Seminary Co-op

Seminary Cooperative Bookstores, Inc., is a not-for-profit bookstore founded in 1961 with two branches in Chicago. Its flagship, known as the Seminary Co-op, was once located in the basement of the Chicago Theological Seminary and boasted the largest selection of academic volumes in the United States, arranged in an extensive maze of shelves. The co-op also operates 57th Street Books in Hyde Park, which offers a carefully curated collection of general interest titles including children's books, science fiction, mysteries, and cookbooks. Visitors can browse an immense range of academic works at the flagship store or explore the thoughtfully selected general interest titles at 57th Street Books. The co-op's not-for-profit model prioritizes the browsing experience over market pressures, making it a unique destination for book lovers. Notable patrons have included Barack Obama, and in 2024 the booksellers unionized, adding to the store's distinctive character. The co-op also publishes a web magazine called The Front Table for book enthusiasts.