The Book Table

One of the last gems of Oak Park besides Lake St Theater, Wise Cup and the other independent businesses. Praying this becomes another book store - Keep the independent local stores that ring true to Oak Park charm.

Literally one of the best bookstores I’ve been to they have such a wide collection of books of practically every genre and their shelves literally hit the ceiling. Would definitely recommend going to this bookstore!

The most amazing bookstore I've ever visited. I stopped going to bookstores because the selections were never inspiring--usually just new NYT bestsellers or used pulp fiction. But here I discovered Black Sparrow Press among other lesser-known literary gems. They have a wonderful selection of art books too. Prices are beyond fair. They mainly stock books, not useless gifts (i.e. RGB candles). So sad that this bookstore is closing.

I like this book store, it is sadly closing, but the staff in there are some of the meanest people. I went up to check out and the person slammed my book down on the table and seemed annoyed I interrupted them reading their book. I’ve been here 3-4 times and every time staff is giving off rude, judgmental vibes. I thought this was supposed to be a safe space? I’ll miss having a bookstore so close and being able to support a small/local business but I will not miss the awful people working there. Maybe go into something that doesn’t involve customer service at your next job.

The Book Table is an awesome bookstore. I knew nothing about until I was told that it was closing down and was subsequently taken on a first date there. Twas pretty amazing. A lot of options. Got 2 books

I love this bookstore! They have a huge selection of books and an organized system to find them. I love the table up front with new books and throughout the store they have tabs with book recommendations from members of their staff. The cherry on top is that all the books are sold at reduced prices, even new books! I always come out of this place excited to read something new.

Massive selection and discounted prices what's more to love? Workers are helpful and I love how you can read books in the store if you want to. Some of my family didn't like reading that much but they still love to go to book table. Great little piece of downtown oak park.

I'll always be grateful that Book Table exists in Oak Park. The staff is so helpful and friendly, their selection is incredible (and they'll help you order something if it's not on the shelves) - I've found multiple hard-to-find art books and very niche nonfiction that I wouldn't expect a local bookstore to keep on hand. And to be honest, the prices are usually only a dollar or two over The Big Online Conglomeration. You know what's faster than two-day shipping? Going to Book Table and getting the book you want as soon as you want it. UPDATE: I just want to say thank you to the owners and staff of the Book Table. The store will be closing soon after 21 years, which as a DOOPer and someone extremely invested in the community is a heartbreak I cannot easily express. I know Borders is coming back so we will have a book store nearby, but I would have preferred to keep shopping at a locally-owned business. In any event, it's been a wonderful two decades and I'm grateful for what the store added to the community.

Very nice book store with a good amount of space and a wide variety of material. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you're looking for something in particular. The employees seemed happy, which is always nice!

I love this place and all workers are great. Been coming here for years. Today a very rude man was working and caused me to waste my $6 coffee. Thanks to him I don't plan to ever visit the place again.

Haven't been to such a great book store since about 2012. The size alone should have been a tip off. The place is towering with shelves and books and packed with display tables and staff recommended selections. Most of the books were priced slightly less than what you could find on Amazon so there really is just no reason not to support this shop. I let the shop tell me what I needed and walked out with two new books. It was so cute and so nice.

This is one of the best bookstores I've ever been to, and I'm a native Angeleno who has also lived in the Bay Area. If for some reason, they don't carry what you're looking for, they will always order it for you. As a poet, it' really refreshing to see that they have an extensive poetry section that carries lots of smaller and indie presses in addition to the big publishing houses. A great kids section, a fabulous selection of art books and calendars, and a great place to get Moleskine notebooks and other journals. They also have a wonderful selection of magazines.

Such a cute little place! It doesn't hurt that Oak Park is in and of itself a cute little place. Books are reasonably priced a little lower than list price - not by a lot, but I certainly won't complain about any discount. There's a wide variety of genres and a LOT of art books, If you're interested in that subject. I'm glad I stopped in, especially since it was pouring!

