Best Independent Bookstores in the United States

While the ease of using Amazon and other web retailers is undeniable, there is something to be said for spending an afternoon browsing the shelves at a bookstore, discovering new novels. If this notion sounds more appealing to you than clicking an “add to cart” button, check out our list of the best independent bookstores in the United States.

City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, San Francisco

Founded in the 1950s, this bookstore reflects the history of the city, specializing in books highlighting literature, art and progressive politics.

John K. King Used & Rare Books, Detroit

Michigan’s largest bookstore holds an estimated 1 million books in stock, broken into 900 categories. The bookstore is housed in a former glove factory not far from the downtown area.

Parnassus Books, Nashville, Tenn.

Co-owned by author Ann Patchett, Parnassus Books caters toward the local community. Visitors will find books from local authors, staff recommendations and a variety of events taking place on site.

Powell’s City of Books, Portland, Ore.

With a name like City of Books, Powell’s is a must on any bookstore list. Located in downtown Portland, the store is the largest new and used independent bookstore in the world.

The Strand, New York City

The Strand is one of the largest bookstores in the country, which it highlights in its slogan, 18 Miles of Books. Besides new and used, the store offers a selection of rare and collectible items.