Exile in Bookville

j on earth

2 months ago

A very well curated collection of books by the owner operators. We appreciated the time he took to provide recommendations and to talk about the store. Great bookstore tshirt to add to my collection. Located in one of the more interesting historical buildings of Chicago.

Mary Johnson

11 months ago

Exile in Bookville is a cool place in the historic Fine Arts building. There is history as you walk in to two panels explaining the details of the buildings history. Then you go up the stairs to a couple of skeletons. You are now in Exile in Bookville. There is creaking of the floors and the smell of the books as you begin browsing the shelves. And if your cool enough, you browse the albums. With so many books about musicians. Definitely a place for a bookworm!

Brenda Yager

5 months ago

I love this bookstore. It's in a really pretty building and well stocked and curated. There's a wonderful album section and all of the staff has been wonderful.

Alejandra Bravo

4 months ago

Great location (love the fine arts building) and great selection of books and vinyls! I visited close to closing so I would love to come back and have more time to browse.

Michelle

2 months ago

Wall to wall books with postcard blurb recommendations from the staff- I love stopping in here. Their center tables are thoughtfully curated and spotlighted two books that ended up being my first in-person new (as in not pre-owned) purchase in years. Normally, if I come across an interesting rec online I'll grab it from ebay or a used book site, but the effort behind the curation in this store deserved to be rewarded. I overheard the man working the counter talking to a dude about a horror book (this thing between us?) and he did such a concise job of framing his experience as a reader that I'll probably be coming back to buy that book from this location down the line, too. Bonus points for being in the fine arts building- take the elevator if you haven't been here before. The 5th floor has a walkthrough exhibit about the history of the building that's worth checking out.

Jen Ulasiewicz

4 months ago

I was completely enthralled with the architecture of this amazing building! The bookstore was nice with a decent selection.

Ankit Chainani

year ago

Exile in Bookville is one of the coolest and most unique bookstores I've ever been to. Tucked away in the Fine Arts Building, it has a carefully curated collection that shines a spotlight on underappreciated and indie writers from around the world. I ended up buying four books, and could've easily grabbed more-they even have signed copies! The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, and the selection feels fresh and meaningful. This place deserves a spot on every book lover's list when visiting Chicago. A true gem for readers who want to discover something different.

Chris Ward

month ago

I was visiting Chicago and thought I'd pop in to this store to grab something to read after I finish my current book. NOPE. My suitcase be damned, I left with eight books! After feeling like I have tapped out my local book stores back home, it was refreshing to go from shelf to shelf and keep finding things that I wanted to read but had never heard of nor seen. The staff recommendations are well curated, but honestly the selection of books was phenomenal. Support Independent Book Stores. And not just in words, but with your wallet. I have no regrets.

Tiff

8 months ago

The kind of bookstore everyone dreams of stumbling upon. Fabulous selection, and very cozy. Lovely owner as well and we happen to come in on the second Friday of the month which means they have art openings throughout the building.

Christopher Blaker

5 months ago

Without a doubt the best bookstore in The Loop!! Everything is easy to find in a beautiful historic building!! Awesome decor and some great vinyl in the place too! I hope this place is around for a long, long , long , time!!