Independent bookstores help the local business by creating quality connections between collectors, readers, and booksellers. So, you should purchase books from local bookstores. Below we’ve featured 8 top independent bookstores in Delaware you should check out!
1. Browseabout Books (Rehoboth Beach)
Browseabout Books has been located in Rehoboth Beach since 1975 and is an independent bookstore that’s recognized far and wide for being one of the best. Whether you’re looking for books, stationery, toys, or all types of gifts, they have your needs covered. Open seven days a week, they have over 35,000 book titles in stock, as well as delicious coffee to make your visit even better.
As an independent bookstore, Browseabout Books loves to support local authors. They have a specific section of their store that’s set aside for independent and local writers, and also host author signings, launch parties for new books, and other events. Visit the store to browse their selection of titles for both adults and kids, or contact Browseabout Books to learn more about their selection.
2. Around Again & Again Books (Wilmington)
Around Again & Again Books is open six days a week (closed Mondays) and is a specialist used bookseller in Wilmington, Delaware. They are committed to reducing the number of books that get thrown out or end up in landfill and are happy to assess books from their customers if you have some titles you no longer have use for.
While the team at Around Again & Again Books won’t actually buy your books, they will provide credit that you can use towards other books in the store. They have such a diverse selection of used books that it’s easy to find something you’ll love, and their dedicated team of book lovers can always point you in the right direction if you’re struggling to find your next read. Contact Around Again & Again Books for more details.
3. Hockessin BookShelf (Hockessin)
Hockessin BookShelf is an independent bookseller based in Hockessin, Delaware. The store is open seven days a week (10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday, and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sunday) and sells both new and used books. Since first opening their door, they have grown to specialize in mystery, romance, general fiction, and books for kids.
Owner Rebecca has been selling books for over a decade after it was initially her hobby. As well as having a great selection of books, Hockessin BookShelf regularly hosts author events, including readings from both local and national authors. Contact Hockessin BookShelf to learn more about their store.
4. Oak Knoll Books (New Castle)
Founded in 1976, Oak Knoll Books is home to around 22,000 books at their location in New Castle, Delaware. They specialize in books about books (book design, book collecting, bibliographies, etc.) and also have a great selection of children’s books, as well as books relating to Delaware.
As well as a bookstore, Oak Knoll is also the business behind Oak Knoll Press, a publishing imprint specializing in books relating to book collecting, binding, design, illustration, and more. For more details on their store, titles, or publishing press, contact Oak Knoll Books.
5. MeJah Books (Claymont)
MeJah Books is a small, independent bookstore in Claymont, DE. They are open six days a week (11:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday, closed Sundays) and first opened their doors in 1998. The passionate and dedicated team at MeJah Books specializes in showcasing titles from authors of the Afrikan Diaspora.
At MeJah Books, a huge importance is placed on promoting and celebrating racial pride and supporting minority authors. They have a wonderfully diverse selection of books and are able to access more than a million titles spanning a variety of genres and themes. As well as their unbeatable selection of books, they also act as a place where community members can meet and socialize. Contact MeJah Books for more details.
6. Between Books 2.0 (Wilmington)
Between Books 2.0 (the new and improved version of Between Books) moved to their current location on Marsh Road in Wilmington, DE, in 2019. They are open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm, and on Monday through Thursday by appointment. As well as browsing their great selection of books in-store, you can also visit their online catalog and place orders there.
Between Books 2.0 specializes in sci-fi, graphic novels, horror, fantasy, and other related genres. As well as being the go-to venue for these topics, they also host a great selection of author events, including readings, signings, and more. Contact the team at Between Books 2.0 to learn more.
7. Bethany Beach Books (Bethany Beach)
Located just off the boardwalk in the beautiful Bethany Beach, Bethany Beach Books is the only independent bookstore in the town and has been operating for over three decades. Their 2,000 square foot store features a great selection of titles and also hosts author events (including readings and signings) as well as book clubs and other community engagement events.
Bethany Beach Books has a great selection of titles for adults. Whether you’re looking for fiction or non-fiction bestsellers, classics, puzzle books, titles from local authors, true crime, or even audiobooks, they have something for everyone. They can also place pre-orders if you don’t want to miss your favorite author’s next release. For kids, they have picture books, middle-grade books, and young adult fiction. Contact Bethany Beach Books for additional details.
8. Taino Studios (Dover)
Taino Studios in Dover, DE, is an art studio and bookstore that will satisfy your artistic soul. Their beautiful store features an amazing selection of new books, specializing in journals, political commentaries, biographies and memoirs, and inspirational readings. Not only do they have new books, but they also feature a wide range of rare, out-of-stock, or generally hard-to-find titles. Their store is full of treasures – pay them a visit and see for yourself!
As well as their great selection of books, Taino Studios also features artwork for sale, including prints, posters, original pieces, and ceramics. They also have a selection of clothing and apparel available – contact the team at Taino Studios for further details.