Book Den

This place might appear odd and rather off the beaten path at first. Brave it and go inside. They have SO MANY amazing fiction books inside, and the books are super affordable. Don’t be afraid of the crowded setup and get lost among the books.

This is a tiny space where you have to politely ask to squeeze past another patron because the aisles are so small, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in selection. The best part of the Book Den is how it’s organized with it’s many interesting sections, spanning topics from your standard popular fiction, to counter culture studies (a different section than the New Age/​Occult section, mind you), to classic German literature auf Deutsch, to feminist theory, and even feminist poetry (yes, there is even a section devoted entirely to just feminist poetry). It also must benefit immensely from it’s proximity to Northwestern, giving it access to plenty of discarded student books. Heck, you can probably get a pretty good liberal arts education just by picking up some books from the Book Den.
Stepping into this store was like stepping into that episode of Gilmore Girls where Rory, after spending hours at an outdoor book sale, approaches the register with a dozen books in her arms, and Gypsy asks, «Did you see the Astronomy section?» and Rory exclaims, «There’s an astronomy section??» That was pretty much my reaction as I turned each corner thinking I was ready to go only to find myself lingering for another 30 minutes.
There’s easy street parking. Accepts both credit and cash (but I used cash and he waived the tax to make it even). I came on a day with the «50% everything» sale, but looking at the photos on Unilocal,I’m inclined to think that is a long-​standing sale. You have to buy 4 – 5 books (can’t remember which) to qualify for the 50% off, but that’s not hard. Prices for books, after the additional 50% off, range at about $ 2 – 4 each – that includes hardcover as well as academic texts.
Worth the trek up to Evanston from the city. Make it a day and stop at the nearby Dollop, Peet’s, or Unicorn Café to read afterwards.

Really great used bookstore. My very favorite in the Chicago area, actually — while the owner might not have the selection as, say, a Myopic or a Powells, he has a QUALITY selection and, somehow, he knows what he has without an inventory or POS system. Not only does he know what he has, he knows ABOUT what he has. Every time I bring a book up to the counter, we can have a full conversation about it.
Five stars for the store, the proprietor, the selection, and the prices — four stars for the hours. Only open 5 days per week and only for a few hours on those days.

A used bookstore for people looking to read, not collect. Stuffed shelves and narrow isles. Lots of sections and lots of selections.
Low cost and decent quality books so it’s a perfect place to pick up beach reads, or try out books by popular authors you haven’t gotten around to reading, or stock up on the back catalogue of a writer you’ve just gotten into.
No coffee shop or pastries or wifi or seating. Just a solid place to grab some books.

It is a rare trip that takes me all the way up to Evanston but it’s never a wasted trip because I make time to stop at the Book Den. I just have to make sure I leave because hours pastvway to quickly once I walk in.

The best thing is that it’s cheap. $ 9 for Breslin’s Rothko biography and a mass market of Armies of the Night for $ 2. But I heard it was going to be bigger. It’s a storefront, not that impressive. Plus, I got there right when he was supposed to open, and he was a half-​hour late, which is annoying. Speaking of which, the hours are a little off. I get the feeling that he’s, «…eh, I’m open when I feel like it.»
I’m sure I’ll go back next month though.

Literally full to the rafters with books, many on alternative spirituality (whatever subject you want) and alternative/​new lifestyles (eg, mint copy of Vegetarian Manifesto). Socio-​economic titles, think books on working wages, sexual ethics, etc. Friendly staff. Unusual and limited hours, so definitely check before you go. But go! It’s worth it.

Good selection, great prices, friendly service.

You know those stores you always pass and wonder about but never actually stop to go in and check out because you’re «too lazy» to parallel park your car and there’s a car right behind you all up on your rear? …Yea— this is one of those stores worth parallel parking and pissing off the driver behind you for.
Went «used bookstore hopping» w/​a friend on a weekday and this was easily one of my faves of the day. Everything was really well organized for what it was— no cluttered books to trip over or anything. Really loved the super-​high bookshelves and the owner of this place… or whoever it was that worked the cashier. I asked about a Walt Whitman book and he knew exactly where to look (Yes, Breaking Bad fans— «Leaves of Grass»)— always a good sign.
I even got some eavesdropping done between shelves and overheard him hate on the «50 Shades…» series craze and I couldn’t help but develop this instant respect him! Not that I have an opinion about those books since I haven’t read them… but it just showed how passionate he was about reading! And books! Which definitely made me happy to be there! (I know. I’m a bit of a nerd.) Oh and yes, my friend and I both walked out of the store w/​used books in hand.
Quick Tip: Don’t be scurred. Pick a corner and peruse away.

Great little used book store. This is the only place I’ve seen in Evanston where they don’t price books by weight, which is obnoxious. C’mon, we are trained as kids to write for length. This should not be rewarded.

I love this used book store! Went here whilst visiting my sister in Evanston. We’d been on a used-​bookstore-​tour of sorts, looking for a book to take with me on some impending travels. The Book Den was so wonderful, carrying authors and titles I’ve never seen before in used bookstores (e.g. SARK, Sonia Choquette). Roughly sorted by topic but as other folks have said, there’s some guesswork involved if you’re looking for something specific.
Excellent selection of cookbooks (though not a ton of a newer ones). There was a 25% off sale that included every book in the store.
The owner was helpful enough when I asked for a specific author and I appreciated that he turned off the radio when any customer approached him (listening to some seriously liberal talk-radio…kinda funny).
Overall, great selection, great prices, could browse here for days. Go get it!

Interesting little bookstore that has shelves spilling with books. Lots of selection but you may need help finding what you are looking for since the store has many, many books. Great place to stop by and visit

An awesome little used book store that carries everything from old encyclopedic tomes to the most current reading on the bestseller list (this includes the crappy stuff). Musty smell, creaky floorboards, towering stacks, a sense of insulation and all!
It’s a great place to wander and search for books you had always wanted to read but could never justify buying at full price– many of the books are actually in new condition, but marked down a few dollars. It’s horribly organized in general (only vaguely by topic and only vaguely alphabetically), so don’t come in here looking for anything in particular, unless the owner who perches in the front has reason to remember where he put it.