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Read This: A Guide to Philly Bookshops

Twenty independently owned bookstores to start your philly literary journey....

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Literary roots run deep in Philadelphia, a city that has inspired writers (think: Poe, Buck, Whitman, Alcott, Chomsky and Michener) and continues to nurture their legacies. But the heart of literary Philly lies in its legacy of — and love for — independent bookstores.

From massive book archives with thousands of titles to important diversity-first bookshops to comfy, cozy coffee shop booksellers, Philly is tuned into reading and book collecting culture in a major way.

The smells of a beloved paperback and the sounds of a new novel cracking open can be found across the city and region at favorite hangs like East Passyunk’s A Novel Idea , Harriett’s Bookshop in Fishtown, West Chester’s magical Baldwin’s Book Barn and Italian Market cookbook staple Molly’s Books & Records .

And the strength in Philly’s indie bookstore scene lies in its diverse bookrooms, including Latino-owned Julia de Burgos Bookstore , Hakim’s Bookstore — the East Coast’s oldest Black-owned bookstore — and the Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room , the oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop in the country.

To start your Philly literary journey any day of the year, hit the bookshelves at any of these 20 independently owned booksellers, and don’t forget to check out the official Philadelphia Bookstore Map for more inspiration on where to get your reading on.

A Novel Idea

Owners (and Tinder-matched married couple) Alexander Schneider and Christina Rosso-Schneider opened A Novel Idea as a way to give back and focus on their East Passyunk neighborhood through diversity, inclusion, and a shared love of books and local authors. The community-minded bookstore and artist event room fills a need for a reading space in the tight-knit neighborhood where Rosso-Schneider dreamed of owning a bookstore. The shop has a heavy focus on hyper-local creators in their Philadelphia Author and Small Press sections.

Where: A Novel Idea, 1726 E. Passyunk Avenue

Baldwin’s Book Barn

First established in Delaware in 1934, Baldwin’s Book Barn has been offering used, rare and fine books (along with manuscripts, maps, paintings, prints and more) in the Baldwin family’s West Chester location since World War II. The bookstore — named one of the “ World’s Most Beloved Independent Bookstores ” by Architectural Digest — is located inside a 200-year-old stone barn, which houses a collection of more than 300,000 titles crammed into every corner and hideaway (with plenty of cozy reading nooks and a wood-burning stove on site for good measure).

Where: Baldwin's Book Barn, 865 Lenape Road, West Chester

Big Blue Marble Bookstore

After growing up in Washington, DC and learning the trade in the Midwest, Sheila Allen realized her lifelong dream of owning her own progressive, feminist bookstore in a diverse neighborhood when she opened Big Blue Marble Bookstore in Mt. Airy in 2005. The lesbian-owned (and mostly staffed) shop specializes in children’s books, sci-fi, poetry and literary fiction, along with highlighted sections for queer literature and Black non-fiction, history and politics. The store features a café (with excellent tea) and hosts writing classes, book clubs and book signings.

Where: Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane

Bindlestiff Books

West Philly’s Bindlestiff Books is a true neighborhood bookstore, with a staff consisting entirely of volunteers living in the neighborhood it serves. Opened in 2005, the majority of Bindlestiff’s collection are deeply discounted, specializing in children’s books, literary fiction, labor studies and politics, and graphic novels. Pro tip: On a nice day, grab a good read, head two blocks to beautiful Clark Park and find a spot under a shady tree to dig into your new purchase.

Where: Bindlestiff Books, 4530 Baltimore Avenue

Black and Nobel

Despite moving from Broad and Erie to South Street during the pandemic, Black and Nobel remains true to its mission to be a vital community gathering space. More than a bookstore, the former Best of Philly winner also offers hard-to-find items like educational DVDs and CDs, skin and hair products, smoothies, and homemade sea moss products. But owner Hakim Hopkins (named for the founder of legendary Hakim’s Bookstore, see below) remains clear that his shop will always be a bookstore first — one that ships dozens of books to local prisons each week.

Where: Black and Nobel, 422 South Street

The Book Trader

The Book Trader is everything you’d want from a secondhand bookstore: a jam-packed 5,000-square-foot maze of crowded aisles lined with rows of used books from floor to ceiling (plus a second-floor record room). The spot is one of Philly’s oldest and largest used bookstores (it operated for 30 years on South Street before moving to the heart of Old City in 2004), with giant selections of both fiction and non-fiction titles. Bring your stacks of trades, as the shop offers 10-20% of the original sale price in store credit.

Where: The Book Trader, 7 N. 2nd Street

Farley’s Bookshop

Situated right on the Delaware River waterfront, Farley’s Bookshop has an impressive heritage — and an even more impressive history. The charming New Hope shop was founded in 1967 by Jim and Nancy Farley with help from two famous Pennsylvania friends: Mr. Rogers and author James Michener. The shop — occupying a building that dates to the turn of the 19th century — recently reopened after months of renovations. Farley’s houses the largest (and most diverse) collection of books in Bucks County and features a cozy atmosphere for reading in its aisles and reading nooks.

Where: Farley's Bookshop, 44 S. Main Street, New Hope

Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop

Founded in 1959, Hakim’s Bookstore and Gift Shop is the oldest Black-owned bookstore on the East Coast and one of the oldest in the nation. With a collection devoted to Black studies and history, as well as children’s literature, biographies, memoirs and rare books from Black authors, Hakim’s has long been a gathering spot for activists, intellectuals, academics and community leaders. Founded by historian and scholar Dawud Hakim, the shop was an important location during the Civil Rights Movement and remains a vital fixture today under the leadership of Hakim’s daughter Yvonne Blake.

Where: Hakim's Bookstore & Gift Shop, 210 S. 52nd Street

Harriett’s Bookshop

A bookstore named for Harriet Tubman will never turn away a challenge. Enter Harriett’s Bookshop , which opened its doors a month before the pandemic hit. Founder Jeannine Cook then turned her new store into a rallying point, providing literary diversions for locked-down neighbors. The activism-forward Fishtown shop celebrates “women authors, women artists and women activists,” particularly Black female icons like Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker and Octavia Butler.

Where: Harriett’s Bookshop, 258 E. Girard Avenue

Head House Books

Seeing a need for community inspiration and a friendly debate space that only a bookstore can provide, Head House Books opened in 2005 on the border of Society Hill and Queen Village . Owner Richard De Wyngaer founded his shop with several core principles: curated experience over volume, discovery over sales, reading what truly matters and honoring the customer. Visitors find that and more in the aisles of bestsellers, classics, young adult and new releases in a friendly and bright atmosphere that has been honored as Best Bookstore by Philadelphia magazine.

