Why it matters: every dollar spent at this nonprofit used bookstore funds Open Books’ literacy programs, which reach over 6,000 Chicago students a year and give away more than 150,000 books. The West Loop shop stocks some 60,000 secondhand titles, including a huge kids’ section, at prices that start at a few dollars. Browse the $5 bestsellers table and the Chicago & Illinois shelf for a smart local souvenir. Closed Mondays, and there’s a second branch in Pilsen if you’re south of the Loop.
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651 W Lake St · nonprofit used bookstore · Tue–Sun, closed Mon