, clean spaces. It also helps that Black authors are at the forefront of their shelves on their walls. This Black-woman owned business is #1 in my book. Thanks!

Nahin, the General Manager was able to assist me in the most helpful way the other day. A little while back I order a tote bag off of the Semicolon Bookstore website as a gift for a friend. After receiving an order confirmation email, I never received word it shipped. I called the store and Nahin informs me that the third party product manufacturer no longer is able to have the item available. Nahin was so kind to quickly cancel my order, apologize on all parties’ behalf and moreover made an awesome customer appreciation move that sparked this review. Thanks for the help Nahin, I hope to check out the Bookstore in person soon!

This bookstore is top notch. I went in last weekend and was overwhelmed By the number of quality book options!! I asked a salesperson for some book recommendations for myself and gifts, and ended up getting books for nearly my entire family. The salesperson I asked really listened to what I was looking for, pulled 8 or 9 books for me, and gave me detailed descriptions of each one. I am halfway through the book I got for myself (“When No One is Watching” by Alyssa Cole, highly recommend) and the description of the book they gave me fits it perfectly. They are also a super family friendly bookstore.

This is a very resourceful community-driven space with substantial and broad titles that focuses on fun and welcome. While I don’t have any kids, what Semicolon Chi has done for that segment is remarkable. I have gone into semicolon and gotten great recs, always on point; I have gone into other bookstores and gotten recognizance on my semicolon tote bag because of their reputation. I have gone to their event nights, which are always a whirlwind. I am always thinking about my next visit. They have even been on Ellen. Any bad reviews on here read as odd and unfortunate, take them with skepticism.

Semicolon just reopened today after being closed throughout the summer for renovations, and the renewed space looks amazing!! This Black woman-owned nonprofit indie bookstore is such a gem of the Chicago community, and it’s always top of my list of recommendations for friends who are visiting Chicago. The vibes are so welcoming and cozy, and the carefully curated selection of books mostly consists of works by women of color. There’s so much beautiful art too, make sure to take a full look around to admire both the great books and the stunning artwork!

Semicolon is the literary art space you didn't know you needed! This bookstore has got all reading interests in mind and by a diverse variety of authors. You can find some of the best literary classics to today's best sellers. They even have a reading room, children's area and an art gallery featuring one of Chicago's finest graffiti artists. Major bonus points since it's the only black owned and operated bookstore in the city. I will definitely be back and I highly recommend it. You will swoon!

I came here after researching it for months. I was in love with the place before I ever went. It’s black woman owned and in a busy area of the city. The space is unique and has really good spots to work as well as energizing, nostalgic music. I love the natural light that pours in and the people there who offer assistance. I wasn’t even supremely bothered that I wasn’t able to find the books I was looking for. It’s just such a beautiful place!

We stopped in while on a visit to Chicago . This book store was on my list of places to go while there . I am very pleased with the store and the beautiful energy of the place . The owner came over and introduced her self . That says so much for a business owner to step out of what she was doing to acknowledge a new customer that just walked in .I will support this book store every time I make a trip to Chicago . Many Many Blessings !

I've been frequenting Semicolon Chicago since mid-2020 and five stars is honestly not enough. The staff, led by the boss herself, Danni, is incredibly passionate about books and is always willing to find me that next "great read." I continue to frequent this place because it's rejuvenated my passion for books, while also growing my curiosity about the up and coming and legendary writers of color it continues to highlight !

So happy to have a new local bookstore! Still in the early startup phase, but already such a great vibe inside! Art gallery/bookstore concept adds to the extremely relaxed welcoming environment. There will be rotating shows monthly, showcasing some of the areas amazing street artists! Small selection of books currently, but they are quickly expanding and adding more! Online shopping is also an option if you can’t wait!

My new favorite book store in Chicago! They are doing an excellent job with COVID precautions and take your temperature when you get in the store. The staff was INCREDIBLY helpful and nice. Pro tip: if you need recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask one of the staff! They took the time helping me and all of the customers in the store. It was my first time in but they made me feel like a regular. Can’t wait to go back!

