Help foster your child’s love of reading at a local shop. Whether your family longs to explore another world or learn how to fix the kitchen faucet, you’ll find it all on a typewritten page. Here are five bookstores we recommend exploring around Westmont, Illinois, where you can start your literary adventure today.

Anderson’s Bookshop

Woman Reading Book to Toddler by Lina Kivaka is licensed with Pexels License

It’s easy to get lost in a good story, especially when you pick up a book at Anderson’s Bookshop. Their staff is committed to providing exceptional customer service while sharing a passion for good reads. This store’s history dates back to 1875 when the owner’s great-great-grandfather opened W. W. Wickel Pharmacy and sold — among other things — books. Today, the family holds their own in our increasing online retail marketplace with their vast collection of traditional paperbacks, hardcovers, and unique gifts.

This award-winning shop also hosts hundreds of events each year across its trio of locations, including author signings. It also offers a range of programs, like book groups for all ages, annual literature conferences, and its ABC Book Fair. This fundraising event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local schools. Anderson’s Bookshop has been a true community partner over the years. They have three locations: two in Naperville and one in nearby Downers Grove.

• Location: 5112 Main St., Downers Grove.
• Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Frugal Muse Books

It’s hard to beat that awestruck feeling when you discover something special at your favorite bookshop. We think Frugal Muse Books is just the place to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s new or gently used items. For over two decades, all sorts of bibliophiles have relied on this shop for books, music, movies, and more. If Frugal Muse doesn’t have what you’re looking for, you can still support this local business. Make your purchase on Bookshop.org, and the Frugal Muse earns a commission for each product sold through its affiliate link.

Check the Frugal Muse Book’s calendar for fun, family-friendly events, like children’s book reading and signing affairs. Some events are free and include activities like a scavenger hunt, illustration talks, and refreshments. You can also find artwork made by local creatives for sale at the store, such as glass suncatchers and handcrafted tables featuring repurposed album covers. If you’re into collecting sterling silver plates, you can find those at this Westmont area bookstore, too.

• Location: 7511 Lemont Road, Darien.
• Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

Barbara’s Bookstore

Support one of Illinois’ best independent shops and check out Barbara’s Bookstore. This local chain of shops has stocked everything from the No. 1 bestseller to a bargain copy of your favorite classic since 1963. While Barbara’s has seven locations around Chicago, we recommend the Lombard store. It’s the place to go if you want to join your favorite author for a signing event, and they occur regularly, so there’s a lot to look forward to every month.

If you’re looking for a new title, and aren’t sure where to start, take a look at Barbara’s website. You’ll find recommendations on the home page, as well as a long list of insightful reviews under that tab. They have lots of YouTube videos to browse, from an engaging storytelling playlist to conversations with authors of all genres. However, nothing beats a trip to the shop. The shelves here are loaded with coveted titles, and it’s situated conveniently by the Yorktown Center children’s play area, so bring the kids.

• Location: 120 Yorktown Center, Lombard.
• Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Prairie Path Books

Prairie Path Books draws in readers from all over Westmont, Illinois, with its wide selection of titles. Visit this clean and cozy, upscale shop anytime you’re in the mood for inspiration. It has it all, including cookbooks, nonfiction, young adult books, and children’s stories. Prairie Path Books even has some fun book clubs your family can join. In fact, you can pick from one of two monthly meetings — or attend both.

Skinny Books is a club that’s perfect for young readers. This lively bunch reads and discusses fiction books that are 200 pages or less. Pageturners is a discussion group where members gain insight into contemporary society by reading a broad variety of fiction and nonfiction. It’s probably best for adult readers, based on the content and reading level of the leader’s picks.

We suggest getting a subscription to the Prairie Path Book of the Month club. There’s a box for kids and adults, and it’s a terrific gift for that special someone or for yourself. It comes in either three, six, or 12-month options and includes a hand-selected title for the recipient. For just $40 a year, you can also become a Prairie Path Kinfolk member and get discounts daily, monthly, and on your birthday.

• Location: 255 Town Square, Wheaton.
• Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Moondragon

The Moondragon is a bookstore that’s rich in character. This downtown metaphysical shop carries a variety of products to support almost every spiritual path, from Christian and Hindu to Buddhist to Wicca. In addition to esoteric and practical books on numerous subjects, this shop stocks an eclectic array of handmade Jewelry, crystals, journals, herbs, candles, Tarot cards, and essential oils. The practitioners at Moondragon also offer spiritual counseling, workshops, and even weddings. It’s a place where people with different beliefs can freely share their ideas with others within Westmont’s spiritual community.

• Location: 6 W. Burlington Ave., Westmont.
• Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The team at Crème de la Crème of Westmont, Illinois, put together this guide to the best five bookstores in our local area to explore. Did we forget to mention your family’s favorite place to find a new read? Let us know and tell us why we should pay that shop a visit. Drop us a line today. We want to learn more.