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Semicolon Bookstore
515 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642, United States
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Semicolon Bookstore
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Ju
Review №1

My new favorite book store in Chicago! They are doing an excellent job with COVID precautions and take your temperature when you get in the store. The staff was INCREDIBLY helpful and nice. Pro tip: if you need recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask one of the staff! They took the time helping me and all of the customers in the store. It was my first time in but they made me feel like a regular. Can’t wait to go back!

E.
Review №2

Black woman owned with tons of books, an art gallery, reading room, and childrens book room. Knowledgeable staff, friendly and professional. Definitely plan on supporting this business. Will be back everytime I am in Chicago.

Ch
Review №3

Semicolon is the literary art space you didnt know you needed! This bookstore has got all reading interests in mind and by a diverse variety of authors. You can find some of the best literary classics to todays best sellers. They even have a reading room, childrens area and an art gallery featuring one of Chicagos finest graffiti artists. Major bonus points since its the only black owned and operated bookstore in the city. I will definitely be back and I highly recommend it. You will swoon!

Ed
Review №4

Such a dope space! I was surprised with how big it was. Loved that there was also a little section with comic books. And the record player is a nice touch. Such a friendly staff, with a great selection of books. Def sliding thru again.

J
Review №5

I ordered from their online store. My order was gift wrapped beautifully, shipped out in a more than timely manner and arrived to my best friend in fantastic condition. I can’t wait until I can visit in person ❤️

Br
Review №6

Fantastic independently owned bookstore. It has a cozy feel and the staff was very helpful and friendly. Semi, the owners dog, was also hanging out and was very playful. We will definitely be back.

Jo
Review №7

Really enjoyed this experience! Everyone was incredibly helpful and I loved the atmosphere. Can imagine getting stuck there for hours on end. Looking forward to reading my books!

Ge
Review №8

Excellent customer service and well curated space. No pressure, no pushing bestsellers and trash. A good space for a book reading, book group meeting or just to chill.

Tu
Review №9

Excellent black-owned bookstore with a great selection. Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. The Afro-Future section was my favorite. They even have some advance copies of books. Definitely will be back!!

La
Review №10

Magical, magnificent! Pro black pro queer pro great vibes!

Sa
Review №11

The best book store in Chicago. Really amazing and welcoming team and great community initiatives make this place so special.

St
Review №12

I was in heaven here! Great selection of books, great atmosphere, friendly staff and patrons, and Semi (the puppy) was simply delightful. Will definitely visit again and support their online presence.

Ca
Review №13

Their pick up process was easy and they have a wonderful selection of books. If youre looking to diversify your bookshelf, find great authors, and check out some art, go to semicolon!

Si
Review №14

This is a very beautiful bookstore with a very good selection. I wish I could hang out there once the pandemic is over. Ive also used their website to order books and they arrived in a timely fashion.

El
Review №15

So happy to have a new local bookstore! Still in the early startup phase, but already such a great vibe inside! Art gallery/bookstore concept adds to the extremely relaxed welcoming environment. There will be rotating shows monthly, showcasing some of the areas amazing street artists! Small selection of books currently, but they are quickly expanding and adding more! Online shopping is also an option if you can’t wait!

fr
Review №16

Fantastic little bookstore we found!Great atmosphere, the staff was friendly, and the selection was outstanding.

Is
Review №17

Everyone here is so friendly, welcoming, and helpful with recommendations. The book I wanted wasnt in store but they offered to order and get it in just two days. Will be coming back here for a long time!

M
Review №18

Fantastic, clean bookstore, and friendly staff. Efficient service and great selection of books.

Ia
Review №19

I really enjoyed my experience at the Semicolon Bookstore. The atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly and the owners of the store are really nice. Im glad that I was finally able to check it out because Ive been wanting to go for a while. I look forward to returning in the future.

Gi
Review №20

What a beautiful energy of this team!Thanks for sharing love, positiveness and knowledge.

Su
Review №21

Really cool place to grab some cool books with help from a very knowledgeable staff. Books are related to social justice

Ia
Review №22

Lovely bookshop with art and a wide variety of books. Im not a big book buyer (maybe 1-2 per year), but I find it hard to stick to just a few when I go in. Its a local gem for sure, so support your local bookshop and get a book or two. Or three!

Ch
Review №23

Loved it ... Black woman owned ... my 1st time here

Ma
Review №24

Came here today with my boyfriend and family. I loved it so much. Everyone was incredibly gracious and helpful, and I can’t wait to read the books I purchased for myself and my nephew. Thank you for the work you are doing in the community. We need more businesses like this one..1

Sa
Review №25

If I could give more stars I would! I came here on a quick trip to Chicago and wish I couldve stayed longer just to sit and read. This bookstore had some gems that I had been looking for and couldnt find online. When describing to my friend the type of books I was looking for, one of the clerks overheard me, went to the back, picked out a book and suggested I read it. Just from the description I knew itd be good. THIS is how book stores should be! Friendly, beautiful, clean spaces. It also helps that Black authors are at the forefront of their shelves on their walls. This Black-woman owned business is #1 in my book. Thanks!

