My Top Bookstore Recommendations

There’s just something about independent bookstores. Of course, Barnes & Noble and other chain stores are wonderful for quick and easy book buying, but, if you’re interested in traversing the bookish scene, independent bookstores are where it’s at. This blog post will explore three of my favorite bookstores. Although you may not plan on making a trip to simply peruse a bookstore (even though that sounds ideal to me), if you happen to be in the area, they’re certainly worth checking out. 

First up, we have my all-time favorite: The Strand in New York City. Created in 1927, this bookstore embodies a literature lover’s dream. Standing tall in the East Village of Manhattan, with red awning adorning itself, The Strand cannot be missed by passersby. The Strand’s slogan is “18 miles of books,” and, with four floors and over 2.5 million books, it lives up to it. There’s everything from science fiction to vintage editions of rare books. 

Next we’re heading to the West Coast to explore the welcoming atmosphere of City Lights Booksellers and Publishers. Nestled into the bustling streets of San Francisco, California, City Lights bookstore reminds me of something from a movie. City Lights’ picturesque black exterior contains large windows, and, on the inside, rows of wooden shelves filled with colorful books. City Lights was founded in 1953 as “the nation’s first all paperback bookstore” and totes an expansive collection of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and more. 

Last, but certainly not least, there’s Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop in Bar Harbor, Maine. This seaside bookstore encompasses both beachy and bookish vibes by flaunting a yellow and green exterior and nautical decorations, while still containing a multitude of books inside. When I explored this bookstore, it was extremely crowded, standing as a testament to its popularity. Sherman’s is a chain across Maine and was established in 1962 after being converted from a printing company. Overall, the ambience is invigorating with possible new reads everywhere you turn. 

All of these bookstores have made an impact on me and are true pillars of their communities. They will reel you in with their beautiful exteriors and keep you coming back with their large selections of books. Of course, if you really can’t wait to check out an independent shop, make your way to The Squirrel and Acorn Bookshop, an adorable shop on South Allen St. right here in University Park. As Neil Gaiman remarked, “A town isn’t a town without a bookstore,” and I wholeheartedly agree with this statement.