Best of
Best bookstores in the West Loop, Chicago
The West Loop reads better than its warehouse bones suggest: an independent bookshop on Madison, Chicago's first nonprofit literacy bookstore on Lake, a proper bookseller inside Ogilvie for the commute home, and an indie toy store with a serious kids' book wall. All four are below.
Bookstores
Every place to buy a book in the neighborhood.
- Madison Street Books Madison Street Books at 1127 W Madison — the neighborhood's independent bookshop, with a curated new-release wall and an online storefront through Bookshop.org.1127 W Madison St 1st Floor, Chicago, IL, 60607
- Open Books Open now Open Books at 651 W Lake — Chicago's first nonprofit literacy bookstore: 50,000+ donated books, a dedicated children's section, and a monthly Open Book Club (second Tuesdays). All proceeds fund literacy programs citywide. Opened 2009.651 W Lake St First 100, Chicago, IL, 60661
- Hudson BookSellers Open now Hudson Booksellers on the ground floor of 500 W Madison at Ogilvie — new releases and bestsellers for the train ride home.500 W Madison St Ground G009, Chicago, IL, 60661
- Play Toys and Books Play Toys and Books at 1112 W Madison — the Chicago indie toy store's fourth and largest location, with a substantial children's book selection.1112 W Madison St Ground, Chicago, IL, 60607
Frequently asked questions
- Is there an independent bookstore in the West Loop?
- Madison Street Books at 1127 W Madison is the neighborhood's independent bookshop. Open Books on Lake Street is the nonprofit option, where every purchase funds Chicago literacy programs.
- Where can I buy a book before boarding at Ogilvie or Union Station?
- Hudson Booksellers on the ground floor of 500 W Madison (the Accenture Tower over Ogilvie) stocks new releases and bestsellers; two smaller Hudson stands operate on the concourse level.
- Where can I buy children's books in the West Loop?
- Play Toys and Books on Madison pairs its toy floor with a serious kids' book selection, and Open Books on Lake has a dedicated children's section of donated titles.
Listings checked against City of Chicago license status and our closure records on 2026-08-09. Most recent individual pick verified 5 days ago.