Where to Buy Used Books in Chicago IL: Best Thrift Stores for Book Lovers
By My Local Thrift Store ·
Where to Buy Used Books in Chicago IL: Your Ultimate Thrifting Guide
Chicago has always been a city that reads. From the literary salons of the Gold Coast to the indie bookshops tucked into Logan Square storefronts, there's a deep, almost civic pride in the written word here. So it's no surprise that the city's thriving thrift store scene is one of the best places in the Midwest to hunt down used books — at prices that won't make your wallet weep. Whether you're rebuilding a home library after a move, searching for a first-edition paperback, or just want something good to read on the L, Chicago's resale shops have you covered.
What makes thrifting for books in Chicago so rewarding is the sheer variety. The city's neighborhoods each have their own personality, and that personality shows up on the shelves. You might find a dog-eared copy of Saul Bellow on the North Side, a stack of Spanish-language novels near Pilsen, or a forgotten self-help classic from the '80s in a shop on the Southwest Side. The unpredictability is half the fun. Unlike a traditional bookstore, thrift shops don't curate — they accumulate, and that means every visit is genuinely different from the last.
To help you make the most of your next book-hunting adventure, we've put together this guide to some of the best thrift and resale stores in Chicago where used books regularly turn up. These are real, verified locations — no filler, no fluff. Let's dig in.
Top Thrift Stores Where You Can Buy Used Books in Chicago IL
Exquisite Findz — 230 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL | (773) 885-1178
Tucked into the Streeterville neighborhood near the Magnificent Mile, Exquisite Findz lives up to its name. This shop is known for offering a thoughtfully curated mix of secondhand goods, and books are often part of the rotation. Because of its location in a high-traffic, culturally rich part of the city, donations here tend to skew toward literary fiction, travel writing, and art books — the kind of titles that end up on shelves after someone's moved or downsized a stylish city apartment. Stop by on weekday mornings when foot traffic is lighter and you'll have the best shot at picking through new arrivals before anyone else does.
Buffalo Exchange — 1478 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL | (773) 227-9558
Buffalo Exchange is best known as a buy-sell-trade clothing destination, but don't overlook it entirely if you're on a book hunt. Located in the heart of Wicker Park — one of Chicago's most creative and well-read neighborhoods — this store occasionally stocks books and printed media alongside its fashion finds. The clientele here tends to be artsy and well-read, which means the items that cycle through reflect that taste. It's worth a browse, especially if you're already in the neighborhood hitting other shops. Visit on weekends when new trade-ins are most likely to have come through the door.
Family Thrift Store — 2160 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL | (773) 394-1115
If you're serious about finding used books in Chicago, Family Thrift Store on Milwaukee Avenue should be near the top of your list. This is a classic, full-service thrift shop with a broad and frequently restocked selection of household goods, clothing, and yes — books. Lots of them. You'll find everything from mass-market paperbacks and cookbooks to children's titles and the occasional hardcover gem. The prices are genuinely affordable, and the inventory turns over regularly, which means repeat visits almost always yield something new. Go early in the week when new donations have been processed and put out on the floor.
Thrift LLC — 2517 W 59th St, Chicago, IL | (312) 788-7250
Located on the Southwest Side, Thrift LLC is a neighborhood staple that serves a community of dedicated, savvy shoppers. The book section here is worth digging into — you're likely to find a diverse range of titles that reflects the surrounding community, including bilingual books, religious texts, popular fiction, and practical how-to guides. Because this store is slightly off the well-worn thrifting trail that most tourists follow, competition for good finds is lower. That's a big deal when it comes to books. Serious collectors should make this one a regular stop. Afternoons on weekdays tend to be the sweet spot for browsing without the crowds.
Crossroads Trading — 2711 N Clark St, Chicago, IL | (773) 296-1000
Crossroads Trading in Lakeview is another buy-sell-trade shop with a fashion-forward reputation, but its North Clark Street location puts it squarely in one of Chicago's most book-loving corridors. While the primary focus is clothing, the store's proximity to a dense, educated residential neighborhood means that books and media occasionally surface among the merchandise. It's a fun stop to pair with a longer thrifting loop up Clark Street. Check in on weekends when the store tends to be freshly stocked from recent trade-ins, and keep your eyes open near the checkout area where smaller items often get displayed.
