MY FAVORITE local AND INDEPENDENT bookstores
Originally published in January of 2021; updated in April 2022, in honor of Independent Bookstore Day on April 30th.
There’s something magical about a local bookstore.
The feeling in the air. The humans who work there who genuinely, passionately, love books and love reading and love talking about both books and reading.
The ever-rotating displays of shiny books in both paperback and hardcover.
Is there anything better?
If you love local, independent bookstores as well, here are a few favorites, organized by geographic area of the US.
Most can order whatever book you’re looking for and either ship it to you or have you pick it up.
MidWest
MYSTERY TO ME (MADISON, WI)
A neighborhood bookstore in the heart of Monroe Street, with a wonderful team and a great selection.
Leopold’s (Madison, WI)
Fabulous recent addition to the Madison bookstore scene. Books are organized by country/geography (so cool). Grab a cocktail while you transport yourself to Italy, then France, and then Greece. . .
PRAIRIE LIGHTS (IOWA CITY, IA)
A large bookstore in downtown Iowa City. A great place to get lost in.
NEXT PAGE BOOKS (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA)
This is such a delightful little bookstore. A beautifully curated selection of books, along with puzzles and other delights. Located in the NewBo area of Cedar Rapids.
BOSWELL BOOKS (MILWAUKEE, WI)
This bookstore feels a bit magical, with its location along an idillic street in Milwaukee.
DRIFTLESS BOOKS (VIROQUA, WI)
This is a cool, funky used bookstore near downtown Viroqua. It’s massive - a great place to wander around and get lost, while delighting in the bargains you can find.
Ocooch Books and Libations (Richland Center)
This is a down-to-earth bookstore filled with gems. Grab a beverage while you browse, if you feel called to do so.
West and NorthWest
COPPERFIELD'S BOOKS (MARIN, CA)
Quite simply, this is my favorite bookstore of all time. The selection is perfection (no rhyme intended). The displays are gorgeous. The layout is wonderful. There’s a fireplace in the middle of the store.
This is also my favorite place to spend an entire afternoon with my soul sister who lives in the Bay Area, so it has an extra special place in my heart.
This bookstore is worth a special visit if you’re in the area. It is fabulous.
POWELL’S BOOKS (PORTLAND, OR)
Because, of course.
SouthEAST
Tombolo Books (St Pete, FL)
Beautifully curated selection. A great place to discover a book or an author that will quickly become a new favorite.
Book and Bottle (St Pete, FL)
Bookstore, coffee bar, wine bar. Delicious snacks served from the bar. Is there anything better?
Story and Song (Amelia Island, FL)
Delightful bookstore, gift shop, and cafe. Easy to spend several hours here perusing the shelves, sipping coffee, and eating a piece of gluten free quiche out on the shaded patio.
THE BOOK LOFT (AMELIA ISLAND, FL)
A cool classic-feeling bookstore in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach.
Hello Again Books (Cocoa, FL)
Large used book selection, fun and creative gift selection featuring strong women, and the coolest book arch of all time.
ONE IDEA BOOKS & GIFTS (LEECHBURG, PA)
A brand new bookstore opened by the lovely Lindsay Smith and Alex Franzen.
Parnassus Books (Nashville, TN)
This is my bookstore crush from afar. It’s owned by Ann Patchett. What more is there to say?
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL AND INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES:
Indie Bound: find an indie retailer near you.
Bookshop: books purchased through Bookshop support local bookstores.
Libro FM: purchase audio books though your local bookstore.
What’s your favorite bookstore? And what do you love about it?
If you’d like, drop me a note and let me know.
And, you can usually order a copy of Expansive Impact: An Invitation to Lead in Everyday Moments through any of your favorite bookstores. If the folks working at the bookstore ask, “is the book available through Ingram?” the answer is yes. They’ll be able to pull it up in their directory and have a copy shipped either to the store, or to you.
Until then, happy reading!
