after-words is one of the few independent bookstores left in downtown Chicago. Our two floors house a huge collection of over 70,000 new and used volumes.

We feature a wide variety of fiction, literature, poetry, and children’s books. We also carry art and photography books, cookbooks, local books, history books, health, healing, and new age/occult books - among many other categories. 

after-words can also special order books and try to find any out-of-print titles that our customers may be interested in locating. Any book may be shipped anywhere in the world, five days a week. Our staff is committed to helping our customers find the right book, at the right price.

Our space is available for special events, including book signings, readings, and lectures. Rental space is available year round for private parties. We are also equipped to sell books at off-site events. So if you have an author speaking to your group, we are happy to bring the books to you.