This holiday season, we’re trying to shop small, shop local, and shop early! We’re all for supporting our favorite indies while gifting—whether it’s for friends, family or even ourselves.
Here are four main ways to help your favorite locals out:
- Call your local indie, indicate what you’re interested in buying and schedule a delivery or curbside pickup.
- Shop their online selection!
- Buy a gift certificate for later (invest in them and your future reading).
- Share their initiatives and posts that you love on social media. You’d be surprised by how much influence you have on the people around you.
Don’t know where to start? Below is a selection of indie bookstores picked out by readers like you by state and province. And make sure to check Indiebound’s Indie Bookstore Finder for some more local options!
USA
Alabama — Little Professor
Free local delivery, curbside pickup, or nationwide delivery (for orders over $50) with free gift wrapping! Consider picking up a store membership for any local fan.
Location: Homewood, AL
Shop Online: littleprofessorhomewood.com/
Phone: 205-870-7461
Text: 205-526-3332
Email: lphomewood@gmail.com
Alaska — Fireside Books
Fireside is offering curbside pickup on orders placed online. Their Mystery Book Boxes take the guesswork out of gifting books for any reader.
Location: Palmer, AK
Shop Online: goodbooksbadcoffee.com/
Phone: 907-745-2665
Arizona — Changing Hands Book Store
The shop will be open for business as usual, but you can also pick up your online or phone orders with curbside pickup. Take a look at their curated collections for amazing gift ideas.
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Shop Online: changinghands.com/
Phone: 602-274-0067
Arkansas — Dickson Street Books
This little store provides gift cards and free shipping to all 50 states. Their Bookshop Map Print is a unique piece of décor perfect for any patron.
Location: Fayetteville, AR
Website: dicksonstreetbooks.com/
Email: mail@dicksonstreetbooks.com
California — The Last Book Store
Currently providing in-store shopping. You can also purchase most new books and The Last Book Store Gifts (like t-shirts and totes) online for curbside pickup.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Website: shopthelastbookstore.com/
Phone: 213-488-0599
Email: visit.lastbookstore@gmail.com
Colorado — Westside Books
This indie store is open as usual and is currently taking orders by phone or email and for curbside pickup. Check out their curated book lists for recommendations.
Location: Denver, CO
Website: westsidebooks.com/
Phone: 303-480-0220
Connecticut — House of Books
House of Books is open for curbside pickup and window browsing only. Virtually browse their Holiday Gift Ideas shelf!
Location: Kent, CT
Website: houseofbooksct.com/
Phone: 860-927-4104
Email: info@hobooks.com
Delaware — Bethany Beach Books
Shop online, get free shipping. Order over the phone and also arrange curbside pickup. You can also grab a gift card for yourself or a friend!
Location: Bethany Beach, DE
Shop Online: bethanybeachbooks.com/
Phone: 302-539-2522
Email: read@bethanybeachbooks.com
Florida — Writer’s Block Bookstore
Offering curbside pickup, online shopping and shipping anywhere in the continental US. Their New Releases Subscription Plan makes a great gift for an avid reader.
Location: Winter Park, FL
Shop Online: writersblockbookstore.com/
Phone: 407-335-4192
Email: info@writersblockbookstore.com
Georgia — A Cappella Books
Shop online, grab a gift card, or order via phone and email. A Capella Books providing their usual shipping in addition with free shipping (with a $20+ order) to patrons near the store. Their Signed First Editions Club is totally gift-worthy.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Shop Online: acappellabooks.com/
Phone: 404-681-5128
Email: info@acappellabooks.com
Hawaii — Basically Books
Not just a bookstore, Basically Books also provides all things Hawaiian. They also have a nifty virtual tour option on their site. You can visit in-store or pick up online, email and phone orders.
Location: Hilo, HI
Website: basicallybooks.com/
Phone: 808-961-0144
Email: bbinfo@basicallybooks.com
Idaho — Rediscovered Books
This local shop is full of options. Not only can you shop both their in-store and online collection, but at checkout you can select whether you require in-town delivery or curbside pickup! Their curated reading lists are a great starting place for holiday shopping.
Location: Boise, ID
Shop Online: rdbooks.org/
Illinois — Women & Children First
Despite its name, all are welcome here. This feminist store provides all manner of topics, fiction and nonfiction, but makes a point to highlight smaller books that deserve just as much attention. Online orders are being fulfilled along with in-store shopping and curbside pickup.
Location: Chicago, IL
Shop Online: womenandchildrenfirst.com/
Indiana — Indy Reads Books
Indy Reads’ new bookstore location is currently under construction so there is no curbside pickup available. In the meantime, you can visit their online store to order books. And remember, each purchase makes the gift of reading possible for adult learners thanks to their organization.
