If you buy from a local bookshop, you’re supporting a community business and the local economy. In this post, we’ve featured 10 top independent bookstores in Rhode Island. Find one near you and plan a visit soon!
1. Island Books
Located in Middletown, Island Books is an independent bookstore that’s here to meet the community’s literary needs. Created in 1993, this team has nearly 30 years of bookselling experience – no wonder they’ve won multiple awards from the Rhode Island Monthly publication!
When you visit this bookstore, you can find a range of hand-picked books. Genres available here include local interest titles, fiction, history, biographies, cookbooks, gardening books, personal growth, art, and more. Alongside providing books, Island Books is always happy to offer recommendations and to search for specific titles too.
Find the store online here.
2. Books On The Square
Books On The Square is a Providence-based independent bookstore with a focus on providing books for all needs. Whether you want to find titles for young readers or want a thrilling fiction read, all genres are available here. This store is open every day, and readers can order online at any time.
The book selection here covers all popular, new, and famous titles. Books On The Square also curates themed collections, including ‘Our Favorite Books of 2021’, ‘Native American Heritage Month Books,’ and ‘Bestselling Indie Books.’ Never run out of inspiration again!
Contact the store online here.
3. Symposium Books
Situated in Providence, Symposium Books provides new titles for visitors far and wide. Open every day of the week, this independent bookstore is dedicated to making literature accessible to all Rhode Islanders. Plus, their collections are viewable online for curious readers.
Books here cover a wide range of categories. From fiction to poetry, many styles are available. Popular genres include literature, young adult books, children’s books, chapter books, cookbooks, art and design books, self-help titles, essays, memoirs, and many more. Graphic novels and alternative literature are also available here.
Visit the store online here.
4. Wakefield Books
If you’re located in the South Kingstown area, consider a visit to Wakefield Books. This independent bookstore strives to offer the community unique titles for all ages, demographics, and interests. The South County is at the heart of this store’s practice, and the team provides reading recommendations when required.
Wakefield Books stocks a plethora of literary genres. From fiction and travel to romance and non-fiction, books here are vast and varied. The team receives new book releases daily, ensuring that the stock is constantly evolving. Home shipping is available online.
Find the store online here.
5. Stillwater Books
Stillwater Books is an independent bookstore on a mission to serve the downtown Pawtucket area. Unlike other bookstores, Stillwater Books offers a mix of new and used books. This is great news if you’re interested in sustainable shopping or recycling – give a book another life today!
There are over 9,000 high-quality books in this store ready for you to browse. Though many books are used, you won’t be able to tell! Each copy is in pristine condition, but available for a lower price. Ideal if you want to restock your bookshelf without smashing your piggy bank.
Contact the store online here.
6. Ink Fish Books
Based in Warren, Ink Fish Books is an independent bookstore that brings the joy of reading to you! With an extensive selection, exclusive local titles, and frequent events, there’s always a community buzz at this store.
Ink Fish Books provides new releases, popular titles, indie books, holiday books, staff recommendations, audiobooks, e-books, and much more. If you’re in need of some reading inspiration, this team can help. Check out this team’s website to see if you can attend any of their author signing events too.
Visit the store online here.
7. Twenty Stories
Twenty Stories is an independent bookstore located in Providence and a mobile bookstore that thrives from a vintage van. That’s right, this bookstore travels around the Rhode Island area providing good books to the community. But, you can also visit the team in their Providence brick-and-mortar location if you want an in-store experience.
This independent bookstore uses a ‘twenty-book’ concept. This means the store provides a curated pick of twenty books, ensuring visitors only have access to tried and tested literature. Perfect for anyone who wants expert advice on fiction and indie books.
Find the store online here.
8. Savoy Bookshop and Cafe
Curious about shopping with an independent small-chain bookstore? The Savoy Bookshop and Cafe is here to help. With locations in Westerly RI, Mystic CT, and New London CT, this team serves Rhode Island and Connecticut with great care. Great for readers who want a break from big chain shopping.
Books from this independent bookstore cover all topics and genres. From nature books to design books, all titles are on offer. Other options include indie bestsellers, young adult fiction, history, business, biographies, children’s books, study books, psychology, literary criticism, and many more. Explore their complete collection online now.
Contact the store online here.
9. Barrington Books
Barrington Books provides an unparalleled independent bookstore service to the Barrington community and beyond. This award-winning store has been recognized by the Rhode Island Monthly, placing it as one of the best in the state. With a wide variety of books, frequent community events, and helpful staff, we can see why.
Shoppers at this independent bookstore can explore a vast collection of indie books, including indie bestsellers, kid’s indie books, and upcoming indie titles. Other options include new releases, biographies, historical books, and more. Gifts and games are also available here.
Visit the store online here.
10. Charter Books
Charter Books is a Newport-based bookstore ready to assist you in your journey to great reading. Established in 2020, this store is locally-owned and ready to promote cultural events and inclusion. For the best books and like-minded readers, it has to be Charter Books.
Products at charter books include paperbacks, hardcovers, kid’s books, rare books, and much more. Here you’ll find the latest fiction, biographies, history books, spiritual titles, young adult fiction, travel titles, and much more. Charter Books also offers pre-ordering, staff picks, and audiobooks.
Find the store online here.