I live close to Crystal Lake and often pop over there. I love spending weekends in downtown Crystal Lake exploring all the cute shops, especially the local bookstores of course. I’m not sponsored by either of these bookstores — I just love sharing great finds! Whether you’re a local or planning a day trip from Chicago, these are two of the best bookstores in Crystal Lake, IL to explore.
Abalabix Books
30 N Williams St. Unit A
The first bookstore in Crystal Lake is Abalabix Books, a cozy, bright space that specializes in new books as well as bookish gifts like candles, bookmarks, and stickers themed to book tropes or specific characters. If you’re looking for a unique gift for a book lover, this is a great place to look. They also have a bookstore dog, George, who is very friendly!
The Green Read
The second bookstore in Crystal Lake is The Green, a charming bookstore that focuses on used books and sustainable gifts. They have everything from puzzles and stickers to a big children’s books section and solid general fiction section.
Their book prices are very reasonable:
- hardcover books: $11
- paperbacks: $8
- mass market paperbacks: $4
- Children’s books: $1-$4
They also buy used books for store credit. I haven’t sold anything myself, but it seems like a straightforward process. Also they seem like a great hangout spot for the community; when I went over the weekend, there was a communal puzzle out for customers to work on together.
Plan Your Visit to Downtown Crystal Lake
If you’re ever in the Crystal Lake area, consider popping in at Abalabix Books and The Green Read! They’re located just a few doors apart in downtown, making it easy to visit both on the same outing. There’s are free public parking lots available around the downtown area, as well as a Metra station for the Union Pacific Northwest line right on the edge of downtown Crystal Lake, making it easy for a day trip.
Quick Gide: Crystal Lake, IL Bookstores
📚 Abalabix Books– New books & gifts | 30 N Williams St.
📚 The Green Read – Used books & sustainable gifts | 61 N Williams St.
🚉 Accessible via Metra (Union Pacific Northwest Line)
🚗 Free parking lots nearby (4 hour parking)
Other Bookstore Reviews You Might Like:
The Book Rack in Springfield, IL
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