Bookends & Beginnings

Bookends & Beginnings occupies a charming alleyway space in downtown Evanston that feels like stumbling upon a literary secret. Founded in 2014 by Nina Barrett, the store quickly established itself as a haven for serious readers drawn to its impeccable curation and intimate atmosphere. The shelves are stocked with literary fiction, poetry, philosophy, and small-press titles that reward adventurous browsing. Northwestern University faculty and students are regulars, and the store's proximity to campus gives it an academic energy tempered by warmth and accessibility. The used books section offers carefully selected secondhand finds, and the store's event programming punches well above its weight for such a small space. Bookends & Beginnings proves that a bookstore does not need to be large to be essential.