Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

Semicolon just reopened today after being closed throughout the summer for renovations, and the renewed space looks amazing!!😍 This Black woman-owned nonprofit indie bookstore is such a gem of the Chicago community, and it’s always top of my list of recommendations for friends who are visiting Chicago. The vibes are so welcoming and cozy, and the carefully curated selection of books mostly consists of works by women of color. There’s so much beautiful art too, make sure to take a full look around to admire both the great books and the stunning artwork!

My daughter and I were here for the Victoria Monet meet and greet, which unfortunately got cancelled last minute due to travel issues. We had driven a long way to get here because this was a once in a lifetime event for my daughter - she loves Victoria so much! The young ladies at Semicolon were soooo kind and sweet, and very apologetic even though it wasn't their fault at all. Just bad luck. The store is very neat and orderly and the service is amazing! Highly recommend it! 😊

- had a homey feel. Felt very welcome and like I could sit and read for hours there if I wanted too -Lots of POC authors and books I had never heard of. Super love to find new books - Really LOVED biography and memoir section. Had some memoirs/autobiographies I especially loved. - Prices were reasonable for new books

Like a previous individual, I bought a ticket to the Victoria Monet book signing which was ultimately cancelled. While I was disappointed that it was cancelled, I fully understood and respected the fact that sometimes things happen that is out of our control. I initially received some info on getting a refund and the book (shoutout to Maria) but after a week, ALL communication stopped. I gave a lot of grace and tried to be patient. However it’s been over a month since the event was cancelled and I have not been refunded nor have I received the book. I sent over 5 emails to multiple employees within the org and got ONE response on July 21st. I even waited the allotted 48-hours that they request for a reply back. But after that, no one followed up since then. I finally decided to dispute the transaction with my bank after waiting a total of 6 weeks for any information. I wish this would’ve gotten solved weeks ago and now this bank dispute process is only taking longer. I can only imagine all that goes into owning a business and I try my best to support small businesses. But it really does suck when some of them fall into that negative stereotype. Transparency is truly key. I really hope they can practice better communication and transparency going forward so they can genuinely progress in the work they do.

One of Chicago's finest bookstores--and there are many bookstores here. The staff is helpful; they clearly have read the books they recommend. I take their recommendations seriously, and I have never been disappointed.

Loved it.. Black owned and its a Woman. The vibe in there was super chill. Several areas to sit at and read a book. The book collection was also amazing, from black history, black politics fiction, non fiction and even a children section, I found myself walking in circles for about a hour in a half trying to choose from the large selections.

Six weeks ago I stopped into the bookstore with my friend. We bought some books and pre-ordered Tricia Herseys Rest is Resistance. We were told they would contact us that week to get our book. I have not heard from them at all and have left 4 phone messages. My friend has spoken to them twice and we have yet to receive our books. The customer service needs important and I deserve a refund for a book that I did not receive.

CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER BUT this Black-owned Bookstore is everything for the consummate reading. It is a total vibe! Located on the Northside in Fulton Market, just North of Halsted/Grand/Milwaukee intersections. Decent street parking with Starbizzy across the streets. Check ‘em when in the neighborhood! See you in the Fall 🍂🍁🍃

I love this colorful, black owned bookstore! This was my first time visiting the West Town location. Before closing, I would visit the downtown location often. There's so much beautiful artwork here, a great selection of books, and coming soon, a coffee shop! Parking can be a little tricky in this area, so if you live close by, public transportation or walking is best. I have always loved Semicolon for having a great selection of books at an affordable price, the events they hold, and the sense of community they provide. I'm always welcomed warmly and the team is always willing to recommend a good book, give a review, or place an order for you. Although I'm not in the West Town area often, I will definitely be sure to continue to support this gem.

Black owned business alert! I love the new semicolon location. The staff is so welcoming and friendly I kept chatting even when I didn't need their help lol. The store atmosphere is giving book lounge so you can not only shop but hang out and read it as well within multiple different rooms. There's also tons of easy street parking. I went on Sunday so it was free. Can't recommend enough!

I love the new space that Semicolon is in. There is ample street parking in the area, so if you are book lover (or a new fan), there is no reason to not visit! Semicolon has created a community space that welcomes all, highlights black authors and books with black characters, as well as bridging the gap of literacy to all in minority groups. If you ever want to shop local, this is the place.

