I had a brief visit to Chicago and for part of my trip, I wanted to visit a bookstore. I did a search and After-Words popped up as an option and after comparing with a few options (Chicago has lots of options), I decided to visit them while in town. It's a cute store--looks small, but holds a lot--it has a lower level that offers a wide selection for perusing to your heart's content. The bookstore is also linked with a few online bookseller links, where you could preview what books they have available and how much they are--which is how I settled on this store. It had a wide variety of crafting books I had been in search for; and being that I could go in person, I could look at the books before buying. I lost myself for a couple hours in the store, wishing I had more money to spend and room to fly everything I wanted back with me. The staff was very hospitable and helpful--and I vowed to recommend them to everyone who would find themselves in Chicago. I also inadvertently left my employee ID in their store (how, I cannot say, I rarely take it out of my purse anyway) and they contacted me immediately so I could get it back (though by then I had returned to my home of origin--a state away) and then mailed it to me. (See? Hospitable and helpful!) Books are very reasonably priced and there was a big variety to choose from. Highly recommend.

A decent selection. Sometimes you find a good pick, but often you don't. This is strange for it's size; for being so large you should be able to find something good every time. Unfortunately the staff is beyond rude. It's always from the same woman, said her name was Angie, at the front counter and it has happened the last three times I have been there. You don't have much interaction with a bookstore clerk. Usually it's just asking where a book is or "keep the receipt" or something similar. Somehow she manages to inject nastiness into these ephemeral interactions. Whether it's making faces, putting that little bit of "stank" into her tone of voice or acting like you're bothering her when asking where a book is, she is habitually mean and nasty. I tried to rectify it with the manager the last time it happened, said his name was J.C., and he said, and I quote: What do you want me to do about it? Afterwords, I have been a loyal customer of yours for many years. I have brought friends to your store. I went in with cash to buy books today. But if something isn't done about the way your employees talk to loyal customers, I am out for good.

Had a weird experience here. First time there, my husband and I were asked to check our backpacks, totally fine. We went to the basement and looked at books for about a half hour and even though there was a really impressive selection, we didn't find anything to buy. On our way out, we used the very nice and clean restrooms. Then when we went to get our backpacks back, the lady behind the counter got really weird and patronizing and told us we didn't need to check backpacks if we just wanted to use the bathroom. I said no we'd been looking at books for a while and just didn't find anything, and she was like "no really, you don't have to check them for the restroom." Had she lost track of time or was she upset we weren't buying anything? I have no clue but I felt upset when we left and a little insulted. Other than her, this is a very nice store!

I like the idea of having an independent book store downtown, but this isn't a great one. I called to order a book three weeks ago and they said they would call me when it was ready, so I called to check on its status today and the woman on the phone said her manager MIGHT be putting in an order in a few weeks. That would have been helpful information when I initially put in the order since it's for a book club. I've also been in the store a few times and have gotten weird attitude from the people who work there. Luckily I have another independent book store near my house which I'll be going to from now on, but this place definitely does not encourage people to shop local vs. going straight to Amazon.

After Words has a wide selection of new and used books. I enjoyed the organization and that you're not having a claustrophobia attack going down each aisle. The staff are friendly and helpful as well. The majority of books are in the basement and I didn't see an elevator. Unfortunately, this is not the place to go browsing if you are handicapped; however I imagine the staff would be more than happy to bring books to the first floor if you only asked. I took this one photo of a chair they had in the basement level. I did end up purchasing a book they had on display on the first floor and am glad I could support a local bookshop.

I was excited to visit After-words Bookstore while on vacation in Chicago but found my experience lacking. I liked the book selection and clear organization but I did not like my overall experience. All of the staff I interacted with seemed to be inconvenienced by my presence and the atmosphere felt off. This is not a bookshop you want to spend time browsing or sit and relax. I would recommend it if you need a book and you are in the area (the location off of Michigan Ave is handy). I would NOT recommend it if you are looking for fun laid back indie bookstore experience.

