Contact Free FREE Books
Self Service Bookstore is closed for the season. See you in Spring! Open for Donations, 9am-6pm.
Weather Permitting: This is an open air store, we are open when it's above 45° with no precipitation.
Safety First: Due to COVID-19 concerns, we are unable at the moment to re-open the entire Pilsen Store. We have opened one of our garage doors for a fresh air shopping experience. Masks required; social distancing encouraged.
Contact Free: The shop not currently staffed and is completely self-service with various payment options.
Price Is Right!: All kids books are FREE; Adult books are pay-what-you-want.
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-4pm
Donations: We are currently accepting book donations through the drop slot and the west garage door.
Hours and Location
Get DirectionsBookstore CLOSED indefinitely due to the pandemic
Donations accepted:
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
Sat-Sun 10am–4pm
905 W. 19th St.
Chicago, IL 60608
312.243.9776
[email protected]
Chicago Reader
Best of Chicago 2015
Best Hidden Bookstore
Open Books Pilsen stocks a huge selection of books especially suitable for families and educators. The warehouse-style setup also features books starting at $1 and special sales events tied to neighborhood celebrations.
The legacy project of Pablo Helguera’s Librería Donceles is also hosted at Open Books Pilsen. The city’s only collection of used Spanish-language books is available for any price the buyer deems appropriate, with inventory constantly being replenished from book donations.
Free Book Corner
K-12 educators: Come over any time we're open (Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm) and we'll give you a box to fill with the FREE books of your choice from our special section!
Book Grants
Picking up a book grant from us? Come on over any time we're open (Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm) and we'll help you load your new treasures into your car.
Online Inventory
Can't find it in stores? Check out our online inventory to find your specific needs!
