Cornerstone Used Books - Villa Park, IL

Cornerstone Used Books, Villa Park, IL

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I'm aware that there are some people who approach used bookstores with apprehension and caution.  I understand this trepidation because of some of those stores I've seen (none of which I've written about).  The ones that are disorganized, cluttered, smelly or moldy, and in a general state of disarray.  Let me not only reassure you, but encourage you to spend time at Cornerstone Used Books in Villa Park.  You'll find none of those aforementioned characteristics at this terrific bookstore.  Very neat, well-organized, clean, bright, and best of all is their remarkable inventory of books.  

Even though the name of the store is Cornerstone Used Books, they do offer some new books here including recent releases.  They take in a large number of used books that are in good condition and offer store credit to customers.  I thought their selection of books offered were outstanding.  I especially like that they have a customer incentive program that allows customers to fill a stamp card for an in-store benefit.  It would be great if more indies had customer incentive programs.  In addition to the books there is a large selection of music on vinyl, CDs, DVDs,  movies on VHS, and greeting cards.  

I didn't get to meet co-owner Kathy C. on this visit but I can tell she knows her stuff and has good people around her.  Like other successful indies, she has good community connections with local schools, charities, and social causes like autism awareness.  Nearby middle school students have book reviews for some of the store's books.  Kathy also has occasional store events including a monthly story time in cooperation with the local library.  I also understand that she's scored a huge coup with a visit from a famous celebrity this holiday season.  Santa Claus will be visiting the store and this is a great event to bring children and families into the bookstore.  I think Kathy and her staff are doing a great job, not surprising since she's been doing this for 14 years.

I had a great time at the store meeting Betty, Valerie, and Eric.  Betty told me a lot about the store and its history and was wonderful to take so much time to visit with me.  As with so many other indies, this is always one of my highlights.  It's a cinch visiting this store since it is located in a small shopping plaza with lots of free parking.

So bring in your good used books, get some store credit, and shop the incredible inventory for more books at this wonderful suburban Chicago bookstore.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  Unexpectedly, Milo, Matthew Dicks.

Another exterior view.  

A very spacious front window display.

You're not going to find a better bargain than this anywhere.  

Before you even enter the store you can browse an extensive CD collection.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Looking to the right from the front entrance.  Along this front area you'll find a large selection of music on vinyl.  

Looking to the left after entering the store.  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

I would strongly encourage customers to take advantage of this as the holiday season approaches. 

Regular customers should also take advantage of the customer incentive program.  

A few of the movies and DVDs available.  

Vinyl music lovers will thoroughly enjoy visiting this store.  

A nice display of some of the featured authors.  

Have a seat and sample a book.  

You'll find just about any genre here.  This room is in the rear of the store.  

View from the back of the store looking toward the front entrance.  

A portion of the children's section.  

The store offers collectible editions located near the front.  

With Betty on the right, one of the fine booksellers at Cornerstone Used Books.  Thanks for a great visit.