Ji
Review №26

Amazing books, great customer service, definitely going back!!!

As
Review №27

One of my fav spots in the city. Cozy, bright, and the staff is aways so warm, inviting and always ready to help. Only Black, female bookstore in Chicagoland area.

Ny
Review №28

I love this pretty bookstore! The staff is so friendly and the selection of books is superb! Im happy to support this black-owned business and I will return!

Sa
Review №29

Lovely store, lovely mission. Will happily give them all my book $$ from here on out! Please keep up the good work ladies, your store & work is so appreciated.

Em
Review №30

I recently ordered quite a few books from here and was very pleased with the response and customer service. Knowing some of my order was back ordered at the time, I’ve been happy with updates and how quickly the order has been shipped to me as available. Will continue to support this great place!

Co
Review №31

I ordered several books online about race and social justice. They have an excellent selection, and provide good suggestions on books to read. Books arrived quickly and in prefect condition, even in a pandemic. This is the only bookstore owned by black women in Chicago, I’ll keep giving them my support.

Ve
Review №32

Love the book selection owners are nice

Ma
Review №33

Cute little book store with a great team!!!

Gr
Review №34

Beautiful space, friendly staff, and of course a great selection of books! Ill be happy to return there the next time Im in the city.

La
Review №35

Great selection of adult, YA, and children’s books from friendly staff! Also wonderful online shopping. Can’t wait to go again!

Ra
Review №36

Fantastic bookstore and a lifeline during the pandemic!

Cr
Review №37

Get your books here! Always great customer service! Great energy! Love the space!

An
Review №38

An amazing bookstore that does truly inspiring things for their local community. Everything about this business is great!

Br
Review №39

So easy to shop online & always receive my orders in a timely manner! Love this place & what they stand for!

Ka
Review №40

Staff here is awesome, I went to check this bookstore out after finding them on Insta. It totally holds up 👍

br
Review №41

What a great spot with a varied but targeted selection, and a smooth vibe. Friendly staff as well.

Mi
Review №42

1. Down to earth owner! 2. Newly christened reading room. 3. Event space available for rent! 4. Gallery featuring art exhibits. 5. Did I mention the down to earth owner who looks like me? #BOBsupporter

Da
Review №43

A labor of love, which has begun turning into a special go to. Books, mostly hand curated, and a local artist major gallary. The key is in the friendship that the owners bring which makes you welcome and offers you reading or art advice if you desire it. Many services such special orders, books of month.

Br
Review №44

This place is magical and I got two books!

Be
Review №45

Cute bookstore with lots of progressive reads. Cute area for kids in the back too!

Ja
Review №46

Dope vibe! Has a lot of new book releases and classics. Beautiful art gallery in the basement and a childrens book section in the back.

Kr
Review №47

Favorite bookstore in Chicago. They have an excellently curated book selection and wonderful service all packaged into a welcoming and unique space.

Me
Review №48

Incredible special space full of beauty and magic!!! *Black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space*

De
Review №49

Their store smelled delightful, service was amazing and they had a great variety of books as well. I will be going back!

Al
Review №50

This was my first visit to Chicago so of course I had to visit Semicolon, the Chicago location of Nonames bookclub! This place is beautiful. A black woman owned bookstore. Honestly a unique experience. Love the gallery, the reading room, the kids room and the book selection. A must visit. Support this young black woman!💪🏾

Na
Review №51

Semicolon is beautiful! There’s a sense of community and engaging conversation always going on! I love Semicolon!

Al
Review №52

Absolutely love this place., the staff is amazing and the selection of books are nice!!!! #DopeVibes

Te
Review №53

Such a cute and creative space. The staff is awesome and attentive. They offeres complementary Mollys cupcakes and wine. The murals on the wall, framed celebrity quotes and gallery in the basement create a beautiful colorful and inspirational environment. This would be a gteat place to host an event.

Lo
Review №54

Such an adorable bookstore. Ill be back soon.

Ev
Review №55

Its a whole Vibe. Its grandmas cookin on a rough day. Its shea butter on dry skin.

Ri
Review №56

Beautiful shop, amazing staff, awesome experience!

As
Review №57

Awesome atmosphere great location

Ca
Review №58

Love the store and staff.

Va
Review №59

Wonderful staff & selection!

Information
100 Photos
59 Comments
4.9 Rating
  • Address:515 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642, United States
  • Site:http://semicolonchi.com/
  • Phone:+1 312-877-5170
Categories
  • Book store
Working hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:12–6PM
  • Wednesday:Closed
  • Thursday:12–6PM
  • Friday:Closed
  • Saturday:12–6PM
  • Sunday:Closed
Service options
  • In-store pickup:Yes
Health & safety
  • Mask required:Yes
  • Temperature check required:Yes
Highlights
  • Identifies as Black-owned:Yes
  • Identifies as women-led:Yes
Amenities
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
  • LGBTQ friendly:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
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