The Pile Bookstore - Berwyn, IL

The Pile Bookstotre, Berwyn, IL

 

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As I write this it is almost the one-year anniversary of the opening of this terrific Berwyn bookstore.  Congratulations and happy birthday to The Pile and its owner Rebecca L.  I was happy to hear that so far things are going well for this indie, located on the heavily traveled Roosevelt Rd, a main artery of traffic across Chicagoland.  It is also located closely among three suburbs without a bookstore like The Pile, Oak Park, Forest Park, and Berwyn.  And even though Roosevelt Rd is very busy with traffic and businesses, the other areas around this bookstore are residential streets which allows for many walk-in neighborhood customers and has helped to establish a core of regulars.  

The Pile offers new and used books in a long narrow space.  You'll find the used books shelved below the new books within their respective genres.  I really like that Rebecca is able to keep an inventory of the used books so she knows exactly what's in the store.  For customers who bring their books in she’ll offer store credit in return but she’ll also accept books simply as donations.  If you can’t visit The Pile in person consider placing a book order off of their website.  For Rebecca, this component is a nice piece of the business puzzle.  There are a few sidelines here including store merch, bookstore candles, tote bags, and stickers to name a few.  The quirky bookstore socks have sold especially well.  They also offer a small cafe service that includes assorted beverages and pastry items.  Everything you need to enjoy some time browsing books.  

But I discovered my favorite thing about this bookstore way before visiting here.  Rebecca hit it out of the ballpark when she settled on the store name, The Pile.  I love it and don’t know of any other indie with the same name.  I think most readers including myself, can relate to this name.  The TBR pile, the DNF pile, the return pile, etc.  Thankfully, the pile at The Pile is not a pile at all but an organized and neatly arranged collection of bookshelves saving us from tripping over piles like the ones we have!

Pay a visit to The Pile and work on building your home piles!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  Fresh Water For Flowers, Valérie Perrin.  Violette is the caretaker and gardener for cemetery in a small French village.  Her home there becomes a refuge for those who are grieving, the grave-diggers, and the local priest.  A detective pays her a visit and wants permission to place his mother's ashes next to a lover's grave.  And on and on.  This book gets great view but was slow for me. 

CURRENTLY READING:  The Teacher, Freida McFadden.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:   A Book Lover's Box: Paper Goodies to Celebrate Your Inner Bookworm.  This would make a great gift, check it out.  Not purchased, but gifted: My very own The Pile book bag.  Thanks Rebecca. 

If Roosevelt Rd is part of your Chicagoland commute, you'll see this store. 

Fine by me. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance.

Two steps into the store and on the left. 

Find these bargains just inside the entrance and to the right. 

Looking to the right after entering, a beautiful arrangement. 

Pricing guide. 

This is the long wall you'll browse on the left side of the store. 

I love this setting in the front of the store. 

In the front of the store and on these shelves you'll find numerous games available for you and friends to play while in the store.  Great idea. 

Just a few of the books available by local authors. 

If you're in high school, scan this and check it out.

In addition to my love of bookstores I also have a love for the Cubs.  Any Cub fan can tell you the meaning of "10" in this title. 

2025 calendars are still available. 

A great table to gather with friends or a book club. 

Scan and discover. 

One of the community recommendations, Water For Elephants.  If you haven't read it and are looking for a good book, I enjoyed it.

Various sidelines at the checkout counter. 

Stickers and baked items.  Yes and yes. 

Enjoy something to eat and drink while you browse the store. 

Looking into the children's section. 

An overview of the children's area. 

Even the children's section has bargains. 

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

An overview of the cafe service. 

The Pile offers a variety of candles. 

Where else can you get a unique tea and coffee mug like this? 

ALWAYS consider a gift card. 

With Rebecca, the fine owner you'll meet at The Pile Bookstore.  Two music majors talking books!  Thanks for a great visit.