50 Unique Independent Bookstores You Need to Visit in Every US State
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/1220x671/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/eugenio-mazzone-190204.webp?quality=1)
Across the US, independent bookstores are having a comeback. Often combining bookselling with a cafe or bar, these stores will usually stock rare presses and obscure publishers, alongside classics and bestsellers. The below are no exception, but also have that little something extra which makes them stand out from the rest.
Alabama
![Alabama](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/11229692_904838926221943_7680227408305498482_n.webp?quality=1)
Potentially the only bookshop in the world with an inventory composed entirely of signed copies. It’s a great place to pick up a special gift, as almost every book is sold at publishers’ regular retail price.
Alaska
Bookstore
The longest running bookstore in Alaska, Homer’s stocks books, stationery and has an in-house espresso bar. Make sure you take the time to relax on the porch next to the timber reading-man.
Arizona
Bookstore, Shop
![Changing Hands Bookstore, Camelback Road](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950740.webp?quality=1)
A huge long-standing bookstore, coffee shop, and bar all in one. Pair your chosen title with their great selection of beers.
Arkansas
A must-visit if you love cozy old bookstores with lots to discover. Look out for unique leather-bound and rare books.
California
Bookstore, Store, Museum
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/images/default_location.webp)
Colorado
An impossibly cool secondhand bookshop selling fiction, art books, records, and comics. Stay a while to try the local coffee beans and play on the vintage pinball machines.
Connecticut
Small in size, but with a track record of hosting some incredible authors from around the world.
Delaware
Store, Bookstore
![Rainbow Records, Newark](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950770.webp?quality=1)
Great selection of books, as well as new and used vinyl. The in-store soundtrack is also excellent.
Florida
With several locations across Florida, we recommend heading to the one in Coral Gables to enjoy the cafe and outdoor patio.
Georgia
Avid Bookshop
Possibly the most charming bookstore around. Cozy and with a beautifully curated collection, they also have a second location, so you have no excuse not to visit!
493 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30601, USA, +1 706-352-2060
![Courtesy of Avid Bookshop](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/avid-store-front-2.webp?quality=1)
Hawaii
Features English and Japanese titles, including manga, as well as craft supplies, toys, and gifts.
Idaho
Bookstore
![Bookstore at night](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950783.webp?quality=1)
This bookstore is the oldest in Idaho and has been in continuous operation on Moscow’s main street for almost 45 years.
Illinois
Bookstore
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/images/default_location.webp)
All-around bookstore with a brilliant selection of feminist and LBGTQ titles, as well as a great children’s section.
Indiana
Bookstore, Brewery
![Books and Brews, Uptown Drive](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950778.webp?quality=1)
Iowa
Bookstore, Shop, University
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/images/default_location.webp)
Gem of a bookstore with an upstairs coffee shop. It regularly hosts readings from both new and established writers.
Kansas
Bookstore
![Book-A-Holic Inc, Oliver Street](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950774.webp?quality=1)
Kentucky
Store
![Wild Fig Books & Coffee, Lexington](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950766.webp?quality=1)
Louisiana
Maine
Bookstore
![Blue Hill Books, Maine](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950761.webp?quality=1)
Housed on two levels in a beautiful historic building, Blue Hill has a great selection of recent releases.
Maryland
Bookstore
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/images/default_location.webp)
The ultimate, quirky book, comic store, and bar. John Waters loves it so much he even gets his fan mail sent here.
Massachusetts
Housed inside a grist mill dating back to 1834 and full of cozy places to sit and read.
Michigan
A fantastic place to get lost in, fourstoreys of books dating back to over a hundred years ago.
Minnesota
The go-to spot for Minneapolis readers, featuring everything from newest releases to rare collectible finds. Deceptively small from the outside, this extensive collection will keep you busy for hours.
Mississippi
Bookstore
![Square Books, Oxford](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950763.webp?quality=1)
A beautifully curated bookstore full of unique southern charm. The balcony is great for relaxing with a purchase.
Missouri
Store, University
![Subterranean Books, Street Louis](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950749.webp?quality=1)
Located in center of St Louis, Subterranean Books stocks new and specialist books. They also regularly host book signings, and also art exhibitions in their gallery.
Montana
Bookstore, Store
![Shakespeare & Co, Missoula](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950754.webp?quality=1)
A small and cheerful store with an impressive inventory, including a range of gifts perfect for book-lovers.