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Shop Online: bookshop.org/shop/indyreads/
Phone: 317-384-1496
Email: bookstore@indyreads.org
Iowa — Prairie Lights Books & Cafe
Though you can’t get coffee with your book anymore, Prairie Lights is offering phone orders and have online shopping set up on their site. For curbside pickups and home delivery, just indicate it in the comments in checkout. Browse their accessories for bookish stocking stuffers!
Location: Iowa City, IA
Shop Online: prairielights.com/
Phone: 319-337-2681
Kansas — Rainy Day Books
Accepting phone and online orders with reduced shipping rates! You can also browse their shelves virtually for gift ideas.
Location: Fairway, KS
Shop Online: rainydaybooks.com/
Phone: 913-384-3126
Kentucky — Carmichael’s Bookstore
Carmichael’s Bookstore is open to limited in-store traffic and offers online ordering, shipping, home delivery, and curbside pickup. They also have puzzles!
Location: Louisville, KY
Shop Online: carmichaelsbookstore.com/
Phone: 502-456-6950
Louisiana — Octavia Books
Located in uptown New Orleans, this well-loved store outside the French Quarter has in-store shopping, online shopping, gift cards, and free shipping and delivery within the city.
Location: New Orleans, LS
Shop Online: octaviabooks.com/
Phone: 504-899-7323
Maine — Longfellow Books
Longfellow Books is providing in-store shopping and processing online or phone orders for pickup and shipping.
Location: Portland, ME
Shop Online: longfellowbooks.com/
Phone: 207-772-4045
Email: info@longfellowbooks.com
Maryland — Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse
Red Emma’s is accepting and shipping online order for books. If you’re in the neighborhood, definitely pick up something from their coffeehouse!
Location: Baltimore, MD
Shop Online: redemmas.org/books/
Email: books@redemmas.org
Massachusetts — Trident Books & Cafe
Shop in-store, shop online, grab a gift card and get free shipping or curbside pickup. Trident Books & Café also has plenty of holiday gifts and décor available, too.
Location: Boston, MA
Shop Online: tridentbookscafe.com/
Email: 617-267-8688
Michigan — Literati Bookstore
Literati Bookstore has curbside pickup and online ordering! Their Indie Paperback Subscription is perfect for gifting.
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Shop Online: literatibookstore.com/
Email: info@literatibookstore.com
Minnesota — Magers & Quinn Booksellers
Magers & Quinn Booksellers is open for limited browsing and also has contactless next-day pick up available.
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Shop Online: magersandquinn.com/
Phone 612-822-4611
Mississippi — Square Books
Square Books is open for limited in-store shopping and are continuing to offer curbside pickup, shipping and delivery. Their Square Care Package is a great gift idea.
Location: Oxford, MS
Shop Online: squarebooks.com/
Phone: 662-236-2262
Missouri — The Novel Neighbor
The Novel Neighbor is taking orders over the phone, processing orders online and providing curbside pickup in addition to in-store shopping. You can also call to arrange a time to shop privately.
Location: Webster Groves, MO
Shop Online: thenovelneighbor.indielite.org/
Phone: 314-738-9384
Montana — Country Bookshelf
Country Bookshelf is open between the hours of 10AM and 6PM daily. They’ve also rocking with deliveries, curbside pickup and $1 media mail shipping.
Location: Bozeman, MT
Website: countrybookshelf.com/
Phone: 406-587-0166
Email: staff@countrybookshelf.com
Nebraska — A Novel Idea
A Novel Idea is offering in-store shopping by appointment as well as curbside pickups. Not sure what to order? Their Book Bundles will help!
Location: Lincoln, NE
Website: anovelideabookstore.com/
Phone: 402-475-8663
Email: anovelidea118@gmail.com
Nevada — The Writer’s Block
The Writer’s Block is offering in-store shopping. They also have a fully searchable online catalog and will be offering curbside pickup or shipping on online and phone orders.
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Shop Online: thewritersblock.org/
Phone: 702-550-6399
Email: info@thewritersblock.org
New Hampshire — Gibson’s Bookstore
Selling books since 1898, Gibson’s is now doing online fulfillment, curbside pickup and shipping in addition to their in-store shopping. They have a variety of signed books and bookplates available to order.
Location: Concord, NH
Shop Online: gibsonsbookstore.com/
Phone: (603) 224-0562
Email: gibsons@gibsonsbookstore.com
New Jersey — Watchung Booksellers
Watchung Booksellers are open for in-store shopping during regular hours. Online ordering and backdoor pickup is available as well.