This is a wonderful little bookshop. I wandered around for a couple of hours just enjoying it. The staff was quite helpful and knowledgeable. If you have a backpack or a bag they will store it behind the counter for you. There is a local interest section that has a great variety of Chicago history. Their history section is pretty extensive as well. I found a copy of The Dream and the Tomb. It is a brief history of the crusades. I lost my copy many years ago and found it here for $12. Score. Stop by and enjoy this little bookshop if you have the time.

Great bookstore - knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. Very large selection of new and used books, on two levels. Neatly organized & well kept. The used books are mixed in with new books on the shelves. All baby/toddler board books are new (post-pandemic). I’m admittedly biased and favor purchasing second hand books from thrift stores. The prices were 3X what I’d normally pay for used books. I enjoyed browsing, but couldn’t justifying paying so much for the same second hand books that are readily available elsewhere for a fraction of the cost.

What a beautiful wonder! Enter to wooden book shelves and wooden seats for your leisure with a spectacular view out of floor to ceiling windows of the city. Or climb down well trodden upon sturdy wooden stairs with steel pipes to the basement/ bottom floor that houses rows upon rows of book shelves and a rocking chair to recline upon to test read your very next purchase. :)also, the gray stone wall and exposed pipping is such a cool concept. Visually pleasing. The selection are wide and well organized

Interesting bookstore with an okay selection, but I couldn't find anything I was remotely interested in buying after browsing for about an hour. "Wide selection of new & used titles" is misleading--I don't think I picked up a single used book in the entire time I was there. It also felt like I was an inconvenience to the staff--the woman at the desk did not seem pleased to deal with me even though signs on the door instructed customers to check in at the desk. I don't plan on returning to this store.

A bit of a hidden gem as it is in a quieter part of the loop, but not too far off from Michigan Ave. The staff were very helpful and welcoming. There are two floors which was a surprise to me as the store looks small and quaint from the outside. The first floor ( the entrance) has the children’s books, graphic novels, and poetry. The second floor (basement) was bigger and had the rest of the book collections which spanned in topics. A great place to spend some time and quietly explore :)

It was a nice little privately owned bookstore to find nestled between so many big box stores which have taken over the area. The owner was friendly and helpful and the store carried both new and used books which were marked down. It seemed to carry most well known authors and classic titles of fiction. I would have easily bought more than the one that I had, if I wasn't traveling through via train and had tried to pack as light as possible. I'll definitely revisit next time in town.

Sweet little independent. Helpful staff. Good selection for its size. New and used books intershelved, which I like. Accessibility issue, see below. I don't care for music, especially something with a thumping beat, in a bookstore, but they're not alone in this. Upstairs is "mostly kids books and poetry," according to the staffer on duty. "Everything else is downstairs." I would give five stars, but no handicapped access. If you can't use stairs, you don't get to see everything else.

Amazing! We stumbled on this golden nugget walking around after a dinner out. I’ve been looking for a good book to take me away but have been unsuccessful. The woman at the register (?owner) asked if I wanted a recommendation and asked me for a couple of books I had recently read and enjoyed. She then proceeded to give me 2 perfectly curated recommendations with author and a 5 minute plot summary (off the top of her head!). I left with two brand new books for my vacation. Perfect!

Quaint and quiet - how all good bookstores (in my opinion) should be. I loved the crowded coziness of the place, with bookshelves everywhere. The children's book area was on the top floor and the adult book area was down a bery cool set or rustic stairs. My friend and i spent only a sort time here during my tour through downtown, but i'm glad we found it. If i'm ever in this part of Chicago again during a visit, i will be sure to stop by.

This is a clean, uncluttered, well-stocked bookstore. I visited with my four children, ages 4-13, and each of us found something in the topic area that most interested us. The staff person was helpful and pleasant. I loved that there wasn't a lot of music or distracting visual clutter. I tend to get way overstimulated in most public places, but this actually felt like a respite from the noise outside. I would definitely recommend it.

This shop is a treasure. I happened upon it when I had an hour to kill between other nearby events. Their collection is very nice, most of the current and popular stuff with enough older and obscure work to make looking through it feel like a treasure hunt. In the age of Amazon and Barnes and Noble, it was great to come across a place with the vibe of an old school book shop

My daughter was looking for a book that she enjoyed reading in school. We could not find it easily online and started hunting at bookstores. After-words was recommended to us by another store, and it is definitely worth the trip! The staff could not have been more helpful and knowledgeable. The selection was fantastic, we found our original book and picked up two more!