Where: Head House Books, 619 S. 2nd Street

House of Our Own

Across from the University of Pennsylvania campus, House of Our Own is a stylish 1890 Victorian house in the heart of Penn’s fraternity and sorority row. As an Ivy League campus-adjacent shop, the two-story bookstore, open since 1971, specializes in academic pursuits like history, literary criticism, cultural studies and poli-sci. While House of Our Own offers a small selection of titles on their website, it’s well worth an in-person visit to experience the full scope of the late 19th-century building’s majesty and the shop’s full collection of titles.

Where: House of Our Own, 3920 Spruce Street

Ibrahim Books & Gifts

Tioga-Nicetown’s Ibrahim Books & Gifts was founded with the goal of providing a place for the city’s Muslim community to find books and publications that foster an understanding of Islam from traditional sources. As such, the shop’s staff spends hours curating the scores of available titles for authenticity before placing them on the shelves. The foundation of Ibrahim’s collection, accessible to the average Muslim (and anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of Islamic culture and religion), is contemporary Arabic texts from religious scholars translated by their students.

Where: Ibrahim Books & Gifts, 3920 Germantown Avenue

Julia de Burgos Bookstore at Taller Puertorriqueño

The only Spanish/English bilingual bookshop in Philadelphia, Julia de Burgos Bookstore specializes in titles from Latino authors (with a slight focus on Puerto Rican literature) and books about Latin American culture and social justice. The shop is part of Taller Puertorriqueño, a Puerto Rican and Latino community arts and culture center in the city’s West Kensington neighborhood, which provides year-round education programs, author events and art exhibitions. The bookstore also offers handcrafted art and other products from local Latino artisans.

Where: Julia de Burgos Bookstore at Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N. 5th Street

The Last Word

The last word on used books in University City is Last Word Bookshop , popular with West Philly residents and University of Pennsylvania students alike. Founded in 1979, the shop is in its third incarnation, occupying its current space since 2016. Last Word stocks more than 80,000 used and out-of-print titles from nearly every genre curated by its famously helpful staff. One of the store’s best features is its hours, open daily until 10 p.m. for those late-night literary cravings.

Where: The Last Word, 220 S. 40th Street

Making Worlds Cooperative Bookstore and Social Center

The Zapatista movement’s commitment to “making a world where many worlds fit” is where Making Worlds Cooperative Bookstore and Social Center found its name. The collectively run, self-managed nonprofit cooperative bookstore uses books as a gateway to provide a vibrant space for diverse educational, political and cultural programming. But that doesn’t mean the West Philly shop isn’t a haven for readers, with floor-to-ceiling collections (heavy on BIPOC authors) lining the quaint spot that also houses a pay-as-you-wish cafe with window seating.

Where: Making Worlds Cooperative Bookstore and Social Center, 210 S. 45th Street

Miscellanea Libri

With its Fishtown storefront windows proclaiming “BOOKS!,” Miscellanea Libri sits right on popular Girard Avenue along the Route 15 trolley line. The esoteric shop held court in Reading Terminal Market for nearly 30 years before moving to its current location in 2019. Its collection of new, used and rare books covers topics from art, history and religion to philosophy, poetry and culture. A Black-, veteran- and woman-owned space, Miscellanea Libri also features a “Bare Wall” space open to local artists to exhibit original works.

Where: Miscellanea Libri, 454 E. Girard Avenue

Molly’s Books & Records

If you’re going to run a bookshop in Philly’s famous Italian Market , you best carry a fantastic collection of cookbooks. Molly’s Books & Records offers an unmatched used cookbook and food-lit collection — including vintage and global cuisines — described as “ the best cookbook bookstore in Philadelphia ” by Eater. But the secondhand shop is more than just The Joy of Cooking , as Molly Russakoff’s family business (right down to Mrs. Stevenson, the shop cat ) offers plenty of cult, pulp, sci-fi and poetry titles, plus an extensive collection of vinyl records curated by husband Joe Ankenbrand.

Where: Molly's Books & Records, 1010 S. 9th Street

Mostly Books

Every part of Mostly Books Warehouse ’s name is true. The Queen Village spot is immense (somehow bigger inside than it appears on the outside), a cluttered and chaotic space selling, well, mostly books. Sporting a true eclectic funky South Street vibe, Mostly Books is a multi-roomed used-book haven with a remarkable selection of more than 100,000 titles alongside shelves full of DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, photographs and even VHS tapes.

Where: Mostly Books, 529 Bainbridge Street

Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room

Named for James Baldwin’s classic gay novel, Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room is the oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore in the nation. Founded in 1973, non-profit thrift store Philly AIDS Thrift took over management in 2014. A landmark in Philly’s Gayborhood , the store — which operates in buildings dating back to the 1800s — offers thousands of queer books and magazines (and even Playbills), feminist literature, plus shelves of art, movies, music and apparel from the thrift shop. When you stop by, be sure to check out the curated window displays and the historical marker outside.

Where: Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th Street

Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books

Name a more iconic pair than a cup of coffee and a good book. That’s the thinking behind Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books , a Black-owned community spot in Germantown named after owner (and author, professor and TV commentator) Marc Lamont Hill’s favorite uncle. With an inviting living room atmosphere, the shop lives by the motto: “Cool People. Dope Books. Great Coffee.” Order a latte or espresso along with a Danish or vegan brownie, and peruse the aisles filled with fiction and nonfiction titles with a focus on Black authors.

Where: Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books, 5445 Germantown Avenue

BONUS: Philadelphia Bookstore Map

The list above is just a small sample of the dozens of bookstores, shops and emporiums in Philadelphia. For more spots in which to find your next great read, hard-to-find secondhand book or perfect gift for the bibliophile in your life, check out the official Philadelphia Bookstore Map , a gorgeous hand-drawn reference guide (designed by visual artist Henry Crane) featuring 46 bookstores across the city.

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Where to Sell Used Books Locally: Your Complete Guide

If you have a collection of books you no longer need or want, selling them can be a great way to declutter your space and earn extra money. But where should you sell them? From online marketplaces to local bookstores, there are many options available. Here’s a guide to help you find the best places to sell your used books.

Determine the Value of Your Books

Before you start selling your used books, it’s essential to determine their value. This will help you set a fair price and ensure you’re not selling valuable books for too little. You can use online tools like BookScouter or AbeBooks to understand how much your books are worth. Remember that the book’s condition, rarity, and demand can all affect its value.

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One of the best places to sell used books locally is at a bookstore or secondhand shop. Do some research to determine which stores in your area buy used books and their policies. Some stores may only buy specific genres or may only offer store credit instead of cash. It’s also a good idea to call ahead and ask about their buying process and what types of books they are currently looking for. This can save you time and ensure you sell your books to the right place.

