City Lit Books

Category:	Book Store
Address:	2523 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Phone:	+1 773-235-2523
Site:	citylitbooks.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	Closed 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 32

Reviews 25

Seher Dholakia

Not gonna lie, Barnes & Noble holds a special place in my heart. I love me some chain bookstores. Not only have I spent hours people-watching there, but when a broke girl has unlimited GMAT prep books at her disposal, she’s gotta take advantage of it. Barnes is the equivalent of the frat boy dressed in bleached jeans and cowboy boots at a Southern state school (no names will be mentioned, ahem, hook ‘em, ahem) – so many at your disposal, and sadly, everyone has done one. But I’ve always found the semi-hipster, fake glasses-wearing, liberal arts major to be so much more attractive and intellectual. And that’s City Lit Books. I stumbled upon this quaint bookstore while walking around Logan Square with my family during our post-brunch food coma/digestion walk. We wandered inside and my sister saw ‘This Is How You Lose Her’ in the front window – we knew we were ‘home.’ We continued to wander and found some amazing finds, books by Dave Eggers, Junot, Jhumpa surrounded us, books that we considered to be among our favorites. But what was most exciting was that we also found some books that we had never heard of before, book that weren’t so ‘mainstream’ and wouldn’t be found in that beloved Sugar Land commercial establishment with a Starbucks café inside. ‘My Ideal Bookshelf’ was among my favorites – it explored the bookshelves of various authors, some among my favorites. The ‘Staff Picks’ at City Lit Books were my favorite – there were shelves upon shelves of books that were recommended by the staff at City Lit and had handwritten notes attached describing the book and why the individual liked it. It was a personal touch that you don’t find everywhere. And as a former letter writer and a fan of stationery, City Lit is determined to drive me back to my old habit of snail mail. They have such a great assortment of cards that will literally make you laugh hysterically in the store. For any occasion, you name it – weddings (women love their registries!), love (but only if you love me), birthdays (especially for bday hoes), and TACOS. YES, TACOS. THERE ARE CARDS FOR TACOS?!?! HOW COME NO ONE TOLD ME?! Throw out that Kindle (not really, maybe sell it?) and ditch your email (out of office reply forever?) and visit City Lit Books. It’s one of my favorite Chicago finds.

Patrick Boardman

City Lit books is a great brick and mortar bookstore in the Logan Square neighborhood. The staff is helpful and kind.. often happy to discuss whichever novel, anthology, or poetry book you may be interested in picking up. Many of the books are curated with liitle notes from employees, making suggestions based on their expert tastes. They have a reading nook and a cool selection of childrens books as well. Definitely worth the visit if you are taking a walk by the square or picking up a coffee at New Wave.

Amy Wilschke

Although I miss Borders, I love books and bookstores, and City Lit is a great place to browse without feeling overwhelmed. Its organized like a chain bookstore, not more haphazardly like some other one-offs - which is fine but I like the feeling of satisfaction I get from searching for and finding a book all by myself! And I actually found a book I had been looking for at several other places (all by myself)! And the prices are reasonable. I will be stopping by again!

Mindy Schmidt

Great bookstore, great events, and great cat (Franny). I like that you can sit and read to see if the book can entice you into buying it without someone bothering you. The selection is nice. Very literary place. Very helpful. Ive even bought some funny, unique cards from Skylight. Support an independent bookstore. They love you back.

Emily Belke

This is a delightful local bookstore. They have great staff recommendations, a wonderful array of books from local authors, and an adorable reading area for kids. I could easily spend an entire paycheck here. They also do a great job of hosting authors for readings.

Tara Schnaible

Great bookshop! Quiet, clean, and there are staff recommendations all over the store. They have a good selection of kids books and when I was in last time, there was a Saturday guitar-book session for little-little kiddos. Really nice little neighborhood shop!

Derek Swirsky

City Lit is a sizeable bookstore with a good selection and clear recommendations. The location cant be beat; purchase some reading material and enjoy a meal at one of the various great Logan restaurants nearby.

this that

Its a fantastic addition to Chicago, bringing a range of great books, events, splendid staff...And the books are curated well. Thoughtful selection. Im definitely coming back here for more.

Sam Epley

The staff was very helpful with reading recommendations. Also, if they dont have book in the store, they will try their best to order a copy for you to pick up at a later time.

Joyce Percel

Great collection of books and incredibly helpful staff. I asked for picture book recommendations for a child with autism and got several! I left with quite a few books :)

Paulina Fadrowska

Wonderful and very helpful staff. Great selection of books for adults and teens. Love they have wrapping paper for you so you can give as a gift right away!

Rekha Guha

Best bookstore in the city. Story time on Saturday mornings for the kids. I love the selection and options for books. Great recommendations from staff.

Laura Carmer

For a book store in such a diverse area I expected their selected to be less niches and close minded. Their kid section is decent though

Leonardo P

Cozy little library. I appreciatte the staff recommendations placed on some books. They host special events from time to time.

Adam R Leber

Great selection of books and an incredibly friendly staff. Everything you could hope for in a neighborhood bookstore.

Derek Georgevich

Wide selection of books, and super friendly staff. Whole store is well maintained and super clean.

Felipe Coutinho Ferrezin

Every book store is unique, I like a lot the staff is pretty helpful, good prices for books.

Noah Feingold

City Lit is a lovely neighborhood bookstore in Logan Square with a fireplace! Check it out.