Absolutely outstanding and pleasurable experience. Wanna go back in time to when book stores were enjoyed by readers . This place is it, enjoy its authentic atmosphere for reading and thinking

A generous soul gifted me with a gift card to this place. I have driven passed this place so many times. This independent book shop is stocked with so many new and used books. The books are sold at a reasonable discounted price. You can also find cute unique gifts to purchase as well. I saw online this Prince puzzle that I wanted to purchase. I was disappointed that it was sold out. I highly recommended this place. The staff is friendly and very helpful. The lady behind the counter was helpful. There are thousands of books displayed on shelves. It's a winner for everyone in the family. If you don't see what you're looking for on the shelves. You can go online and place your order. Hopefully, you can order it online. As, I was browsing around. I couldn't believe that there were so many wonderful selections of books. I have to add a date on my calendar for another visit to this Oak Park Gem.

One of my favorite bookstore that actually carries good reading book and wide selection of art book.

Goddamn, I love this place. The staff are amazing and they make books/buying books so much fun. I have cried and dry-heaved over the loss of independent book stores across America and I am so happy to see the Book Table still holding strong. It anchors Lake Street ... jokers to the left and clowns to the right :) The selection is superb, but the real winners are the knowledgeable staff who know where everything is found and will help you order anything they don't have. They are like my inter-library loan and are always able to track down items I can't find elsewhere. Sure, you live now completely dependent on online purchases, but I don't want that life. I want the honest and personal interaction that comes with book stores and I want to frequent the Book Table as long as I can. There is NOTHING better than stopping here before, after, or between movies at Classic Cinemas.

A few months ago, I took advantage of an opportunity to browse through this place. Fairly large and extensive offerings. Staffed at levels so one doesn't have to wait an eternity for assistance. So when I was looking for a book online and saw they had a copy, I headed over. Well, that copy had been sold, but they assured me they'd have one in two days. And they did - at a 23% discount. Nice to have a great independent bookstore back in Oak Park again.

The Book Table is a wonderful place, the kind of independent bookstore that can become a neighborhood tentpole and gathering ground. I went during a visit to Oak Park, and it looked to me to be the crown jewel of the main downtown area (though I guess I might be biased, as I do have a special love of bookstores). If I lived in this neighborhood, I'd be at The Book Table all the time. The space is huge and pretty and easy to browse, with lots of table and window displays highlighting books of interest. I saw like a dozen books I wanted to buy immediately, and had to limit myself because I didn't want to fly back home with a bunch of books in my luggage. I think I ended up with a modest haul of four or five paperbacks, all books I'd been meaning to pick up and add to my endless TBR pile. The prices were really competitive for an indie bookstore, like somehow 10-20% off the cover prices. I don't buy from Amazon, so I'm used to paying full sticker minus various membership discounts, but I'm not above taking advantage of a good deal. I also enjoyed looking at the rare books section, which included some cool old books and rare first editions. I found a first edition of Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley (one of my favorite books; I actually own a first edition I bought off eBay and am planning to get it signed) signed to his doctor. I'm guessing the doctor died and his shitty kids turned around and sold that treasure. They can't have gotten that much for it either. It was priced at like $45. The staff here is really great. They were nice when I awkwardly introduced myself as an author visiting from out of town, and when I later talked to a Chicago author about the place, she said that Javier, who I met, was her absolute favorite bookseller. Javier also runs a cool reading series that involves book signings and alcohol. I love a bookstore that puts on good author events. If you live in Oak Park, I hope you know that there's no need to buy books on Amazon. The Book Table has everything (and I'm sure if they don't have something on hand, they can order it for you), and the prices are even discounted. This is an outstanding bookstore, a worthwhile place to spend your time and money.

A rare commodity, an independent book store. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. If they don't have it on the shelf, they can almost always get it for you within a few days. In addition to books, they have an eclectic collection of interesting little items such as beautiful journals and other great little gift items. Their front windows always feature a wide variety of tempting reads, sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical. They discount off of the retail price and you aren't paying shipping charges so for my money, I'd rather buy from them than from Amazon. (Amazon has a well known reputation for screwing over their indie book dealers and distributors. So I refuse to buy books from them anyway.) The Book Table conveys a real sense of neighborhood and makes Oak Park a better place. It's no secret that downtown Oak Park has struggled over the years to maintain a decent shopping district. (Greedy landlords don't help.) But one constant is The Book Table. There's something so satisfying about buying a book in person rather than ordering online. (Though you can certainly do that here and can do contactless pick-up if you wish.)

