Pensees Bookshop - Charleston, Illinois

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💖

Artsy G.

Always love places like this! I’d rather go here than get books from retail stores! The guy was very nice!

Jim B.

Magical place with an incredible variety of books, maps, and more. The proprietor is warm and helpful with a deep knowledge of his craft.

Shanine D.

So many books so little time and the shopkeeper was amazing and a great guy to talk too