Mount Sinai Resale Shop — 2902 N Clark St, Chicago, IL | (773) 935-1434
A few blocks north on Clark Street, the Mount Sinai Resale Shop is a hidden gem for book hunters. Resale shops tied to charitable organizations often receive donations from estate cleanouts and household moves — and that's exactly the kind of source that yields interesting, unexpected books. You might find vintage paperbacks, obscure nonfiction, or a nearly complete series of novels in great condition. The staff here is friendly and the shop has a genuine community feel. Because it's a nonprofit resale operation, your purchase also supports a good cause. Visit mid-week for the best selection, as weekends can see shelves picked over quickly.
Jin's Thrift Store — 4100 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL | (312) 610-0321
Jin's Thrift Store on Pulaski Road in the Irving Park neighborhood is a well-stocked, no-frills thrift shop that regulars swear by. The book selection here tends to be large and eclectic — a true reflection of the diverse, working-class neighborhood it serves. You'll find popular fiction, children's books, cookbooks, and the occasional academic or professional title mixed in. Prices are among the most competitive you'll find anywhere in the city. If you're the type of thrifter who enjoys a deep, unhurried browse, Jin's is your kind of place. Saturday mornings are a good time to visit for fresh stock and a lively atmosphere.
Maria's Yard Resale Shop — 3791 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL | (773) 940-1355
Maria's Yard Resale Shop on Archer Avenue brings a warm, neighborhood-shop energy to the thrifting experience. Located in the Brighton Park area, this resale shop has a loyal local following and a constantly changing inventory. Books here often reflect the community's character — expect to find Spanish-language titles, family-oriented reads, and a solid selection of general fiction and nonfiction. The personal, small-business feel of this shop means you can often chat with staff about what's come in recently, which is invaluable when you're hunting for something specific. Early weekday visits are your best bet for first pick of new donations.
Tips for Thrifting for Used Books in Chicago
- Go often, go early. Thrift store inventory changes constantly. The best finds go fast, so visiting regularly — and arriving shortly after opening — gives you a real edge over other shoppers.
- Bring a list, but stay flexible. It helps to have a mental (or physical) list of authors or titles you're looking for, but some of the best thrift store book discoveries are total surprises. Stay open to wandering.
- Check the condition carefully. Unlike new books, used copies vary widely in quality. Flip through pages, check the spine, and look for underlining or water damage before you buy. A little wear is fine — a falling-apart binding is not.
- Hit multiple stores in one trip. Chicago's thrift stores are spread across the city, but many cluster along corridors like Milwaukee Avenue and Clark Street. Plan a thrifting route to hit several shops in one outing and maximize your chances of finding something great.
- Don't overlook the "miscellaneous" bins. Many thrift shops toss books into bins or carts near the entrance or checkout. These are often underpriced and overlooked — which means they're exactly where you should be looking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Used Books in Chicago IL
Where is the best place to buy used books in Chicago IL?
Some of the best places to buy used books in Chicago IL include Family Thrift Store on Milwaukee Avenue, Jin's Thrift Store on Pulaski Road, and Mount Sinai Resale Shop on Clark Street. These stores maintain large, regularly updated book sections with affordable prices. For a full directory of thrift and resale shops across Chicago, visit mylocalthriftstore.com's Chicago thrift store guide.
How much do used books cost at thrift stores in Chicago?
Used books at Chicago thrift stores are typically priced between $0.50 and $3.00 for paperbacks, and $1.00 to $5.00 for hardcovers, though prices vary by store. Specialty resale shops may price collectible or high-demand titles higher. Either way, thrift stores offer some of the most affordable used books you'll find anywhere in the city.
Can I sell or donate used books to thrift stores in Chicago?
Yes — most thrift and resale stores in Chicago accept book donations, and some buy-sell-trade shops like Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads Trading may offer store credit or cash for items they accept. Call ahead to confirm each store's current donation or buying policies, as they can change seasonally or based on available space.
Find Even More Thrift Stores in Chicago
Chicago's thrift scene is vast, and new stores pop up all the time. If you run a resale shop or know of one that deserves more visibility, you can claim your store on mylocalthriftstore.com and make sure local shoppers can find you. It's free, easy, and puts your shop in front of thousands of thrifters actively searching in your area.
Whether you're a lifelong bibliophile or just getting into the habit of buying secondhand, Chicago's thrift stores offer an incredible — and affordable — way to keep your reading life stocked. From the North Side to the Southwest Side, there's always a good book waiting to be found on a thrift store shelf somewhere in this city. Happy hunting.
Find more thrift stores near you at mylocalthriftstore.com — the largest thrift store directory in the US, with 27,000+ stores and counting.