The smallest bookstore still contains more ideas of worth than have been presented in the entire history of television. Andrew Ross
Their numbers have been steadily dwindling, as internet bookstores take a greater bite out of the market. But even the best online booksellers can’t provide the ambiance of a bricks-and-mortar bookstore.
You walk through the aisles, pick up a book, read the back cover and flip through the pages — and maybe get into a conversation with another reader about the book’s merits. You head over to the periodicals section, where there are more magazines and newspapers than you can read, and amazingly find one that fits your interest or preference. You meet a friend at the café and sip your way through a cappuccino while catching up on the latest news.
A bookstore is more than just a place to buy something to read. It’s a community of like-minded people, where readers connect with each other, with authors, and with booksellers who can give them advice or recommendations. And independent bookstores are the best, because they base their inventory on what their market wants, not what some sales statistics tells them they should order. They support authors — local and national — giving them a place to do readings and connect with fans. And many of them support writers as well, by hosting writing groups and writing-related workshops.
For this reason, we writers need to support these bookstores, using them not as a way to “kick the tires” (i.e., check out a book before buying it online) but as valuable resources that enhance the communities in which they exist.
That is why I have pulled together this far-from-complete list of indie bookstores, with names contributed by writers and readers. Don’t see your favorite? Post it along with its location and web address so others can check it out. (Can’t find a store in your area? Head over to the American Booksellers Association where you can use its searchable member directory.)
From all of us who value independent bookstores across the country and across the world — please accept our gift of appreciation!
Alexandria II Bookstore
Owner:
Site: http://www.alexandria2.com/
Address: 170 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 -- 626.792.7885
Owner:
Site: http://www.alexandria2.com/
Address: 170 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 -- 626.792.7885
Blue Willow Bookshop
Owner: Valerie Koehler
Site: http://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/
Address: 14532 Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77079 -- 281.497.8675
Owner: Valerie Koehler
Site: http://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/
Address: 14532 Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77079 -- 281.497.8675
Book Alley on Colorado
Owner:
Site: http://www.thebookalley.com/
Address: 611 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA -- 303.988.0040
Owner:
Site: http://www.thebookalley.com/
Address: 611 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA -- 303.988.0040
Booked Up
Site: http://bookedupac.com/index.html
Address: 216 S. Center Archer City, TX 76351 -- 940.574.2511
Site: http://bookedupac.com/index.html
Address: 216 S. Center Archer City, TX 76351 -- 940.574.2511
Booklovers' Gourmet
Owner: Debra Horan
Site: http://www.bookloversgourmet.com
Address: 55 Main Street, Webster, MA -- 508.949.6232
Comments: “a warm, inviting place where community members can not only browse and purchase new and used books, but can also sit awhile and enjoy a hot (or cold, depending upon the weather) cup of java, chai or blended fruit drink with a fresh pastry. The store holds book and writing group meetings and has free wifi. Booklovers' Gourmet features a wide selection of children's books, both new and used, and some unique toys.”
Owner: Debra Horan
Site: http://www.bookloversgourmet.com
Address: 55 Main Street, Webster, MA -- 508.949.6232
Comments: “a warm, inviting place where community members can not only browse and purchase new and used books, but can also sit awhile and enjoy a hot (or cold, depending upon the weather) cup of java, chai or blended fruit drink with a fresh pastry. The store holds book and writing group meetings and has free wifi. Booklovers' Gourmet features a wide selection of children's books, both new and used, and some unique toys.”
Book People
Owner: Steve Bercu
Site: http://www.bookpeople.com
Address: 603 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78703 -- 512.472.5050
Comment: Awesome store. Two floors of all kinds of new books, and great events!
Owner: Steve Bercu
Site: http://www.bookpeople.com
Address: 603 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78703 -- 512.472.5050
Comment: Awesome store. Two floors of all kinds of new books, and great events!
