Open Books Pilsen

I searched on Unilocal and found this local bookstore. They sell donated books and all proceeds go to literacy programs. What a great idea and cause. It’s pretty sizeable and you just browse. There are some well-​known books but also books that I would never have noticed. All the books were cheap: $ 4 for adult books, $ 1 for children and $ 2 for something else (I forgot). I found Casual Vacancy for $ 4. What a steal! I like that they are helping others and I will be heading back here to support this cause.

Open books has a huge selection, great prices and cool environment. They have friendly, helpful staff and sponsor community partnerships with schools and other community groups.

Just left this beautiful warehouse and I am sure I’ll be a regular now. I bought 8 books, all adult books which cost $ 4 each too and came to a total of $ 36! In comparison to Barnes and Noble were I would have easily spent over $ 100, I saved a fortunate.

Amazing

I kind of didn’t want to write a review because Open Books Warehouse is like a hidden gem, but they are doing some wonderful work and deserve some props and publicity. I found Open Books Warehouse after searching for a used bookstore so that I could restock my classroom library. Lo and behold, I stumbled upon OBW on Unilocal,and although there were only four reviews (before this one), they were glowing reviews; therefore, I knew I had to check it out, especially since it’s only five minutes from my place.
OBW is in a pretty little residential area of Pilsen. There’s plenty of free street parking. As another reviewer mentioned, you have to ring a doorbell. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by an impressive display of ceiling-​to-​floor and wall-​to-​wall bookshelves. Everything is well-​organized – from fiction to informational to young children’s to YA. From what I could tell, all the books are in good, clean condition. (Usually when I visit used bookstores, the books are dusty or more worn.) I believe all books are $ 3 or less, and the staff is helpful, knowledgeable, and nice.
I believe they accept cash and credit cards (I saw a little Square credit card reader attached to an iPad), but maybe someone else can confirm (or I’ll confirm when I visit again). If you’re a teacher, please do consider checking out OBW. Also, I believe all/​most proceeds go to local literacy programs. They are also open to enlisting more volunteers, which I am contemplating. :)

My first venture to the Open Books Warehouse store was for Gallery Night last Friday. I was prepared for a warehouse setup and this place certainly delivered, as it is choc-​a-​bloc with a variety of books: children’s literature, fiction, non-​fiction, memoir, classics, you name it. The setup is comprehensive and it is evident that the staff is knowledgeable and passionate about books. They even made the place extra-​cozy for gallery night (think: tea lights in coffee cups against the backdrop of a bookscape – that is a decorating tip I will have to borrow). Next time I will know better than to wear heels; fortunately I had a pair of flats tucked away in my bag so that I could roam among the bookshelves. Since this was my first stop along the art walk, I restrained myself and bought only one book– an Edith Wharton that I hadn’t known about. It is discoveries like this that make the warehouse experience memorable, so it is best to go in with an open mind and pocketbook to make the most of it. Bonus: all proceeds of sales benefit Open Books’ literacy programs.

This place rules! Huge selection and all proceeds go toward literacy programs. Their retail store on Franklin is my favorite bookstore ever, so when I found out they had a warehouse, it was over!
There are parking spots out front and you have to ring the doorbell for service. The staff were really helpful and made sure our first visit was a success. Most books were $ 3. Fellow high school teachers, there are lots of books that are enough for a class set or singles to add to your library. HUGE children’s book selection ranging from $ 1-​$ 2 and we scored an adorable vintage Winnie the Pooh book set.
They take cash or credit. Definitely a gem for used books (and to support a great cause!)

This warehouse is full of wonderful books. There is a section for fiction, non fiction and a huge section of children’s books! If you’re a teacher this place is an extremely valuable resource to you. This place will donate boxes of books for your classroom!!! Books at the warehouse are $ 3 and under for the most part (most children’s books are $ 1!) The staff is extremely helpful and knowledgable. You MUST check this place out.

If you are a teacher, you need to visit this store. There is no better (or cheaper) place in the city to buy kids books. Teachers and parents will be very happy with the selection. Also, all of the purchases fund the Open Books literacy programs.