Independent bookshops are more than just businesses; they are cultural hubs that inspire and foster community engagement. Each one has a distinct charm and personality rooted in its local culture, making them all unique and special in their own ways. So, whether you’re a local or a tourist, visiting an indie bookshop allows you to learn about and connect with the surrounding community. The Bookstr team has compiled a list of our favorite independent bookshops that you should definitely check out if you are in the area!
Nostalgic Settings
My favorite independent bookstore is The Book Juggler in Willits, CA. It’s my hometown bookstore and the place where I spent most of my childhood. The owners are the nicest people in the world, and they sell both used and new books. My best memories were made in that bookstore.
– Nel Aldrich, Editorial
Love Galore
Lovebound Library in Salt Lake City, UT, is my fave indie bookstore! It’s Utah’s first romance bookstore, and as a huge romance girly, it’s basically my second home. The shelves are filled with swoony stories, their displays are always perfectly curated, and the staff make you feel so welcome. They also host amazing events that bring the romance-reading community together, and even popping in for one by yourself makes you feel part of something special. I’m so excited to see them continue to grow!
— Alyssa Carroll, Editorial
Literary Magic
Chamblin’s Uptown in Jacksonville, FL, looks small from the outside, but once you’re inside, you could get lost in the endless aisles of books. It is a must-see book spot with two floors in Jax that includes every genre and book imaginable. I love stopping by the cafe to get a coffee, walking through and browsing all the books, and stopping at a reading nook to enjoy my new finds!
— Erin Garvey, Editorial
Third Place
White Whale Bookstore in Pittsburgh, PA, is my absolute favorite indie bookstore. Just a short drive from my apartment in college, I was always studying, reading, or drinking coffee here during undergrad. With a cafe and a small bar attached, there is something there for everyone. They have an amazing selection of books, and I miss the hours I used to spend there when I still lived in Pittsburgh. I highly, highly recommend it to anyone who may be passing through the area.
— Amber Farabaugh, Outreach
Mystical Spots
My favorite bookstore is The Book Loft in Columbus, OH. Fitting the vibe of German Village, it is a crowded, almost too full space of 32 rooms of books. There is something so exciting about the vast amount of literature available in such a charming space. It may take a while to fully explore its multiple rooms and be cramped when it’s busy, but there is something magical about it.
— Lindsey Barnett, Social Media
Bookworms’ Paradise
When I first moved to San Francisco for university, I stumbled upon Dog Eared Books. It’s a small bookshop on the corner of Valencia and 20th that’s filled with so many books that they have to keep the bargain bins outside. It’s the place I found my love for graphic novels and where I spent the few extra dollars I made from my campus job. It’s definitely worth the stop if you’re ever visiting SF.
— Allison McDaniel, Social
Book Buddies
Ruby’s Books in Folsom, CA, is the most adorable bookshop I’ve come across. Named after a precious golden retriever, Ruby, you’re met with cozy vibes, friendly staff, and a great stock of books. If you’re lucky, you may also be able to meet Ruby herself and her little sister, Penny. It’s a must if you’re ever in the Folsom area.
— Melissa Mittendorff, Outreach & Editorial
Bookish Heaven
I don’t get the opportunity to visit independent bookshops as much as I’d like, but my favorite that I have visited is Strand Books in New York. I love the main location on 12th & Broadway because you’re immediately immersed in shelves and shelves of books. There’s even a little room that is made out of the shelves. You can find practically anything at that location, including new and used books, thanks to their buy-back program.
— Angelica Morales, Social
Lovely Locals
Beausoleil Books, now Cavalier House Books, in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, is a more recent local bookstore to pop up in my area. I know one of the owners, but both are super sweet. It mainly focuses on popular books, books on the local culture, and children’s books. They are super LGBTQ+ friendly, and they sell a fun selection of pins, stickers, etc. There is also a whisper room inside the store, which is where they do children’s book readings. I always stop by when I’m walking downtown.
— Taylor Narcisse, Social
Joyful Gatherings
Whenever I visit my in-laws in PA, a trip to The Doylestown Bookshop is a non-negotiable. I can (and do!) spend hours there, iced coffee in hand, wandering shelves packed with new releases and hidden gems that feel like personal discoveries. They’re always hosting something fun, too! From author events to book clubs that make the shop feel like a community hub. And if you can’t get enough, their sister store in Peddler’s Village is just as charming and worth the detour!
— Alexis Canitz, Graphics
Book-Filled Wonderland
Powell’s Books is an absolute institution! After all, they market themselves as the “world’s largest independent bookstore.” When vacationing in Portland, OR, a few years ago, Powell’s original storefront was the top thing on my list of places to visit. Believe me, this storefront (named Powell’s City of Books) did not disappoint. This place takes up an entire city block and is divided into multiple floors with dedicated genre sections. I spent hours browsing for titles on their shelves, and I’m aching to go back for more!
— Kaija Strong, Editorial
Eccentric Finds
As a Texas native, the Half Price Books Flagship location in Dallas, Texas, is one of my fave independent bookstores! Not only is this bookstore massive (everything’s bigger in Texas, am I right?), but it sells an extensive range of old and new titles, so you never know what treasure you might walk away with. With a cool cafe on site and tons of places to sit and flip through your next read, this location also hosts author events and signings pretty regularly, so there’s a high chance you might get to meet one of your favorite authors. My favorite memory from this bookstore was getting to meet author Ruby Dixon (yes, that Ruby Dixon of Ice Planet Barbarians fame!)
— Sarah Halter, Social
Warm and Welcoming
On Independent Bookstore Day a few months ago, I decided to bounce around my local area to as many indie bookstores as I could find to support! I came across this one bookstore out in Acton, MA, called The Silver Unicorn Bookstore. This one is so easy to miss if you aren’t looking, but once you find it, you’ll never forget it!
I absolutely adore this bookstore because of how cozy it feels inside. The employees are very welcoming and kind. There is a cute children’s book entryway that feels magical to walk through. Although this bookstore is on the smaller side, it is large in community and shelves full of titles from the well-known to the unknown. They also have great parking!
— Genesis De Jesus, Marketing and Outreach
Adorable Details
I visited Trident Booksellers & Cafe in Boston, MA, with a couple of friends a few months ago. On the main level, the cafe is fashioned similarly to an old-timey diner. The food and service were great. Upstairs, there is more seating.
Speaking of stairs… they are painted like the spines of different books, like The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and brown girl dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. They host many different events for book lovers. It’s a great place to get a cup of coffee and read your favorite book!
— Geraldine Dockery, Marketing and Outreach
What’s your favorite indie bookstore? Be sure to let us know on our socials: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Twitter/X!
Check out this article for LGBTQ+ indie bookshops you should check out!
Looking for book recommendations? Browse our Bookstr Team Recommendations collection on Bookshop!