I have been a customer since 1997. This 2 level store has new and used books blended together. I love to sell my books here for credit. They can order books I want and I frequently find must have books while browsing. Beverly is so knowledgeable and I can donate books they do not buy to a local charity. If you are downtown and want a great browsing bookstore, go here.

So glad we found After-Words Bookstore and stopped in. Make sure you look, as the store sign is in the window, not on the building so we almost missed it. Aftet-words is worth the search! I could spend hours there. Something for everyone, including comfy seating. The owner is very friendly and helpful. Look forward to many visits on future trips to Chicago.

The woman working the counter gives an attitude that she really doesn't want to be there and doesn't want anyone else to be there either. There's nothing particularly special about this bookstore. In a time when bookstores are struggling it hurts to see one like this operate as though the customer is lucky to be allowed to grace their doors.

Absolutely love this store. Visited from Canada and the storefront caught our eye. We talked with the owner for almost an hour after finding a few very interesting used books. Their book selection is always rotating which makes for a really quality library. When we return to Chicago im sure we will be returning for another longer visit

The perfect bookstore with many books and crannies to get lost in. There is a small selection upstairs but most of the books are downstairs. There was quite a large selection and the employees were super friendly and helpful. It was very cozy and we spent a long time dithering about which books to buy. Glad we stopped in!

Nice 2 level bookstore with used and new books an have a nice selection or kids and adults. For now they said they don’t buy used books from the community but maybe in a few months they said. Nice staff. Oh and you must sanitize your hands as soon a you enter which I think is a good ask bc you will be touching books.

Well organized selection of new and used books. Most of the books are in the basement. Comfortable and clean places to read. Well-priced books with friendly staff. Found several books that aren't available online. Convenient location in walking distance from most homes, work places, or hotels in downtown.

Talk to the people working here. They have a lot to say about Chicago and its books. Of course they have more suggestions and inspiration beyond Chicago. Missing star is for the lgbt approach: they are under the "gender studies" category...in Chicago, the most progressive metropole on earth...come on....

Fantastic resource and bookstore! They followed covid protocol and even though there were a number of people in the bookstore I didn't feel the need to worry. Don't forget to go into the lower level, that's where the good finds are. Also a good place to find postcards and such to send home to family.

Feel like it keeps getting harder to find good bookstores with great prices. Found this gem on our last day in Chicago and probably spent an hour browsing the shelves. They had just about every book I was after and the prices were pretty good. I’d recommend this place to any book worm out there.

They "buy" your used books and give store credit only, but then they cannot fulfill your requests to order books in any kind of remotely timely fashion. So if you don't want what they are currently selling, probably think twice about selling your books. They are likely to turn into a donation.

Very good bookstore. The main place is in the basement. It's full of books, for every customer I guess. It was nice to be there. I spent an hour or so walking around, reading, taking this or that book. There are old titles, even out of print, that you can get or ask for. Highly recommended.

The store is neat! When you first walk in you'll be greated gracefully and it's very welcoming. The staff were amazing with helping me find the books I wanted. Overall I would definitely recommend it if you have some cash and are a reader, you'll definitely leave with a few books in hand.

Great locally-owned book store in heart of shopping district. Most books in basement so do not be fooled by looking in windows as main floor is small. There are many well done displays and staff very helpful if your looking for anything specific. Also found very cool writing journal.

The selection in here seems small until you walk downstairs and have rows upon rows of different sections of books. I found some very wonderful old time children's books on top of a newbie for myself. It was honestly hard to not pick more due to the mini sale prices around the shop.

This is a good store for browsing, although it has its quirks. At least it's clean and quiet. Prices are high, but I'm sure the rent isn't cheap this close to the Magnificent Mile. Most of the books are downstairs, so there's a lot more than what you see looking through the window.

Upper level has a nice selection of Chicago themed books, lower level has a bookcase or two for each of the usual genres. Last few times I've been in, the staff has been crusty and unpleasant. Too bad, this bookstore has a ton of potential but I'm not in a hurry to go back.

