The Gallery Bookstore Ltd
| Category: | Used Book Store |
| Address: | 923 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA |
| Phone: | +1 773-281-9999 |
| Site: | gallerybookstorechicago.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 1–7PM 1–7PM Closed 1–7PM 1–7PM 1–7PM 1–7PM |
Location
Photos 14
Reviews 18
DO
Don Wells
Right when you walk in the owner is telling you about his silly "no bag or phone use policy". I understand that there is a likelihood of theft when people can steal books in a bag or take pictures of a rare book cover. However that is part of running a business and part of running a business is about making customers feel comfortable and welcome which he definitely fails to do. On my way out, he also greeted some clearly androgynous folks and said "Hello ladies, please remove your purses and turn off your phones". The one person stood there still in the entrance appearing to finish up a text. Instead of letting this person finish he was yelling and saying "MISS, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR BAG ON THE COUNTER AND TURN OFF YOUR PHONE". This person looked up and said "Im not a woman". Yikes...This business owner is not in touch with his customers and fails to recognize basic customer service. Wont be back.
A
A Private User
Every time I go into this store, I come out with a stack of books. The owner is eccentric, but that is part of the charm. His rules are not uncalled-for: he has quite a few old, rare, first-edition books on the shelves. As long as you dont try to bring in food or drink, and you dont use your cell-phone or let it ring (normal library rules), he wont give you a hard time. If you want lifeless, uneducated service, go to a chain bookstore. True, the store is literally crammed with books, but thats because there are so many (and no, they are not 60% erotica/porn. He has a wide range of books, from all categories). If youre having trouble finding what you need, just ask. He may seem gruff, but the owner is very nice and extremely helpful.
BU
Bunny Parker
I went in with a friend and the guy working there was hidden behind the counter ON HIS PHONE. Normally, I would love to look around a bookstore but it was so crammed that I just decided to wait while my friend looked for the book she came in for. On the way out, he told me to take my nose out of my phone as if he hadnt just been on his when I walked in the door? Extremely rude staff. Impossible to navigate store. Dont waste your time giving this place any business since theyre not even going to put in the time to clean it up. Clean up their attitude while theyre at it.
A
A Private User
The bookstore itself is incredibly crammed. Can barely manuever between the shelves. Could have been a nice, and classic feel, had it not been because of the bogus topics and titles. Do not go to this store looking for normal books, the crazy topics accurately reflect the psycho management-Don King hair doo. You will find that 60% of the books are Erotica/Porn, Horror,Cult/Witchcraft and Sci-Fi. They really enforce the no cell phone rule...even though no one else is in the store, yelled at me twice when my phone rang... will not be going back anytime soon.
KA
Kathryn Lyon
Great place to get lost in for an hour, there is such a variety of books. Yes, the shop owner does not like you to be on your phone but he is is very helpful if you are looking for something specific or if you need a suggestion. I recommend going there a lazy afternoon and checking it out!
MI
Michael Peters
This is my favorite used bookstore after the sad passing of Aspidistra Books many years ago. Its intimate and cozy, and has a great selection of horror and sci-fi. Any used bookstore that has original editions of Arthur Machen is ok with me. This is a bookstore for book lovers.
JE
Jenny Rowe
Love this place. Wonderful selection of vintage Analog, Asimov, If etc SF magazines. You have to leave your bag on the floor before youre allowed near the books but the owner has an impressive knowledge of his stock & is an interesting man to chat to.
DA
Darryl Parsons
What a great bookstore. I like the selection, the cat, and the staff. They have a nice selection of graphic novels as well as books on conspiracies (this place may be CIA), and whole bunch of other cool offerings.
DE
Denitsa Kosharova
Cute little store with lots of old books. I wish I had more time to just dig through the. The owner is always there and ready to help so if youre looking for something specific better ask.
AB
Abbie Diaz
Its crammed, but its crammed with books. The owner is eccentric, but he can name and find every book in that shop. And really, get off your damn phone. Just be with the books
OM
Omar Ammari
The man in the store is very rude and unfriendly. The books are not well organized. And the store smells really bad.
DE
Debbie Henry
Great selection of nonfiction and the owner is a delight to talk to and is very knowledgeable.
LA
Lauren Jones
Handsome staff, great music, this is THE place to go for first editions.
KY
Kyle Gantert
The owner is fun to talk to and he has a great selection.
VI
Vincent Kwek
The owner Bill is an amazing fountain of knowledge.
AL
Alexander Grange
Great stuff, some cheap, some rare.
CH
Christian Wise
My favorite bookstore in Chicago
MA
Mac Popetz
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