I never seem to have enough time when I come to this bookstore. It seems small from the outside but it big inside and they have a huge selection of all kinds of books. My son loves the comic book section. I noticed there a section of antique books. This place is amazing! You can spend the whole day here just looking through books. They always have the latest books. I'll definitely recommend this bookstore.

Oh The Book Table how I love thee!! I can spend literally 2 hours easily just browsing away at all the wonderful books and adorable little gift ideas that are tucked away here. As you browse the shelves you will find cards that are written by the staff on books that they personally recommend. I always love reading the recommendation cards... very much appreciated! So thank you Book Table staff for taking the time to add that special little touch that makes your store so unique. You can find a vast array of books here and children's books too. If you are looking for something specific and they do not have it in stock, they will order it for you free of charge. It usually takes about two days to arrive in store for pickup. The best part about shopping here are the prices. They offer competitive prices on their books. I've never overpaid for a book here!

I ordered three books online from The Book Table. Since I've never ordered from them before, I was taking a risk anyway. I was told two days after I placed my order that my order was canceled! When I tried to log into their website, this is what I found: Access denied You are not authorized to access this page. Not a good way to run a business, online or otherwise!

This place is Wonderful. It's one of my favorite shops in Oak Park. I love books and when I was a kid I used to love going to bookstores and hunting around for the afternoon through multiple shelves of books for just the right story. This shop is the bookstore I used to frequent. It's a great place for kids, it's huge and offers a large variety of authors and types of books. They also have calendars, magazines, and a variety of gifts. They just expanded this shop as well. One of the things I love about living in Oak Park is a general feel for supporting local businesses. The book Table supports local authors. I've seen a few book signings and advertisements to support local authors when I've visited. There is not a private parking lot, it's in the busy downtown area of Oak Park. Lots of restaurants and shops to look around in. Lots of street parking.

Sorry to say but customer service here is LACKING. Each time I visit I am left with the feeling that I am unwanted, a nuisance to be tolerated. I would honestly spend more time shopping, or shop more often, if the staff was friendlier.

It's so hard to find bookstores these days, let alone decent ones, but The Book Table entranced me from the beginning. There's an amazing selection of books here, including fiction and graphic novels, which I got lost in for awhile. There's also lots of fun, quirky things available too, like pop culture magnets and such. After spending about an hour here, I left with a Twin Peaks book, a graphic novel and a Mr. Rogers magnet kit. I wish this store was in my town.

Book store seemed overall adequate and decent supply. Was appalled to see a huge display of disparaging disrespectful books on the President. Whether you like him or not doesn't mean you should show disrespect especially when at least half your potential customers are Trump supporters! Will not be back.

Our favorite stop while out on family errands and we always go home with at least a few treasures each. I love the unique gifts, journals, cards and stationary. My one teen could spend the day buried in the extensive art book section. The other buys a few history related books each month. Huge selection. Probably 30% of our birthday and holiday gifts are purchased at this store alone. Great prices. Super friendly and helpful staff. Keep shopping local folks. Places like this need to stay in the village.

The staff here is super nice!! They're always willing to help find what you're looking for. I can easily order a book on Amazon but I choose to come here because it is not an intimidating book store. It's rather small, compared to a Barnes and Noble but it has all that you might need. My kids love coming here and spend some time in the kids book area.

The book table has now expanded into the next-door retail space, nearly doubling the size. The new space focuses on art books and has a nice selection of stationary and notebooks. Somehow, this awesome store got even better. This is one of the best independent book stores that you will find in Chicagoland!

Very cool bookstore. Definitely enjoyed seeing so many options and the books weren't damaged or overly used if at all. I was able to find a lot of good history books for my kids to read. I even found Charles dickens and Shakespeare in the children's department. The prices weren't very cheap, but they were cheaper than going to a Barnes and Noble.

The Book Table is my FAVORITE book store in the suburbs near where I live! I always enjoy coming here to browse the books and other cutesy items for sale. The Book Table has an excellent central location across from the Lake Theater and also nearby other great Oak Park businesses. Every time I come here I am always impressed by the selection of books that are available. Definitely my kind of books--way better than just New York Times bestsellers! This Christmas I got several presents from family from Book Table and I couldn't be happier. I look forward to coming here many times in the future!

