Local Bookstores I Recommend
It's no secret. Like most authors, the vast majority of my sales in this day and age come from Amazon. With the current landscape of the publishing industry, any author who wants to find an audience is forced to embrace this, for better or for worse. With that being said, I have a special place in my heart for smaller, locally owned bookstores. They provide a valuable service to the communities they serve. I have my favorites closer to home, but I also do a fair amount of traveling, and I always make a point to seek out these stores, wherever I can find them. So, I thought I would compile a list of some of my favorites, just in case you have the opportunity to support any of them! This is intended as a living document, so do be sure to check back every now and then for new additions! And please head up to my Contact page if you have a recommendation for a store for me to check out!
Anderson's Bookshop
Location: Naperville, Illinois USA
Address: 123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Website
Pete's Thoughts: Anderson's is a true gem in the Midwest! I've had the pleasure of attending signings from some of my favorite authors here, and the store hosts events on a regular basis. If your favorite author tours regularly, there's a strong possibility you can meet them at Anderson's! The shop also carries an impressive selection of signed books from recent visiting authors. In addition, they carry an impressive selection of books across every genre imaginable, as well as a variety of fun gifts and other book-adjacent items. The shop is right in the middle of Naperville's lovely downtown area with a ton of shopping and dining options within easy walking distance!
The Book Shelf
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho USA
Address: 575 3rd Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83401
Website
Pete's Thoughts: There are few things as satisfying in life as finding a shop with a fantastic selection of used books! This is a shop you might drive by and never notice if you aren't specifically out looking for bookstores. And you would be missing out! Every inch of the space here is utilized to ensure as wide of a selection as possible. One area that impressed me greatly was their selection of classics, including some very old and rare editions! The staff is fantastic, and they even offer a punch card where regular shoppers can earn a free book with regular purchases.
Mitzi's Books
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota USA
Address: 510 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Website
Pete's Thoughts: I stopped in here when in the area on vacation and absolutely loved it! This shop sells new books and gifts. It is a small shop, but they do really make the most of their limited space, and I was impressed with the selection of books they had available. The shop is located in downtown Rapid City, with plenty of additional shopping and dining options nearby! If you live in the area, or are just passing through to visit Mt Rushmore, you really shouldn't miss Mitzi's!
Big Island Book Buyers
Location: Hilo, Hawaii USA
Address: 14 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Website
Pete's Thoughts: A gem of a find on the east coast of the big island of Hawaii! An ample stock of used books, DVDs, and other assorted gifts. Friendly staff. They also, as their name would imply, buy used books if you are looking to sell. The store is within easy walking distance to most of downtown Hilo, and as you might imagine, is also a short stroll from incredible ocean views!
Winnie & Mo's Bookshop
Location: Idaho Falls, ID USA
Address: 343 A St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Website
Pete's Thoughts: One of my favorites closer to home! This charming small shop also includes a counter for coffee and tea drinks. I'm not a coffee drinker, but my wife tells me these options are delicious. The shop is small, but uses their space well to offer an impressive variety of new books. I was particularly please to see a small section for smaller, local authors. Another spot that's in a terrific location, with tons of shopping and dining in easy walking distance. You don't want to miss this one!
Location: Naperville, Illinois USA
Address: 123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Website
Pete's Thoughts: Anderson's is a true gem in the Midwest! I've had the pleasure of attending signings from some of my favorite authors here, and the store hosts events on a regular basis. If your favorite author tours regularly, there's a strong possibility you can meet them at Anderson's! The shop also carries an impressive selection of signed books from recent visiting authors. In addition, they carry an impressive selection of books across every genre imaginable, as well as a variety of fun gifts and other book-adjacent items. The shop is right in the middle of Naperville's lovely downtown area with a ton of shopping and dining options within easy walking distance!
The Book Shelf
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho USA
Address: 575 3rd Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83401
Website
Pete's Thoughts: There are few things as satisfying in life as finding a shop with a fantastic selection of used books! This is a shop you might drive by and never notice if you aren't specifically out looking for bookstores. And you would be missing out! Every inch of the space here is utilized to ensure as wide of a selection as possible. One area that impressed me greatly was their selection of classics, including some very old and rare editions! The staff is fantastic, and they even offer a punch card where regular shoppers can earn a free book with regular purchases.
Mitzi's Books
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota USA
Address: 510 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Website
Pete's Thoughts: I stopped in here when in the area on vacation and absolutely loved it! This shop sells new books and gifts. It is a small shop, but they do really make the most of their limited space, and I was impressed with the selection of books they had available. The shop is located in downtown Rapid City, with plenty of additional shopping and dining options nearby! If you live in the area, or are just passing through to visit Mt Rushmore, you really shouldn't miss Mitzi's!
Big Island Book Buyers
Location: Hilo, Hawaii USA
Address: 14 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Website
Pete's Thoughts: A gem of a find on the east coast of the big island of Hawaii! An ample stock of used books, DVDs, and other assorted gifts. Friendly staff. They also, as their name would imply, buy used books if you are looking to sell. The store is within easy walking distance to most of downtown Hilo, and as you might imagine, is also a short stroll from incredible ocean views!
Winnie & Mo's Bookshop
Location: Idaho Falls, ID USA
Address: 343 A St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Website
Pete's Thoughts: One of my favorites closer to home! This charming small shop also includes a counter for coffee and tea drinks. I'm not a coffee drinker, but my wife tells me these options are delicious. The shop is small, but uses their space well to offer an impressive variety of new books. I was particularly please to see a small section for smaller, local authors. Another spot that's in a terrific location, with tons of shopping and dining in easy walking distance. You don't want to miss this one!