My Favorite Book Havens
Oh, and Happy Independent Bookstore Day!
Independent Bookstore Day is a national one-day fiesta held the last Saturday in April. The aim is to celebrate independent bookstores across the nation and their in-store and online offerings. Through exclusive books, literary items, and discounts, it’s the ultimate rush for today’s bibliophile.
In honor of this epic day, I wanted to take a moment to share a brief look at a few of my favorite bookstores ever
Bookends and Beginnings, Evanston, Illinois
My first visit to this bookstore was in the Fall of 2020 while the COVID-19 pandemic was raging. Nestled in an alley in downtown Evanston, a dream community of mine located on Chicago’s North Shore lakefront, this store has an eclectic, intimate feel that immediately draws you to the books adorning the shelves. While there, I had the good fortune of securing an interview with store owner Nina Barrett. You can read the piece HERE.
Powell’s Books, Portland, Oregon
For years, I made an annual pilgrimage up to Portland in order to drown myself in reading enjoyment at Powell's Books, reputed to be the largest independent bookstore on the planet. Known as the “City of Books,” this locale features a 68,000 square foot, 10 room, three-floor, 3,500 section ocean of books as wide as the eyes can see. If you ever decide to visit, be sure to grab a map at the front checkout lest you may find yourself lost in a sea of books for days.
The Book Catapult, San Diego, California
The quintessential community bookstore, The Book Catapult is nestled in San Diego’s South Park neighborhood where I used to reside. If you are ever in the area for a visit, be sure to say hi to co-owners Seth and Jen, two of my favorite people on the entire planet
Tattered Cover Bookstore, Denver, Colorado
Talk to any long-time resident of Denver and they are certain to epic tales of the original Tattered Cover flagship location in Denver’s Cherry Creek North District. While that location no longer exists, there are now multiple stores throughout the Denver Front Range area as well as in Colorado Springs. My favorite as profiled in the picture above is the new downtown McGregor Square location, featuring lots of windows that beam sunshine on the ocean of books that fill the store.
Boulder Bookstore, Boulder, Colorado
I love the aesthetic feel that adorns this iconic bookstore located on Pearl Street, the main arterial in downtown Boulder. In many ways, the store takes on the earthy culture of the city’s residents. With over 20,000 sq. feet, in excess of 100,000 titles, and three floors, this bookstore has long had a reputation as one of the finest independent bookstores in the nation.
Weller Book Works, Salt Lake City, Utah
In my view, this is the grand titan of Salt Lake City area bookstores. Family-owned and proudly independent since 1929, the store offers a cool selection of new, used, and rare books. This store has an epic history that you can feel while visiting the store. Founded by Gus Weller in 1929, the store has been in various locations and has been known by different names. When visiting, be sure to introduce yourself to Tony Weller, a ridiculously interesting and erudite man who will talk your head off about everything from what books hold the greatest importance in his life to why he carries dice in his pants pocket.
Tony Weller
