Buy local
Search by ZIP code to find independently owned bookstores you can visit or contact. If a store does not have your book on the shelf, share the ISBN and ask whether it can order the edition for pickup.
Growing directory
Book Gallery is an old-school Phoenix destination for collectors and curious browsers, with extensive used and rare inventory across many subjects. Readers will find used, rare, signed, and out-of-print books in literature, Western Americana, history, art, photography, children’s books, mystery, science fiction, and collectibles.
3643 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018Changing Hands’ Phoenix location combines a full-service independent bookstore with the First Draft Book Bar and a busy regional author program. Readers will find new fiction and nonfiction, romance, mystery, fantasy, children’s and young adult books, signed copies, gifts, used books, and Arizona reading.
300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013Dog-Eared Pages is a friendly north Phoenix used bookstore with broad, affordable shelves and a steady flow of trade-in discoveries. Readers will find secondhand fiction, romance, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, history, biography, cookbooks, children’s books, young adult titles, and audiobooks.
16428 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85032Grassrootz is a Black-owned Phoenix bookstore, community space, and juice bar devoted to literature, culture, education, and gathering. Readers will find new and used books by Black authors, history, social justice, fiction, poetry, children’s reading, local voices, wellness titles, and community recommendations.
1145 E Washington St Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85034Palabras is an inclusive bilingual Phoenix bookstore and cultural space centered on books in Spanish and English by BIPOC authors. Readers will find fiction, poetry, history, social justice, bilingual children’s books, graphic novels, zines, local writing, small presses, and works in translation.
1738 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006Family-owned since 1896, Warwick’s is a La Jolla institution combining a respected independent bookstore with fine stationery and major literary events. Readers will find new fiction and nonfiction, mystery, biography, cookbooks, travel, art, children’s books, young adult reading, signed editions, bestsellers, and staff selections.
7812 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037Founded in 1940, Chevalier’s is Los Angeles’s oldest independent bookstore and a warm Larchmont Village source for new books and personal recommendations. Readers will find literary and commercial fiction, biography, history, current affairs, cookbooks, art, mystery, fantasy, romance, children’s books, and young adult titles.
133 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004Skylight Books is a Los Feliz literary institution known for adventurous curation, expert staff picks, and major author conversations beneath its signature tree. Readers will find literary fiction, independent presses, politics, film, music, graphic novels, art, poetry, children’s books, and hard-to-find cultural titles.
1818 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027Stories is an Echo Park bookstore, cafe, and garden patio that pairs an eclectic new-and-used collection with readings, performances, and neighborhood life. Readers will find literary fiction, poetry, philosophy, art, politics, small presses, children’s books, graphic novels, cookbooks, and unexpected secondhand discoveries.
1716 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026Downtown Los Angeles’s vast and visually distinctive Last Bookstore mixes an enormous general collection with art spaces and memorable used-book installations. Readers will find new releases, inexpensive used books, rare finds, fiction and nonfiction across subjects, comics, graphic novels, records, art books, and gifts.
453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013The Iliad is a book-filled North Hollywood destination where longtime staff and resident cats preside over an unusually deep secondhand collection. Readers will find used and collectible fiction, history, film, theater, music, philosophy, science, art, mysteries, science fiction, children’s books, and ephemera.
5400 Cahuenga Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601Family-owned Bell’s Books is a close-in Peninsula destination where three generations of bookselling experience support an extraordinary used and rare collection. Readers will find used, rare, antiquarian, and collectible literature, history, philosophy, art, travel, children’s books, fine press editions, signed books, and unusual ephemera.
536 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301Bluestocking Books is a long-running Hillcrest used bookstore with broad shelves, fair prices, trade credit, and the pleasures of unhurried browsing. Readers will find used literature, mystery, science fiction, history, biography, philosophy, cookbooks, art, children’s books, young adult titles, and collectible editions.
3817 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103Libélula is a woman- and queer-owned Barrio Logan bookstore and community space offering inclusive, multilingual, and affordable reading. Readers will find new and used fiction, poetry, social justice, queer books, books by writers of color, bilingual children’s titles, young adult reading, zines, and local authors.
