Your Magical Stationery Haven in Elmhurst, IL

Searching for a “stationery store near me” that feels less like a shop and more like a spellbook come to life? Step inside Papel Arcano and discover rows of washi tape, stickers, and journals just waiting to hold your next big daydream. We’re rooted in the heart of Elmhurst - minutes from Oak Brook, Lombard, Villa Park, Naperville, and the entire western Chicago suburb constellation - so your perfect notebook is practically in the neighborhood.

Why We’re Worth the Short Trip

Paper is our love language. As an LGBTQ+ & Latine-owned business, we curate small-batch stationery, Japanese notebooks, and indie stickers you won’t see on big-box shelves. Every item is hand-picked for craftsmanship and joy, and every guest - new jotter or veteran journaler - is greeted like a future pen-pal.

Getting Here Is Easy (We Promise!)

By car: Take I-290 to Exit 12 (York Rd). Head north for two minutes; you’ll spot our teal sign in York Plaza. Free parking wraps around the plaza, so no parallel-parking spells required.

By Metra: Hop on the UP-West line and disembark at Elmhurst Station. We’re about a 1-mile stroll down York Road - just enough time to daydream about new washi rolls.

By bus: Pace Route 309 drops you at York & Second; from there it’s a few blocks north. Alternatively, Pace Route 332 has a stop at York & Crestview, and we're located conveniently just across the street!

Peek Inside the Paper Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on your question below to reveal the answer.

What makes Papel Arcano different from craft-store chains?

We specialize in artisan and Japanese stationery you rarely find elsewhere, especially in the Chicago suburbs. Think Midori MD notebooks, Kokuyo Campus, and locally designed sticker sheets. Our goal is to make stationery feel like magic by curating beautifully-designed journals, planners, pens, stationery and journaling accessories, and more. At Papel Arcano, every product has a story, and our staff loves telling it. We're working on adding fountain pens and fountain pen ink to our collection soon!

Do you offer pickup?

Yes! Order online, choose “Local Pickup,” and we’ll typically have your order ready on our next open business day: we're open Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-7pm and Sunday from 12pm-5pm.

Can I test pens, inks, or journals in-store?

Absolutely. Our Pen Tester Bar is stocked with sample pens and notebooks so you can experience the glide of each pen before committing.

Is the store wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly?

Yes. We’re on one level and are always happy to assist with reaching products on a high or low shelf. Just wave us down - helping hands are part of the magic.

Is there free parking near Papel Arcano on weekends?

Yes. York Plaza’s lot is free all day, every day, with plenty of spots.

Still curious? Call us at (630) 426-1401 or DM @papelarcano on Instagram. Better yet, drop by, breathe in the paper-and-ink aroma, and let’s start your next creative adventure together.