Books and Books
Owner: Mitchell Kaplan
Site: www.booksandbooks.com
Address: 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, FL, 33134 -- 305.442.4408
927 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL, 33139 -- 305.532.3222
9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL, 33154 -- 305.864.4241
Museum Of Art, 1 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301 -- 954.262.0255
Miami International Airport, Concourse D Gate D25 -- 305.876.0468
45 Market St., Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands -- 345.640.2665
130 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, NY, 11978 -- 631.998.3260
Owner: Mitchell Kaplan
Site: www.booksandbooks.com
Address: 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, FL, 33134 -- 305.442.4408
927 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL, 33139 -- 305.532.3222
9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL, 33154 -- 305.864.4241
Museum Of Art, 1 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301 -- 954.262.0255
Miami International Airport, Concourse D Gate D25 -- 305.876.0468
45 Market St., Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands -- 345.640.2665
130 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, NY, 11978 -- 631.998.3260
Books N More
Owner: Marla Stewart
Site: http://www.booksnmore.org
Address: 28 W. Main Street, Wilmington, OH 45177 -- 937.383.7323
Owner: Marla Stewart
Site: http://www.booksnmore.org
Address: 28 W. Main Street, Wilmington, OH 45177 -- 937.383.7323
Boswell Book Company
Owner: Daniel Goldin
Site: http://boswell.indiebound.com/
Address: 2559 N. Downer Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211 -- 414.332.1181
Owner: Daniel Goldin
Site: http://boswell.indiebound.com/
Address: 2559 N. Downer Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211 -- 414.332.1181
Boulder Bookstore
Owner: David Bolduc
Site: http://boulderbookstore.indiebound.com/
Address: 1107 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302 -- 303.447.2074
Owner: David Bolduc
Site: http://boulderbookstore.indiebound.com/
Address: 1107 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302 -- 303.447.2074
Briggs Carriage Bookstore
Owner: Barbara Ebling and Matthew Gibbs
Site: http://www.briggscarriage.com/
Address: 16 Park Street Brandon, VT 05733 -- 802.247.0050
Owner: Barbara Ebling and Matthew Gibbs
Site: http://www.briggscarriage.com/
Address: 16 Park Street Brandon, VT 05733 -- 802.247.0050
Brookline Booksmith
Owner: Marshall Smith (Founder), Dana Brigham, Evelyn Vigo
Site: http://www.brooklinebooksmith.com/
Address: 279 Harvard Street, Brookline MA 02446-2908 -- 617.566.6660
Owner: Marshall Smith (Founder), Dana Brigham, Evelyn Vigo
Site: http://www.brooklinebooksmith.com/
Address: 279 Harvard Street, Brookline MA 02446-2908 -- 617.566.6660
Buffalo Street Books
Owner: Community-Owned Cooperative Bookstore
Site: http://www.buffalostreetbooks.com/
Address: DeWitt Mall, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca NY 14850 -- 607.273.8246
Owner: Community-Owned Cooperative Bookstore
Site: http://www.buffalostreetbooks.com/
Address: DeWitt Mall, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca NY 14850 -- 607.273.8246
Diane's Books
Owner: Diane Garrett
Site: http://www.dianesbooks.com
Address: 8A Grigg St. Greenwich, CT 06830 -- 203.869.1515
Owner: Diane Garrett
Site: http://www.dianesbooks.com
Address: 8A Grigg St. Greenwich, CT 06830 -- 203.869.1515
East West Book Store
Owner: Ananda Palo Alto (organization)
Site: http://www.eastwest.com
Address: 324 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA, 94041-1297 -- 650.988.9800
Owner: Ananda Palo Alto (organization)
Site: http://www.eastwest.com
Address: 324 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA, 94041-1297 -- 650.988.9800
Fireside Book Shop
Owner: Jim Lewis
Site: http://www.firesidebookshop.com/
Address: 29 N. Franklin St. Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 -- 440.247.4050
Owner: Jim Lewis
Site: http://www.firesidebookshop.com/
Address: 29 N. Franklin St. Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 -- 440.247.4050
Greenlight Bookstore
Owner: Rebecca Fitting and Jessica Stockton Bagnulo
Site: http://greenlightbookstore.com/
Address: 686 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 -- 718.246.0200
Griffin Bay Bookstore
Owner: Laura Norris
Site: www.griffinbaybook.com
Address: 155 Spring Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250 -- that's beautiful San Juan Island!!!
