Barbara's Bookstore - State Street

Surprisingly large collection of books, nicely located in the basement of Macy’s. Great children’s area.

😑 meh. They have a good variety of books but it was missing a real bookstore feel for me. Also quite expensive. Take the escalator down and make a right to find it. Google maps didn’t give me this info but a friendly security guard helped me out. I’m sure it’s a great spot as part of the Macy’s store though it wasn’t for me.

What a delight to find this hidden gem! A very short walk from Millennium Park and less than a quarter mile from The Palmer House, this bookstore is packed with gems in clever displays. I was hoping for a book for the flight home and left with four, each in a different genre. The young lady working was quick to steer me to a topic I requested and was efficient with my transaction. I saw SO many books that have starred reviews from professional reviewers!

Ordered a book online that’s been out of stock everywhere else (sprayed edge edition) the online said they had some in stock… ordered and had shipped. After I ordered the book I sent an email to verify it was the correct copy and Cory said it was. Ended up getting sent the original copy (non sprayed edge). Sent an email back to Cory and gave me a refund and sent the book back. No harm no foul….. a couple of days later I got an email with a picture of the book I was looking to purchase originally. Cory had gone to another store and stumbled across the sprayed edge book and put a copy up so I could purchase it. So I immediately put the order in and Cory sent me an email verifying my purchase and assured me that the correct book was being sent… Not only did Cory do all of the above but even after it arrived Cory checked on me to verify everything came in correctly. This has been the absolute best customer service I have received in a very long time. Cory deserves a raise and acknowledgment of hard work and dedication! I would recommend anyone go to this bookstore chain. Even if they get it wrong the first time (we are all human) they still made it right. I know I said it in the emails, but Cory I appreciate you and your customer service. If I’m ever looking for a specific book I cannot find in my local bookstores, I will go back online to check Barbra’s bookstore. Thanks again Cory you did great!