If you need something to read, go to your local independent bookstore to ask for advice. Below we’ve featured 10 top independent bookstores in Minnesota for your review.
1. Magers & Quinn Booksellers (Minneapolis)
Magers & Quinn Booksellers is a purveyor of new and used books, operating out of their beautiful store in Minneapolis’ Uptown area. Independently owned, they first opened their doors in 1994 and had a small selection of books displayed on tables in the store. Today, they feature shelves and shelves of titles, and have become one of the largest independent booksellers in the entire Midwest.
Magers & Quinn Booksellers specialize in rare titles that are difficult to locate in other stores. They also have new releases, and feature both fiction/literature and non-fiction titles. There’s something for everyone at this store, including a great range of children’s books. Contact Magers & Quinn Booksellers for more details.
2. Next Chapter Booksellers (St Paul)
As the largest independent bookseller in St Paul, MN, Next Chapter Booksellers is a great place to find your next read. Since first opening their doors in 2006 (then known as Common Good Books), they have expanded to include a great selection of books and also some fantastic author events, including readings, book clubs, and more.
Their non-fiction titles span art, cooking, hobby books, educational titles, business, gardening, history, and more. They also feature a great fiction catalog, and both fiction and non-fiction titles suitable for kids. Contact Next Chapter Booksellers to learn more.
3. Zenith Bookstore (Duluth)
Zenith Bookstore is located in West Duluth, MN. Locally owned, they sell both new and used books, as well as gifts, diaries, greeting cards, and more. Open from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 am until 4:00 pm Sunday, their store features a great selection of titles, and author events from time to time.
They specialize in social justice titles, new fiction releases, bestsellers, and award-winning titles. They also showcase local authors, and titles relating to local history. They also accept used books (as long as they are in good condition). Contact Zenith Bookstore for more information.
4. Moon Palace Books (Minneapolis)
Moon Palace Books is a local, independent bookstore in Minneapolis that’s open seven days a week. Their entire catalog is available online, with in-store pickup an option for local customers. As well as their incredible books, they have a café on-site, and host events from time to time, including those of a musical nature.
Moon Palace Books has a great selection of both new and used books, as well as special deals on older “bargain books”. Browse fiction titles, children’s books and young adult fiction, biographies, poetry, history books, comics, and much more. If there’s anything you can’t find, contact the team at Moon Palace Books.
5. Subtext Books (St Paul)
Located in St Paul, MN, Subtext Books is an independent bookstore committed to supporting the local literary community. They host a wide variety of events, including book readings, author interviews, and more, and are open daily from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm (12:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Sundays).
They have a great selection of new releases (including both fiction and non-fiction titles), indie releases, poetry, cookbooks, children’s books, puzzles, and much, much more. Contact Subtext Books to learn more.
6. Bookstore at Fitger’s (Duluth)
The Bookstore at Fitger’s is an independent bookseller located in the Fitger’s mall in Duluth, MN. They specialize in local books relating to Midwest history and culture, but also have a great selection of non-fiction and fiction titles, plus gifts, gift cards, and toys.
The Bookstore at Fitger’s frequently hosts author events, including signings, discussions, readings, and will soon host book groups as well. The store is open seven days a week, from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays. Contact Bookstore at Fitger’s for more details.
7. Eat My Words (Minneapolis)
Eat My Words is a used bookstore based in downtown Minneapolis, MN. This independent bookseller specializes in hard-to-find titles and first opened their doors in 2014. They are open from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm Sundays.
Their exceptional collection of quirky books is beautifully arranged, and they also carefully showcase local authors and works. Evening events at Eat My Words include open mic nights, book readings, and community meetings. Browse their amazing selection of fiction, non-fiction, and local works, and talk to their knowledgeable team members about their favorite titles and recent reads. Contact Eat My Words to learn more.
8. Red Balloon Bookshop (St Paul)
Red Balloon Bookshop is an independent and woman-owned bookseller specializing in children’s titles in St Paul, MN. While they also have some great reads for adults, they focus on picture books, toys, and gifts suitable for kids of all ages.
The bookstore also hosts storytelling sessions for kids, and author events for adults and families. They have been operating since way back in 1984 but have expanded significantly as more titles are added. Contact Red Balloon Bookshop to learn more about their store.
9. Excelsior Bay Books (Excelsior)
Excelsior Bay Books in Excelsior, MN, is a leading independent bookstore that’s open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. As well as in-store browsing, orders can be placed online or over the phone, and curbside or in-store pickup are both offered.
Excelsior Bay Books has a great selection of both fiction and non-fiction titles, as well as children’s books, new indie releases, and award-winning books. They also have a great selection of gifts and cards available in-store. Contact Excelsior Bay Books to find out more.
10. Birchbark Books & Native Arts (Minneapolis)
Birchbark Book & Native Arts is a small, local, independent store in Minneapolis, MN, specializing in art and books relating to Native culture. They have a strong community presence and regularly host readings from both Native and non-Native writers and historians.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in-store, the team at Birchbark Books & Native Arts can place orders for you. They have a great selection of books for both kids and adults and have an unbeatable selection of Native American titles. To learn more about this unique store, contact Birchbark Books & Native Arts.