Ditch Amazon for Quimby’s, a local bookstore that specializes in unusual publications.
Here at Secret Chicago, we adore zines (DIY magazines created by independent artists). If you love these little booklets as much as we do, then you have to check out Quimby’s Bookstore in Wicker Park. The independent bookstore has a huge collection of zines and other unusual publications. You can even sell your own work on consignment at their store!
Quimby’s is an independent bookstore that sells independently-published and small press books, comics, zines, etc. Quimby’s is dedicated to selling outside of the mainstream; books that you might never have known existed otherwise. Quimby’s abides by the philosophy of providing “every cool – bizarre – strange – dope – queer – surreal – weird publication ever written…” to each of its customers.
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One thing that sets Quimby’s apart from other bookstores is its independent publishing service. Writers and artists can bring their work to the shop to sell on consignment and Quimby’s takes care of the business side of publishing and sales. One of the biggest things Quimby’s sells on consignment is local zines.
For those of you out of the DIY loop, zines are handmade books that have always been at the forefront of emerging scenes and culture. You can find zines on all kinds of things from political information to underground punk scenes to poetry, comics, photo essays and more! Quimby’s has a remarkable collection with a diverse variety of genres, much of which made by Chicago artists.
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If zines aren’t quite your thing, not to worry. Quimby’s also sells graphic novels, fiction and nonfiction, CDs and DVDs, erotic literature, and more. The bookstore also hosts regular events like book signings, zine clubs, potluck events, classes, etc. If what you’re looking for is even remotely off the beaten path, you’ll find it at Quimby’s.
Address: 1854 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL
Mon – Thurs: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sun: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Street parking.
Closest CTA Line: Damen Blue Line station.
More information.