Great place. Wonderful selection for browsing, and they they are great about ordering stuff if there is something they don't have. Customer service on special orders is superb. I recently pre-ordered a book to be picked up in the store. When they were forced to close the storefront due to Covid-19, I emailed about my order. Within hours Rachel had changed my order to be delivered straight from the distributor, and I had my book right on time (and earlier than people who had ordered from amazon).

Every time I walk in here, I think I *might* buy one book, and I walk out with three. Not only is this a well-stocked bookstore with knowledgable, friendly staff, but it also gives me hope, yes, HOPE, that an actual brick-and-mortar independent bookstore can thrive in a 21st century full of meaningless online twaddle. Other excellent independent bookstores are within driving range, but The Book Table's selection is far more vast, as well as intelligently and sensitively curated. I love this place too much, and I never get through my pile of new books fast enough before I need to go back for more.

I love visiting bookstores, they are my sanctuary. I love this location, friendly staff and large selection. As I do miss the borders bookstore that was on the corner of Lake Street. This location does make up for it, on the day I went I was just browsing but there was a book I was looking for, they didn't have it but I was able to have the book ordered which was awesome. She was very friendly and helpful which is always a added bonus. I enjoy the downtown Oak Park area, always something to take in. This is my go to bookstore while in the area.

I always swing through here whenever coming to Oak Park, there just are not many stores like it anymore, the kind I loved when growing up. Multiple, irregular, snaking aisles with so many unexpected discoveries, inviting you to try new things. Most sections well organized but some just chaotically stacked with texts, I love this mix of order and chaos. Staff recommendations are helpful, a nice arrangement of suggested new books as you walk in. Service is always laid back and personal. Coming here makes me wish the internet didn't kill so many such stores.

Fantastic selection and great prices. I'm so glad that we have such a robust local bookstore in Oak Park. Service needs to improve. I have been checked out several times by employees that don't say one word to me the entire time, other than my total. No "hello" or "thank you." Just "next in line" and my total and out the door. Awkward.

Pre-ordered a book through The Book Table and it was there, waiting for me, on the release date. I could not have gotten it any quicker through Amazon, and I had the opportunity to support a local business. So before you click on the Amazon app, why not give The Book Table's website a try?

Love The Book Table. I'm grateful for this independent bookstore

This bookstore is awesome! It's a lot bigger than I thought looking in from the outside, which was a pleasant surprise. They have many great selections for each genre. Their kids selection also has a nice variety.

They've expanded and the Book Table is now officially my favorite independent book store in all of Chicagoland. They have an impressive selection and helpful staff who aren't intrusive. Even better is that you can easily order books through them online. I've ordered several and they're incredibly quick and responsive to the notes you leave on your order. You can pay in advance or at the store, your choice. They also participate in promotions... one of my favorite authors released a new book and the Book Table were one of only 3 bookstores in the entire state who were participating in her pre-release promotion! The location is great too. Parking can be a little difficult but it's close to the green line and lots of other Oak Park attractions (restaurants, shops, movie theater, etc). It's easy to grab a meal or even a wine tasting before browsing for books. Parking is free on Sundays and there's usually a few spots open nearby, FYI. The Book Table is an absolute jewel in the near 'burbs!

I was blown away by this bookstore in Oak Park. There are so many great books to choose from; it's overwhelming. I went inside hoping to find one decent novel to read, and ended up buying three! The price is right also--3 recent paperback novels for less than $40. Another cool aspect I liked about this bookstore was all the books about Chicago. If you ever had to do a project about Chicago or Oak Park, this bookstore would be a good place to find material. Additionally, there are staff recommendations all over the store for nearly every category of book. The descriptions with the recommendations were a really nice touch. The Book Table's selection definitely has a lefty political slant to it, which is particularly obvious with the types of science, policy, and history books they have. I'm on board with this! Overall: I'm SO glad I stopped in The Book Table instead of going to Barnes and Noble. This store is awesome.

