Here are a few of our favorite independent bookstores:
California
City Lights Books in San Francisco
*Begun by Lawrence Ferlinghetti in the heart of "little old wooden North Beach" in 1953, this bookstore embodies the beatific fifty-year history of the Beat Generation. Emmy and I will definitely be visiting this bookshop when our travels take us to the west coast.
Colorado
Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver
*With several locations in the Denver area, this indie chain is a must for anyone traveling to Denver. Emmy and I visited two of the locations, the first one on Colfax Avenue which is housed in an old renovated theater and the second in the historic LoDo area. Both locations had comfy sofas, overstuffed chairs, books galore and delicious coffee.
Kansas
Rainy Day Books in Fairway (a suburb of Kansas City)
*Definitely adding this fabulous bookstore to our World Bookstore Tour list!
Maine
Maine Coast Bookshop and Cafe in Damariscotta
*Barbara Cooney's daughter-in-law, Susan Porter, began as a manager of this shop in 1973 and then, along with Ms. Clooney and Penny Walker, took over ownership in 1986. Check out the website for a wonderful memories page about author/illustrator Barbara Cooney.
 |
| Emmy at Jabberwocky Bookshop (2010) |
Massachusetts
Andover Bookstore in Andover
Barefoot Books Studio in Concord
Blue Bunny Books & Toys in Dedham
*Owned by Peter H. Reynolds! Click here to read our post about his book The Dot.
The Book Rack in Newburyport
*Connected to a cafe right in our downtown!
Bunch of Grapes in Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard
*Rosemary Wells was due for a visit the next day when we happened upon this gem of a bookstore during our stay on Martha's Vineyard (summer 2015). Unfortunately, that was the day that we were leaving!
Curious George & Friends in Cambridge
Edgartown Books in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard
*Emmy and I stayed in Edgartown (summer of 2015) with Aunt Karen and enjoyed this little bookshop with the coffeeshop in the backyard!
Jabberwocky Bookshop in Newburyport *Emmy and I stayed in Edgartown (summer of 2015) with Aunt Karen and enjoyed this little bookshop with the coffeeshop in the backyard!
*Two floors of books right in our hometown!
New England Mobile Book Fair in Newton Highlands
The Spirit of 76 Bookstore in Marblehead
Used Book Superstore in Burlington and Danvers
Wit and Whimsy Children's Bookstore in Marblehead
Missouri
Reading Reptile in Kansas City
*When Emmy and I go on our World Bookstore Tour, we will definitely stop at this store! Here is a post from Esme Raji Codell of Planet Esme that tells about her experience at this unique store including photos - go to the section in the post titled On a Personal Note.
 |
| Emmy at Gibson's Bookstore (2014) |
New Hampshire
RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth
Gibson's Bookstore in Concord
*Gibson's recently relocated to a bigger space and Emmy and I agree that this is one of our very favorite bookstores! There is a HUGE selection of books, a great selection of toys as well as an awesome cafe. Definitely worth the drive if you are not from the area.
Baldface Books in Dover
*A very quaint used bookstore. Click here to read our post about a vintage book we found at this store.
Water Street Bookstore in Exeter
The Country Bookseller in Wolfeboro
*Our good friend, Jack, is featured on the website for this exquisite small town bookstore.
Portsmouth Book & Bar in Portsmouth
*Whether it's for a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or a glass of chocolate milk, reading and buying books at this bookstore ROCKS!*
*Emmy and me at Portsmouth Book & Bar (2014)*
New YorkThe Strand Bookstore in New York City
*With 18 miles of books, this bookstore is on Emmy's and my itinerary for our World Bookstore Tour!
Ohio
The Learned Owl in Hudson
The Book Loft in Columbus
*32 rooms of books!!!! Emmy and I are planning to go the next time we visit our family in Ohio.
Oregon
Powell's City of Books in Portland
*Emmy and I dream of going here! It will definitely be a part of our Tour!
Texas
Book People in Austin
*Emmy and I went to several author signings at this amazing bookstore in the heart of downtown Austin. Very cool vibe!
Half Price Books in Austin and in many other locations!
*A favorite place to visit anytime of the day.
The IndieBound Community is a great resource to find independently-owned businesses in your community. They are working to "strengthen the health of Main Street ecosystems across the United States." To find a bookstore near you, go to the IndieBound website and look for the red search box on the upper right hand side.
The Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC) maintains a list of independent bookstores on its website. To find a bookstore near you, go to ABC's website and click on the tab "find a store."
Are you an iPhone user? Access Emmy's Book of the Day on your iPhone while at the bookstore! There isn't an Emmy's Book of the Day application, but you can use your iPhone browser to search for Emmy's Book of the Day and then add the site to your iPhone home screen. It will be right at your fingertips to help you in your search for a wonderful book for your child(ren).