I have to admit I did not go 'directly' inside. You see they were hosting/sponsoring a Lit Fest in the Wicker Park area, so the store itself was not open for business, but they had a booth outside. I have a relative who heard of it through her book club. There was a fun but also serious and artistic atmosphere around. We were free to browse, ask questions, maybe meet an author if they were present! We settled on 2 books by the same author. The fest also had drink tickets, with funny names of drinks matching the books and authors at the festival. Every drink contained spirits, no wine or beer; both should have been an option, but there were other venues open nearby on this unseasonably warm day. I would like to get to the actual bookstore one day, if there's coffee or drinks to sip on a cool day.

The service I experienced here was great. The selection was more than what I had anticipated, and the books were priced to sale similar to other bookstores ... really had a good experience ... went in with the mindset to purchase several books ended up purchasing more than I expected ... all good selections ... the service was great and I would recommend this business for anybody looking for a good read

I think we spent a few hours in here, drunk some tea, walked around the entire store and ended up buying about 8 books, a t shirt and a pair of socks! Money WELL SPENT! 90 percent of all the authors in this book store are BLACK! WHERE THEY DO THAT AT?!? HERE! How awesome! All of her staff are so knowledgeable! THEY READ! And they are able to give phenomenal recommendations based off their own experiences of reading said books for themselves. It was really good to see young people who READ! The kids room catered towards the younger readers; beautiful space for kids to hang out and look around. This space is a space WELL USED!

Went to a book event for 'We, The Pizza' at semicolon books. Was a really fantastic conversation and the space is lovely. Owner was so kind to let us pick up our signed books the following day so we wouldn't have to carry them around that evening after event. Had the chance to check out the shelves and there was also a great selection of books across many genres!

Omgeeeeee yes. Loved this place! Friendliest staff, cutest place, Black woman owned, gives back to the community, carefully curated books. What's not to love?! Go go go visit this beautiful bookstore! Cannot wait to get back.

A gorgeous space to pick up a book and be in community. Their online selection is absolutely huge and shipping was quick--excited to have found Semicolon!

I was excited when I saw this on Tiktok. I just had to come and check this place out with my own eyes. Upon entering I was greeted by one of the staff members Jewel. He gave me some very informative information. He was helpful and friendly. I have nothing but love for this place. Very warm and welcoming atmosphere. A place you can bring the whole family to and spend a few hours browsing around. The colorful decor and nice smelling candles is a plus for me. There are no more words to describe this place. I highly recommend anyone to stop by and witness for yourself. Black woman-owned bookstore and gallery. A true gem to the neighborhood. There are so many great books aligned the walls and bookshelves. Diverse authors and literary classics to top best sellers. Beautiful art-work on the walls. I look forward to coming back.

Semicolon is the only Black woman owned bookstore in Chicago. Open for business and taking delivery orders during the pandemic and protests, Semicolon ships worldwide (contact directly for hours). They have a small staff that's doing mighty things. The owner has recently been featured on major television shows and in national publications for commitment to community. She and her staff recently held a Children's Book Giveaway providing hundreds of books to any child or parent with a child. ..no questions asked. Between the quarantine and the renewed interest in educating through reading, this is an even better time to support local. The store's walls feature murals from popular local artists. Lesser known artists also have work available for sale. As soon as the doors open up I strongly suggest stopping into see just how cool this place is. In the meantime, order online and/or message them on social media to have books shipped directly to your door. They can source just about any book not found on their shelves. Pro Tip: Email them at books@semicolonchi.com to place book orders. It may take a few extra days to fulfill your order, but this allows them to receive all profits. When ordering via bookshop.org, they lose out because of the heavy fees. #SupportLocal

Our new favorite bookstore! Located in River West, Semicolon is owned by a very courteous and friendly black female, in a lovely space adorned with ethnic murals on the walls. When my daughter and I arrived, we were warmly greeted and given a quick overview of the layout. (They also have a children's room). They have a great selection of titles, and we each chose a new book in no time. They have music flowing, candles lit, and some seating if want to stay and hang out. We sat in the two chairs in the front and definitely plan to be back!

Convenient location . We walked in and were immediately greeted and given a tour of the space . Beautiful book store and great ambiance . Candles lit and music playing , people talking and reading and just sharing their love of books !