Location: Montclair, NJ
Website: watchungbooksellers.com/
Phone: 973-744-7177
Text: 973-567-0477
Email: info@watchungbooksellers.com
New Mexico— Bookworks
Bookworks is currently offering curbside pickup and free shipping for all their web orders. If you’re not sure what to gift, check out their holiday catalog on their website.
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Shop Online: bkwrks.com/
Phone: 505-344-8139
Email: orders@bkwrks.com
New York — Greenlight Books
Greenlight is offering in-store shopping curbside pickup and shipping. You can even have your gifts wrapped for just $1.50 per package!
Location: New York, NY
Shop Online: greenlightbookstore.com/
North Carolina — Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe
Malaprop’s is open for browsing by appointment for North Carolina residents and is also offering curbside pickup service and delivery. We’re sure their Special Edition Quarantine Tee is one someone’s wishlist.
Location: Asheville, NC
Shop Online: malaprops.com/
Phone: 828-254-6734
North Dakota — Zandbroz Variety
Zandbroz Variety is open for in-store shopping and offers curbside pickup. Don’t know what to give? Gift certificates are available on their site!
Location: Fargo, ND
Website: zandbroz.com/
Phone: 701-239-4729
Email: fargo@zandbroz.com
Ohio — The Book Loft of German Village
The Book Loft of German Village is open for in-store shopping and processing online orders. Let experienced booksellers do the shopping for you with their Book Loft Mystery Box.
Location: Columbus, OH
Shop Online: bookloft.com/
Oklahoma — Commonplace Books
Commonplace Books is open for in-store shopping. They’re also happy to accommodate with order pickup, local delivery and shipping. Check out their giftables section for some ideas!
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Website: commonplacebooksokc.com/
Phone: 405-534-4540
Oregon — Powell’s
Powell’s provides in-store and online shopping now. Pick up some Powell’s souvenirs with your books while you’re at it!
Location: Portland, OR
Shop Online: powells.com/
Pennsylvania — White Whale Bookstore
While White Whale Bookstore is open for browsing in-store and has an online store stocked with popular titles, book subscriptions, merch, and gift cards.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Website: whitewhalebookstore.com/
Rhode Island — Symposium Books
Order books and gift cards online at Symposium Books with free shipping over $35. You can also shop in-store!
Location: Providence, RI
Shop Online: symposiumbooks.com/
Email: store@symposiumbooks.com
South Carolina — Blue Bicycle Books
Blue Bicycle Books is open for browsing in-store. On their online shop they have gift certificates, merch, and a select number of titles.
Location: Charleston, SC
Website: bluebicyclebooks.com/
Phone: 843-722-2666
Email: info@bluebicyclebooks.com
South Dakota — Mitzi’s Books
Mitzi’s Books is open for in-store shopping and you can also shop online and pick up in store.
Location: Rapid City, SD
Shop Online: mitzisbooks.indielite.org/
Phone: 605-721-2665
Tennessee — Parnassus Books
Parnassus Books is open for browsing and are still taking orders for shipping and curbside pickup. You can purchase Book Bundles where you pick the genre and they choose the books and extras!
Location: Nashville, TN
Shop Online: parnassusbooks.net/
Phone: 615-953-2243
Email: orders@parnassusbooks.net
Texas — Interabang Books
Interabang Books’ storefront is open and they also offer curbside pickup and shipping. Looking for a gift for yourself? Try their Signed First Editions Club subscription.
Location: Dallas, TX
Shop Online: interabangbooks.com/
Utah — Weller Book Works
Weller Book Works is offering curbside pickup and in-store shopping. You can place your orders on their website or over the phone.
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Shop Online: wellerbookworks.com/
Phone: 801-328-2588
Vermont — The Vermont Book Shop
The Vermont Book Shop is open for in-store shopping. You can browse their 2020 Holiday Books catalog and shop for those books online, too!
Location: Middlebury, VT
Shop Online: vermontbookshop.com/
Phone: 802-388-2061
Email: orders@vermontbookshop.com
Virginia — One More Page Books
At One More Page Books, you can currently shop online for curbside pickup, local delivery or shipping. Their Holiday Gift Guide is also up for browsing.
Location: Arlington, VA
Shop Online: onemorepagebooks.com/
Phone: 703-300-9746
Email: info@onemorepagebooks.com
Washington — Elliot Bay Book Company
Elliot Bay Book Company is home to over 150,000 titles. They are offering walk-in and appointment in-store shopping opportunities as well as curbside pickup by appointment and free media mail shipping for orders over $20.
Location: Seattle, WA
Website: elliottbaybook.com/
Phone: 206-624-6600
Email: orders@elliotbaybook.com
West Virginia — Taylor Books
Taylor Books has become a landmark and must-visit destination in downtown Charleston. You can currently shop in-store or online from their newly-created online store-front.