Check Out Online Marketplaces and Apps

Besides selling your used books locally, you can also explore online marketplaces and apps to reach a wider audience. Websites like Amazon, eBay, and Half.com allow you to list your books for sale and ship them to buyers. You can also use apps like Decluttr , BookScouter , and Letgo to sell your books directly to buyers in your area. Just be sure to research the fees and policies of each platform before listing your books for sale.

Host a Yard Sale or Book Swap

Hosting a yard sale or book swap is a great way to sell your used books locally and connect with your community. Advertise your event on social media, community bulletin boards, and local newspapers to attract potential buyers. You can also partner with friends or neighbors to make the event even bigger and more successful. Don’t forget to price your books competitively and have a variety of genres available to appeal to a broader audience.

Donate to Local Libraries or Charities

If you’re not interested in selling your used books for profit, consider donating them to local libraries or charities. Many libraries have book donation programs and will accept gently used books in good condition. Charities such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army also accept book donations and will often use the proceeds to fund their programs and services. Donating your books is a great way to give back to your community and support literacy initiatives.

Esther Lombardi

Esther A. Lombardi is a freelance writer and journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for an array of publications, online and offline. She also has a master's degree in English Literature with a background in Web Technology and Journalism. 

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27 Independent Bookstores in the U.S. You Should Visit

From new york to california—and everywhere in between—these are the best bookstores across the country..

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Parnassus Books in Nashville was founded by author Ann Patchett and her business partner, Karen Hayes.

Courtesy of Parnassus Books

In a nod to the transporting power of great stories, we decided to celebrate our love for many of their keepers: independent bookstores across the country. Some, like Blue Bicycle Books in Charleston , are stores we always stop by on a visit to the city, while others, like the Strand in New York City and City Lights in San Francisco , we are lucky to call our neighborhood joints. And even when we’re not able to physically stop by any of these stores, we’re supporting them by shopping online through Bookshop.org and the shops’ own websites and tuning in to their programming across social media.

If you’re looking for a good book—or a few great books—there’s no shortage of independent booksellers in the United States, many with expertly curated selections and shelves upon shelves of reads waiting to be thumbed through. A fine way to discover new indie bookshops near you is by searching Indiebound ; the website’s main goal is to connect you with booksellers and provide helpful info about each.

Now you’ve got a serious craving to do some reading, right? We can help with that.

1. Books Are Magic

Location: 225 Smith St., Brooklyn, New York| Find on Google Maps Hours: Every day 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online or visiting its two locations in Brooklyn

As the name suggests, Books Are Magic is a special place for housing stories that will transport you to all corners of writers’ minds. The selection of books is massive—there are two rooms, one of which is mainly dedicated to children’s reads—and spans young adult fiction and LGBTQ stories to indie bestsellers and historical deep dives. Founded by author Emma Straub, it hosts a regular rotation of readings and events. You never really quite know what you’re going to run into, which makes every visit more fun at this indie bookstore. —Erika Owen

2. Parnassus Books

Location: 3900 Hillsboro Pike #14, Nashville, Tenessee| Find on Google Maps Hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online or buying gift subscriptions to the First Editions Club

In its own words, Parnassus —around since 201—is truly ''more than a bookstore.’' It’s a cheery celebration of great writing, down to its gleaming hardwood floors and grinning staff, infused with the same joy as store founder and author Ann Patchett and her business partner, Karen Hayes. Patchett’s blog is the basis of the Parnassus online magazine, Musing , which also features staff reading picks, author interviews, and an extra-charming ''shop dog diaries’’ that feels like an IRL idea from You’ve Got Mail. —Laura Dannen Redman

3. Second Story Books

Location: 2000 P St. NW, Washington, D.C.| Find on Google Maps Hours: Every day 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Support it by: Visiting one of its two locations, shopping online or buying a gift card, and calling on Allan Stypeck’s services as an appraiser

On a recent trip to D.C. , I carved out an afternoon for Second Story Books , which I’d heard had a fascinating collection of used, rare, and out-of-print books. How can you not want to visit a store run by the guy (Allan Stypeck) who not only repairs books but also loans books for movie sets and helps institutions like the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress build their collections? The Dupont Circle store, one of two locations, lived up to the hype: It took real effort to keep my book-hoarding instincts in check as I explored the maze-like store and hit up the sidewalk-sale shelves, which offer serious deals on the weekends. —Aislyn Greene

4. Explore Booksellers

Location: 221 E. Main St., Aspen, Colorado| Find on Google Maps Hours: Every day 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online

Housed in a Victorian home in the center of town, Explore Booksellers is an Aspen institution. Inside, books on business, history, art, travel, and more are crammed into every corner, with an entire room dedicated to children’s literature. The shop also stocks numerous regional titles as well as cards, journals, and gifts and regularly hosts events with local and visiting authors. When you’ve finished shopping, grab lunch on the second floor, where Pyramid Bistro serves healthy, veggie-forward fare. —Natalie Beauregard

5. Birchbark Books & Native Arts

Location: 2115 W. 21st St., Minneapolis, Minnesota| Find on Google Maps Hours: Every day 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online

Owned by novelist Louise Erdrich, Birchbark specializes in Native American books, arts, jewelry, and gifts. Some of our favorite touches: All Erdrich titles purchased at Birchbark are signed by the author herself, and there’s even a dedicated children’s loft and a confessional, where visitors are invited to sit for reflection. —Katherine LaGrave

6. Greenlight Bookstore

Location: 686 Fulton St., Brooklyn, New York| Find on Google Maps Hours: Everyday from 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online or buying a gift card for a friend

Since opening in 2009, Greenlight Bookstore has become a cultural mainstay of the Fort Greene neighborhood (there’s also a second, newer location in Prospect Lefferts Gardens). The oversized windows of the original store face Fulton Street, inviting passersby to come in and browse or join one of the many readings, often featuring Brooklyn writers. —John Newton

Omnivore has long been a destination for the Bay Area’s food-obsessed readers.

Courtesy of Omnivore

7. Omnivore Books

Location: 3885 Cesar Chavez St., San Francisco, California| Find on Google Maps Hours: Monday–Saturday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online

Located in San Francisco’s Noe Valley, culinary-themed Omnivore Books is a charming community gathering spot for the Bay Area’s many food-obsessed readers. Owner Celia Sack recently launched a special section of her online shop devoted to ''Quarantine Quenchers,’' a collection of cookbooks that allows home cooks to travel the world ( My Paris Kitchen by David Lebovitz; Tokyo Cult Recipes by Maori Murota; The Karachi Kitchen by Kausar Ahmed). —Julia Cosgrove

8. Antigone Books

Location: 411 N. Fourth Ave., Tucson, Arizona| Find on Google Maps Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online and joining its mailing list.