I had been saying I was going to visit this store for quite some time but never did. Today, as I prepared to hit the Complete Order button on Amazon, I remembered this place existed. I checked the website and it looked like I could get the books I wanted there without waiting for shipping. Win win. I grabbed an Uber and headed over. I immediately loved the vibes and the layout. I imagined having a space like this to be free in when I was a kid. I'd probably be President by now. It's a great place to relax and I can see it being really nice for a chill day with your friends. Looks like they had a small cafe area and kids room. I was a little underwhelmed by the customer service though. One employee was engaged in a very one sided conversation with a customer in the middle of the store. He seemed unsure of how to disengage from the woman but he should have tried harder. It went on for way too long and she was making me uncomfortable. Lol. It was only a problem because I had trouble identifying who else worked in the store. There was a young woman very timidly and slightly arranging books and walking around but simultaneously trying to be invisible. She almost looked like a customer. Almost! I chanced it and asked her for help finding the books I wanted. Turns out she was new. Or training. You could tell she wasn't comfortable in her role yet and she seemed nervous. I know how it feels to be trained in front of a customer so I tried to give her some space. I hope she wasn't too appalled! You'll get better and your dress was gorgeous. Also another customer was trying to check out behind me and I was trying to have 3 books shipped which was not going swiftly. After a short wait, I offered to pause our search and let her go ahead because if I were her, I'd be annoyed by the inefficiency. It made sense to have me step aside for a second. Eventually we got the books ordered, and I walked out with an impulse book and a desire to own a bookstore when I grow up. Prices are excellent. About $1 more than what I'd have paid on Amazon but worth much more with the ambience and the joyful space. It's a nice place to just BE. Definitely worth a visit. I'll certainly be back.

It is a great bookstore and does good in the community, that deserves support. Plus, it is good to read a book.

I love this bookstore so much. The workers were so fun and friendly and let me make jokes. The books they have are all by such amazing authors and with great variety. I didn't ask for help but i saw workers being incredibly helpful to other customers and providing a lot of suggestions. The set up for the store is really nice too. There's a lot of nooks and cranny to sit in and just enjoy the books you're interested in. My friend and I sat around just chatting about the books we were buying and it was such a nice place to be in. I'd definitely come back to support this shop!!

Amazing vibes, staff and ambiance. Their book selections are dope and they even have a free section in the back room so make sure you check that shelf out because there's a lot of gems. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, music and niceness of the staff. This will definitely be a place I visit every time I visit Chicago. As a book lover, this place fed my soul.

What a great store! The staff was fantastic and they even gave our son an ARC of a book that he's currently devouring. My bias is that I love all bookstores and would probably give 5 stars to any and all, but really you should shop here. Black-owned (a women too) and filled to the rafters with books by black and brown authors. It's like two dreams come true! Highly recommend!!

Such a nice store! Excellent collection, great vibes, and the staff has some helpful recommendations. I will be back again and again!

I think I found one of my new favorite bookstores. Though i don't live in or around Chicago, I'm still able to order conveniently through their website and have things shipped to me pretty easily. On top of that, they offer most of the niche LGBTQ+ books that I'm looking for and are pretty competitive to the big box stores-plus I'm able to support a great Black woman-owned business in the process! Whether you're browsing for some fun reading, buying some kids books, or looking for material to further educate yourself, there's a good chance you'll find it here. Even if reading isn't your thing, they do have audiobooks to choose from too! I also like that they have recommendation sections on their site based on interests, especially if you're feeling stuck and don't know what you want to read next. You can bet your butt I'll stop by to check them out IRL the next time I'm in their neck of the woods- but in the meantime, we're gonna be reading besties digitally until that day comes!

A BLACK WOMAN - OWNED BOOKSTORE & GALLERY SPACE I absolutely needed this moment of being in a dope ass bookstore! I could of a stayed there for hours. The art upstairs and downstairs in the Gallery is amazing. When you first walk in, there is an area with different book genres. It's shelves are full of black authors and black history. They have a lot of classics! Towards the back their several different areas. One area seem to be autobiographies and the other books for kids! They have a great small gallery downstairs. Pricing is average/ can be expensive. Honestly, It's just like every other bookstore! This a really nice spot and I recommend to others.. Owner should be very proud of herself for creating a dope peaceful environment. Aw yeah, she was there and she was really nice... kind spirit! Excited to go back!

Never been to a bookstore like this one before. The music and wall art had added a homey ambiance to the room, really enjoyed my time reading here and hope to be back soon!

I love and adore Semicolon. It is a black owned and woman owned store. The atmosphere feels like a warm hug from a loved one. A space curated that is welcoming any and everyone. The staff are super friendly and always ready to give a great suggestion. Book selection is broad (majority black authors) and also includes children book with representation! If they dont have the book in store they are willing to order and typically gets there in less than a week and can pick up in store. I always walk out spending more than I budgeted but its okay because I adore the store.

