Pensees Bookshop - Charleston, Illinois

Landan

Owner was very helpful in helping me find the books I was looking for and informed me about an upcoming book event.

I highly appreciate this store for its reasonable pricing, large array of genres and authors, and I know many people complain about the layout, but I find it part of the charm. I wouldn't want it any other way.

I love this store!

Baylee-Ella W.

I can’t even begin to express how much I adore this bookstore! As a South Korean adoptee who grew up in a predominantly white, small town (I was the only South Korean, let alone Asian, in my/said town), I’ve always longed for ways to connect with my culture. But growing up, I never had access to books that reflected my heritage (aside from books that my adoptive parents, and relatives, got me), and it always felt like a missing piece in my life.

Now that I’m an adult, I’ve become more eager than ever to learn about my roots, especially with an upcoming trip to South Korea with my fiancé; when we visited this bookstore together and I stumbled upon Fragrance of Spring by a Korean author, I was absolutely over the moon!

It’s hard to put into words how much it meant to me to find a book that connects me to my culture in such an unexpected place; it wasn’t just about buying a book—it was about discovering a part of myself. The fact that this bookstore carries unique and diverse books like that, ones you wouldn’t easily find in big-name stores, made the experience all the more special. It felt like fate, like the book was meant to find me.

Walking into this bookstore is like stepping into a little world of its own; it has this wonderful, cozy, well-loved charm that makes you want to stay and browse for hours; it’s not the kind of store that’s designed to look sleek and modern—it’s even better— it feels real. The shelves are filled with history, with books that have been passed down, each with its own journey, waiting for someone new to love them.

The owner has done such an amazing job curating the selection, and their passion for books shines through in every little detail; while most of the books are used, they are so well cared for (and which can be seen, via my photos I attached), and you can tell they were loved by their previous owners. It’s rare to find a used bookstore where the books are in such great condition (i.e., the book I got), and that really stood out to me. Nothing felt neglected or forgotten—every book had its place, waiting to be discovered by someone who would cherish it.

One thing I really appreciate is how well-kept and organized the store is. Even though it has that cozy, lived-in feel, it’s clear that the owner takes great care in making sure everything is thoughtfully arranged. It makes browsing such a wonderful experience—like a little treasure hunt where every shelf holds the possibility of finding something special.

As someone from a small town, I don’t always have access to places like this, where literature embraces and celebrates different cultures. It’s so refreshing and meaningful to find a bookstore that carries books beyond the mainstream, books that can help people like me feel seen. It’s not just a bookstore—it’s a place that fosters connection, curiosity, and appreciation for stories from all walks of life.

This is the kind of bookstore that makes you want to come back again and again. Whether you’re looking for something specific or just want to spend time exploring, you’ll always walk out with something special—whether it’s a new book, a deeper appreciation for literature, or even just the joy of being in such a welcoming space.

If you love books, you need to visit this place. It’s warm, inviting, and full of character, and the owner’s dedication to maintaining such a wonderful selection of books is truly admirable. I already can’t wait to come back and see what new treasures are waiting for me next time.

Thank you for such a magical experience—I’ll be recommending this bookstore to everyone I know!

🫶🇰🇷

Danielle C.

This was a bit disappointing. The store itself is almost impossible to navigate. This bookstore is very unorganized, and the person behind the counter barely greeted me. The YA section was the most organized and actually had some pretty nice things. Everything else was cluttered. Vacuums and cords all over the store. Not sure what that's about? Maybe they are trying to get it looking better. There is potential here for sure. I hope they can reach those standards, because I felt like I was walking around a giant safety hazard.

Elijah W.

I have been to many used book stores across many states. At most you typically get a few of the authentic independent used bookstore experiences, that being great prices, great selection, wide variety, and knowledgeable owners. Pensees checks every single box. Used books of every variety and topic you can think of, a massive selection stacked to the ceiling, paperbacks for a buck or two, some old and truly rare books, and an owner that's willing to help you track down something that may be tucked away. If you are anywhere near the area I would definitely recommend a visit. Picked out a few to add to my collection and had a good chat with Bob the owner!

mf675913

Update 2021: I did visit your book store 3 years ago. I’m not sure why I used your pictures but thought it being nice to provide others some images especially hours as a more current review would get traffic to your facility. I cannot say you cover every subject but my rating still stands maybe if you would post a reply closer to the time of visit we could have changed our rating. 2018 Review: Owner friendly and very knowledgeable. Lots of books about a diverse group of subjects. Nice used books store.

David&Lily H.

Pensees Bookshop is an absolute gem, and I can't say enough good things about this place! My recent experience with them left me truly impressed and grateful for their exceptional service and commitment to their customers.

The owner's unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction was evident when they made a pricing mistake on a set of books but honored the incredibly low price of $6 instead of the intended $60. That kind of integrity and generosity is a rare find in today's business world. It not only reflects their commitment to fairness but also their genuine desire to create a positive experience for their customers.

What's even more remarkable is that these books were already priced significantly lower than their actual value, showcasing Pensees Bookshop's dedication to offering great deals to its customers. It's evident that they genuinely care about providing value and fostering a strong sense of community among book lovers.

This is the kind of business that sets a shining example for others to follow. Their honesty, generosity, and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a true treasure in the world of bookstores. Even if you don't currently have a need for their products, I wholeheartedly recommend going out of your way to support Pensees Bookshop. Businesses like this deserve all the support and recognition they can get. It's not just a bookstore; it's an embodiment of exceptional customer service and ethical business practices.

Melinda M.

Thoughtfully curated, organized but not too organized.
Best of all, the true aroma of old books💖

Josh G.

I visit used bookstores everywhere I go and this is one of my favorites. It is crammed floor to ceiling with a fantastic variety of unique old treasures as well as newer material. You can spend hours in here and still feel the need to come back. The owner, Bob, is a great guy and very helpful.