So thrilled that Semicolon has moved to my neighborhood – an incredible black woman-owned book store and community space. Have been in a few times now, and the staff is incredibly helpful and just lovely to be around. Love that they center BIPOC authors and focus their selection so thoughtfully. Have never left empty-handed – grateful for their presence.

If y'all are in the area you NEED to visit this independently owned bookstores. The artwork throughout is beautiful, and the book selection is great. There are so many different places where you can sit down to work or read, and the employees help with anything and everything you may need! 10/10 that I will revisit every single time I'm in there area!

Cute bookshop. The art is incredible. Their influences are clear—I especially loved a Toni Morrison quote on the wall. This is a lovely place to sit and read for a minute. Beware though, this shop has an EXTREMELY limited selection—its well curated and so a great place to browse but if you’re looking for a particular book you may wish to call ahead!

Loved it.. Black owned and its a Woman. The vibe in there was super chill. Several areas to sit at and read a book. The book collection was also amazing, from black history, black politics fiction, non fiction and even a children section, I found myself walking in circles for about a hour in a half trying to choose from the large selections.

Love everything this bookstore is doing and stands for! When I was younger, I used to be an Amazon zombie, but now I take my hard-earned money to people who deserve it and turn it into something for the community. Also, don’t come at me for the bad grammar - fully aware. Come at “Jack” instead. But really just go to Semicolon and buy books!!

CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER BUT this Black-owned Bookstore is everything for the consummate reading. It is a total vibe! Located on the Northside in Fulton Market, just North of Halsted/Grand/Milwaukee intersections. Decent street parking with Starbizzy across the streets. Check ‘em when in the neighborhood! See you in the Fall …

This was my first visit to Chicago so of course I had to visit Semicolon, the Chicago location of Noname's bookclub! This place is beautiful. A black woman owned bookstore. Honestly a unique experience. Love the gallery, the reading room, the kid's room and the book selection. A must visit. Support this young black woman! …

This book stores is super cute! The staff is very welcoming & friendly. The selection of books aren’t huge but they have good books, which I like that because sometimes it can be overwhelming with a lot of books to choose from. For any book lover I suggest to check out this space plus it’s black owned so that makes it better.

A labor of love, which has begun turning into a special go to. Books, mostly hand curated, and a local artist major gallary. The key is in the friendship that the owners bring which makes you welcome and offers you reading or art advice if you desire it. Many services such special orders, books of month.

I ordered several books online about race and social justice. They have an excellent selection, and provide good suggestions on books to read. Books arrived quickly and in prefect condition, even in a pandemic. This is the only bookstore owned by black women in Chicago, I’ll keep giving them my support.

Such a cute and creative space. The staff is awesome and attentive. They offeres complementary Molly's cupcakes and wine. The murals on the wall, framed celebrity quotes and gallery in the basement create a beautiful colorful and inspirational environment. This would be a gteat place to host an event.

I recently ordered quite a few books from here and was very pleased with the response and customer service. Knowing some of my order was back ordered at the time, I’ve been happy with updates and how quickly the order has been shipped to me as available. Will continue to support this great place!

I really enjoyed my experience at the Semicolon Bookstore. The atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly and the owners of the store are really nice. I'm glad that I was finally able to check it out because I've been wanting to go for a while. I look forward to returning in the future.

Came here today with my boyfriend and family. I loved it so much. Everyone was incredibly gracious and helpful, and I can’t wait to read the books I purchased for myself and my nephew. Thank you for the work you are doing in the community. We need more businesses like this one..1

I went to semicolon bookstore today with my program and i loved it! the staff team was so nice & friendly!! & the atmosphere was so peaceful as well, i cannot wait to read the amazing books i brought today. :) definitely going to come back to this bookstore!!

Such a fun store to stumble into. All the books my friends and I were currently reading were featured and everything on display was so thoughtfully done. Loved the representation on those shelves, especially in the children's room. Will be back for more!

