Every Bookstore in the Midwest

2943 W White Oaks Dr. #3, Springfield, IL 62704

There is a lot to be said for a used book store. I have found some of my most sought-after books in these unassuming locations. You can usually find them tucked away in a corner of some street. They quietly provide a much-needed respite from the loud hustle of the outside world. From the storefront, The Book Rack, seems to embody this. Tucked into just such a corner in a small strip mall, but, walk through the front door, and you’ll be transported into a dimension that has books around every corner. And those corners inextricably seem to keep multiplying!

It’s a place you can get lost among the stacks of books. They have extensive collections of Romance, Suspense/Mystery, and General Fiction, but you can find almost any sub-genre here. From specific History collections to Erotica to Westerns to Manga to African Studies to Christian Fiction. They seem to have any subject you would like to read and are very excited to curate their collection. While I was there, several people stopped in with books to trade in. Their policy is a smart one. You can bring in books in good condition, and they will check their inventory and trade them for store credit. You can use your credits to get up to half off any books you find. There are some exclusions, but I think it’s a fair deal. It also keeps their shelves fresh and with new inventory every time you stop in.

I spoke with the owner, who is admittedly not a big reader herself, but her four employees are voracious readers that more than make up for her limited knowledge. One employee joked that, between them all, they had probably read 90% of the store. They love to help with recommendations, and will often text in their group chat to help a customer. “We all read different genres and can often help a customer find what they are looking for,” said one employee who has been with the store for most of its 30 years in business. In that time, they have moved once and have now been at their current location for the last 20 years. When the previous owner was having health issues, the current owner stepped in to help. She didn’t want to see the customers lose one of their favorite local spots. “We have a very loyal customer base here.” Taking care of the places that bring your community joy is very admirable.

They have two main rooms that host most of their inventory as well as two smaller rooms that hold their Children’s section and a large portion of their Romance. In their Romance section you can find anything your romantic heart desires. From sweet as pie to spicy habanero, in their nearly fifty 4ft sections, they seem to offer any variety you could ask for! With General Fiction and Suspense/Mystery also boasting a little less, at around forty 4ft sections each! If you walk out empty-handed I’d be impressed at your restraint.

I myself have walked out with some amazing Non-Fiction including Africatown by Nick Tabor and Naked: The Confessions of a Normal Woman by Eloise Marseille. I’ve also picked up many great Sci-Fi & Fantasy reads, which included a beautiful copy of Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka and Spear by Nicola Griffith. I find a couple of books always show up in my hands before I realize it.

The Children’s room is very cute and cozy with extra lighting and your own personal shopping cart to fill up! I took a quick peek in there, and it took me back to when I would search the shelves at school for a new AR book.

They also host local artist’s products. There are some cute tote bags along with a table at the front of the store holding bookish goodies. They sometimes hold signings by local authors, so follow them on social media to stay in the loop! If you’re on the West side of Springfield, and need a little haven to get lost in, please give them a visit! They are open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm.

https://www.facebook.com/TheBookRack.SpringfieldIl