Beck’s Book Store

I do not live near Loyola and today it took me about an hour to get to Beck’s. I arrived around 2:00 p.m., and the store was not open, even though the «summer hours» listed on the phone answering system and door sign indicated that it would be open at that time. I originally checked the website for «summer hours» two days ago, which showed that Beck’s would be open until 3:00 on Saturday. Tonight I see that the summer hours have changed on the website, and Beck’s is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The answering machine, door sign, and (a few days ago) the website misstated the summer hours. If you don’t live nearby, be sure to call ahead to see if the store is actually open because clearly the information posted does not mean anything.

Very friendly staff here. I seen a pair of socks in the window that my BFF would love. I grabbed them and was in and out pretty quickly. Store was very clean and organized. I am one to appreciate that.

Way better alternative to the complete scam that is the Loyola University bookstore. They have better pricing, service, and actual have what you need in stock.
Best part? They don’t assume you are criminal piece of sh#t that the Loyola bookstore does by making you leave you bags at the front like you are a scumbag! After using this place the last couple of semesters I see no reason to ever set foot in the Loyola bookstore again.

Classic used book store — I would rate it second only to bookman’s alley in evanston

This has got to be the worst bookstore in the entire city of Chicago ! Not only are they good at ripping you off like charging you a 140.00 for a used book that sells new online for 80.00 they also never seem to have your books when you need them ! Saying we apologize that book wont be in for another week when you already started school! They rip people off because they know they can due to all the people on financial aid but my advice is to go someplace else or order your books online if you can! This store has been nothing but a headache for me and an empty wallet next semester I am buying all my books someplace far away from BECKS!

best coffee in rogers park /​edgewater and that is saying something.

Don’t buy/​sell your books at Loyola’s book store. This place is cheaper and nicer.

I have a very special place in my heart for this bookstore… not only did I patronize it as a Loyola student, I also worked here!
Ah, the memories: It was a muggy late summer day when I first arrived at Loyola as a transfer student and decided to explore my new neighborhood. I popped in with my dad and said: «What? This bookstore has a coffee shop and they’re hiring? Excellent, I’m applying!» And lo and behold, I was hired within a week, this became my favorite job ever!
As mentioned in Katie P’s review, Beck’s is not currently Loyola’s «official bookstore»…the story is that when Beck’s contract was up several years ago, Loyola decided to sign with Barnes and Noble (a seller of books on many college campuses). Rather than pack it up and call it a day, Beck’s, an institution in the Chicago college campus book selling world, decided to stick around and show Barnes and Noble how to sell books. Sure enough, that’s what they’ve done, and continue to do, nearly eight years later!
Because Beck’s used to be the official bookstore under contract with the university, this store has a serious edge. Why? Well, first, the professors have been ordering from Beck’s for years. They know the employees. They are confident in Beck’s abilities to not only order the correct books, but to ensure that they are available on time. Also, students who were around when Beck’s was the official bookstore decided to pass the word… and it’s been passed down ever since. Generally, books are cheaper here than at Barnes and Noble, and Beck’s is able to get more used books.
And of course, the darling little coffee shop in this particular Beck’s…it will always occupy a special place in my heart as it was my salvation when I realized how much it costs to attend a private university;)
If you’re a Loyola student, definitely check it out… if you’re ever in the neighborhood, stop by for a cuppa joe and a friendly smile.

Beck’s is the answer to university book store problems. On the LUC campus we have two bookstores – the «official» one that treats you like any old Barnes and Noble would… and then there’s Beck’s. I would ALWAYS, ALWAYS choose the latter. For several reasons:
1) The people. Because it’s a smaller bookstore, I know basically everyone that works in there. They are «normal» friendly as opposed to «hyper» friendly (which no one really needs). As an instructor, I’ve placed many a book order with Beck’s and it’s always been awesome. John, the manager, knows me (even though he doesn’t have to) and always checks to make sure everything is as it should be. Jeremy, the other book guy, couldn’t be more helpful. As a regular old customer, I’ve always found what I needed and/​or wanted at Becks in terms of books and supplies. But it’s the people that really keep me coming back. The other day I was just browsing in there and John came over just to say «hi.» Now, I ask… has that ever happened to you at B&N? I don’t think so.
2) The coffee shop. This campus seriously lacks places to just sit and be that aren’t institutional in some way. Beck’s gives us a bit of that. A couple tables for two or three and a seating area with couches. Plus, Intelligentsia coffee brewed correctly and espresso that’s done right. All for very reasonable prices. The people working the counter always know what’s up. A couple times I hit upon a coffee jag where I’d go there every day for my required (REQUIRED!) morning coffee – after about a week, I’d walk in greeted to smile and my coffee waiting for me. They basically had it ready for me.
Beck’s kinda has the best of both worlds: it’s big enough to provide the selection and resources you need for buying school books but the customer service and «hang out» space make it feel like a much smaller, independent bookstore and café.
I just like it. Instead of going to Dunkin’ Donuts or McDonalds for morning coffee, go to Beck’s. Just GO. Don’t make me drag you there.

Beck’s is great. Not only do you get books for cheap, they have merchandise, cards, and a great coffee shop! The coffee shop is the biggest thing that keeps me coming back…
but the staff is friendly and knowledgeable as well. And to top it all off, you save money and support independent stores as opposed to a chain. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Going back to school and into debt for your books? Books for which you probably don’t have any room on your shelves? Then this place is all right. Not all faculty place their book orders here, but the cool ones usually do. Unless they forget.
Beck’s gets an extra star for the café, super-​friendly staff, and their selection of Staedtler pens and greeting cards. The café area’s been a little noisier than usual, but this seems mostly due to new grad students talking loudly about where and under whom they recently completed their Master’s degrees. I’m sure it’ll die down in a week or so when they realize that no one is impressed…

Attention Loyola Students: Beck’s is NOT always cheaper. They also do not have as many books as the Loyola bookstore has because professors usually do not put in orders with Beck’s. I’m not really impressed with Beck’s — I rarely find the book I need or at a better price… even if it cheaper — it’s like a buck cheaper. Whoopdedoo. Another plus about the Loyola bookstore — you can use Barnes & Noble giftcards there… you can’t do that at Beck’s!

For students attending Loyola University, this is a great alternative to the school bookstore. They have better prices and a better buy-​back rate. The store is less crowded and the service is better as well. Skip the crowds and hassle, walk an extra block or so, and save time and money!