Value proposition

Seminary Co-op Bookstores, Inc. is comprised of two independent customer-owned co-operative bookstores. Founded in 1961 and located in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood near the University of Chicago, the Seminary Co-op has grown from 17 members at its founding to over 53,000 today. Renowned as an exemplary academic bookstore, it attracts customers nationally and internationally. Its inventory reflects the literary and scholarly interests of its membership, many of them affiliated currently or previously with its neighbor and landlord, the University of Chicago.

57th St. Books was established in 1983 and caters to the literary interests of the greater Hyde Park community. With a world-class children’s department, a deep backlist selection and an enthusiastic staff, 57th St. Books has established itself as a gem among independent bookstores.

Both stores are Chicago institutions, known as unique and valued places of discovery where browsing and conversation are nurtured.

400+ author events (held in-store, at UChicago, or at community venues), world's largest selection of scholarly and academic titles, huge and diverse children's section, large selection of literature (including mystery, science fiction and romance), and Chicago's best selection of cooking and travel books