America’s oldest surviving feminist bookstore (and first 100 percent solar-powered bookstore!) is one of Tucson’s literary havens. Opened in 1973 and now on its second generation of female ownership, Antigone Books features new works with a particular focus on feminism, inclusivity, and issues that affect Tucson, such as the border and immigration, or the desert climate. Funky cards, puzzles, journals, and other fun items (zombie cribbage, anyone?) make it an ideal stop for gift-buying, too. —Sara Button

9. Greedy Reads

Location: 1744 Aliceanna St., Baltimore, Maryland| Find on Google Maps Hours: Monday–Thursday 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., Friday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online , or downloading audiobooks from Libro.fm

Curation is key when your shop’s 500-square-foot size qualifies as ''cozy’’ in real-estate listings and provides serious limitations on inventory. Happily, Greedy Read ‘s owner, Julia Fleischaker, has some strong bona fides for curation, having worked in book publishing for 20 years before moving home to Maryland in 2018. At the end of 2019, Fleischaker opened a second location in the Remington neighborhood, twice the size of the Fells Point shop, to better accommodate events she has planned for the future. —Ann Shields

Powell’s is the largest independent bookstore in the world.

Courtesy of Powell’s

10. Bookends and Beginnings

Location: 1620 Orrington Ave., Evanston, Illinois| Find on Google Maps Hours: Sunday–Tuesday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Wednesday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online , or downloading audiobooks from Libro.fm

Wander down a partially cobblestoned alley off one of Evanston’s busy shopping streets and you’ll find Bookends and Beginnings , an independent bookshop that’s an oasis for book lovers of all ages. Inside, worn oriental rugs cover the uneven wooden floors, and various velvet covered sofas and divans invite you to sink down when you’ve found that just-right read. The owner (an author herself) and her staff love to talk books with anyone.— Chris Kennelly

11. Books&Books

Location: 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, Florida| Find on Google Maps Hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online and following along on social media for some of its chats

The first Books&Books opened in 1982 in a 500-square-foot space in Miami’s Coral Gables neighborhood. Since then, it’s grown, and grown again, and outposts can now be found on buzzy Lincoln Road, the Arsht Center, Bal Harbour, Suniland, and MIA Airport. (You’ll also find stores in Key West and Grand Cayman.) Part of the reason for its success, no doubt? Outdoor cafés at several of the bookstores that serve everything from Cuban sandwiches to local craft beers. —K.L.

12. Powell’s Books

Location: 1005 W Burnside St., Portland, Oregon| Find on Google Maps Hours: Every day 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Support it by: Ordering new and used books from its online store

Every bibliophile should make a pilgrimage to Powell’s at least once in their lifetime. The store earns its ''City of Books’’ moniker with a veritable labyrinth of shelves filled with things to read. Even saying that the store occupies an entire city block and 1.6 acres of retail space isn’t enough to prepare someone for their first visit. No matter how obscure or specific your interests are, Powell’s has something (usually many things) for you. —Nicole Antonio

13. Little City Books

Location: 100 Bloomfield St., Hoboken, New Jersey| Find on Google Maps Hours: Friday–Tuesday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Support it by: Buying gift cards and online audiobook memberships from Libro.fm

In 2015, two Hoboken women—a musician and a former investment banker–stopped bemoaning the lack of a local bookstore and opened one. They expanded to a children’s annex in a neighboring storefront the next year and have announced plans for a new location just a mile uptown. The colorful and friendly corner shop hosts impressive readings as well as regular story hours, and Little City also schedules enough live music to be listed as a performance venue on regional event calendars. They’ve even organized an annual Hoboken Literary Weekend.— A.S.

14. Blue Bicycle Books

Location: 420 King St., Charleston, South Carolina| Find on Google Maps Hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Saturday 1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Support it by : Registering for summer camp and buying select titles at its online store

''Selling books in Charleston is different than selling books in Seattle or the Berkshires,’' store co-owner Jonathan Sanchez said on the occasion of Blue Bicycle Books ’ 20th anniversary in 2015. ''Charleston’s got a lot going on. People bike, fish, garden, play cornhole, do hipster crafts.’' To cultivate a community of book lovers, Sanchez and team made their used, local, and rare books store a local hangout, with a summer writing camp for kids , author events, a YA festival called, cheekily, YALLFest! , and well-curated sections dedicated to passions: military history, classics, and modern first editions (signed by William Faulkner and Harper Lee, among them).— L.D.R.

BookPeople is also known for the musical events and author talks the store hosts.

Photo by Marc Majcher/Flickr

15. BookPeople

Location: 603 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas| Find on Google Maps Hours: Every day 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Support it by: Ordering books through its store on BookShop

As the largest independent bookstore in Texas, BookPeople has been serving the Austin community with curated staff selections and a diverse schedule of readings and events since 1970. It’s an idyllic place to escape the scorching summer heat, and you can’t leave without checking out CoffeePeople , which is located inside the bookstore and serves breakfast tacos, pastries, and sandwiches that are made fresh by local businesses.— Ciera Velarde

16. Women & Children First

Location: 5233 N. Clark St., Chicago, Illinois| Find on Google Maps Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online or donating to its Women’s Voices Fund , which fundraises for program series focused on women’s lives and work

Open since 1979, Women & Children First is one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country, stocking more than 30,000 books by and about women. Staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable without attempting to sway you into buying this, or that—fitting, for a place whose tagline is ''Shop as independently as you think.’' —K.L.

City Lights began as the first all-paperback bookstore in the United States.

Photo by Shutterstock

17. City Lights

Location: 261 Columbus Ave., San Francisco, California| Find on Google Maps Hours: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Support it by: Signing up for its newsletter, and visiting its virtual storefront on Bookshop

San Francisco’s most iconic bookstore has been catering to readers since 1953, when poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin founded the shop. Though it began as the first all-paperback bookstore in the nation, its collection spans three floors and has since grown to include new hardbacks. Perusing both the selection of titles in stock and those published by City Lights Publishers, readers will find contemporary and classic works about social issues that capture the radical spirit of the Beat poets who once frequented the store—and the city it calls home.— S.B.

18. Rabelais

Location: 2 Main St. Biddeford, Maine| Find on Google Maps Hours: Thursday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Support it by: Ordering online from its website

Looking for a 19th-century edition of The Art of French Cookery? Or a '' delightful survey on the history of oysters ''? Rabelais is your spot. Housed in the North Dam Mill about 20 minutes south of Portland, this antiquarian bookshop in Biddeford, Maine, is a cathedral of rare, used, and new books on cooking and culinary history—a supplier to such I’ve-heard-of-them places as the New York Public Library and Harvard University, but also a great spot to find a collection on vintage cocktails.— L.D.R.