360.378.5511
Comments: Store is 2000 sq ft.; Laura and her staff of four are all very knowledgeable book people; Shelves all filled with all genres plus local favorites and self-published books of local authors, some of whom have gone on to national fame; There is a book club; Author events are welcomed (contact: Nancy Larsen:
Owner: Rebecca Fitting and Jessica Stockton Bagnulo
Site: http://greenlightbookstore.com/
Address: 686 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 -- 718.246.0200
Griffin Bay Bookstore
Owner: Laura Norris
Site: www.griffinbaybook.com
Address: 155 Spring Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250 -- that's beautiful San Juan Island!!!
360.378.5511
Comments: Store is 2000 sq ft.; Laura and her staff of four are all very knowledgeable book people; Shelves all filled with all genres plus local favorites and self-published books of local authors, some of whom have gone on to national fame; There is a book club; Author events are welcomed (contact: Nancy Larsen:
Haslam's Book Store, Inc.
Owner: Suzanne and Ray Hinst
Site: http://www.haslams.com/
Address: 2025 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 -- 727. 822.8616
Once Jack Kerouac's former home-away-from-bar, Haslams is the largest new and used bookstore in Florida, a block-square Mecca for general and special collections.
Owner: Suzanne and Ray Hinst
Site: http://www.haslams.com/
Address: 2025 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 -- 727. 822.8616
Once Jack Kerouac's former home-away-from-bar, Haslams is the largest new and used bookstore in Florida, a block-square Mecca for general and special collections.
Inkwood Books
Owner: Carla Jimenez, Leslie Reiner
Site: http://www.inkwoodbooks.com/
Address: 216 S Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL, 33609-3310 -- 813.253.2638
Owner: Carla Jimenez, Leslie Reiner
Site: http://www.inkwoodbooks.com/
Address: 216 S Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL, 33609-3310 -- 813.253.2638
Laurel Book Store
Owner: Luann Stauss
Site: http://www.laurelbookstore.com/
Address: 4100 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94619 -- 510.531.2073
Owner: Luann Stauss
Site: http://www.laurelbookstore.com/
Address: 4100 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94619 -- 510.531.2073
Learned Owl
Owner: Liz Murphy
Site: http://www.learnedowl.com
Address: 204 N. Main St., Hudson OH 44236 -- 330.653.2252
Owner: Liz Murphy
Site: http://www.learnedowl.com
Address: 204 N. Main St., Hudson OH 44236 -- 330.653.2252
Log Mark Books
Owner: Tammy Reilley
Site: http://www.logmarkbooks.net
Address: 334 N. Main St., Cheboygan, MI 49721 -- 231.627.6531
Owner: Tammy Reilley
Site: http://www.logmarkbooks.net
Address: 334 N. Main St., Cheboygan, MI 49721 -- 231.627.6531
McNally Jackson Books
Owner: Sarah McNally
Site: http://www.mcnallyjackson.com/
Address: 52 Prince Street New York City, NY 10012 -- 212.274.1160
Mrs. Nelson's Toy & Book Shop
Owner: Judy Nelson
Site: http://mrsnelsons.com/
Address: 1030 Bonita Avenue, La Verne, CA 91750 -- 909.599.4558
Owner: Judy Nelson
Site: http://mrsnelsons.com/
Address: 1030 Bonita Avenue, La Verne, CA 91750 -- 909.599.4558
Mysteries to Die For
Site: http://www.mysteriestodiefor.com/
Address: 2940 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 -- 805.374.0084
Site: http://www.mysteriestodiefor.com/
Address: 2940 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 -- 805.374.0084
New England Mobile Book Fair
Owner: David and Jon Strymash
Site: http://www.nebookfair.com/
