Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery on Postcard

"DL Mullen, the female founder behind Semicolon, one of Chicago’s newest independently owned bookstores, has created a space where the library of titles is immense and the comfort is instant. An afternoon spent browsing books is a lesson in sensory pleasure, with rotating art on the walls, plenty of seating, and gorgeous decorative touches, like bright rugs and literary quotes. It’s the kind of spot where settling in with a stack is encouraged and questions are welcome. Mullen and her team provide thousands of donated books to Chicago public school students, and Mullen (who has a PhD in literary theory) is a seasoned pro at helping reluctant-to-read kids and young adults find books they won’t be able to put down. Images courtesy of Zach Caddy. "

The Chicago Guide

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Sarah Ireland

Google

Absolutely amazing bookstore. Art, impromptu dance parties, incredible selection, and the genius women who run it will give you every recommendation you deserve and more. 10/10

Megan Robbins

Google

They have a great selection that represents various cultures and communities! The space is clean, organized well, and feels like stepping in to a welcoming apartment with books you can buy. Perfect! The staff is friendly and helpful, though I opted to browse on my own just to see what called to me, I knew they would be there for any questions I had! Go to this bookshop, support local, you won’t be disappointed!

Ooni J

Google

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!

D'Annette Mullen

Google

Semicolon is, hands down, my favorite bookstore! The ambiance of the store is so inviting and there are cozy nooks to settle into and lose yourself in a good book! The staff is incredibly helpful and passionate about literature, always ready to recommend a hidden gem or engage in a discussion about a favorite novel. It's a place where book lovers can feel at home and catch a vibe simultaneously! The music is always exactly what I need. I find myself drawn to Semicolon time and time again, each visit feeling like a mini literary adventure waiting to unfold.

jess krantz

Google

Finally got to explore this black owned book store! Loved the neighborhood and the store. Super friendly staff, good selection and happy to support them! Excited to see the new location on Amazon. I will be ordering more books from Semicolon online. Amazon will be fine, shop local!

Sena Lawson

Google

The atmosphere is nice and inviting. I'd say it's moreso designed as a community space than a bookstore. I'd give it 5 stars if it weren't for the book selection. Unfortunately, most of the books there center on some form of Black trauma. It would have been great to have seen some books on regular Black life since we are more than mistreatment we face and have varied experiences/interests.

Karyl Morton

Google

Visiting from out of state and the awesome vibes pulled us in!! It was a super fun visit to the bookstore for the whole family!! We really appreciated the book recommendations from the friendly staff. A must-visit if you're in the area.

Nashaunda Wiley

Google

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.

Sarah Ireland

Google

Absolutely amazing bookstore. Art, impromptu dance parties, incredible selection, and the genius women who run it will give you every recommendation you deserve and more. 10/10

Megan Robbins

Google

They have a great selection that represents various cultures and communities! The space is clean, organized well, and feels like stepping in to a welcoming apartment with books you can buy. Perfect! The staff is friendly and helpful, though I opted to browse on my own just to see what called to me, I knew they would be there for any questions I had! Go to this bookshop, support local, you won’t be disappointed!

Ooni J

Google

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!

D'Annette Mullen

Google

Semicolon is, hands down, my favorite bookstore! The ambiance of the store is so inviting and there are cozy nooks to settle into and lose yourself in a good book! The staff is incredibly helpful and passionate about literature, always ready to recommend a hidden gem or engage in a discussion about a favorite novel. It's a place where book lovers can feel at home and catch a vibe simultaneously! The music is always exactly what I need. I find myself drawn to Semicolon time and time again, each visit feeling like a mini literary adventure waiting to unfold.

jess krantz

Google

Finally got to explore this black owned book store! Loved the neighborhood and the store. Super friendly staff, good selection and happy to support them! Excited to see the new location on Amazon. I will be ordering more books from Semicolon online. Amazon will be fine, shop local!

Sena Lawson

Google

The atmosphere is nice and inviting. I'd say it's moreso designed as a community space than a bookstore. I'd give it 5 stars if it weren't for the book selection. Unfortunately, most of the books there center on some form of Black trauma. It would have been great to have seen some books on regular Black life since we are more than mistreatment we face and have varied experiences/interests.

Karyl Morton

Google

Visiting from out of state and the awesome vibes pulled us in!! It was a super fun visit to the bookstore for the whole family!! We really appreciated the book recommendations from the friendly staff. A must-visit if you're in the area.

Nashaunda Wiley

Google

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.

Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

Photos

Highlights

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