I cannot recommend Semicolon highly enough. Not only is the space gorgeous and designed to encourage discovery, the staff are friendly and helpful. Their book selection is curated and top notch. I’ve been here twice this week and will be coming back!

Lovely bookshop with art and a wide variety of books. I'm not a big book buyer (maybe 1-2 per year), but I find it hard to stick to just a few when I go in. It's a local gem for sure, so support your local bookshop and get a book or two. Or three!

The best book store! As soon as you enter the space you feel at home and welcome, like one of the family. The staff is hilarious and so chill. It’s more than a bookstore. It’s a whole vibe. *as you can tell my fur baby loves them as well

Such a dope space! I was surprised with how big it was. Loved that there was also a little section with comic books. And the record player is a nice touch. Such a friendly staff, with a great selection of books. Def sliding thru again.

Black woman owned with tons of books, an art gallery, reading room, and childrens book room. Knowledgeable staff, friendly and professional. Definitely plan on supporting this business. Will be back everytime I am in Chicago.

I ordered from their online store. My order was gift wrapped beautifully, shipped out in a more than timely manner and arrived to my best friend in fantastic condition. I can’t wait until I can visit in person ❤️

A fun & beautiful space! The Queer, Black, and woman-owned bookstore of your dreams has (re)-arrived as a non-profit. I can always depend on Semicolon for book recommendations and to have my favorites in stock.

Excellent black-owned bookstore with a great selection. Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. The Afro-Future section was my favorite. They even have some advance copies of books. Definitely will be back!!

Everyone here is so friendly, welcoming, and helpful with recommendations. The book I wanted wasn't in store but they offered to order and get it in just two days. Will be coming back here for a long time!

This is a very beautiful bookstore with a very good selection. I wish I could hang out there once the pandemic is over. I've also used their website to order books and they arrived in a timely fashion.

1. Down to earth owner! 2. Newly christened reading room. 3. Event space available for rent! 4. Gallery featuring art exhibits. 5. Did I mention the down to earth owner who looks like me? #BOBsupporter

One of the best book stores Ive visited in the lovely city of Chicago. Not a massive selection of books in numbers but a very well curated one. Highly recommend this spot for every book lover in town.

I was in heaven here! Great selection of books, great atmosphere, friendly staff and patrons, and Semi (the puppy) was simply delightful. Will definitely visit again and support their online presence.

Fantastic independently owned bookstore. It has a cozy feel and the staff was very helpful and friendly. Semi, the owner's dog, was also hanging out and was very playful. We will definitely be back.

Their pick up process was easy and they have a wonderful selection of books. If you're looking to diversify your bookshelf, find great authors, and check out some art, go to semicolon!

Really enjoyed this experience! Everyone was incredibly helpful and I loved the atmosphere. Can imagine getting stuck there for hours on end. Looking forward to reading my books!

Great selection for underrepresented groups (I came in for queer stories) and the person there was so incredibly helpful with their recommendations. What a great experience

Excellent customer service and well curated space. No pressure, no pushing bestsellers and trash. A good space for a book reading, book group meeting or just to chill.

One of my fav spots in the city. Cozy, bright, and the staff is aways so warm, inviting and always ready to help. Only Black, female bookstore in Chicagoland area.

Chicago based, Black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space. I often order the website. Great selection and with shipping! Planning to visit in person very soon!

Great space, friendly staff and a beautiful selection of books. If a title is not in, it will get ordered right away. Let's continue to support great book spaces.

Absolutely amazing! They have a wonderfully curated selection of books and the people who work there are so, so friendly! I can’t recommend this store enough!!

Lovely store, lovely mission. Will happily give them all my book $$ from here on out! Please keep up the good work ladies, your store & work is so appreciated.

I love this pretty bookstore! The staff is so friendly and the selection of books is superb! I'm happy to support this black-owned business and I will return!

