Seminary Co-op Bookstores

Located in Chicago's historic Hyde Park neighborhood, the Seminary Co-op Bookstores have, since 1961, served scholars and students at the University of Chicago, readers throughout the under-served South Side, and acted as an epicenter of cultural and intellectual life for the city of Chicago. Its inventory reflects the literary and scholarly interests of its membership, many of them affiliated currently or previously with its neighbor and landlord, the University of Chicago. 

57th Street Books, a neighborhood bookstore with a carefully curated assortment of general interest titles, including science fiction, mystery and cookbooks, was established in 1983. With a world-class children’s department, a deep backlist selection, and an enthusiastic staff, 57th Street Books has established itself as a gem among independent bookstores and was awarded the prestigious WNBA Pannell Award in 2019.

Both stores are unique and valued places of discovery, Chicago institutions where browsing and conversation are nurtured. In 2019, the Seminary Co-op Bookstores, Inc. became the country’s first not-for-profit bookstores whose mission is bookselling. Learn more about the Co-op's unique history and mission by visiting semcoop.com, where you can browse our Front Table, explore upcoming events, tune in to Open Stacks: The Seminary Co-op Bookstore Podcast, and more.