19. Country Bookshelf

Location: 28 W Main St., Bozeman, Montana| Find on Google Maps Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Monday 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping its online store for e-books and audiobooks

Bozeman’s Country Bookshelf has been a women-owned business since it opened in 1957. Founded by Polly Renne in a small shop just off the town’s central Tracy Avenue, the independent bookstore has since occupied a main street chapel and later a two-story downtown building, which is where the landmark bookshop has been since 1986. Owned today by Ariana Paliobagis, the Country Bookshelf offers everything from graphic novels and literary fiction to cookbooks and historical memoirs. In addition to its diverse reading selections, the store also hosts regular author events and workshops.— Sarah Buder

20. Left Bank Books

Location: 399 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, Missouri| Find on Google Maps Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Monday 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online

Left Bank Books got its start in 1969, thanks to intrepid students from Washington University who wanted a place to find all kinds of literature. Today, it is the oldest and largest independently owned bookstore in the city and hosts not one but seven (!) book clubs as well as more than 300 events throughout the year, most free and open to the public. It also puts on a weekly ''Story Time’’ and partners with libraries, churches, and schools to encourage literacy around St. Louis.— K.L.

The Last Bookstore is arguably the most famous bookstore in Los Angeles.

Photo by Thomas Hawk/Flickr

21. The Last Bookstore

Location: 453 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, California| Find on Google Maps Hours: Every day 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Support it by: Ordering gifts and new books from its online store

This literary playground in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles brings me the utmost joy. My routine starts with ogling painstakingly designed special editions alongside tattered pulp fiction, followed by a lap around the extensive graphic novel collection, far too much time looking at poetry and staff recommendations, and then browsing all the maker spaces on the second floor for artwork, trinkets, and 3D-printed earrings.— N.A.

The Strand is known for its 18 miles of books.

22. The Strand

Location: 828 Broadway, New York CIty | Find on Google Maps Hours: Every day 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Support it by : Shopping online and joining The Stranded Book Club on Goodreads

This landmark East Village shop is known for its collectibles, souvenirs, records, and proverbial 18 miles of books (spread across multiple floors). Browse the stacks and venture to the rare book room on the third floor to see the $45,000 copy of Ulysses , illustrated and signed by Henri Matisse and James Joyce.— K.L.

23. Tattered Cover

Location: 2526 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado| Find on Google Maps Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00 a.m. –8:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online

Tattered Cover has been selling books to Denver readers since 1971. Longtime owner Joyce Meskis, who retired to a consultant role in 2017, is a leading national advocate for independent bookstores and freedom of expression who turned the store into a community institution. The four locations (plus outlets at the airport) host around 600 events a year, some of which the store will be holding online during the crisis. When I worked at New York’s Strand Book Store in the mid 1990s, Tattered Cover was the other bookstore I heard mentioned most often by customers and fellow employees. It’s a national treasure.— Jeremy Saum

24. Shelf Life Books

Location: 2913 W. Cary St., Richmond, Virginia| Find on Google Maps Hours: Tuesday–Friday 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online

Used bookstores are often relegated to sad and musty storefronts and are crammed with saggy, jury-rigged shelving stocked by a vague organizing system, at best. Shelf Life Books , on the other hand, is located on a buzzy stretch of Cary Street, with two stories of used books (as well as ground-floor tables stacked with new releases), and a roaming resident cat, WonTon. Generous shelves devoted to local authors, as well as literature, social justice, comic books, YA novels, and lots of art may mean that your browsing will result in a teetering stack of purchases.— A.S.

25. Elliott Bay Book Company

Location: 1521 10th Ave., Seattle, Washington| Find on Google Maps Hours: Every day 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online —don’t miss its quarterly Booknotes , which offers smart and funny staff picks and reviews

Since it opened in 1973, Elliott Bay has been the heart of Seattle’s literary community. That heart survived the move from its Pioneer Square location to its current Capitol Hill location, a former repair shop with wonderfully creaky wood floors and large, latticed windows. As a student living in Seattle, I spent many happy hours perusing the new and used books that line cedar shelves, studying over a pastry or a cocktail in the all-day Oddfellows Café, and attending one of the more than 500 author readings and events Elliott Bay hosts each year.— A.G.

26. Mrs. Dalloway’s

Location: 2904 College Ave., Berkeley, California| Find on Google Maps Hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Support it by : Shopping online and signing up for the “Little Library” subscription service, a monthly personalized collection of board books, picture books, and chapter books for young readers

In a college town once full of great bookstores, Mrs. Dalloway’s is an inviting neighborhood hub with a huge collection of children’s books, literature, and gardening, art, and home coffee table books.— J.C.

27. Librería Laberinto Viejo San Juan

Location: 251 C. de la Cruz, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico| Find on Google Maps Hours: Every day 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Support it by: Shopping online and getting books delivered.

Sure, Puerto Rico isn’t a state, but a U.S. territory, and sure, there are bigger, flashier bookstores in San Juan. But part of the fun of Librería Laberinto is walking its checkerboard floors and sorting through its stacks. You’ll find some books here in English, but the shop is best for its celebration of local authors. (Head to the dedicated ''Puerto Rico’’ section to see what we mean.) —K.L.

This article originally appeared online in 2020; it was most recently updated on August 29, 2023, to include current information.

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The 10 Best Bookstores in Nashville

By: Author Amar Hussain

Posted on Last updated: February 27, 2023

Search for a rare first edition, pick up a used novel, or find the most recent best-seller.

Books are one thing that will never go out of style, and plenty of titles are available across Nashville.

The Bookshop

Defunct books, elder’s book store, fairytales bookstore, grimey’s new + preloved music, half price books, mckay’s nashville, novelette booksellers, parnassus books, rhino booksellers, final thoughts, the best bookstores in nashville.

Be sure to check out this cozy and modern bookstore, the perfect nook for any lover of books.

Here at The Bookshop , you’ll find mostly newer books, including best sellers and new releases.

They also highlight collections of staff picks, like favorites from the previous year.

Plus, they sell signed pre-orders and a wide collection of literature covering almost any subject, from young adult options, children’s books, graphic novels, and, of course, lengthy chapter books.

The Bookshop has something for every avid reader and should be a go-to stop in Nashville for books.

• Location: 1043 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

This store specializes in rare books, including first editions, used, out-of-print, and collectibles.

Defunct Books is located within Five Points Alley Shops, making it the perfect addition to a day of shopping.

They’re also the perfect place to sell any books you may want to part with. While they won’t take your encyclopedias, they are interested in anything they think they can sell.

Their collection includes literature from every subject matter and in every category, so you’ll find something for every reader.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable and rare collection at Defunct Books.

