50 Unique Independent Bookstores You Need to Visit in Every US State
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
Alabama Booksmith
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.
2626 19th Pl S, Homewood, AL 35209, USA, +1 205-870-4242
Courtesy of Alabama Booksmith
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
A huge long-standing bookstore, coffee shop, and bar all in one. Pair your chosen title with their great selection of beers.
Arkansas
Arkansas
Dickson Street Bookshop
A must-visit if you love cozy old bookstores with lots to discover. Look out for unique leather-bound and rare books.
325 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA, +1 479-442-8182
Courtesy of Dickson Street Bookshop
California
Bookstore, Store, Museum
Colorado
Colorado
Mutiny Information Cafe
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.
2 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209, USA, +1 303-778-7579
Courtesy of Mutiny Information Cafe
Connecticut
Connecticut
RJ Julia Booksellers
Small in size, but with a track record of hosting some incredible authors from around the world.
768 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, USA, +1 203-245-3959
Courtesy of RJ Julia Booksellers
Delaware
Store, Bookstore
Great selection of books, as well as new and used vinyl. The in-store soundtrack is also excellent.
Florida
Florida
Books & Books
With several locations across Florida, we recommend heading to the one in Coral Gables to enjoy the cafe and outdoor patio.
265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA, +1 305-442-4408
Courtesy of Books & Books
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
Hawaii
Hawaii
Hakubundo
Features English and Japanese titles, including manga, as well as craft supplies, toys, and gifts.
1200 Ala Moana Blvd #649, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA, +1 808-947-5503
Courtesy of Hakubundo
Idaho
Bookstore
This bookstore is the oldest in Idaho and has been in continuous operation on Moscow’s main street for almost 45 years.
Illinois
Bookstore
All-around bookstore with a brilliant selection of feminist and LBGTQ titles, as well as a great children’s section.
Indiana
Bookstore, Brewery
Iowa
Bookstore, Shop, University
Gem of a bookstore with an upstairs coffee shop. It regularly hosts readings from both new and established writers.
Kansas
Bookstore
Kentucky
Store
Louisiana
Louisiana
Octavia Books
Small but mighty, with a brilliant selection of literature about New Orleans.
513 Octavia St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA, +1 504-899-7323
Courtesy of Octavia Books
Maine
Bookstore
Housed on two levels in a beautiful historic building, Blue Hill has a great selection of recent releases.
Maryland
Bookstore
The ultimate, quirky book, comic store, and bar. John Waters loves it so much he even gets his fan mail sent here.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Montague Bookmill
Housed inside a grist mill dating back to 1834 and full of cozy places to sit and read.
440 Greenfield Rd, Montague, MA 01351, USA, +1 413-367-9206
Courtesy of The Montague Bookmill
Michigan
Michigan
John K. King Used & Rare Books
A fantastic place to get lost in, four storeys of books dating back to over a hundred years ago.
901 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, USA, +1 313-961-0622
Courtesy of John K. King Used and Rare Books
Minnesota
Minnesota
Magers & Quinn Booksellers
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.
3038 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA, +1 612-822-4611
Courtesy of Magers and Quinn, photo credit Annie Metcalf
Mississippi
Bookstore
A beautifully curated bookstore full of unique southern charm. The balcony is great for relaxing with a purchase.
Missouri
Store, University
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
A small and cheerful store with an impressive inventory, including a range of gifts perfect for book-lovers.
Nebraska
Bookstore
Nevada
Bookstore, Store
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
A quaint small town bookstore in downtown Portsmouth. They host frequent events and writing workshops.
New Jersey
Bookstore
A boutique bookstore which favors quality over quantity, ideal for finding books you’ve never heard of.
New Mexico
New Mexico
Bookworks
A well-loved neighborhood hangout, it’s dog-friendly and hosts books clubs and a range of local events.
4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, USA, +1 505-344-8139
Courtesy of Bookworks
New York
Bookstore, Library
North Carolina
Bookstore
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
Ohio
Bookstore
A charming shop on three levels, with a great range of educational books and gifts.
Oklahoma
Bookstore
This place is the stuff book-lovers dreams are made of, with countless nooks and corners to be discovered.
Oregon
Bookstore, Park, Store
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
Pennsylvania
Baldwin Book Barn
There are five wonderful floors of rare and vintage books to discover in this former barn, plus cats to keep you company.
865 Lenape Rd, West Chester, PA 19382, USA, +1 610-696-0816
Courtesy of Baldwin’s Book Barn
Rhode Island
Bookstore
South Carolina
Bookstore
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
An atmospheric bookstore with a famous central staircase and lots of corners to discover.
Tennessee
Store, Bookstore
Small and sweet store in Dickson with books for children and adults, journals and an excellent selection of tote bags.
Texas
Bookstore, Shop, Store
Everything you could ask for in a neighborhood bookstore – great coffeeshop, interesting events, cozy sitting spots and excellent gift ideas.
Utah
Bookstore, Store
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
A store focused on supporting the Vermont community economy, with locations in Essex, Burlington, Rutland and Misty Valley.
Virginia
Bookstore
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
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
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
Ideal store to visit with kids; a great young readers section and friendly staff always on hand with advice.
Wyoming
Wyoming
Night Heron Books & Coffeehouse
The perfect environment for browsing or working, the coffeehouse has great coffee, pastries, and vegetarian food.
107 E Ivinson St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA, +1 307-742-9028
Courtesy of Night Heron Books and Coffeehouse
And not forgetting…
Washington D.C.
Bookstore
The coolest place to pick up a book or have a good discussion, with four locations.
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