Address: 82-84 Needham Street Newton Highlands, MA 02461 -- 617.964.7440 or 617.527.5817
Owner: David and Jon Strymash
Site: http://www.nebookfair.com/
Address: 82-84 Needham Street Newton Highlands, MA 02461 -- 617.964.7440 or 617.527.5817
Newtonville Books
Owner: Mary Cotton
Site: http://www.newtonvillebooks.com/
Address: 296 Walnut Street, Newton, MA -- 617.244.6619
Next Chapter Bookshop
Owner: Lanora Hurley
Site: http://www.nextchapterbookshop.com
Address: 10976 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI 53092 -- 262.241.6220
Owner: Mary Cotton
Site: http://www.newtonvillebooks.com/
Address: 296 Walnut Street, Newton, MA -- 617.244.6619
Next Chapter Bookshop
Owner: Lanora Hurley
Site: http://www.nextchapterbookshop.com
Address: 10976 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI 53092 -- 262.241.6220
Parnassus Books
Owner: Ann Patchett, Karen Hayes
Site: http://www.parnassusbooks.net/
Address: 3900 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 14 Nashville, TN 37215 -- 615.953.2243
Owner: Ann Patchett, Karen Hayes
Site: http://www.parnassusbooks.net/
Address: 3900 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 14 Nashville, TN 37215 -- 615.953.2243
People Called Women Bookstore
Owner: Gina Mercurio
Site: http://peoplecalledwomen.com/
Address: Renaissance Place Plaza, 6060 Renaissance Place, Ste. F, Toledo, OH 43623 -- 419.469.8983
Owner: Gina Mercurio
Site: http://peoplecalledwomen.com/
Address: Renaissance Place Plaza, 6060 Renaissance Place, Ste. F, Toledo, OH 43623 -- 419.469.8983
People's Books Cooperative
Owner: Volunteer-run cooperative group
Site: http://www.peoplesbookscoop.org/
Address: 2122 East Locust, Milwaukee WI, 53211 -- 414.962.0575
Comments: Known and loved for the huge, lazy Akita that "guards" the front door.
Owner: Volunteer-run cooperative group
Site: http://www.peoplesbookscoop.org/
Address: 2122 East Locust, Milwaukee WI, 53211 -- 414.962.0575
Comments: Known and loved for the huge, lazy Akita that "guards" the front door.
Politics and Prose
Owner: Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade
Site: http://www.politics-prose.com/
Address: 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 -- 202.364.1919
Owner: Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade
Site: http://www.politics-prose.com/
Address: 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 -- 202.364.1919
Posman Books
Owner: Eugene Posman
Site: http://www.posmanbooks.com/
Address: 9 Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY 10017 -- 212.983.1111
Address: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue, New York NY 10011 -- 212.627.0304
Address: Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Concourse Level, New York, NY 10112 -- 212.489.9100
Owner: Eugene Posman
Site: http://www.posmanbooks.com/
Address: 9 Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY 10017 -- 212.983.1111
Address: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue, New York NY 10011 -- 212.627.0304
Address: Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Concourse Level, New York, NY 10112 -- 212.489.9100
Prairie Lights Bookstore
Owner: Jan Weissmiller, Jane Meade
Site: http://www.prairielights.com/
Address: 15 South Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA, 52240 -- 319.337.2681
Comments: Prairie Lights Bookstore is a treasure!
Owner: Jan Weissmiller, Jane Meade
Site: http://www.prairielights.com/
Address: 15 South Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA, 52240 -- 319.337.2681
Comments: Prairie Lights Bookstore is a treasure!
