Secret World Books — Local services in Highland Park

Secret World Books is the book store I've been wished for at this location for years! Prior to Secret World Books opening up here, it was a religious reading room. The space was so attractive, and they had this adorable little garden in the back that I had only peeped fleeting glimpses of for years (like as far back as the 1990s) - but it didn't cater to my tastes and beliefs, so I never really visited them. Secret World Books recently occupied the space, and turned it into everything I love about small independently-owned "book nooks," which makes me incredibly happy!

Secret World has a nicely-curated collection of books. Such a small shop obviously cannot compare to major book stores in sheer volume, but runs laps around them when it comes to style and vibe. If you want books from local authors, if you want well-loved hidden gems that maybe missed the "[Insert Celebrity Name] Book Club™®©" spotlight, if you want to find some gently-read books with character unique to used books, if you're looking for some retro magazines, if you like comic books / graphic novels, if you're into tabletop RPGs, if you want books catering to out-of-the-box thinkers, and if you might enjoy an inviting safe space for people of all walks of life... Yeah, this just might be your place.

And if you DO want the latest greatest manufactured viral or pop culture hit, the Secret World staff can still get it for you, and seem chill about it. Look, sometimes I just wanna read the latest entry in a best-selling megacorporation-owned franchise, without being judged... It's all cool. Just go to the front and ask them to get a copy for you; easy-peasy, lemon squeezy.

At the same time, maybe also consider looking behind the counter at their collection of books from local and lesser-known authors, who might have something that'll pull you in. It's so tough for local artists, crafters, writers, and other creative individuals go get traction; IMO, it's always bodacious when you put a little effort into checking 'em out, and generate some word-of-mouth magic to help them advance their message and/or skills.

You might even just run into an author you know. They recently had some poets reading from their works, including Katana Smith and Highland Park's own poet laureate Laura Joyce-Hubbard. This weekend they'll have authors Jenna Satterwaite and Beth Kander. Seems like this is a somewhat common occurrence here... Pretty cool, huh?

Oh, man, and the atmosphere here is sooo... I dunno, my ADHD want to say "cozy" and "crunchy" at the same time. "Crunchozy?" Secret World feels nice and chill, but still filled with positive lively vibes. It's physically just comfortable, too. They have some comfy seats and a tea station that adds to the vibe, plus a gorgeous view of their secret garden.

Dude, they even call it the "Secret Garden," which - funny(ish) personal story - I've been calling it for years. Literally, for decades, I had known there was a cool little secluded garden back there; but it's completely walled in, so I could only catch fleeting glimpses. I had a running head-canon that I would unlock an Elder Scrolls-esque mission there someday. I finally got to see it in person, and it's even cooler now! No RPG mission yet, but I'll be back to see what the zen racoon has to say.

Okay, sorry, I've babbled on quite enough... Secret World Books book store: Cool place. Nice books. Friendly peeps. Comfy vibe. They spread the word on exercising your 5th amendment rights. They have complementary hot tea. Plenty of free street parking, with some 2-hour-free public parking lots nearby. Neighbors to Curt's Cafe. Yeah, pretty awesome. "Books;...

This is a lovely little indie book store, half full of used books, and with new and local authors in the front half of the store. There’s a great mix of kids books, fiction, and nonfiction, plus book lover accessories. The owners are super friendly and host local author events. They will buy or accept donations of used books. There’s even a little free library out front. And the little cafe next store makes this a perfect spot to browse for a while, and then grab a cup of tea or a snack and sit to read awhile! I’ll...

Lovely New Bookstore! Highland Park Poetry had a reading here and it's a bookstore with friendly owners/staff and lovely spaces for a reading. There is an indoor and an outdoor space with the indoor having a wonderful view to the outdoor garden space. Book prices are very reasonable. Pick up the Road Trips book by the Highland Park Poetry group while...