• Location: 1108 Woodland St A, Nashville, TN 37206

The hunt is over if you’re searching for rare, well-loved, or antique books.

Elder’s Book Store includes a collection of hard-to-find and even out-of-print novels that any avid reader won’t want to miss.

Their collection includes a large and diverse selection of literature covering almost any subject matter.

This quaint shop was originally opened in 1930, making it one of the oldest bookstores in Nashville.

Elder’s Book Store is a well-loved favorite in the Nashville area for those hard-to-find editions of sought-after books.

• Location: 101 White Bridge Pike, Nashville, TN 37209

When whimsical and fun children’s books are the focus of your shopping, you’ll only need to make one stop in the Nashville area.

Fairytales Bookstore is a tiny shop filled with a large assortment of children’s books and toys.

You’ll be able to pick from new releases, best sellers, and classic stories and tales that won’t be forgotten.

They even have monthly features surrounding a theme meant to educate or share specific cultures or topics.

Everything here is split by age range and then the topic, making it easy to pick the perfect title for the kid in your life.

Fairytales Bookstore is making literature-based dreams come true for little readers of any age.

• Location: 1108 Woodland St, Unit G, Nashville, TN 37206

While this store is dedicated mostly to selling new and used music selections, their bookshop is one that can’t be overlooked.

Grimey’s New + Preloved Music has a large selection of vinyl, CDs, cassette tapes, and books.

Not only will they buy gently used books from patrons just like you, but they also collect and sell a curated collection of literature.

There’s even a small selection of brand-new titles for you to pick through.

If there’s something specific you’re looking for, give them a call or be sure to ask the friendly staff, they know a thing or two about the used book world.

Grimey’s New + Preloved Music is giving new life to a few of your favorite things, books, and music.

• Location: 1060 E Trinity Ln, Nashville, TN 37216

As the name states, this bookstore sells used books at great prices.

Half Price Books is a family-owned chain that resells used novels, literature, movies, and music.

Everything here is gently used, but there are amazing collections, including sought-after best sellers and a special selection of staff picks they highlight each month.

You can even sell your well-loved books back to this store, so they can go on to live another life and continue to be enjoyed.

Spend your hours browsing their hand-built shelves and feel good about giving a new life to a used title at Half Price Books.

• Location: 21 White Bridge Pike, Nashville, TN 37205

Buying new isn’t always the way to go, and that’s what this bookshop is all about. McKay’s Nashville is a used book and record store, making it a one-stop shop for literature and music.

Buy, sell, and trade your goods here, from CDs to DVDs and nearly any type of written book. You can even drop off games and some electronics to be resold or recycled.

This massive space is filled with rows upon rows of gently loved books awaiting their new home.

From classics to graphic novels, fiction stories, and children’s books, McKay’s Nashville has all the used titles you’ve been looking for.

• Location: 636 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209

Head to East Nashville to visit this fun and vibey space where books seem endless.

Novelette Booksellers is a go-to spot for book lovers of any age, with a highly curated collection of fiction and nonfiction titles.

The owners here have an eye for the book industry and like to celebrate differences, so this space strives to be inclusive to all visitors of any background.

Search for the most recent bestsellers, classic novels, young-adult titles, and even pre-order books that haven’t hit shelves yet. Novelette Booksellers is the perfect shop for any reader, from young to old.

• Location: 1101 Chapel Ave, Ste 108, Nashville, TN 37206

You’ll find this independently owned bookstore conveniently located in a strip mall collection of stores.

Parnassus Books has a large collection of new and used novels and literature, including best sellers, new releases, staff picks, and even classics.

This store was opened by novelist Ann Patchett so you’ll also find a large display of her writings.

Named after the Greek temple for everything literature, learning, and music, this Nashville store strives to be the same thing for Music City.

Be sure to check out their airport bookshop when you’re on the go. Parnassus Books is the perfect place for any reader.

• Location: 3900 Hillsboro Pike, #14, Nashville, TN 37215

This neighborhood bookstore is dedicated to supporting the creative community within Nashville, including avid readers and writers.

Rhino Booksellers   welcomes all to browse their shelves of used, rare, and endangered titles.

You can come here to find almost any title, from fiction to nonfiction, by writers all across the globe.

They’re always searching for gently-used hardcover and paper-bound books, so if you have a collection you’re ready to part with, this is the place to go.

Rhino Booksellers is a Nashville go-to for everything books.

• Location: 4918 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209

Give a new novel a try, or give new life to a used title. Either way, these bookstores across Nashville will have every book you’ve been looking for.

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133 Black-Owned Bookstores in America That Amplify the Best in Literature

Shop now and always.

In the wake of the tragic killings of Ahmaud Arbery , George Floyd , and Breonna Taylor —combined with the global uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic —the United States is in the midst of a national revolution. While institutionalized racism and police brutality have long been a part of America's history, millions across the country are now reconciling with and addressing generations of racial inequality. For some, that means taking to the streets in protest . For others, it's uplifting the cause by supporting Black-owned businesses , or seeking education through anti-racist literature .

Because of the latter, one industry that's seen an influx of support and attention are Black-owned bookstores. Many shops across the country are overwhelmed with customers due to the collective push to both "buy Black" and read books written by Black authors.

"We've definitely seen a surge in our book sales, specifically for our titles on racism and history in this country," says Onikah Asamoa-Caesar, owner of Tulsa, Oklahoma's Fulton Street Books —which had its grand opening with limited capacity due to Covid-19—on July 3. "When I think of meaningful change in the community, reading and having more information is amazing. Now we have to figure out how to translate that and support folks in taking things from theory to practice."

Kalima Desuze, owner of Cafe con Libros in Brooklyn , New York, describes recent business as both "lucrative" and "bittersweet."

"Many folks are buying books, but may not have a home to dialogue about it," she says. "This work cannot be done in isolation; we all need community. I'm tired of solidarity with Black folks only coming after death when some of us have spent our lives talking about and organizing against systemic racism... So, while I definitely appreciate the support, it's been hard to profit off the bodies of fictive kin."

It should also be remembered that independent book stores owned by African Americans have been around for decades. The oldest in the country is Oakland, California's Marcus Books , which opened its doors in 1960 and is still in business today. There are now more than a hundred other Black-owned establishments in the country, and though they make up just 6 percent of indie bookselling companies in the U.S., they're home to powerful works that serve to educate and amplify vital voices.

"The stories have always been there, and the experiences have always been there, but not everybody was comfortable talking about them," says La'Nae Robinson, who co-owns Bliss Books & Wine in Kansas City with her sister, La'Nesha Frazier. "So I think now that it's more in the spotlight, it's creating more conversations, and people are open to having conversations—and they're actually holding them in their hands and educating themselves on topics that they just didn't think about."