I needed to pick up some books for Christmas gifts and prefer buying from local merchants rather than Amazon. The in store experience allows for hands on viewing of the item instead of having buyer's remorse after receiving your package in the mail. The Book Table was exactly what I needed because I was able to choose exactly what I thought my family might enjoy. The employees are helpful but do not hover. The bookstore is well lit, organized in a fairly orderly manner, and packed tightly with ceiling high stacks. Although not very large, there's still too much to see in one trip. They gladly ordered one book for me that was not in stock and I received a phone call the next afternoon that it was in. Who needs Amazon?

I often visit Chicago-area and try to buy books--mostly in the wonderful bookstores (such as Seminary Coop) in the Hyde Park area. I was in Oak Park and thought that I would visit this store and pick up some books. There is a large selection of books here. I did find several items. The three booksellers in the store seemed happiest standing behind the counter talking among themselves. There was absolutely no book-sellerly interaction, no feedback on the books purchased (when requested). It was a financial transaction, full stop, and might as well have been a turnip. For sure, in the future I will continue my previous habit of purchasing in Hyde Park.

As someone who does a lot of eBook reading, it sometimes makes me sad to shop in a paper book store. This one is really really great, but I have to admit I didn't buy anything there. Some of the books I browsed I will buy via Apple iBooks or Amazon Kindle later. So many great books, and with the interesting ones faced out. Someone is taking their time with merchandising it, and doing a great job. Heh ... the bathroom is also immaculate and thank god for it, since drinking all night in Chicago and coffee all morning is a recipe for a good book store bathroom. One rack of merchandise really intrigued me. They sell t-shirts that are like music act shirts, but they're for classic books!

I absolutely love The Book Table! Even though it's a small independent bookstore, it seems to have everything I had in mind. The staff are so helpful! They have an excellent children's section so kids can peruse through and choose books for themselves.

This place is the bee's knees of bookstores. You walk in to a nice space and the music invites you to browse, pick a book up, find a spot to chill and do just that. Walked away with a book my Son found that he *just had to have* and priced several dollars below at one of the big name stores. At any rate, the Book Table is perfectly placed in the quaint downtown area of Oak Park right across the street from the great Lake Theater and surrounded by several nice dining establishment's. [X] A must see bookstore

Best. Book store. Ever. Incredibly friendly and helpful staff, amazing selection of books, and special orders arrive with lightning speed and a personal phone call. Honestly, I have no idea how they earn a profit (better prices than low-ball Amazon)--it must be magic. Love The Book Table! Whether I am seeking out a specific book or just exploring, wandering in The Book Table always makes me happy. :)

Not a good used book store at all. Everything was very new, only current authors or authors that never go out of style. This place shouldn't be advertised as a used bookstore store.

What a glorious find!! So many options for gifts and the displays make it difficult to not want to buy every book. Can't wait for a return visit!

What a wonderful indie book store right in downtown OP! Great selection of everything from children's, YA, history, fiction, cookbooks, and more. I did a double take at the price on a few books because it was so low. Other books are moderately priced. Staff is very helpful and friendly. *happy dance* I just found my new favorite book store!

Great bookstore, called them to see if they had a book in stock and they put it in hold right away. In and out . The only part that sucks was finding parking . Great selections and good prices!

Excellent independent bookstore. Art and performing arts section is stellar with maybe the best selection of its type in the area. All other sections, fiction, travel, children's are excellent. They are expanding to the storefront west that should provide an even more enjoyable shopping experience. Most of its stock is at least marginally discounted. Great place!

I'm a sucker for books. I love all your books and I just bought some today,so all I'm sayin is thank you for everything,you're a great place to go to!!!Sophia,8

Privately owned, nice selection of books, friendly staff. Was able to make a quick kids selection for a gift. Will certainly come back if in the neighborhood.

What can I say about the book table... hmmm well if you are into reading this is your heaven. I usually come here whenever I bring my best friend and partner. She loves coming here and well I have no complains. I entertain myself reading bits and pieces of books. The staff is very friendly, always asking if we need anything or if they can order something we can't find. It's hard to find gems like this anymore especially with all the new technology. I love me some good old reading. It's easier on my eyes, since I pretty much stare at a computer all day long. I will keep on visiting this location because they have every book imaginable and the staff rocks.

Lovely and small, independent book store in the heart of Oak Park. Great selection and helpful (but not overly-friendly) staff.

This is a wonderful book store. Tremendous selection and great staff. It's how a book store should be. I just love coming here. And if you like books, you will too.