In search of your next read? Don’t forget to visit a bookstore near you. Below we’ve featured 10 top independent bookstores in Arizona you should check out!
1. The Poisoned Pen Bookstore (Scottsdale)
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore first opened their door over three decades ago and is an independent bookseller based in Scottsdale, AZ. Specializing in fiction, they have a spectacular selection of mystery novels, thrillers, and American Southwest literature, as well as historical and literary fiction.
Browsing through the books at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore is an exciting experience, as you may come across a rare edition or a signed book. They also host numerous book-related events such as signings and readings. If you don’t live nearby, shipping is available worldwide. Contact The Poisoned Pen Bookstore for more details.
2. Mostly Books (Tucson)
Mostly Books is an independent bookstore in Tucson, AZ, that’s open from 10:30 am, six days a week (closed Sundays). They have a great selection of new release fiction and also stock audiobooks, gifts, and gift cards. Their store is beloved throughout the community, and they regularly host author events.
If you’re eagerly waiting for your favorite author’s new release, the team at Mostly Books can place a pre-order for you to make sure you don’t miss out. They also offer monthly book subscription packages, so you can treat yourself to a new title every now and again. Contact Mostly Books to learn more.
3. Changing Hands (Phoenix)
Changing Hands Bookstore boasts an exciting collection of both new and used books. Their location in the Phoenix suburb of Tempe, AZ, has been open for almost 50 years, and they have recently expanded to include a second location which features an unmissable “book bar” with beer, wine, and coffee.
As well as an enormous selection of books, Changing Hands stocks gifts, toys, and other literacy-related items. They host upwards of 300 author events every year and are open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, seven days a week. Contact Changing Hands for further information.
4. Antigone Books (Tucson)
Antigone Books is truly unique in that it is the first 100% solar-powered bookstore in America. Located in sunny Tucson, AZ, Antigone Books is open six days a week (closed Mondays) and boasts an impressive collection of indie fiction, including both new releases and bestsellers.
Antigone Books was first opened (by three women) in 1973 and remains an independently owned bookstore today. They carry a great selection of books with something to suit all ages, and also feature gifts, cards, and more. Contact Antigone Books for more details.
5. Bright Side Bookshop (Flagstaff)
Bright Side Bookshop is more than just a place to buy books. Under new ownership since 2017, this independent bookstore in downtown Flagstaff, AZ, is a general bookseller with a great selection of titles. Whether you’re looking for books relating to architecture, gardening, or photography, they have something for you.
Bright Side Bookshop also specializes in fiction, including young adult and juvenile fiction. Make sure you also explore their selection of audiobooks and e-books, and check out their calendar for any upcoming author and community events. Contact Bright Side Bookshop to learn more.
6. Peregrine Book Company (Prescott)
Peregrine Book Company in Prescott, AZ, is the largest independent bookseller in the city. They first opened their doors in 2012 and stock a broad selection of both new and used books, as well as toys, games, cards, and magazines. As well as their offerings in the store, they regularly host author events and place an emphasis on supporting local and up-and-coming authors.
If you can’t visit their store in person, you can browse both new and used books online. They have both fiction and non-fiction titles available, including some collectibles, art books, history books, and much more. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, their helpful team can always help you find your next read. Contact Peregrine Book Company for further details.
7. Old Town Books (Tempe)
Old Town Books is an adorable independent bookstore located in downtown Tempe, AZ. Their store is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and is definitely worth a look if you find yourself in the area. They stock some rare, difficult-to-find titles, as well as a large selection of books that are no longer in stock. There’s even a cat who lives in the store and can help you find your next book! Contact Old Town Books for further information.
8. R Bookmark (Youngtown)
Located in Youngtown, AZ, R Bookmark is the perfect place to find some used books in immaculate condition. They have a number of titles that are now out-of-print, as well as some rare books that you may have been hunting for. Even if you can’t find what you’re looking for, their team can help search other stores and book services to track down the book you’re searching for.
R Bookmark has an inventory of over 60,000 books – you’re bound to find something you love! They have books relating to art, birds, Black History, sports, and everything in between. They also accept books for trade – if your collection is out of control, bring some in for their team to assess. Contact R Bookmark for further details.
9. Grassrootz Bookstore (Phoenix)
If you’re looking for a small, independent bookstore in Phoenix that knows how to support a good cause, Grassrootz Bookstore is the place for you. With every purchase from Grassrootz (the only black-owned bookstore in Arizona), you are helping to fund community-based activism, education initiatives, and other worthy programs.
Not only is shopping at Grassrootz Bookstore a great cause, but they also have a fantastic selection of books for sale. They support local authors from Arizona, they have a great range of books for kids, and a strong emphasis on Black history, Black issues, and Black authors. Contact Grassrootz Bookstore to find out more.
10. The Book Stop (Tucson)
The Book Stop first opened their doors in 1967, and moved to their current location in Tucson, AZ, in 2007. They specialize in books that are hard-to-find, rare, and generally interesting. Their used book collection cannot be beaten, and most of the books on their shelves are sourced from their readers.
If you have books to trade, the team at The Book Stop will happily take a look at your offerings. Their store is open six days a week (closed Tuesdays) with extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights. Contact The Book Stop for additional details.