Books aren't the only used bargains you can get at Bookworks: The store also sells used (and sometimes rare) records, CDs, cassette tapes, vintage photographs and more. New books are also for sale. First opened in 1984 near Wrigley Field, the shop soon relocated to the larger storefront at its current Clark Street address. The extra space allowed it to expand its first-edition, fine bindings and hard-to-locate offerings, as well as its selection of current titles.

Like many bookstores, Bookworks' goal is to offer the most affordable prices for books and recordings; but it also strives to be ground zero for beat poet fans, trying to keep every print title of certain popular beat poets such as Jack Kerouac in stock (and on sale for 10 percent off list prices).

Centerstage Reviewer: Erin Brereton