The staff are always lovely and there is a large selection of books, wonderfully arranged. I did not find what I was looking for but walked away happily with 4 other books :). I believe they also have programs for children, worth checking out if you're in the area.

First time in the store. The store has excellent selection of books (love the British mystery authors bookshelf), staff is really nice, and I like their "book retirement program" where any used book that's been around for more than 1 year is automatically 25% off.

One of the smaller bookstores that I've been to. I like how chairs are set up in every quiet corner to invite the reader to sit and preview a book before they decide to buy it. Used and new books are mixed together. Used prices here seem higher than other places.

Rude!! Went in to support a local bookstore and the owner practically asked me to leave. I was politely talking to her about possibly opening a book store and how difficult it must be because Amazon pricing is so low. She was extremely rude!!!! Never returning.

I found this little gem when I was walking by. My kids love to read and I thought this was going to be a book store with no childrens books but I was wrong. The selection isn't as large as Barnes and Noble but it is still a great place to visit.

After-Words is a great independent bookstore with a wide selection of new books as well as some used and marked down copies. The store is also rather charming with its neon signs and cozy basement area filled with shelves upon shelves of books.

Truly a bookstore for the "couldn't be bothered" hipster scene. Yes, I looked for a neon PBR sign. Lol For browsers or to find a favored old tome -- I'd recommend Myopic, Uncharted, or a remainder from Unabridged-- you'll save money and time.

I stopped by one day to ask for directions, not even buy a book, because I am not that well familiar with the area. Whoever was working in front that night was super rude. I didn't get her name but she looked at me like I should know my way

These guys are great, I needed to pick up a book for my mom's bday and couldn't find it anywhere else in the city/also didn't have time to wait buying online. They were super friendly and helpful on the phone, then offered to stay open late

My daughter and I hit this lovely little gem on our tour of bookstores we could walk to. They were great! We spent much time perusing the basement shelves and each came away with purchases. After going to our hotel, the teenager changed her

Very nice bookstore in the heart of Chicago. Not associated with any 'chain'.. clean, well organized. Lots to offer. Both my wife (teacher) and son ( college student) found a couple of books to purchase. A good experience for avid readers.

My mother and I went here because she wanted a book to do some light reading. She was looking for a specific author. After looking she wasn't able to find it and she went to the desk to ask for help. She happened to get a phonecall in the

Local bookstore whose proprietor mans the till AND knows the history of the featured book authors!!! Well curated selection of new and used book and open until ten on Saturdays. Also well laid out so that titles are easily readable.

Local, independently owned bookstore with a nice selection of both new and used books. There were a few newer titles I was looking for that they did not have, but overall it had a wide array and even had a few autographed copies.

The person in charge of this bookstore is still paranoid about Covid as of October 2023 and asked me to leave because I did not want to sanitize my hands. I doubt she is legally entitled to do that, but that's what she did.

So happy I found this lovely bookstore. The selection of books is amazing. They have new releases but also the classics everyone loves. The staff was friendly and patient. I will definitely be returning in the near future.

I loved spending time here and reading. They have a few comfortable rocking chairs, and I lost myself in a book for an hour. They do have a lot of outdated books, though, and could still have many more newer diverse books.

There are too few used books to bother visiting if that's what you are looking for. The selection of nonfiction titles was so obviously biased in a single direction that I was hesitant to spend my money there anyway.

Great selection and atmosphere. I love a bookstore where the air smells heavy with books. The staff was super friendly and helpful. We popped in not to long before closing and were able to score some good books

Interesting bookstore!! They have a big selection of new books, including some books not found at a barnes and noble. However, their selection of used books is not as big. Still, it’s an interesting place.

Amazing bookstore, the owner is a really nice person, very patient to explain things, there are thousands of great books, even there are signed books. Give You a chance to know the place. I recommend it.

The woman who runs the store is an awful trash of a human being. Treating everyone according to favoritism, doubt you would want to visit this place if you want to support double standards and racism.

Used bookstore with a wonderful and varied selection. Staff are very friendly and offer great suggestions for new books to read. Highly recommended and I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town.