950 S 26th St, San Diego, CA 92113The Book Catapult is a South Park neighborhood independent celebrated for sharp curation, enthusiastic recommendations, and intimate author events. Readers will find literary and popular fiction, essays, history, current affairs, poetry, graphic novels, cookbooks, children’s books, young adult titles, and small-press discoveries.
3010-B Juniper St, San Diego, CA 92104Verbatim is North Park’s energetic independent bookstore, art space, and event venue, known for affordable shelves and strong local creative ties. Readers will find used and new literature, poetry, philosophy, art, music, film, graphic novels, zines, children’s books, science fiction, vintage editions, and local authors.
3793 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104BookSmart Eastridge brings a locally owned, full-service bookstore back to East San Jose with books, educational gifts, and community programming. Readers will find new fiction and nonfiction, bestsellers, children’s books, young adult reading, puzzles, calendars, educational toys, local authors, and special orders.
2200 Eastridge Loop Suite 256, San Jose, CA 95122Hicklebee’s is a nationally respected Willow Glen independent specializing in children’s and young adult books while welcoming families, educators, and curious readers. Readers will find picture books, early readers, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, educational resources, family favorites, signed editions, award winners, and special orders.
1378 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125A San Jose institution since 1967, Recycle Bookstore offers an expansive, thoughtfully organized secondhand collection and memorable resident bookstore cats. Readers will find used fiction and nonfiction across hundreds of subjects, mysteries, science fiction, art, history, cookbooks, children’s books, collectible editions, and trade-in discoveries.
1066 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126Leigh’s Favorite Books is a close-in San Jose-area independent known for personal recommendations, community warmth, and a broad new-book selection. Readers will find literary and popular fiction, mystery, romance, fantasy, nonfiction, children’s books, young adult titles, bestsellers, local interest, and gift books.
121 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086Chamblin Bookmine is a sprawling Jacksonville institution where readers can explore an immense maze of used, rare, and new books. Readers will find fiction and nonfiction across nearly every subject, Florida history, classics, textbooks, comics, children’s books, genre reading, collectible editions, and trade-in finds.
4551 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210Happy Medium is a woman-owned Riverside bookstore and cafe created as a comfortable place to discover books, work, gather, and linger. Readers will find new fiction and nonfiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, poetry, children’s books, young adult titles, book-club selections, gifts, coffee, and pastries.
2724 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32205San Marco Books and More is a neighborhood independent with personal service, new books for all ages, and a strong calendar of community events. Readers will find literary and popular fiction, mystery, romance, history, cookbooks, Florida authors, children’s books, young adult reading, gifts, and current bestsellers.
1971 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207The Literary Lounge is a welcoming Murray Hill independent bookstore and gathering space built around diverse books and reader connection. Readers will find new fiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, young adult titles, books by Black authors, book-club picks, and gifts.
1080 Edgewood Ave S Suite 5, Jacksonville, FL 32205The BookMark has served Jacksonville’s beaches since 1990 with exceptional bookselling, broad new-book shelves, and nationally known author events. Readers will find literary and commercial fiction, mystery, biography, history, cookbooks, travel, children’s books, young adult reading, signed editions, gifts, and staff picks.
220 First St, Neptune Beach, FL 32266Exile in Bookville brings an independent record-store spirit to books on the second floor of Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building. Readers will find new fiction, nonfiction, poetry, music writing, art, Chicago books, small presses, staff favorites, signed editions, and titles connected to readings and performances.
410 S Michigan Ave Suite 210, Chicago, IL 60605The member-supported Seminary Co-op is one of the country’s leading independent bookstores, pairing serious intellectual depth with an excellent general collection. Readers will find literature, philosophy, history, social science, politics, art, religion, poetry, essays, science, cookbooks, and distinctive university-press titles.
5751 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637The Book Cellar is a Lincoln Square neighborhood bookstore and cafe where broad new-book shelves meet wine, conversation, and a full calendar of reader events. Readers will find fiction, romance, mystery, fantasy, nonfiction, poetry, cookbooks, children’s reading, local authors, young adult books, gifts, and staff recommendations.
