Bookends & Beginnings

8/12 - Had a wonderful evening at Bookends and Beginnings. A book signing party and reading for poet Robbie Q. Telfer, plus wonderful piano music by Stu Seale. A student of Robbie, Tim H. (Toaster) also read a few poems. The staff are wonderful. Shout out to Wren, Michael, and evening host, Katie. 10/27 - Another great visit today. Zach was very friendly and helpful! Great new location!

There is a large variety of artists represented in this space. There's plenty of jewelry, clothing, paintings and more. These cute mosaic trays caught my eye. I didn't get one but I bought a few pairs of earrings for gifts and a t-shirt.

Outstanding locally owned, independent bookstore. A terrific community institution with great selection. Staff recommendations are truly excellent and will lead you to books beyond the best seller lists. Everything a local book shop should be. Worth your support.

I was having a hard time shopping for parents and in-laws who have everything they need so I came to Bookends without a plan. Wren listened to my descriptions of my giftees and came up with 8 options for books within 5 minutes. I was looking for a great novel, a book a birder would love, something historical and something political.. and she had options for each one. Clearly your employees read a LOT. My mom’s husband was so thrilled they’ve asked me to go back and get more! Found a great book for my 4th grader too (The wild Robot) so he wants to go back as well for the next one in the series.

A lovely shop with a wonderful assortment of books. The staff was very friendly and helpful! Loved the downstairs minibar as well and the staff can help you access the building’s elevator.

This newly-opened independent bookstore is everything you want in a unique experience with books. Whether you are browsing, selecting a gift, or finding the right graphic novel or book of essays or novel, the selection here is thoughtfully curated and arranged in ways to engage your imagination. The helpful staff are all readers and aficionados of the content of the shelves. Enjoy!

A hidden gem! In the side alley rest the almost charming book stores. Filled with old and new, you will definitely find what you are interested in. Such a fun place to take those book lovers in your life.

I loved the old location, but I’m really glad they found a new and more accessible - and I think bigger - place. I lived in Denver for 25 years and was addicted to The Tattered Cover Book Store. The staff and collection at Bookends feels deliciously familiar. It’s my new favorite place.

I went to an event there tonight and I was so impressed by this lovely store, knowledgeable staff, and great assortment of books and gifts. What a gem! Evanston is lucky to have this establishment!

This store has everything, even $1 books in a cart outside the store. New books are on the main floor, used ones are down below. The store frequently has interesting author talks. It's homey, and well worth a visit even though prices are higher than what you find on Amazon. It's the seniority factor I appreciate as well as a new collection from the Everyman Library. Instead of being organized by author, it's organized by theme. I bought Scottish Stories, Love Stories and Wedding Stories. Each one is in a lovely hardback edition for around $15.

Wow...anyone who likes books will absolutely love it there, and even people that are not that into books will find a lot of lovely accessories and more. The selection of books seems very carefully curated, it's not your huge Barnes and Noble, but it also doesn't need to be. It's absolutely worth the ride when you're in downtown Chicago. One of the loveliest bookstores that I have ever seen. Careful, you will find way too much good stuff.

I love their new space! Well laid out and great selection of books plus other gift items.

High quality, curated selection of books organized in a very intelligent manner. Well-suited for college kids as they have a good selection of classics, as well as aid/summary/overview type books for classes. Nice, well thought out gift selection too. Fantastic customer service and relaxing vibe. Independent and owned by a local writer. Very good children's section too. Not a large store, but it's very likely they'd order whatever you would request. There's parking in front (metered) and they have an online website where you can purchase the books. Great experience-- will definitely be back!

They have an amazing selection of books of all genres, little literary gifts, and journals. I loved the used book section for a bit more affordable option of supporting the local guys!

Wonderful selection and gracious staff. Don't forget to check out the bottom floor. Fantastic for book tours and general shopping.

My seven year old son has been on a history kick after listening to the Hamilton soundtrack. They were able to point me towards some books on American history that would be appropriate for his reading ability. He read for 3-4 hours yesterday (including while in line at Lowe's, see pic) and this morning. Thanks so much!

Love this bookstore! I live 45 minutes from Evanston and whenever I am in the area I always stop! I love that they are local and that the shop is very simple but very cozy!

Great employees and an awesome variety of books spanning multiple genres. I used to frequent their old location. The new place is fantastic!

Nice bookstore. Eclectic selections

First drop in to their new location. I was looking for something very specific and their staff was so helpful and patient and found a few books I could choose from. Great location, still very walkable, not as quaint as the alley, but I'm sure the staff appreciates the newer facilities.