Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
242
BOOKS
Barbara's Bookstore
This haven for small, independent pr ess titles also has exten-
sive selections of everything current. In addition, it has a well-stocked children's section,
with sitting areas for the tots to per use the topics. If you enjoy author readings, call the
store to see if y our visit coincides with that of one of y our favorite writers. There are a
total of fiv e Chicago-area branches, including one on the lo wer level at M acy's.
111 N.
State St., lo wer level (
&
312/781-3033;
www.barbarasbookstore.com), and in the S ears Tower,
233 S. Wacker Dr., Lower Level 1 (
&
312/466-0223
).
Barnes & Noble
This two-level store is cozily situated on a lo vely curving shopping
street, and has a str eet-level cafe, in case y ou get the munchies while per using the miles
of books. Check out postings for r eadings, book gr oups, and other special ev ents. The
children's section offers easy access to picture books, first readers, and young-adult books,
plus cozy r eading nooks. There's another stor e in the M erchandise M art, S uite 204
(
&
312/329-1881
), in Lincoln P ark, at 659 W. Diversey Ave., 1 block w est of Clar k
Street (
&
773/871-9004
), and one at 1441 W. Webster A ve., at Clybourn A venue
(
&
773/871-3610
).
1130 N. Stat e St. (at Elm St.).
&
312/280-8155.
Subway/El: Red Line t o
Clark/Division.
Borders
You couldn't ask for a better location, right acr oss from Water Tower Place.
Head to the lower level for the kids' section, which features a particularly impressive col-
lection of picture books. There are carpeted platforms for sitting and perusing. This place
is like a mini-depar tment store, with books, magazines, CDs, and computer softwar e
spread over four floors, and a cafe with a vie w overlooking the Mag Mile. There are also
author readings, book signings, and other special ev ents. There's also a Bor ders in the
Loop at 150 N. S tate St., at Randolph S treet (
&
312/606-0750
); one at N orth and
Halsted, at 755 W. North Ave. (
&
312/266-8060
); one in Lincoln P ark at 2817 N.
Clark St., at Diversey Avenue (
&
773/935-3909
); and one in Uptown, 4718 N. Broad-
way (
&
773/334-7338
).
830 N. M ichigan Ave. (at Pearson St.).
&
312/573-0564.
Subway/El:
Red Line to Chicago.
Unabridged Books
This quintessential neighborhood bookseller in the area known
as Boys Town carries strong sections in gay and lesbian literatur e, travel, film, and sci-fi.
Perhaps surprisingly, it's also known for its extensive collection of children's books.
3251
N. Br oadway (bt w. Belmont A ve. and A ddison St.).
&
773/883-9119.
Sub way/El: Red Line t o
Addison.
Women & Children First
This feminist and children's bookstore holds the best selec-
tion in the city of titles for , by, and about women. Co-o wner Linda B ubon holds a chil-
dren's storybook hour every Wednesday at 10:30am; several book groups meet regularly as
well, including one for mothers and daughters. The store also hosts fr equent readings by
the likes of Gloria Steinem, Amy Tan, Alice Walker, and Naomi Wolf.
5233 N. Clark St. (btw.
Foster and Bryn Mawr aves.).
&
773/769-9299.
Subway/El: Red Line to Berwyn.
DEPARTMENT STORES
Barneys New York
The first Midwest outpost of Barneys has the same look and feel
of the New York original: minimalist-chic decor, high-priced fashions, and a fair amount
of attitude fr om the sales staff . That said, the stor e has a stellar—if high-priced—shoe
selection, along with always-interesting home accessories and a fun-to-br owse cosmetics
area full of specialty beauty products. In Lincoln Park, not far from the Armitage Avenue
shopping district, you'll find
Barneys Co-Op,
2209-11 N. Halsted St., at Webster Street
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