We recently moved to the city. Finding a local bookstore was on our to do list, as we both love reading. They had a marvellous book selection and an amazing kid section, too! We ended picking up three books, but there were at list six that I had wanted; so we will be back soon. It was nice to see staff and customers all following mask protocol and social distancing. They also do curb-side pickups and I believe online orders. I checked out their we website and they also have a nonprofit arm that donates books to kids. All around really happy we found Semicolon. ps. HOW COULD I FORGET THEIR STORE PUPPY! They also have a store pup named Semi (obsessed )

Love love love Semicolon! The employees are always super kind and they have a great selection of new books. They also carry many of the reads for Noname's Book Club. I can't wait until they reopen so I can visit again.

From Semicolon's vibes to its employees to its selections, we stan this bookstore and everything it promotes. Not only is it the only Black-woman owned bookstore in Chicago, but it's locally focused and promotes the city's street artists. Their selection isn't the biggest, but the books they have are carefully curated and they're also willing to order any book you need. They have a little space in the back for you to chill and read as well. Semicolon's employees are so friendly and fun to talk to. They're always willing to give you a recommendation and the person who rung me up gave me a bunch of stickers and bookmarks! TLDR: Come support this amazing indie bookstore and check out what they have to offer!

Dope vibes coupled with a good phenomenal range of Books by Black and Brown writers. This place is a gem.

Great spot for books! Calm music, reading room, and a wide variety of books especially by Black authors. Nate was working at the time I went and he was super helpful and recommended a couple books to me that I can't wait to read!

Great little bookstore!! Parking is not great (but that's any store in any big city). The book prices are high (but that's any bookstore). Great collection of books. I would definitely come back next time I'm in Chicago.

The vibes here are immaculate! I stopped by to pick up one book but left with three. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. They can order books they don't have in stock and deliver them to you (or you can pick them up to save on delivery). The music was excellent which is always a nice touch. They have a nice children's section and quiet reading room. I will be buying all my books from Semicolon moving forward. I also love that it is a black women owned bookstore!

I live in Cincinnati and write for a Black-owned publication. So when i go out of town, I love to visit other Black-owner establishments. I found this bookstore online and had to visit. I loved the book selections! They were diverse but in small quantities so it wasn't overwhelming. The artwork is big and colorful. They play nice old school music to groove too. There is a reading tool and a gallery downstairs. My boyfriend really enjoyed the gallery. The resident artist did an amazing job. I liked that it was super quiet. You could hear laughs and fun conversations throughout. The staff was friendly and very inviting. I purchased three books and intend to come back next time I visit Chicago. They also gave good recommendations on where to grab drinks in that area. Definitely visit this place!

Such a great environment and amazing selection for EVERYONE. The employees are extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. They also have an adorable children section

I absolutely love this place! Such a great business owned by a kick @$$ Black woman. The owner was on the floor helping out customers alongside her staff. They are all so helpful and friendly. Such a refresher to see an abundance of books written by Black authors vs seeing Black stories tucked away in the back of other bookstores. They helped me pick out books related to topics I was interested in! You also get really cute bookmarks for free on your way out! 10/10 recommend! #supportblackbusinesses #supportblackwomen

Semicolon is truly a gem. It's not simply your typical neighborhood bookstore, but a place worth traveling to from elsewhere in the city as well. I loved the staff right off the bat; everyone is inviting, helpful, and knowledgeable. The selection of books is quite good. It's not a huge bookstore by any means, but they do a fantastic job of curating their selections and everything is organized/categorized in a very approachable manner. There were plenty of books by authors I wasn't familiar with, but it was easy to find something that fit my taste. The space itself is nice and larger than what you'd expect from the outside. In addition to the main bookstore, there's a children's area, a reading room, a coworking space, and a gallery in the basement. The owner is also very invested in supporting the local community. I recently learned that she and her staff have been providing books for children all around Chicago, so you can shop here knowing your money is going to a business that is making the city a better place. I really wish I had visited this place sooner as it's in my neighborhood, but I'm so excited to put this place in my regular rotation going forward.

I finally got to pay a visit to Semicolon a few weeks ago. When I walked I was welcomed with the scent of vanilla and I felt like I was visiting someone's home library. The staff was inviting and very helpful. One particular staff member helped me select my first Octavia Bulter book. If you have kids the store has a great selection of children's and middle grade books. If you live or are visiting the Chicago area I highly recommend paying Semicolon a visit.