4736 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625A Lakeview favorite since 1980, Unabridged is prized for exceptionally knowledgeable booksellers, handwritten recommendations, and a deep, inclusive general collection. Readers will find literary fiction, mystery, science fiction, travel, current affairs, biography, queer books, children’s reading, young adult titles, and carefully selected bargains.
3251 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657Andersonville’s feminist bookstore has served Chicago since 1979 with inclusive books, accessible recommendations, and nationally recognized author programming. Readers will find fiction, memoir, politics, gender studies, queer writing, poetry, children’s books, young adult titles, graphic novels, bestsellers, and books by underrepresented voices.
5233 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640Book Buyers has served Charlotte since 1999 with rooms of affordable used books and the kind of ever-changing inventory that rewards repeat visits. Readers will find secondhand fiction, mystery, romance, fantasy, history, biography, philosophy, cookbooks, children’s reading, media, and unexpected out-of-print finds.
3040 Eastway Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205Charlotte’s cornerstone independent bookstore has served readers since 1977 with experienced booksellers, excellent recommendations, and new books for all ages. Readers will find literary and commercial fiction, mystery, romance, fantasy, history, biography, cookbooks, children’s books, young adult titles, bestsellers, and local authors.
4139 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209That’s Novel is a cozy Camp North End used bookstore built around affordable reading, creative gatherings, and a welcoming place to linger. Readers will find formerly loved fiction and nonfiction across genres, children’s books, local Charlotte authors, book-club reads, mysteries, romance, poetry, and online selections.
330 Camp Rd Suite 104, Charlotte, NC 28206Trope Bookshop is Charlotte’s woman-owned romance bookstore, pairing a permanent Plaza Midwood shop with the playful spirit of its original mobile book bus. Readers will find contemporary, historical, fantasy, paranormal, queer, and dark romance, romantasy, signed books, special editions, bookish gifts, and reader recommendations.
1516 Lyon Ct, Charlotte, NC 28205Troubadour is an East Charlotte community bookstore with a carefully curated general-interest collection, comfortable gathering space, and coffee from a local roaster. Readers will find new literary fiction, popular fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, young adult reading, gifts, critically acclaimed releases, book-club picks, and staff favorites.
1721 Sardis Rd N Suite 7C, Charlotte, NC 28270The Bronx’s celebrated independent bookstore and wine bar centers Black and Latinx voices while offering an energetic, inclusive home for readers. Readers will find fiction, romance, speculative books, history, social criticism, poetry, children’s reading, young adult titles, local authors, and culturally responsive recommendations.
131 Alexander Ave, Bronx, NY 10454Author Emma Straub’s welcoming Cobble Hill shop has become a beloved Brooklyn destination for inclusive books, staff recommendations, and community events. Readers will find literary and popular fiction, romance, fantasy, nonfiction, poetry, graphic novels, picture books, middle grade, young adult, and signed books.
225 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231Greenlight is a community-minded Fort Greene independent with strong neighborhood roots, wide-ranging new books, and ambitious public programming. Readers will find contemporary fiction, classics, politics, history, biography, poetry, cookbooks, art, children’s books, young adult reading, and Brooklyn authors.
686 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217McNally Jackson’s SoHo flagship is an influential New York independent known for global literature, serious bookselling, and a lively literary calendar. Readers will find fiction organized by region, essays, history, current affairs, poetry, art, cookbooks, children’s books, magazines, and thoughtful gifts.
134 Prince St, New York, NY 10012A landmark independent bookstore serving New York readers since 1927, Strand fills multiple floors near Union Square with new, used, and rare books. Readers will find new releases, literary favorites, art books, children’s reading, signed editions, collectibles, and miles of affordable used shelves.
828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003Gramercy Books is a locally owned Bexley neighborhood bookstore with careful curation, warm service, and an ambitious central Ohio events program. Readers will find literary and popular fiction, history, biography, current affairs, poetry, cookbooks, children’s books, young adult reading, bestsellers, and local authors.
2424 E Main St Suite 100, Bexley, OH 43209Prologue’s expanded Short North home is an inviting two-level independent with distinctive curation, staff enthusiasm, and an on-site event stage. Readers will find literary fiction, works in translation, creative nonfiction, poetry, history, science, fantasy, romance, graphic novels, children’s books, and bookseller favorites.