Cozy and safe from the virus. The staff is helpful and the books smell like books! What more could you need? Wide selection ✔ bestsellers ✔ excellent layout ✔ book-filled basement to get lost in ✔

I had only a few minutes to look around but wow are there a lot of books in the basement. This is a new and used bookstore but I noticed a lot of newer books. Hopefully that will change with time

Lovely little used book store. Such a friendly staff member who helped us find a few books we wanted. Had a nice look around and a lovely chat. Great book store with some really cool rare books.

This was my favorite place in Chicago, but the woman who runs the front desk has always been rude when I came in and today was just unacceptable. Single handedly ruined my favorite bookstore.

One of the best bookstores in the River North area! They have a great selection and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. They also have a birthday rewards program, which is nice

Good selection of used books nicely divided into genre. Clean store. Had to use provided sanitizer (or provided gloves) upon entry per front desk. Kids section had alot of books, too.

after-words was a lovely bookstore with a good selection of used material. The organizational ideas were nice, and I really liked the specifically organized endcaps. Nice place!

Really homey spot with a majority of the selection housed in the basement. Chairs are scattered ever dozen feet or so for those perusing the books and the staff is friendly!

Helpful staff. Cozy and welcoming environment. We came in asking for a book on pranks for an eight year old and, unbelievably, they pulled one off the shelf right away.

A wonderful curated selection of books. Staff and owner are knowledgeable and attentive if you choose to engage them, otherwise you can browse undisturbed for hours.

Came by to purchase Michelle Obamas most recent piece of literature and I was surprised with a pleasant conversation with the owner . One of my favorite bookstores .

The children’s books are in nice condition. They must choose the best of the best. I hope to be back with more time to browse. Clean and no weird ‘old book’ smell.

The minute we saw it we had to go in this bookstore. If you enjoy reading this a great place to walk through. Books were display well, it was inviting to walk in.

Fantastic selection of both new and used books spanning two floors. Great children and graphic novel/arts section. Well organized inventory in a beautiful space.

If you love books, this bookstore is a must visit. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. I love the managers/owners, who love to chat about books.

Excellent place for reading books it's a must-see and must buy a book place, very friendly and, helpful service. A must see bookstore, don't miss out.

Great bookstore, very transparent. The books are well laid out and there is a really big selection and a lot of books from different categories.

Nice little place for a quick stop by! Fair book prices too! Not gonna give it 5stars because they were still pushing covid measures …

Charming little book store with a nice mix if new and used books. I appreciate that they have you check in and sanitize your hands upon entry

Great selection and a store specifically for people to browse slowly, greatly appreciate the vibes and always find something good

Awesome bookstore, nice atmosphere, absolute gem to find in a big city, I love this place and visit every time I come to Chicago

This a bookstore that deserves to be in a scene of a movie. Reasonable prices on new and used books for ALL people and ALL ages.

This bookstore was such a wonderful find during my short trip to Chicago. I could have spent hours looking through its shelves.

Great bookstore, good atmosphere, lots of books, didn't find many second hand books, but definitely will be back again. Thanks

Cozy shop, great selection of new and used children books (from classics to recent releases). Staff were friendly and helpful.

Cute little bookstore. They had a lot of new stuff, mixed in with old. Love the old buildings on the lower ground of Chicago.

Super fun collection of books! Wide variety, extremely well organized! So peaceful to browse the books! And great prices!

Amazing bookstore with a wide selection of titles. If you're visiting Chicago, set aside a couple of hours for this gem

It smelled very stinky in here :( like sewage. I couldn’t stay in very long because of how strongly it smelled.

quintessential new/used bookstore in downtown Chicago. Incredibly charming and almost impossible to leave.

This place is awesome, they have a large selection of books. I enjoyed their current affairs section.

Unique bookstore with a great selection. Two floors in a really cool spot.

Awesome selection, great place to go and browse on a hot summer day.

Visited twice while in town. Loved the selection and the building!

Lovely and nice Book store. They have excellent customer service

Super cute book store with a good variety of used and new books

They always have everything I need. They are the best.

They have a great book selection and very kind staff

Great selection of books! Love the space.

Nice store and worker was very helpful!

Great selection of new and used books.

Unique books and wonderful people.