Bookstores are a great place for you to pick up some books to read and be entertained, or learn something new. Below we’ve featured 10 top independent bookstores in Kansas you should know about!
1. The Raven Book Store (Lawrence)
Since first opening their doors in 1987, The Raven Book Store has become one of the leading independent booksellers in Lawrence, KS. They specialize in mystery titles (and were almost exclusively a mystery bookstore when they opened), but also dabble in poetry, fiction, plus environmental and current events titles.
The Raven Book Store fiercely promotes independent booksellers – they believe strongly in the importance of small businesses and local bookstores. They are open seven days a week for in-store shopping, and also offer local delivery as well as USPS shipping nationwide. Contact The Raven Book Store here.
2. Rainy Day Books (Fairway)
Located in Fairway, KS, Rainy Day Books has been providing a great selection of books to the local community since first opening in 1975. This independent bookstore is open six days a week (closed Sundays) and has a great selection of new books, including titles for both children and adults, as well as gifts and greeting cards.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for at Rainy Day Books, the team will happily place an order for you. Be sure to keep an eye on their events calendar – they regularly host book signings, author readings, and other book-centric events. Contact Rainy Day Books for more details.
3. Watermark Books & Café (Wichita)
Watermark Books & Café is an independent bookstore in Wichita, KS, that truly has something for everyone. Founded in 1977, they have a great selection of fiction and non-fiction titles for both kids and adults, they also have a café on-site, which is perfect if you’re looking for a beverage to go with your new book.
Watermark Books & Café has non-fiction titles relating to art, architecture, cooking, gardening, history, nature, politics, and more. For kids, they have picture books, educational titles, and young adult fiction and non-fiction. Contact Watermark Books & Café to learn more.
4. Rivendell Bookstore (Abilene)
Rivendell Bookstore specializes in both new and used books and is a leading independent bookseller in Abilene, KS. Situated in a century-old building, their store is made for browsing – there are plenty of places to relax, flick through a book, and enjoy the ambiance.
If the book you’re looking for isn’t in stock at Rivendell Books, their team is happy to place orders for customers where possible. As well as books, they have a great selection of gifts, bookmarks, and other book-related paraphernalia. Contact Rivendell Bookstore for more details about their store.
5. Clafin Books and Copies (Manhattan)
All books at Clafin Books and Copies are hand-selected by their dedicated team of bibliophiles. Located in Manhattan, KS, they are open Wednesday through Saturday and have been running their store for almost three decades. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, their team is always happy to make suggestions and help you find your next read.
As well as a great selection of books, Clafin Books and Copies also frequently hosts author events, including meet and greets and book signings. For more information, contact the team at Clafin Books and Copies.
6. The Green Door Book Store & Gift Shoppe (Overland Park)
Located in Overland Park, KS, The Green Book Store & Gift Shoppe is run by a team of book lovers who are always happy to see a new customer in the store. This independent bookseller has an excellent selection of books for both children and adults, including non-fiction titles relating to architecture, cooking, social sciences, travel, and more.
The Green Door Book Store & Gift Shoppe is open seven days a week. As well as their selection of books, they also feature a wide range of gifts, including art supplies, bags, drinkware, mugs, and more. Whatever you need, their team can help! Contact The Green Door Book Store & Gift Shoppe with any questions.
7. Eighth Day Books (Wichita)
Located in Wichita, KS, Eighth Day Books is the place to go if you’re looking for the classics. First founded in 1988, this independent bookseller features classic titles of art, the humanities, and science. They don’t focus on how sellable a book is, but instead stock books that are informative and interesting in their own right.
Eighth Day Books is open from Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Their store is located in a beautiful house from the 1920s, offering a quaint and peaceful setting to browse their titles. Contact Eighth Day Books for further details.
8. Round Table Bookstore (Topeka)
Situated in the heart of the NOTO Arts District, Round Table Bookstore in Topeka, KS, is an independent bookseller with a great range of both new and used titles. As well as their wonderful collection of books, they also have a great selection of book-themed gifts, including scarves, baby blankets, shirts, and more, and offer delivery for local customers.
Their bookstore is very welcoming, with lots of space to sit and read, and even a drinks menu and locally baked food. As well as their book collection, Round Table Bookstore also features book club meetings, author events (including readings), and more. Contact Round Table Bookstore for more information.
9. Book-A-Holic (Wichita)
Since first opening their doors in 1993, Book-A-Holic has become a staple independent bookstore in Wichita, KS. Open seven days a week, they have expanded to three separate locations (plus a warehouse) across Wichita and can ship books anywhere in the United States.
Book-A-Holic specializes in secondhand books, DVDs, and music. They buy books from customers, so if your collection is getting out of hand you can contact their team to discuss a sale or trade. With over 80,000 books on the shelves, you’re bound to find something you enjoy. Contact Book-A-Holic to learn more.
10. Flint Hills Books (Council Grove)
As a general interest bookseller, Flint Hills Books has a little bit of everything. Located in Council Grove, KS, they stock a great selection of bestselling titles in both paperback and hardcover formats.
Whether you’re looking for a biography, a memoir, or a chapter book for young readers, there’s lots to choose from at Flint Hills Books. Contact the team at Flint Hills Books to learn more about their store.