787 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215The Book Loft is a Columbus landmark whose 32 rooms turn browsing new bargain-priced books into a memorable maze-like experience. Readers will find fiction and nonfiction across nearly every subject, mystery, romance, fantasy, history, art, cookbooks, children’s books, young adult titles, music, and gifts.
631 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206Two Dollar Radio Headquarters is a South Side indie bookstore, performance space, bar, coffeehouse, and vegan cafe with an uncompromising literary point of view. Readers will find independently published literature, bold fiction, essays, poetry, works in translation, Two Dollar Radio titles, small-press discoveries, zines, and staff favorites.
1124 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206Storyline is a woman-owned Upper Arlington neighborhood bookstore designed for connection through books, coffee, events, storytimes, and local partnerships. Readers will find new fiction and nonfiction, children’s books, young adult reading, romance, mystery, fantasy, book-club choices, bestsellers, gifts, and staff recommendations.
2108 Tremont Ctr, Upper Arlington, OH 43221A Novel Idea is a woman-owned East Passyunk bookstore and event space that champions local writers, small presses, and community connection. Readers will find new fiction and nonfiction, poetry, romance, fantasy, horror, children’s books, young adult titles, local authors, zines, and independently published work.
1726 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148Brickbat Books is a Queen Village shop with a distinctive mix of carefully chosen new, used, and collectible books in an intimate browsing space. Readers will find literature, poetry, art, photography, architecture, film, philosophy, history, children’s books, unusual ephemera, small presses, and rare finds.
709 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147Founded in 1959, Hakim’s is one of the country’s oldest Black-owned bookstores and an essential West Philadelphia center for history and culture. Readers will find African and African American history, politics, religion, literature, biography, social justice, children’s books, educational materials, and culturally affirming gifts.
210 S 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19139Head House Books is a welcoming Society Hill independent with beautifully curated new books and a strong neighborhood author program. Readers will find literary and popular fiction, history, biography, current affairs, cookbooks, art, poetry, children’s books, young adult reading, and staff favorites.
619 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147Uncle Bobbie’s is a Black-owned Germantown bookstore, cafe, and community space founded to make books and ideas feel accessible to everyone. Readers will find books by Black authors, fiction, politics, history, social criticism, poetry, children’s reading, bestsellers, independent presses, and community selections.
5445 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144A colorful, queer woman- and veteran-owned North Austin bookstore featuring new books, local authors, children’s reading, book clubs, storytimes, and community events.
5925 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757Austin’s landmark independent bookstore, with two floors of new books, extensive children’s and young-adult sections, staff recommendations, a café, and a major events calendar.
603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703A Hyde Park independent bookstore, café, and wine bar with thoughtfully selected books across genres, author events, book clubs, and online ordering.
4300 Speedway Unit 104, Austin, TX 78751South Austin’s queer-owned general-interest neighborhood bookstore, offering new releases, bestsellers, eclectic picks, used books, children’s books, gifts, and online ordering.
5330 Menchaca Rd Suite D, Austin, TX 78745A welcoming East Austin bookstore and wine bar in a historic house, with new and used books, cozy reading rooms, book clubs, releases, and author events.
1101 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702A community-minded Burnet bookstore with new and used books for all ages, bookish gifts, and a busy calendar of reader gatherings.
107 E Jackson St, Burnet, TX 78611A Deep Ellum literary landmark specializing in translated literature, independent presses, literary fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and distinctive books beyond the usual bestseller shelves.
3000 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226A full-service Preston Hollow bookstore with knowledgeable booksellers, a deep general-interest collection, staff recommendations, children's books, online ordering, and author events.
5600 W Lovers Ln Suite 142, Dallas, TX 75209A beloved East Dallas general used bookstore with decades of bookselling history, tens of thousands of affordable books, trade credit, events, and access to new-book ordering.
10534 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218An Oak Cliff bookstore, bar, and cultural space known for thoughtful curation, readings, live events, international voices, and a patio made for lingering over books.
