Seminary Co-op Bookstore

Category:	Book Store
Address:	5751 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Phone:	+1 773-752-4381
Site:	semcoop.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	8:30AM–8PM 8:30AM–8PM 8:30AM–8PM 8:30AM–8PM 8:30AM–8PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 37

Reviews 25

A Private User

Theyve got nearly everything either here or a couple of blocks away at 57th Street Books, and theyll get anything else you want as soon as it can be had. They support readers, they support authors, and--despite the likely temptation to do so--they dont strangle profs who dont order their books on time, order the same books as everyone else on the planet (risking the likelihood of back orders), order books without regard to price, and otherwise impose nuisances that some student-patrons may blame on the store itself. The move to another building a short block away, next to Robie House, has been postponed for a few more months, so theres still time to discover something well worth your while in that maze of a low-ceilinged basement--perhaps mangy to some but beloved by many. (And isnt discovery what a labyrinth is for? That amazing layout certainly qualifies on both counts!) Save some bucks by becoming a member; it more than pays for itself in a single quarter.

Samuel Henderson

If youre looking for a physical bookstore with incredible selection (especially in academic fields), the Seminary Co-Op is your place. (To take just one example, it is the only place I know of in Chicago where you can find most of the _Oxford Classics_ on the shelf.) I am a member, and membership -- while of course not required -- is well worth the cost if youre a serious book fiend. The Seminary Co-Op may not always be price-competitive with online retailers (although with the membership discount, this is disputable), but it compensates with the intangibles of the bookstore experience, especially the ability to physically browse through the shelves and discover fascinating books that no algorithm would ever have suggested.

Brooke Hutchison

I absolutely love this book store. Every time I go I end up spending at least an hour in there, sometimes two, whether I am looking for a certain book or not. They have such an amazing selection of books - new releases, current books, classics, and rare things that youve never heard of but immediately love. The bookshelves are set up in a different way than other bookstores Ive been to, and I appreciate the change. The staff is super knowledgeable and helpful. If you are a UofC student, they carry textbooks, so I highly suggest you check them out. Remember that they are a co-op, and you might benefit from being a member. Its worth enquiring. :)

A Private User

They never have all the books you need for class on time, so you have to make several trips to this mangy basement. All of their books are incredibly overpriced, which I guess is expected from a single bookstore that serves an entire university. Recently I went in and purchased a book I thought I lost; upon discovering my other copy of the book I tried to return my completely unused recently purchased copy. To no avail; apparently I had bought the book past their return date limit. What a bunch of jerks.

Henry L. Henderson

The Seminary Co-op Bookstore is a grand pleasure. It has been one of the best bookstores in the world from its very beginning---when there were many many great bookstores to explore. Now, with bookstores becoming ever more limited, Seminary Co-op becomes progressively more important, treasured and worthy of support. It is a joy and source of deep happiness.

Kaitlin Beck

The book talks they offer cant be beat. I went to a great one yesterday. My only reservation is, of course, the prices. Im not a member, and without a membership the books are quite expensive. Ive only bought one, I think (after a book talk, of course).

Joseph Marques

This is an awesome bookstore, but mostly academic books. If you want other reading, youll want to check out their nearby store, 57th street books.

A Private User

Best book store in Chicago, that is, the old location was - havent been to the new location yet, but fingers crossed.

Nathanel Mori

Recently renovated bookstores with knowledgeable staff. I could lost browsing this place all day long!

Amy

Adorable with a coffee shop (yet to try). A wee overpriced, but a co-op membership makes it worth it.

A Private User

World class bookstore. Get there quick, before it moves out of its current digs in the Theo Seminary.

Matthew Koch

One of the best new book shops in the country. An great selection of book, many of them discounted.