FREE Kids Books! Pay What You Want Adult Books!
Open Books Pilsen is OPEN again!
Come on in for FREE KIDS BOOKS, and pay what you want for everything else.
M-F 10am-6pm, Sa-Su 10am-4pm.
The whole store is back better than ever. Newly redesigned; new inventory; new used books to fall in love with.
A New Model
With the overwhelming positive response to our self-service bookstore, we've opened the door to the whole store with the same pricing model:
All kids books are FREE; Adult books are pay-what-you-want.
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-4pm
Donations: We are currently accepting book donations through the drop slot and the west garage door.
Open Books Pilsen is excited to announce the installment of our new facade mural unveiling on Saturday, November 12th! Designed and applied by illustrator and muralist, Diosa (Jasmina Cazacu).
We will also be re-opening our new bookstore model where all children's books are FREE and adult books are Pay-What-You-Want! Get the first look at our new look on November 12 at 10AM! Arts and crafts for kids, storytelling, food, music, and more beginning at 12noon!
Hours and Location
Get DirectionsDonations accepted:
Mon-Fri 10am-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!