The words ‘books’ and ‘Las Vegas’ don’t usually find themselves near each other, unless it’s referring to Hunter S. Thompson’s pinnacle work Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. However, you can find a flourishing literary community in the city if you know where to look. Here’s a list of 10 bookstores in Las Vegas that every bibliophile should visit.
Books or Books allows customers to spend money and make money at the same time. Besides its wide inventory, Books or Books offers local authors a space to market their work and book clubs a place to meet. The shop also hosts scavenger hunts, workshops, and children’s activities. Located just 10 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, Books or Books is a great place for any book lover to spend an afternoon.
For those with a taste for anything antique, Cat’s Curiosities is the place to go. Located in the Charleston Antique Mall north of the Las Vegas Strip, the little vintage shop specializes in antiques of all kinds, including books, clothing, and vinyl records. Its book selection is limited compared to the inventory of clothing and accessories, but it’s likely you will find something interesting inside this little shop.
Anyone on the lookout for stationery, paper products, figurines, or Asian-themed gifts will find what they need at the Great Wall Bookstore which is located in the heart of Chinatown, minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. Open since 1995, Great Wall Books also sells CDs, books, DVDs and Hello Kitty merchandise. The store sells items in English and Chinese, with a heavier emphasis on the Chinese-language products.
Alternate Reality Comics is the place to go for comic books of all kinds. Located in a shopping center next to the University of Nevada Las Vegas, this comic shop has thrived for over 20 years. Their inventory includes a wide array of comics and graphic novels, including toys. The staff at Alternate Reality are friendly and try to get to know every customer, whether it’s their first visit or they’re a regular. Its proximity to the Strip and its relaxed, fun atmosphere make Alternate Reality Comics a must-see on any comic fan’s to-do list.
If you’re not careful, it’s easy to miss Las Vegas Fine Books. This little shop is 15 minutes away from the Strip, and offers an assortment fiction and non-fiction. Once known as Greyhound Books, the shop also has section dedicated to autographed titles of all genres and an even smaller selection of antique items.
Writers Block | @Krystal Ramirez/Courtesy of Writer's Block
Writer’s Block
Writer’s Block is one of the newest additions to the Las Vegas literary scene. Down the street from Downtown Container Park, the little bookshop shines among the casinos, law offices and convenience stores in the area. Offerings include classics, contemporary fiction, children’s books and non-fiction. A print lab in front of the shop gives staff the means to hand-print stationery and books, giving the place a unique, old-school charm. In addition to selling books, Writer’s Block hosts events and writing classes in the rear studio. Events include book signings, poetry readings and live entertainment.
Amber Unicorn Books is, like its name suggests, rare and magical. The store’s large inventory includes everything from cookbooks and romance novels to antiques. This impressive bookstore offers its customers store credit to bring in their own titles, making the prices of any new purchase even more affordable. The staff at Amber Unicorn Books go above and beyond for their customers, making it a a local favorite for used books.
It might be hard to believe there’s a bookstore on the Las Vegas Strip, but it’s true. Bauman Rare Books isn’t a mom-and-pop store like some of the other establishments on this list; Bauman deals primarily in rare and first editions. Located in the Grand Canal Shoppes inside the Venetian, Bauman offers its guests an experience unlike anything else in Las Vegas. The wood paneling and light fixtures give the shop an retro vibe, in a direct contrast to the constant buzz and glow of the hotel in which it resides. Bauman is worth visiting even if you don’t actually buy anything; prices for their inventory can range from $2,000 to $25,000 dollars depending on the item.
Those with an interest in the paranormal and the occult will want to visit Psychic Eye. Besides its tomes on voodoo, Santeria, herbology, and witchcraft, the store also sells related supplies such as candles and tarot cards. Psychic Eye also offers services like as tarot card readings and past-life regressions. With a location inside McCarran Airport, Psychic Eye is convenient for those who want a heads-up on how their trip to Las Vegas will go.
Comic lovers, Game of Thrones fans and Whovians will find something to love at Dragon Castle Books. The family-owned and operated store has been open for three years and sells books of all genres, but specializes in science fiction and graphic novels. Customers can swap and sell books at Dragon Castle as well; this practice makes the selection for purchase especially diverse. The current inventory includes everything from gun manuals to 1950s paperbacks.