R.J. Julia Booksellers
Owner: Roxanne Coady
Site: http://www.rjjulia.com/
Address: 768 Boston Post Rd. Madison, CT 06443 -- 203.245.3959
Owner: Roxanne Coady
Site: http://www.rjjulia.com/
Address: 768 Boston Post Rd. Madison, CT 06443 -- 203.245.3959
Rainy Day Books
Owner: Vivien Jennings
Site: http://www.rainydaybooks.com/
Address: 2706 W 53rd Street, Fairway, KS 66205-1705 -- 913.384.3126
Owner: Vivien Jennings
Site: http://www.rainydaybooks.com/
Address: 2706 W 53rd Street, Fairway, KS 66205-1705 -- 913.384.3126
16355 Main St, Guerneville, CA 95446-9677
RiverRun Bookstore
Owner: Tom Holbrook
Site: http://www.riverrunbookstore.com/
Address: 20 Congress St, Portsmouth, NH 03801-4017 -- 603.431.2100
Owner: Tom Holbrook
Site: http://www.riverrunbookstore.com/
Address: 20 Congress St, Portsmouth, NH 03801-4017 -- 603.431.2100
Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore
Owner: Tim Johnson
Site: http://shininglotus.com/
Address: 2178 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80222 -- 303.758.9113
Owner: Tim Johnson
Site: http://shininglotus.com/
Address: 2178 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80222 -- 303.758.9113
St. Mark’s Bookshop
Owner: Robert Contant and Terence McCoy
Site: http://www.stmarksbookshop.com/
Address: 31 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10003 -- 212.260.7853
Owner: Robert Contant and Terence McCoy
Site: http://www.stmarksbookshop.com/
Address: 31 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10003 -- 212.260.7853
Tattered Cover
Owner: Joyce Meskis
Site: http://www.tatteredcover.com/
Address: 2526 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206 -- 303.322.7727
Owner: Joyce Meskis
Site: http://www.tatteredcover.com/
Address: 2526 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206 -- 303.322.7727
The Red Balloon
Owner: Holly Weinkauf, Amy Sullivan
Site: http://www.redballoonbookshop.com/
Address: 891 Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55105 -- 651.224.8320
Comments: “amazing kids bookstore”
Owner: Holly Weinkauf, Amy Sullivan
Site: http://www.redballoonbookshop.com/
Address: 891 Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55105 -- 651.224.8320
Comments: “amazing kids bookstore”
Truth Christian Bookstore
Owner: Dr. Donald & Jennifer Flagg, Co-Owners: Fred & Irene Wright
Site: http://www.truthchristianstore.com/
Address: 301 S Collins St, Plant City, FL 33563-5504 -- 813.363.1582
Owner: Dr. Donald & Jennifer Flagg, Co-Owners: Fred & Irene Wright
Site: http://www.truthchristianstore.com/
Address: 301 S Collins St, Plant City, FL 33563-5504 -- 813.363.1582
Valley Bookseller
Owner: Mary E. Rice
Site: http://www.valleybookseller.com/
Address: 217 North Main St., Stillwater, MN 55082 -- 651.430.3385
Owner: Mary E. Rice
Site: http://www.valleybookseller.com/
Address: 217 North Main St., Stillwater, MN 55082 -- 651.430.3385
Vero Beach Book Center
Owner: Tom and Linda Leonard
Site: http://theverobeachbookcenter.com/
Address: 2145 Indian River Blvd., Vero Beach, FL, 32960 -- 772.569.2050
Owner: Tom and Linda Leonard
Site: http://theverobeachbookcenter.com/
Address: 2145 Indian River Blvd., Vero Beach, FL, 32960 -- 772.569.2050
Vroman's Bookstore
Owner: Joel Sheldon
Site: http://vromansbookstore.com/
Address: 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101 -- 626.449.5320
Owner: Joel Sheldon
Site: http://vromansbookstore.com/
Address: 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101 -- 626.449.5320
Warwick’s Books
Owner: Nancy Warwick
Site: http://warwicks.indiebound.com/
Address: 7812 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 -- 858.454.0347
Owner: Nancy Warwick
Site: http://warwicks.indiebound.com/
Address: 7812 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 -- 858.454.0347
Well Read Books
Owner: Bill and Mary Ann Skees
Site: http://www.thewellreadbookstore.com/
Address: 425 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 -- 973.949.3440
Owner: Bill and Mary Ann Skees
Site: http://www.thewellreadbookstore.com/
Address: 425 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 -- 973.949.3440
Woodland Pattern Bookstore
Owner: Anne Kingsbury, Karl Gartung
Site: http://www.woodlandpattern.org/
Address: 720 East Locust, Milwaukee, WI, 53212 -- 414.263.5001
Comments: A community bookstore that serves Milwaukee's thriving and diverse Riverwest population
Owner: Anne Kingsbury, Karl Gartung
Site: http://www.woodlandpattern.org/
Address: 720 East Locust, Milwaukee, WI, 53212 -- 414.263.5001
Comments: A community bookstore that serves Milwaukee's thriving and diverse Riverwest population
1 comment:
Thank you, this is much appreciated!
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