John Edward Chandler

An answer to Edwar M. A friend of ours said that the family ordered dumpster and threw out most of the books in the store. John also had a warehouse filled with books and we heard that most of those were also disposed of. We would have liked to see a giant sale, for those of us who loves books I get sick thinking of all those books in the landfill. We miss going to his store, John was a very interesting and really nice guy.

It is truly sad to hear that John has passed away. My husband and sons would spend hours visiting his book store. It was organized chaos, since he could tell you if he had what you were looking for. I was amazed at how he could do it with the thousands of books he had in the store. John you will be absolutely missed.

John was one of a kind. His store was a destination. Does anyone know what happened to his book inventory? Edward M.

From the first time I met John I've liked him. It was always a great experience to browse through the store, and spend over an hour looking and talking with him. He saved books for me which we had discussed I would like to buy, which was so thoughtful and kind. I'm so sorry to have lost him, and I'm glad to have known him.

I loved visiting, spending time in that space. Just like from the outside it looked one way but once inside it was magical, warm, old school. Mr Chandler was just the same...knew where everything was or was game to help you discover something for yourself. He was smart, kind, thoughtful on many levels. Always good for a candy too! He made me smile and I know we made him smile as well... he was one of us, a book lover, a neighborhood guy, a true kindred spirit. A collaborator and partner in...

He was a great bookman.

I was a high school librarian for many years, and our budgets were always very small. John was always happy to see me and helped me find good books, especially art and photography titles to add to my library's collection. He would share stories of his time in the Michigan public library system. He was a fine man and his unique bookstore will be sorely missed. Pam Kane Albany Park

An old friend is now just a memory. I started buying books from John in the 1980's when he moved here from Michigan. I probably have over 500 books in my library from john. Civil War, Military history, Ancient history, Chicago & Illinois history. Before Half Price Books John was the original discount book seller. I used to call his shop Dirt Cheap Books. He was my favorite Book shop for over 40+ years. You will be greatly missed by me. May you rest and be in peace. Your old friend, Ray.

I greatly enjoyed talking to him over the years. He was always engaging, if not entertaining. Always remembered me, often asked what my kids or ex-wife were up to. And always asked me if I was retired yet-though I´m still not 65, and wasn´t even close when he first started asking. His prices were always more than fair, and now and then I found a treasure. I can´t imagine that there´s any bookseller like him around here anymore, sadly. He was a treasure. RIP.