Visited semicolon for a movie night event. Loved the space! It felt very warm and the staff was very friendly. They seem to carry most popular titles when I scanned the shelves, didn't get a chance to look for any unique books. Bonus: there's a children's reading room and an art room (showcasing local artists) in the basement. I would like to stop by again to do some work on the weekends. Seems like a cool place to hang.

Semicolon is fantastic! They are the only Black woman-owned bookstore in Chicago, so I love giving them my business. If you can't go in person, then they ship your order in no time at all. I've placed numerous orders, and even during a pandemic and high-volume BLM movement orders, my books arrived quickly. Since many books are in high demand right now and might be backordered, allow for a few extra days for delivery, but most of my orders arrived immediately. They are an independent bookstore with an independent bookstore sized staff, so be cool if it takes an extra day or two. It's worth the wait! They have an excellent selection of books, and, beyond the dynamite books themselves, my favorite thing about Semicolon is that their website showcases helpful and entertaining categories such as "So Good, You Can't Put It Down" and "Revolutionary Baby" to guide you to awesome books. Amazon can't compete with Semicolon's helpful whimsy! Support local businesses and support Semicolon!

I've followed Semicolon on Instagram for what feels like forever and last week I was able to go for the first time. It was everything I could've imagined and more! I can't recommend it enough; I left with 4 books. All the clerks were super friendly and helpful, and they gave great recommendations. While checking out I loved having a conversation about what I was currently reading and even more recommendations based off of the books I was purchasing. The vibes are so cool - I loved the music and all of the space. I wish I had sat down to read on some of their couches, it's the perfect spot to snuggle up with a book and a beverage. I'll definitely be back!

It is with great joy that I use the semicolon bookshop link every time i recommend a book to someone!! It's a great spot in non-internet life too, and they have marvelous children's books and can help you and all the people you get books to be wiser while also participating in the fabulous missions of keeping bookstores going and ending racism.

I'm so glad I finally made it to this place. My husband I spend lots of money on books each year and I buy new and used books. I haven't been in a black owned book store since forever. It was nice not to be followed around the store because I am black. We felt comfortable and welcomed. Hubby was so happy to be there as well. I called in a large order and then found more while I was there. Spent some of my stimulus check in a black owned store. Funny because I asked them for one book that they didn't have and realize it was a white book by a white author and that was ok. Because I was not in a white store being directed to their black section of books. You don't know how mad that makes me. Thank you Semicolon for being here on my side of the town. I love your vibe and selection and will be back for my fall book hall. Nice staff and welcoming decor.

The owner couldn't be more personable and kind hearted and I love the adorable puppy that's always hanging out. They have such a great selection and the store is laid out beautifully. Shop here often!

How could one not love this place and space. I was early to a coffee get together next door and I was more then happy to spend my time in Semicolon Book Store. I feel like independent bookstore are a lost art these days. It's getting cold out so what better way then to stumble and purchase a good read. I kept on going back to one particular book which is what I ended up purchasing. Staff and patrons were in mask and considerate of space. Staff was very friendly, and fun to chat with. I'm definitely looking forward to returning and with a little more time to look through a few more books and better check out the art. Bonus to a Women Owned Black Business Owner!

The folks who run this store are BEYOND AMAZING! The type of community that they are building, especially for young, Black and Brown people is phenomenal. First thing I always see when I walk in are there Octavia Butler books, amazing artwork, and the excited energy of the customers. They have curative a refined book selection. The semicolon crew always re-energizes me every visit!!

Amazing service, cool space, and an excellent variety of books! Semicolon is also an incredible event space! Parking was easy.

Chicago's only Black woman owned bookstore!! The staff has been nothing short of friendly everytime and they have a clean, open space which is especially important in ~these times~. Their online bookstore is also great and they have a vast collection of most book genres.

They have a really dope selection of books & the shelves are very easy to look through! I've been to a couple of their events that I really enjoyed. I love that they incorporate art into the space with the gallery downstairs and the artwork throughout. The space is adorable AND offered up as a free co-working space, which I'm really excited to use some day. This has become my new fave bookstore!

Wonderful selection and great customer service! It was so easy to place an order online, and the communication, shipping and items were excellent. Thanks for a great overall experience!

Amazing place with even better people! This is a great location, friendly staff, Ana amazing ambiance.

Incredible bookstore!! Walked in on a whim and bought 3 books and added many to my want to read list. The staff was so kind and helpful, this is the only place I'm buying my books now.