7 Independent Bookstores in Austin
In today’s world, it’s more vital than ever to support small business. When current events become a bit too much to handle, a good book can be the perfect escape.
Read on to discover 7 of Austin’s best independent bookstores, where you can lose yourself in a good story while supporting the local community.
Book People
Opened in 1970, Book People is Texas’ largest independent bookstore. The shop’s name comes from the book “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. In Bradbury’s tale, “book people” were a band of misfits dedicated to preserving books in a society that sought to burn them.
The store has won the title of Best Bookstore in Austin for more than 20 years, and was honored by Publisher’s Weekly as Bookstore of the Year in 2005. In 2020, it was named winner of the Pannell Award by the Women’s National Book Association.
Book People features two floors stocked to the brim with books, local gifts, and a cozy coffee shop. The store is located at the corner of 6th and Lamar streets, and is open daily from 11am to 7pm. Contactless curbside pickup is currently available.
Phone: +1 512-472-5050
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Malvern Books
CLOSED
Malvern Books focuses on local, lesser-known authors. The shop specializes in poetry and visionary pieces from indie publishers, seeking to give voice to those not often heard. The store’s name stems from the work of Medieval poet William Langland.
Malvern hosts an array of in-store events such as poetry readings and book-club gatherings. There is no onsite coffee shop–however, guests are welcome to bring along their own hot drink for a cozy afternoon of reading.
The store is located at 613 West 29th Street, and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12-5pm. Curbside pickup is currently available.
South Congress Books
This bookstore specializes in collectible and limited-edition manuscripts, along with works of art and musical collections. The store’s aesthetic and décor give the feeling of entering a cozy, personal library.
South Congress Books is owned and operated by Sheri Tonratore, who holds a five-star rating as an online bookseller and has garnered more than 30 years of experience in the industry.
The shop is open daily from 12-6pm and is currently operating at a maximum capacity of eight customers at a time, due to COVID-19 concerns. Online shopping and curbside pickup are currently available.
South Congress Books
3703 Kerbey Ln
Austin, TX 78731
United States
Phone: +1 512-916-8882
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Book Woman
This indie bookshop specializes in books written by women, for women. Book Woman began over 45 years ago under the name Common Woman Bookstore. Following a number of relocations, Book Woman Settled down into its current location in Commerce Square, at 5501 N. Lamar Blvd.
The shop offers a variety of manuscripts, in addition to T-shirts and other novelty items. In-store events such as discussion groups, lectures and open-mic nights are also frequently hosted. Online shopping and pickup options are available for those who prefer not to shop in-store.
Phone: +1 512-472-2785
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Monkeywrench Books
Monkeywrench Books is a small, indie store run entirely by volunteers. Their wares focus on issues of social and economic justice. The shop accepts monthly donations in exchange for various perks–monthly “sustainers” can receive rewards such as a 20% discount card, as well as a monthly chance to win a “sustainer gratitude gift pack”.
Non-monetary donations of useful items such as copy paper, paper towels, toilet paper, spray paint and used books are also accepted. The shop is open daily from 12-8pm, and is located at 110 N. Loop Blvd.
Phone: +1 512-766-6925
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12th Street Books
*Temporarily closed, with plans to relocate and reopen in 2021.
12th Street Books was founded by Mike Hale in 1992, and specializes in rare, antique books. The shop is Austin’s only walk-in dealer of rare books.
12th Street is a member of the Antiquarian Bookseller’s Association of America, the Texas Bookseller’s Association, and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers.
Phone: +1 512-499-8828
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Recycled Reads Bookstore
Recycled Reads was launched in 2009 as a home for discarded books from the 20 local branches of the Austin Public Library. The shop partners with Goodwill Industries of Central Texas to provide low-cost literature options to the City of Austin, while keeping hundreds of tons of paper materials out of landfills annually.
Most books range in price from fifty cents to $2.00. Books that are too damaged to read or sell normally are turned into “book art” by the staff; often in the form of sculptures or origami. The shop is located at 5335 Burnet Road in Austin.
Phone: +1 512-974-7460
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Which of these local shops has awakened your inner bookworm?
Here in Austin, you can rest assured that you’ll find a store that carries whatever it is you’re seeking. Click here for some great shops in Austin.
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