From online book boutique Sistah Scifi —a shop that strictly sells Afrofuturism novels —to children's bookstore The Listening Tree in Decatur, Georgia, there are plenty of diverse Black-owned bookstores you can safely shop at right now, and always, no matter how much (or little) the nation is focused on a longtime continuing struggle. Below, our official directory of Black-owned bookstores in America, starting in Arkansas and ending in Washington, D.C. We've also noted the favorite shops of renowned authors like Tayari Jones, Deshawn Winslow, Jackie Woodson, Nicole Dennis-Benn, and Kiley Reid.

Connecticut

Massachusetts

Mississippi

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

• Grassrootz Bookstore - Phoenix, AZ

• Pyramid Art Books & Custom Framing - Little Rock, AR

Sistah Scifi is a digital book boutique that offers merchandise and monthly Zoom book club meetings focused on Afrofuturism novels. Learn more at sistahscifi.com.

• Ashay by the Bay - Vallejo, CA
• The Collective Oakland - Oakland, CA
• D3 Comic Book Spot - Richmond, CA
• Malik Books - Los Angeles California
• Marcus Books - Oakland, CA
• The Multicultural Children's Bookstore - Richmond, CA
• Old Capitol Books - Monterey, CA
• Octavia's Bookshelf - Pasadena, CA
• Reparations Club - Los Angeles, CA
• The Salt Eaters Bookshop - Inglewood, CA
• Shades of Africa - Long Beach, CA
• * Sistah Scifi - Oakland, CA
• Underground Books - Sacramento, CA

• Shop at Matter - Denver, CO
• Tattered Book Store - Denver, CO

• * Key Bookstore - Hartford, CT
• Kindred Thoughts - Bridgeport, CT
• People Get Ready - New Haven, CT
• Reader's Block - Stratford, CT

• Books & Bagels - Wilmington, DE
• MeJah Books, Inc. . - Claymont, DE

• *AALBC (The African American Literature Book Club) - Tampa, FL - A Mitchell S. Jackson Favorite
• *African Bookstore - Plantation, FL
• Best Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Culture Museum - Tampa, FL
• Cultured Books - St. Petersburg, FL
• Dare Books - Longwood, FL
• Essence of Knowledge - Cocoa, FL
• * Kizzy's Books and More - Winter Garden, FL
• Pyramid Books - Boynton Beach, FL

The Listening Tree accepts online orders and offers a national online course called the Young Entrepreneurs Program for children aged 8-12, and 13-18. At the end of the course, the students obtain an LLC. Learn more at listeningtreebooks.com.

• All Things Inspiration - Mableton, GA
• The Black Dot Cultural Center and Bookstore - Lithonia, GA
• The Book Boutique - Atlanta, GA
• Brave and Kind - Decatur, GA
• For Keeps - Atlanta, GA - A Tayari Jones favorite
• *Good Books - Atlanta, GA
• The Listening Tree - Decatur, GA
• Medu Bookstore - Atlanta, GA - A Tayari Jones favorite
• Nubian Bookstore - Morrow, GA

• Afriware Books, Co. - Maywood, IL
• Da Book Joint - Chicago, IL
• *Frontline Books - Chicago, IL
• Semicolon - Chicago, IL
• The Underground Bookstore - Chicago, IL

• Akoma Books - Evansville, IN
• Beyond Barcodes Bookstore - Kokomo, IN
• The Brain Lair - Sound Bend, IN
• Ujamaa Community Bookstore - Indianapolis, IN

• Wild Fig Coffee & Books - Lexington, KY

• Baldwin & Co - New Orleans, LA
• Between the Lines Bookstore - Baton Rouge, LA
• Community Book Center - New Orleans, LA - A Clint Smith favorite
• Umoja Books and Products - Lafayette, LA

• Footprints Bookshop - New Bedford, MA
• Frugal Bookstore - Roxbury, MA
• Olive Tree Books-n-Voices - Springfield, MA

• Everyone's Place - Baltimore, MD
• Loyalty Bookstore - Silver Spring, MD
• Mahogany Books - Oxon Hill, MD
• Vision Christian Store - Clinton, MD

• Black Stone Bookstore and Cultural Center - Ypsilanti, MI
• Detroit Book City - Southfield, MI
• Nandi's Knowledge Cafe - Highland Park, MI
• The Socialight Society - Lansing, MI
• Source Booksellers - Detroit, MI

• Black Garnet Books - Minneapolis, MN - A Claudia Rankine favorite
• Babycakes Book Stack - Twin Cities, MN
• Strive Bookstore - Minneapolis, MN

• Marshall’s Music and Book Store - Jackson, MS

The Covid-19 pandemic momentarily halted Bliss Books & Wine's search for a brick-and-mortar store, but they accept online orders and offer monthly Zoom book discussions. Learn more at blissbooksandwine.com.

• Aya Coffee and Books - Kansas City, MO
• Bliss Books and Wine - Kansas City, MO
• EyeSeeMe - University City, MO
• The Noir Bookshop - St. Louis, MO
• Progressive Emporium & Education Center - St. Louis, MO
• Willa's Bookstore - Kansas City, MO

• Liberation Station Bookstore - Raleigh-Durham, NC
• Rofhiwa Book Café - East Durham, NC
• Shelves Bookstore - Charlotte, NC

• Aframerican Bookstore - Omaha, NE
• The Book Nook - Papillion, NE

• La Unique African American Bookstore & Cultural Center - Camden, NJ
• The Little BOHO Bookshop - Bayonne, NJ
• Source of Knowledge Bookstore - Newark, NJ

Cafe con Libros is an "intersectional feminist community." You can subscribe to their podcast "Black Feminist and Bookish" on their website cafeconlibrosbk.com . Purchase their books through bookshop.org .

• Blenheim Hill Books - Hobart, NY
• Cafe con Libros - Brooklyn, NY - A Jacqueline Woodson favorite
• Grandma's Place - New York, NY
• The Lit. Bar - Bronx, NY - A Jacqueline Woodson, Nicole Dennis-Benn, and Safiya Sinclair favorite
• Revolution Books - New York, NY
• The Schomburg Shop - New York, NY - A Kevin Young favorite
• Sister's Uptown - New York, NY - A Jacqueline Woodson favorite
• Zawadi Books - Buffalo, NY

• A Cultural Exchange - Cleveland, OH
• Black Art Plus - Columbus, OH
• Elizabeth's Bookshop & Writing Center - Akron, OH
• Serenity Book Shop - Columbus, OH

Fulton Street Books, which had its grand opening on July 3, is open to patrons, but with capacity limits. You can purchase merchandise, like their signature "Ally Box," through their site www.fultonstreet918.com. . Purchase their books through bookshop.org.