Nebraska
Bookstore
![A Novel Idea Bookstore, Lincoln](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950738.webp?quality=1)
Nevada
Bookstore, Store
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/images/default_location.webp)
A fantastically funky bookstore carrying a great variety of trinkets. The back of the store even has a small workshop to write and print beginner-books.
New Hampshire
Bookstore
![RiverRun Bookstore, Portsmouth](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950757.webp?quality=1)
A quaint small town bookstore in downtown Portsmouth. They host frequent events and writing workshops.
New Jersey
Bookstore
![17880543_920710474698725_1920963017130266488_o](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/17880543_920710474698725_1920963017130266488_o.webp?quality=1)
A boutique bookstore which favors quality over quantity, ideal for finding books you’ve never heard of.
New Mexico
A well-loved neighborhood hangout, it’s dog-friendly and hosts books clubs and a range of local events.
New York
Bookstore, Library
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/images/default_location.webp)
North Carolina
Bookstore
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/images/default_location.webp)
Located in the heart of downtown Asheville and well-known for their ‘blind date’ concept which allows you to buy a staff favorite, secretly wrapped in brown paper.
North Dakota
Store, Bookstore
![Zandbroz Variety, Fargo](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950742.webp?quality=1)
Ohio
Bookstore
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/images/default_location.webp)
A charming shop on three levels, with a great range of educational books and gifts.
Oklahoma
Bookstore
![Full Circle Bookstore, Oklahoma](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950782.webp?quality=1)
This place is the stuff book-lovers dreams are made of, with countless nooks and corners to be discovered.
Oregon
Bookstore, Park, Store
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/images/default_location.webp)
As the world’s largest independent bookstore, and with numerous locations throughout Oregon, Powell’s should be on the bucket list of all book fanatics.
Pennsylvania
There are five wonderful floors of rare and vintage books to discover in this former barn, plus cats to keep you company.
Rhode Island
Bookstore
![Symposium Books, Providence](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950744.webp?quality=1)
South Carolina
Bookstore
![The Storybook Shoppe, Bluffton](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950739.webp?quality=1)
This picturesque bookstore is entirely devoted to children’s literature, with every book being hand-selected by the owner. There are frequent storytelling events, with a regular story hour on Monday mornings.
South Dakota
Bookstore
![Mitzis Books, South Dakota](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950784.webp?quality=1)
An atmospheric bookstore with a famous central staircase and lots of corners to discover.
Tennessee
Store, Bookstore
![Reading Rock Books, Dickson](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950769.webp?quality=1)
Small and sweet store in Dickson with books for children and adults, journals and an excellent selection of tote bags.
Texas
Bookstore, Shop, Store
![BookPeople, Lamar Boulevard](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950773.webp?quality=1)
Everything you could ask for in a neighborhood bookstore – great coffeeshop, interesting events, cozy sitting spots and excellent gift ideas.
Utah
Bookstore, Store
![The Book Garden, Bountiful](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950771.webp?quality=1)
A great place for finding both rare treasures and well-read paperbacks. You can even bring your old books to trade for store credit.
Vermont
Bookstore
![Phoenix Books Rutland](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950759.webp?quality=1)
A store focused on supporting the Vermont community economy, with locations in Essex, Burlington, Rutland and Misty Valley.
Virginia
Bookstore
![Chop Suey Books, Richmond](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950747.webp?quality=1)
Named after the neighborhood restaurant whose building they inherited, they specialize in used and new books, with numerous feminist and political titles.
Washington
Store, Bookstore
![Book N Brush, Chehalis](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950743.webp?quality=1)
Established in 1969, this timeless store is a well-loved piece of local history. As well as books they sell art supplies, gifts, handmade local jewelry and greeting cards.
West Virginia
Art Gallery, Bookstore, Shop
![Taylor Books, Charleston](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950772.webp?quality=1)
A Charleston-based bookstore with an excellent selection of regional West Virginia and Appalachian works. They also have an adjoining art gallery, a coffee shop, bar, and lounge.
Wisconsin
Store, Bookstore
![Mystery To Me, Madison](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950745.webp?quality=1)
Ideal store to visit with kids; a great young readers section and friendly staff always on hand with advice.
Wyoming
The perfect environment for browsing or working, the coffeehouse has great coffee, pastries, and vegetarian food. And not forgetting…
Washington D.C.
Bookstore
![Politics and Prose, Connecticut Avenue](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1950765.webp?quality=1)
The coolest place to pick up a book or have a good discussion, with four locations.