This is such a great place. EVERYONE was so welcoming, warm and helpful. They have beautiful art THANK YOU ERICA for my piece...Great experience all around

My favorite bookstore. Everyone is so friendly, they host amazing events, and they make great book recommendations. Also the merch is …

Beautiful, beautiful store. An exceptional selection of books for both adults and children and the kindest most welcoming employees. Good coffee too!

Favorite bookstore in Chicago. They have an excellently curated book selection and wonderful service all packaged into a welcoming and unique space.

Always a great experience with fellow book lovers that spend time discussing favorite novels, recommendations, etc. Had a great day here!

Dope vibe! Has a lot of new book releases and classics. Beautiful art gallery in the basement and a children's book section in the back.

Beautiful space, friendly staff, and of course a great selection of books! I'll be happy to return there the next time I'm in the city.

The ladies in this bookstore are absolutely lovely and are going out of their way to deliver a superb customer service experience.

Great selection of adult, YA, and children’s books from friendly staff! Also wonderful online shopping. Can’t wait to go again!

The best book store in Chicago. Really amazing and welcoming team and great community initiatives make this place so special.

CONGRATS ON THE BEAUTIFUL BOOK STORE CHECK OUT PETER'S TRIP TO THE DENTIST WRITTEN BY LATIA SMITH ON AMAZON …

Great experience, we made it in right before closing and they gave us time to look around. Very helpful and friendly staff

An amazing bookstore that does truly inspiring things for their local community. Everything about this business is great!

Really cool place to grab some cool books with help from a very knowledgeable staff. Books are related to social justice

We came all the way from the south side only to find the store was closed. Your hours said you would be open until 6.

Unfortunately the book store seems less concerned about uplifting and promotion of ideas than vague virtue signaling.

Such a rad bookstore! The owner is so welcoming and they hold amazing events! It was so cool to see Dr. Kendi speak!

Black-owned, woman-owned, but the store serves everyone well with a good and very interesting collection of books.

This is a fantastic book store with a great literature selection, engaging events and warm people. Love it there!

Fantastic little bookstore we found! Great atmosphere, the staff was friendly, and the selection was outstanding.

Staff here is awesome, I went to check this bookstore out after finding them on Insta. It totally holds up …

An amazing bookstore that exclusively carries writers of color! Definitely stop by if you ever have the chance.

So easy to shop online & always receive my orders in a timely manner! Love this place & what they stand for!

Absolutely love this place. ,the staff is amazing and the selection of books are nice!!!! #DopeVibes

Incredible special space full of beauty and magic!!! *Black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space*

What a great spot with a varied but targeted selection, and a smooth vibe. Friendly staff as well.

Fantastic, clean bookstore, and friendly staff. Efficient service and great selection of books.

A great small and locally owned bookstore. With options of great black and minority writers.

What a beautiful energy of this team! Thanks for sharing love, positiveness and knowledge.

Excellent selection of books. Staff was extra nice. Very comfortable space to browse .

Beautiful, art-filled bookstore where you can drop in for ‘book tastings’! Brilliant.

Cute bookstore with lots of progressive reads. Cute area for kids in the back too!

Its a whole Vibe. Its grandmas cookin on a rough day. Its shea butter on dry skin.

Lovely staff, wondrous selection, Black woman owned? Can't ask for much better!!!

Get your books here! Always great customer service! Great energy! Love the space!

Amazing book store! Great selection! Friendly staff! Beautiful space!!!

Amazing books, great customer service, definitely going back!!!

Friendly staff and owner! Great selection and ambiance as well!

Super stylish, cool variety of books and nice/helpful staff.

Magical, magnificent! Pro black pro queer pro great vibes!

Very informative and friendly staff. I bought two books.

A very cool bookstore. Everyone should visit this store.

Thank you for supporting and protecting Black women!!!!

Fantastic bookstore and a lifeline during the pandemic!

Best bookstore in Chicago! I love to spend time here.

Loved it ... Black woman owned ... my 1st time here