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.
COVID-19 fight update:
We are open for indoor sitting and sipping (and shopping, of course) with increased capacity allowance!Congratulations and thanks to all of you who are fully vaccinated. This has made a big difference in the fight.
As of 11 June 2021, FULLY VACCINATED patrons may come in without a mask. FULLY VACCINATED means at least 2 weeks after your final shot.
Those who are not yet fully vaccinated, including children between ages 2 and 12 are still recommended to cover nose and mouth when not seated and eating.
Please do not be offended if we ask whether you need a mask. We will respect your decision to leave the premises if you do not want to "mask up" because you are not fully vaccinated.
How to physically distance: Just stay 8 books laid end-to-end from your fellow booklover!
Whether you think the devastating effects of this novel coronavirus have been overblown or not, let's all work to stay safe and stay open!
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 to chin@booksonfirst.com or call us during our open hours at 815.285.2665.
Oh, no, say it ain't so!
But there is an alternative before you try the website that got its start selling books and now has downgraded books in its priority list (below floor sealant!)
Thank you for your support!
For those of you not interested in ordering from that largest river in South America that rivals the Mississippi and the Nile, but BoF is out of stock at the warehouse, try our new affiliate, Bookshop, started by a Columbia University MFA who just wants to help the Indies out a bit while being able to put a meal on the table for himself and others.
Books on First
Our Instagram handle is @bookson1st 
We have Gift Cards. Get one to fit every reader's tastes., except the purchase of e-books 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!).
AND AS 
ABANDONED OUR INDIE eBOOK PARTNERSHIP A LONG TIME AGO, WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW AFFILIATION WITH Hummingbird!
See more on our lovepop page, but even more at our bricks-n-mortar location!
Whether you're a grad or dad, love-pops make the perfect gift for this upcoming season.
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.
And introducing Stickerpops! featuring Monarch Butterfly (5 to a pack for only $13!)
For Sale at Books on First
From Tim Benedict's Orion Artisinal Honey & Garlic Farm
HONEY from Tim's BEES flying around FRANKLIN GROVE, IL
Two types of honey now available in beautiful 12-oz jars:
Prairie Wildflowers -- unadulterally whatever the bees are inclined to like and Echinaea -- from Tim's special stash
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 What a Great Gift Idea!
Stock Up Now!
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.
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!