314 W 8th St, Dallas, TX 75208Oak Cliff's independent Latina-owned family bookstore, with welcoming shelves for adults and children, bilingual and Latine voices, literacy programs, events, and online ordering.
512 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208Downtown Fort Worth’s Barber’s Book Store has offered the distinctive experience of densely packed used shelves in a historic building for generations. Readers will find used and rare fiction, history, biography, Texana, art, religion, philosophy, mystery, science fiction, children’s books, magazines, and collectible editions.
901 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth, TX 76102Monkey and Dog Books is a cheerful west Fort Worth neighborhood independent with carefully selected new books and gifts for readers of every age. Readers will find picture books, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, mystery, fantasy, romance, nonfiction, cookbooks, bestsellers, puzzles, and staff favorites.
3608 W 7th St, Fort Worth, TX 76107Recluse Books is an inviting Near Southside shop pairing a smart new-book collection with coffee, art, conversation, and literary events. Readers will find literary fiction, fantasy, science fiction, horror, poetry, essays, history, art, graphic novels, children’s books, local authors, and independent presses.
465 S Main St Suite 110, Fort Worth, TX 76104The Dock is a nationally recognized Black-owned Fort Worth bookstore and cultural center offering books, gifts, conversation, and community programming. Readers will find African American literature, history, politics, religion, fiction, poetry, self-development, children’s books, young adult reading, bestsellers, and local authors.
6637 Meadowbrook Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76112Talking Animals Books is a colorful Grapevine independent and close-in Fort Worth-area destination centered on books, events, and readers of all ages. Readers will find new releases, classics, literary fiction, romance, mystery, fantasy, nonfiction, picture books, young adult titles, gifts, and enthusiastic staff recommendations.
103 W Worth St, Grapevine, TX 76051A family-run Spring Branch institution packed with used, rare, and out-of-print books across a remarkable range of subjects and genres.
7405 Westview Dr, Houston, TX 77055West Houston's neighborhood bookshop, with new books for adults and children, strong school and family programming, staff picks, online ordering, and a lively author calendar.
14532 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079Houston's influential general-interest independent bookstore, offering carefully curated new books, children's reading, book clubs, school services, online ordering, and major author events.
2421 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005A character-filled Houston Heights used bookstore with floor-to-ceiling shelves, a deep general collection, rare and unusual finds, knowledgeable owners, readings, and a garden patio.
3116 Houston Ave, Houston, TX 77009A Black-owned Third Ward bookstore and community space celebrating Black authors and marginalized voices through new books, book clubs, events, online ordering, and special orders.
2310 Elgin St Unit 2, Houston, TX 77004A locally owned Marble Falls shop filled with used books across many genres, along with records, CDs, DVDs, and finds for collectors.
1712 FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654A locally owned Castle Hills community bookshop with new books across genres, especially fantasy, science fiction, romantasy, mystery, thrillers, literary fiction, young adult, and children's reading.
2211 NW Military Hwy Suite 118, San Antonio, TX 78213A longtime San Antonio used bookstore with tens of thousands of books plus records, comics, movies, audiobooks, and an ever-changing mix of affordable discoveries.
7959 Fredericksburg Rd Suite 119, San Antonio, TX 78229Jenny Lawson's Alamo Heights independent bookstore, with an eclectic all-ages collection, staff favorites, signed books, subscriptions, author events, online ordering, and an in-store cafe.
5154 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209A woman-owned neighborhood bookstore and tea shop with curated books for all ages, local authors, bestsellers, online ordering, book clubs, signings, storytimes, and community events.
10350 Bandera Rd Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78250A San Antonio independent since 1972, with new books for adults and children, an excellent Texana section, online ordering, book-club support, and frequent author events at Pearl.
306 Pearl Pkwy Suite 106, San Antonio, TX 78215Independent booksellers do more than ring up books. They recommend editions, introduce readers to local authors, host clubs and events, and keep book-buying money circulating in their communities. Many stores can special-order a title even when it is not already on the shelf.
Results are calculated from the representative point for your ZIP code and each store’s verified street address. Distances are approximate straight-line distances, so actual driving distance may be longer. Store details can change; call or check the store’s own website before making a special trip.