• Fulton Street Books and Coffee - Tulsa, OK
• Mocha Books Bookstore - Tulsa, OK

• Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts - Portland, OR
• Sunrise Books - Portland, OR

• Atomic City Comics - Philadelphia, PA
• Black and Nobel - Philadelphia, PA
• The Black Reserve - Lansdale, PA
• *Books & Stuff - Philadelphia, PA
• Hakim's Bookstore - Philadelphia, PA
• Harriet's Bookshop - Philadelphia, PA - A Kiley Reid favorite
• Heart & Soul Books - Harrisburg, PA
• The Tiny Bookstore - Pittsburgh, PA
• Uncle Bobbies Cafe and Books - Philadelphia, PA - A Kiley Reid favorite

• Turning Page Bookshop - Goose Creek, SC
• Win's Books - Charleston, SC

• The African Place - Memphis, TN
• Alkebu-Lan Images Book Store - Nashville, TN

• Black Pearl Books - Austin, TX
• The Dock Bookshop - Fort Worth, TX
• Enda's Booktique - Duncanville, TX
• Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center - Dallas, TX

• Books and Crannies - Martinsville, VA
• Harambe Books and Artworks - Alexandria, VA
• House of Consciousness Bookstore - Norfolk, VA
• Positive Vibes Bookstore - Virginia Beach, VA
• Riches in Reading - Virginia Beach, VA
• Urban Moon Books - Chesapeake, VA

• Estelita's Library - Seattle, WA
• L.E.M.S Bookstore - Seattle, WA
• Loving Room - Seattle, WA
• Parable - Tacoma, WA

• The Charnice Milton Community Bookstore - Washington, D.C.
• Loyalty Bookstore - Washington, D.C.
• Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - Washington, D.C.
• Solid State Books - Washington, D.C.

• Niche Book Bar - Milwaukee, WI
• *Rooted MKE - Milwaukee, WI

*Strictly online bookseller

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McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.

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Ready to add to that to-read pile? Head to these local bookstores

Check out these local booksellers that offer everything from new fiction to rare finds.

by Taylor Smith , Sophie Ayers , Eliana Jenkins

February 20, 2024

Photography by Ann White

Dunaway Books

It can be tempting to go for the quick, easy option and go online or to a big bookseller when you're on the hunt for a new read. But trust us when we say that taking the time to browse these independent bookstores is always worth it. Whether you're into sci-fi and fantasy, graphic novels, buzzy fiction, or hard-to-find titles, there's a local shop that can help you out. And if you're not sure what it is you're looking for, well, that's OK, too. Just ask your friendly neighborhood bookseller for a recommendation. 

Apotheosis Comics & Lounge : In addition to the wide selection of comics, graphic novels, and games Apotheosis Comics & Lounge has to offer, customers are also welcome to attend monthly events, including study tables, comedy shows, and educational lessons for kids. 3206 South Grand.

The Book House : Located in historic downtown Maplewood, The Book House carries books of all kinds, including selections of new, used, rare, and out-of-print titles. Also be on the lookout for two unique booksellers—black cats Zelda and Gatsby. 7352 Manchester.

Betty's Books : A St. Louis first, Betty’s Books is a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly specialty bookstore featuring comics, graphic novels, and manga for all ages. Owner Betty Brayer hopes to encourage all ages to immerse themselves in and learn more about graphic literature. 10 Summit.

Dunaway Books : Inside of an impressive architectural space, Dunaway Books shelves nearly 80,000 volumes for book lovers and antiquarians. The bookstore is often a good place to search for hard-to-find titles. 3111 S. Grand.

Hammonds Books : This Antique Row bookstore houses everything from $10 used books to collectible tomes worth hundreds of dollars. Hammonds is a treasure trove for those who love to dig through the stacks. 1939 Cherokee.

Carmen Troesser

Left Bank Books

Left Bank Books : In 1969, a group of graduate students at Washington University set out to create a space where someone could find all kinds of literature. They opened Left Bank Books, the oldest and largest independently owned, full-line bookstore in St. Louis. Left Bank offers both a wide selection of new and used books and exciting events with local authors. 399 N. Euclid.

Main Street Books : Founded in May 1993 by Mary Fran Rash and originally housed in Collier Cottage, this St. Charles shop has since changed hands—and locations. But it's still a treasured part of the charming Main Street Historic District. Be sure to check Main Street's shop book club, which has been running since 1994.  307 S. Main.

Matt Marcinkowski

The Noir Bookshop

The Noir Bookshop : Cherokee Street's "book lady," Ymani Wince, started her bookshop to create a space dedicated to Black experience. She carries both new and used copies of books by Black and brown authors that fit various themes. There's also an in-store "Little Noir Library" that offers two-week book checkouts. 2317 Cherokee.

The Novel Neighbor : This charming, independent bookstore is housed inside a community space decorated with work from local artists. To promote the value of reading, art, and gathering as a neighborhood, The Novel Neighbor offers their space for book clubs, classes, author events, and after-school activities. 7905 Big Bend.

Kevin A. Roberts

Subterranean Books

Spine Indie Bookstore & Cafe : Tucked beside Benton Park, Spine Indie Bookstore & Cafe sells espresso, pastries, and other bakery treats while hosting nightly literary events. Readers are encouraged to sip on drinks from the cafe while wandering the aisles stocked with fiction and non-fiction alike. Meet the authors personally as they are hosted for weekly signings and readings. 1976 Arsenal.

Subterranean Books : This standby in The Loop has been around for more than 20 years, and in March 2021, Subterranean Books expanded to better serve their customers and offer a bigger selection. The store has a focus on independent bookstore best sellers, small presses, timeless fiction, and timely non-fiction   6271 Delmar.

The Webster Groves Bookshop : The Webster Groves Bookshop promotes the idea that “a good bookstore is an integral part of any strong community.” After receiving an outpouring of support after closing in 2016, the bookstore reopened just down the road from its original location on Gore Avenue. 27 N. Gore.

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156 Black-Owned Book Stores in the United States

Founder’s Note: Our list highlights Black-owned bookstores. This list is meant to be shared. However, it takes effort to maintain, so if you share information from this list please cite AALBC.com as the source and link back to this page More about this list ▶

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160 Bookstore(s) Who Specialize(s) in Black Books

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Also, if your intent is to showcase Black-owned independent stores, please note AALBC.com is the oldest and largest Black-owned online bookseller, operates pop-up bookstores, and sells books at events. For more than a quarter of a century we have published bestseller lists, book reviews, profiles of authors, videos, articles, and more. Check out our list of Black-owned online bookstores

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