The Best Independent Bookstores to Browse This Fall
As summer fades into fall, vacation getaways give way to staying local—and beach reads make room for cozy indoor page-turners. What better way to ease into the season than by browsing the shelves of an independent bookstore in your city? Below, we’ve rounded up unique bookshops near Related properties where you can discover your next great fall read.
New York City: 192 Books
Operating since 2003, 192 Books offers a selection of 14,000 books spanning literary fiction, art, photography, poetry, music, history, science, and more, catering to children, young adults, and adults alike. Opened by Paula Cooper (yes, the same Paula Cooper behind Paula Cooper Gallery), the Chelsea bookshop offers a healthy dose of culture in addition to its book selection. Past events have included communal readings of Ulysses, conversations with Leanne Shapton and Cecily Brown about Swimming Studies, and children’s book readings, such as Jay Ruttenberg and Lucinda Schreiber reading from Gabba Gabba We Accept You: The Wondrous Tale of Joey Ramone. More events will be announced soon for September, and past events are available via PCG Studio or on YouTube if you missed out. Book shoppers can also browse staff picks or ask for help curating a custom library or bookshelf. 192 10th Ave., New York, NY 10011
Chicago: Volumes Bookcafe
Volumes Bookcafe is the realization of a childhood dream for Chicago-area sisters, Rebecca and Kimberly. Today, the Wicker Park bookshop offers baked goods, espresso, and AYA pastries alongside a vast selection of books. Events this September run the gamut, from the twice-weekly Storytime With Miss Kimberly, where the former preschool teacher reads books, sings songs, and offers crafts or coloring sheets, to speed-dating events. Past events have included a Where’s Waldo Party, author Q&As and signings, and the Summer Stuffy Sleepover, which gave book-loving children a chance to drop a favorite lovey off to spend a night being spoiled in the library. 1373 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
Boston: Trident Booksellers & Cafe
If you like your books with a side of brunch, check out Newbury Street’s beloved Trident Booksellers & Cafe. Opened in 1984 by Bernie and Gail Flynn, this bookstore is still family-run today, as Bernie and Gail passed the torch to their daughter Courtney and her partner Kim. Book options range from biographies to business, STEM to self-help, and history to humor. The cafe menu is similarly well-stocked, with sample offerings like a lemon-ricotta-stuffed French toast, a morning Monte Cristo, and eggs just about any way you could imagine. For those leaning toward lunch, expect soups and salads, a spicy turkey club, and fun takes on French fries. The drinks list includes teas, coffees, and tons of smoothies. Events like Friday Night Trivia, author talks, poetry open mics, and the stand-up comedy Boston Tee-Hee Party are offered as well. Itching to start your new book? Dig in ASAP with cozy reading nooks throughout the space. 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115
Los Angeles: Skylight Books
Skylight Books is a Los Feliz bookstore that’s famed locally for its unique events, arts annex, and gift shop, in addition to its selection of books. Topics range from literary fiction to film, children’s stories to California history, politics to photography, and everything in between. Can’t pick a new read? Select from carefully curated staff picks, or browse the specially featured books in the arts annex. Gifts run the gamut from games to journals, and pens to Peanuts trinkets. Special programs at Skylight Books include a Friends with Benefits membership for savings and event privileges, a Signed First Editions Club, and others. Operating since 1996, Skylight Books’ events lineup is nationally recognized, featuring touring authors, local talents, and new literary faces. Can’t make an event in person? Tune into The Skylight Books Podcast for author and bookseller conversations. 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
San Francisco: City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
City Lights is a historic independent bookstore in North Beach. Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti as the nation’s first all-paperback bookstore, City Lights is a landmark of the Beat Generation. Although the “beatniks” have long since gone, their innovative, free-thinking spirit remains strong, with City Lights still focusing on books that foster “free intellectual inquiry.” The bookstore itself is a gem for history buffs to explore, with merchandise that calls out to famous poems like “Howl.” The calendar of events includes thought-provoking author conversations, launch parties, and much more. 261 Columbus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94133
Washington, D.C.: Kramers and All Day Cafe
As its name states, Kramers and All Day Cafe is a Dupont Circle mainstay where it’s easy to buy a book, post up, and spend all day reading—and eating. Book titles go beyond the top bestsellers, spanning from law to literary criticism, and political science (this is D.C.!) to business. Once you’ve made your selection, cozy up with your fresh book in the solarium dining room. The menu covers Early On (filled with breakfast favorites like the croque madame tartine), happy hour (order elevated snacks like the Maryland crab apizza alongside a drink), and Later On (the hearty mushroom lasagna is a must-have). Drinks range from afternoon tea and mocktails to alcoholic beverages like assorted beers, wines, and cocktails. Beyond the books and good bites, September events spotlight literary trivia, the Fresh Fiction Book Club, and a poetry reading. 1530 19th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
West Palm Beach: Classic Bookshop
Head to neighboring Palm Beach to browse fiction, biographies, coffee table books, cookbooks, greeting cards, magazines, newspapers, and more at Classic Bookshop. Known for its knowledgeable staff, autographed books, works of local interest, and overall unique selection, there’s a reason Classic Bookshop has been a local staple for over 40 years. 310 S. County Rd., Palm Beach, FL 33480
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