Lawrence ("Larry") Joseph Dunphy
20Feb1938 - 28Nov2019
He was supposed to outlive all of us, damn it!
"When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food..."
-Erasmus
We have both books & nectar of the gods ... coffee! Along with the best conversation no money can buy - Come in today and enjoy us live & in person.
UPDATE on updating our in-store inventory, so that you can see online just what we have or can get for you:
Our work-around is sporadic at best and what you see as "in stock" may not be and vice versa.
The only reliable information is that if the status is: "hard to find," that book really is really hard to get (at a reasonable price)!
Please give us a call 815-285-2665 or write us chin@booksonfirst.com if you need additional help.
We thank you for your patience.
Never before has a store so small fulfilled the needs of so many. We are privileged to be in business at this time in human history and technology, offering you, our customer, the choice of shopping for books online or in-store.
So, feel free to browse and buy here,** but do also come visit us for some face-to-face and a cuppa at
Have questions, comments? Send us an e-message!
Books on First
Our Instagram handle is @bookson1st 
We have Gift Cards. Get one to fit every reader's tastes.
The world is everchanging and sometimes, not for the better, unfortunately. With the new 
eBook partnership, Books on First and IndieCommerce regret to announce that customers are unable to use your Books on First giftcards to buy ebooks online.
You can still buy titles in other formats (hardcover, paperback, audio CDs) with a Books on First gift card as well as buy a Books on First giftcard which we will send especially to that lucky recipient (free postage!) who can use it with us online (for everything but ebooks) and in-store.
More than a card.
More value than many other store-bought surprises (except a book!)
Put a 3D paper sculpture in a loved one's hands and see the spontaneous delight.
That's a lovepop.
PSST! We have something for that Beatles fan of yours.
We are excited to be selling Ana's Handpoured Coffeehouse-Inspired Candles -- Triple Espresso, Hazelnut Latte, Salted Caramel Macchiato Latte, Coconut Brew and more! in travel (& power-outage)-ready tins.
For Sale at Books on First
From Tim Benedict's Orion Artisinal Honey & Garlic Farm
HONEY from BEES flying around FRANKLIN GROVE, IL
Two Sizes of Beautiful Glass Jars --
What a Great Gift Idea!
(pssst! If you find that having 19 of those empty bottles is a little joyless, return them to us for $1 each)
It's been said that local honey is great for warding off bad germs and aiding in the relief of sinus/breathing difficulties. Regardless, it tastes great!
And now, we have 10 oz plastic squeeze bottles, too, for those serious honeydippers!
Four Heritage Garlic varieties available now, in an attractive net bag with guide to type and flavour. If you are garlic connoisseurs or know of any, this is a must-have. Get 'em while they're fresh.
We are always delighted when someone sees a movie in the book, because now, millions of more people know about the book! It might have been a great film or it might have been a total dud.
But, read the book yourself to see just how good or different the original is!
When is a Search not a Search?
When it's a Find!
Serendity is the word of the day.
Seek (a book by topic) and ye shall find!
