After-Words Bookstore

Category:	Book Store
Address:	23 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Phone:	+1 312-464-1110
Site:	after-wordschicago.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	10:30AM–10PM 10:30AM–10PM 10:30AM–10PM 10:30AM–10PM 10:30AM–11PM 10AM–11PM 12–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

A Private User

We stumbled over After-Words walking back from dinner at Buca de Beppo (sp?). We liked the store because its not overcrowded but still has that "used-book store" ambiance, even though they sell new books on the first floor. Its downstairs where i spenmt my time with a great selection of used books. Anything with a price tag more than a year old is 25% off but even at full price I thought the prices to be quite fair and reasonable, The staff person upstairs whom I asked where to find books about books sent me downstairs, and called the downstairs staff person to let her know I was coming and what I was looking for -- thats service! She pointed out all the sections where Id find books about books, and remembered one in particular that might be of interest. It was, and I bought it -- "End Papers: Literary Recreations" by A. Edward Newton." When we checked out, she also talked to my husband at length about a couple of books on the 1893 Columbian Exposition. She was very knowledgeable about the two books and their publishers, plus a couple of other books on the subject that she didnt have in stock. X marks the spot on my bookstore map because intend to revisit After-Words soon!

A Private User

We received three quotes for wedding invitations, which could not have taken more than 10 minutes for each to be created. We continued to look around as these invitations were not exactly what we wanted, but were very interested in. When we found something else we liked at another store and called Beverly Dvorkin, the owner, that we were only going to purchase the Thank You cards, we were insulted and berated for our "wasting of her time". We were then told that we were NOT ALLOWED to purchase the Thank You cards from her store, and that we should shop at Hallmark instead. Im disgusted by Beverly Dvorkins treatment of a customer who decided to spend their money on something else. Why patronize a store that refuses their products to someone just because they decided to shop around and not buy the products that they requested a quote for? I remind you. We put no money down. We signed no contracts and made no guarantees that we would purchase invitations from their store. If you intend to comparison shop, DO NOT go to After Words. If you are looking for amazing service and wonderful products, try Paper Boy in Lakeview on Belmont and Southport.

M. Smith

A decent selection. Sometimes you find a good pick, but often you dont. This is strange for its size; for being so large you should be able to find something good every time. Unfortunately the staff is beyond rude. Its always from the same woman, said her name was Angie, at the front counter and it has happened the last three times I have been there. You dont have much interaction with a bookstore clerk. Usually its just asking where a book is or "keep the receipt" or something similar. Somehow she manages to inject nastiness into these ephemeral interactions. Whether its making faces, putting that little bit of "stank" into her tone of voice or acting like youre bothering her when asking where a book is, she is habitually mean and nasty. I tried to rectify it with the manager the last time it happened, said his name was J.C., and he said, and I quote: What do you want me to do about it? Afterwords, I have been a loyal customer of yours for many years. I have brought friends to your store. I went in with cash to buy books today. But if something isnt done about the way your employees talk to loyal customers, I am out for good.

Dennis Matthews

Rarely found a deal here. Went tonight and purchased a 8 dollar book, paid with my debit card. When handed the receipt to sign, the lady owner held my card staring at the back. Asked for it back and what she was doing, was told that she was waiting to compare my signature with the one on my card. I told her "you know you can just ask for an id too", got a snotty remark to the effect of oh I guess so. Look Barbara no ones ripping off anyone for an 8 dollar book. Last time I ever visit this paranoid overpriced $hi!hole at least Barnes and noble trys to trust the customer. Rude, would not recommend.

A Private User

This place is great! We stumbled on this store on the way to somewhere else and we are SO glad we did! The people are extremely helpful, the store is well organized, and their selection of used book titles is amazing. They have everything cataloged in the computer so if you are looking for something in particular, you can ask right away. Although, browsing the shelves (especially in the basement) was quite enjoyable. Were planning another visit to Chicago and a stop here is definitely on the agenda. A really great way to get lost for a couple of hours!

Jessica Martin

These guys are great, I needed to pick up a book for my moms bday and couldnt find it anywhere else in the city/also didnt have time to wait buying online. They were super friendly and helpful on the phone, then offered to stay open late so that I could pick up the book after work, luckily I made it in time for their 10 pm closing anyway but found the gesture and smiling faces upon arrival, with book set aside for me to be very helpful and appreciated.

Manouane Beauchamp

Charmante librairie qui offre des livres neufs et doccasion (en très bon état). Il faut aller au sous-sol, 90% des livres sy retrouvent. On y retrouve essentiellement des romans (fiction).

Belle Matley

I have always love After-Words Bookstore, it was my go to spot when I worked in the city. I was always able to find a good book at a great price. Those were the days, commuting on Bart and devouring a book in a week. I was out in the city for some business and stopped by "for ole time sake" and again was please with a deal and great book. I will definitely go again when in the area.

A Private User

Pretty decent indie bookstore, have no idea how it can stay in business, but definitely a great place to go if you still prefer paper media to the nooks and kindles of the world. Got a massively discounted hardback for 8 bucks because it had been in the store for over a year ("Links," a Somali novel). Definitely worth swinging by this place, great selection.

Karolina O

I stopped by one day to ask for directions, not even buy a book, because I am not that well familiar with the area. Whoever was working in front that night was super rude. I didnt get her name but she looked at me like I should know my way around the city and was not sincere at all. I know where Im not going next time for a book. Maybe hire cheerful people.

Will Hobbs

Ahhh... I miss bookstores like this. Its larger than I thought, and they had the book I wanted. The cashier also was knowledgeable about local shops, and gave some great recommendations for food options, too. I recommend this shop for those who still appreciate the tactile experience of holding a book.

Jill Schons

Above and beyond with helpful customer service and friendly staff. I needed to purchase a book to be delivered to a nearby hotel as I am out of state. They arranged the delivery for me, and even wrote out a card that I bought from them. I really appreciated them taking the time to help me!