Location: Charleston, WV
Shop Online: bookshop.org/shop/taylorbooks/
Phone: 304-342-1461
Wisconsin — Boswell Book Company
Boswell Book Company is offering limited in-store shopping along with delivery and curbside pickup options. They are offering second-hand mystery grab bags for a budget-friendly gift!
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Shop Online: boswellbooks.com/
Phone: 414-322-1181
Email: info@boswellbooks.com
Wyoming — Legends Book Store
A fine bookstore in a legendary western town with in-store shopping, curbside pickup services and telephone ordering.
Location: Cody, WY
Website: legendsbooks.com/
Phone: 307-586-2320
Email: legendsbookscody@gmail.com
Canada
Alberta — Shelf Life Books
A downtown Calgary-fave, Shelf Life books is open for browsing, ordering, curbside pickup and free local delivery.
Location: Calgary, AB
Shop Online: store.shelflifebooks.ca/
Phone: 403-265-1033
Email: contact@shelflifebooks.ca
British Columbia — The Paper Hound
This whimsical nook in Vancouver is open for browsing happy to take orders by phone or email. They are willing to also deliver orders placed by eco-friendly biking.
Location: Vancouver, BC
Website: paperhound.ca/
Phone: 604-428-1344
Email: thepaperhound@gmail.com
Manitoba — McNally Robinson
Though part of a large chain of indie bookstores, McNally Robinson is still a go-to Canadian fave. You can shop online with $5 shipping to anywhere in Canada.
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Shop Online: mcnallyrobinson.com/
Phone: 204-475-0483
Email: info@grant.mcnallyrobinson.ca
New Brunswick — Westminster Books
This oldie is ready for any “book emergency”. They offer free delivery within the city and curbside pickup. Call in advance.
Location: Fredericton, NB
Website: westminsterbooks.com/
Phone: 506-454-1442
Email: norine.mcginn@westminsterbooks.com
Newfoundland & Labrador — Downhome Shoppe & Gallery
With many of Newfoundland’s independent bookstores closing with no other ordering options, Downhome provides a great multi-purpose, but local and independent resource. You can shop online with ease!
Location: St.John’s NL
Shop Online: shopdownhome.com/
Phone: 709-726-5113
Northwest Territories — The Yellowknife Book Cellar
This bookstore is open for browsing but will also maintain online and special orders during their regular hours with prepayment options and curbside pickup. You can use the website to browse and shop.
Location: Yellowknife, NT
Shop Online: bookmanager.com/168003x/
Phone: 867-920-2220
Email: info@yellowknifebooks.com
Nova Scotia — King’s Co-op Bookstore
King’s Co-op Bookstore is currently taking online orders and offers free delivery in the Halifax area as well as nationwide shipping.
Location: Halifax, NS
Shop Online: kingsbookstore.ca/
Email: manager@kingsbookstore.ca
Nunavut — Inhabit Books
Though no physical independent stores exist, most physical books being carried by co-op general stores, Inhabit Media is an Inuit-owned publisher with their own online bookstore.
Location: N/A
Shop Online: inhabitbooks.com/
Email: customerservice@inhabitmedia.com
Ontario — Queen Books
This east end Toronto bookstore is open to the public with appointment shopping, curbside pickup and $5 local deliveries. They even have gift subscriptions and gift certificates available for purchase.
Location: Toronto, ON
Shop Online: bookmanager.com/queenbk/
Phone: 416-778-5058
Email: info@queenbooks.ca
Prince Edward Island — Bookmark
In need of books or puzzles? Bookmark is open for in-store shopping and you can also order online call, or email and they will deliver to you the same day in Charlottetown.
Location: Charlottetown, PE
Shop Online: bookmarkreads.ca/
Phone: 902-566-4888
Email: charlottetown@bookmarkreads.ca
Quebec — Argo Bookshop
Argo’s storefront is open to the public and they also have pickup or delivery services available. Reserve books or place orders in advance through their website or over the phone.
Location: Montreal, QC
Shop Online: argobookshop.ca/
Phone: 514-931-3442
Saskatchewan — Kennedy’s Parable
This bookstore is open for browsing and is offering curbside pickup, free local delivery on orders over $25 and shipping. Orders can be placed online or over the phone.
Location: Saskatoon, SK
Shop Online: onlinestore.kennedysparable.com/
Phone: 306-211-3700
Yukon — Mac’s Fireweed Books
Mac’s Fireweed Books provides online and phone ordering options in addition to their in-store shopping experiences.
Location: Whitehorse, YK
Shop Online: macsbooks.ca/
Phone: 867-668-2434
Email: orders@macsbooks.ca
What is your favorite indie bookstore and how are you planning on showing them love during this difficult time? Let us know in the comments below!