Shopping for a new book is a terrific adventure for the whole family. There are loads of quality places in Illinois where you can pick up the latest bestseller or a classic title in mint condition. Small, Indy retailers often have incredible bargains and a vast selection of unique titles. So the next time you and your kids need a new read to add to your home library, check out one of these seven places to grab a book near Romeoville.
The Book Market Sales and Trading Center
Located on Plainfield Road, The Book Market offers used books, novels, and audiobooks for children and adults. You’ll also find an excellent selection of graphic novels, religious texts, and books about planting a low-maintenance garden on its shelves. Give your list of must-have titles to the expert behind the counter and watch them go to work, or stroll through the shelves and discover them for yourself.
Stop by for monthly book signings, and remember to bring your old books to trade for unread stories. The Book Market’s prices are competitive, if not better than online sources, and you get the added community perk of supporting a small business that’s been around since 1977.
Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics
Image via Flickr by Enokson Licensed CC BY 2.0
Head to East 9th Street and explore Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics. Romeoville parents highly recommend this pick because it has a superb selection and budget-friendly prices. It’s not the largest bookshop in the area, but the staff is kind and respectful, and they’re willing to wheel and deal on occasion. They’ll even special order comics and games that you’ve been hunting for at other shops.
Amazing Fantasy Books has comics, games, and novelties. Your kids can even grab a new set of dice for their Dungeons and Dragons character after school. Thanks to its expert staff, you won’t have trouble selecting the perfect picks here. You and the kids should also stick around for events. Some past occasions include Free Comic Day, Halloween Comic Fest, and Midnight Madness sales.
Frugal Muse Books, Music, and Video
This shop on Lemont Road sticks out from the crowd because its owner Paul filled it with treasures. This welcoming community hub just might be the last book shop you visit. Paul’s staff are incredibly helpful, and they know the store like the back of their hands. So don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you need help uncovering that perfect read.
The Frugal Muse boasts plenty of great old titles for book lovers, plus CDs and DVDs for music and movie aficionados. You can also find a small selection of handmade art by local creatives, like adorable glass sun catchers, plus new and gently used gems and other collectibles, including antique sterling silver plates.
Three Stories Books
The charming Three Stories Books on Canal Street in Lemont is one of the area’s finest children’s bookstores. This lovely, bright, and airy shop encourages children to act like kids. Bring your preschooler and let them loose. The friendly and helpful employees won’t say a word when your kids grab the books and flip through them.
Your little ones will love discovering the creative miniature toy sets and a vast collection of inviting picture books. There are even plenty of fiction titles for middle schoolers and young adults. There’s also a cozy little reading nook where your baby can settle down on your lap for a story. You’ll feel good about supporting local businesses, and you’ll love their gifts and beautiful wrapping services, which make the holiday season a breeze. You’ll want to go back for every special occasion.
Anderson’s Bookshop
Anderson’s Bookshop on West Jefferson Avenue in Naperville is another top destination near Romeoville for the bookworms in your family. There’s always someone stationed at the information desk, so feel free to ask the employees for help if you can’t find something you want. They’ll even refer you to another shop if they can’t help you here. There aren’t many places as warm and inviting as Anderson’s anymore.
This hometown seller offers so much more than books. It’s a gift shop, toy store, and puzzle warehouse all rolled into one. It even carries distinctive Naperville items, like books written by local authors and interesting souvenirs. The shop is exceptional in other ways too. Children’s gratitude cards hang in the window, and there’s a spot to advertise your local event in one corner.
Fox and Thistle Books
Mark Kurtz and his staff at Fox and Thistle Books want to make it easy for you to locate whatever topics you’re looking for, from military and mystery to etiquette and sports. Whether you’re browsing the shop for books for the little ones or tombs from the past, they carry it.
Fox and Thistle offers a pre-ISBN inventory that includes books that are over a century old, as well as popular modern reads. This shop also hosts weekly book readings in its kid’s-only area. It then uploads the video to the shop’s YouTube channel, so you and the kids can watch it anytime you have a free moment.
Fountaindale Public Library District
Did you know that your local library also sells books? The Fountaindale branch on West Briarcliff Road in Bolingbrook hosts its Friends Book Sale every spring and fall. Members get first dibs on all the great items before the general public descends.
Don’t miss this incredible chance to shop hundreds of the library’s retired inventory, like gently used books, CDs, DVDs, movies, and audiobooks. One of the best reasons to attend this particular sale is that your money supports the library’s many family-friendly programs.
Well, there you go. Crème de la Crème of Romeoville put together this list of the city’s top seven local bookstores you need to explore. What do you think of the shops we included? Let us know if we missed your family’s favorite place to grab a new read. Drop us a line so we can share your suggestions with other Illinois parents.