If you want to pick up some new books to read, and want to support local bookshops near you, here are 10 top independent bookstores in Vermont worth visiting.
1. Crow Bookshop
Crow Bookshop is situated in Burlington. Established in 1995, they have a mixture of new, second-hand, and remainder books on their shelves for you to look through and discover. If you are looking to clear some space on your shelves, they also provide a book trade-in service where you can exchange your books for in-store credit.
Crow Bookshop isn’t picky when it comes to the genres that they stock. Cookbooks, comics, children’s books, and more are on offer here. You can find discounts on most titles, including on new hardcovers!
Check out Crow Bookshop.
2. The Flying Pig Bookstore
The Flying Pig Bookstore first started out in Charlotte in 1996, however, when they needed more space, they moved to Shelburne, where you can find them today. The store was originally just focused on children’s books, however as the years have gone by they have diversified into a space for all readers.
The Flying Pig Bookstore has gone on to earn its fair share of accolades, including the best children’s bookshop of the year! They have also been featured in “best of” lists in both Yankee Magazine (twice!) and the Wall Street Journal.
Head on over to The Flying Pig Bookstore.
3. Bartleby’s Books
Bartleby’s Books was established in 1989, and you can find them in Wilmington. They provide a large range of new books in various genres, alongside a well-curated assortment games, cards and gifts. If you head up to the top floor, you can even find work from local artists!
If you are unsure what you are looking for, their friendly staff team is happy to help you. They can either suggest your perfect next read or help you to pick out an amazing gift for someone special to you.
Say hello to Bartleby’s Books.
4. Bear Pond Books
Bear Pond Books is located in Montpelier, where they have been since 1973. The store was established by Michael Katzenberg and was taken over by Claire Benedict and Robert Kasow in 2006. In almost 50 years of operation, they have sold countless books, both new and second-hand alike.
The store is full of surprises, whether that’s their carefully selected books that catch your eye or even their shop tortoise! There are 2 book clubs you can join that meet each month: the Not Just Fiction Book Club, and the SciFi+ Book Club.
Get in touch with Bear Pond Books.
5. The Bennington Bookshop
The Bennington Bookshop is in the town of the same name, and is the oldest independent bookstore in the state! Founded in 1928, nowadays the proprietors of the store are Linda Foulsham and Phil Lewis, who took it over in 2015.
Alongside bestsellers from the New England Independent Booksellers Association’s shortlist, they also stock a carefully curated selection of new books in various genres including a children’s section.
Reach out to The Bennington Bookshop.
6. The Book Nook
The Book Nook is situated in Ludlow and first opened its doors in 2006. They offer mainly new books, although there are some used titles, either second-hand or remainder copies for you to look through, from the comfort of their seating area or actively prowling the shelves for a hidden gem.
Alongside the latest bestsellers, The Book Nook also like to feature writers from Vermont and books that have the state at their core, too. That’s not to say that they don’t have other genres and topics for you to discover too, for readers of all ages, such as fantasy novels, board books, non-fiction titles, and more.
Start a conversation with The Book Nook.
7. Village Square Booksellers
You can find Village Square Booksellers in Bellow Falls, where they have been open since 1992. 30 years on, the store is still going strong, with books in all genres, including a rather impressive children’s section! The store also stocks a range of gifts and toys for all occasions and recipients.
Village Square Booksellers also like to give back to those that support them. For every $150 you spend with them on books, you’ll get $15 of store credit to spend (most likely on more books)!
Pay a visit to Village Square Booksellers.
8. The Yankee Bookshop
The Yankee Bookshop is located in Woodstock and has been open since 1935. According to current owners Kari Meutsch and Kristian Preylowski, this makes it the oldest bookshop in Vermont that has never closed its doors!
Alongside a wide assortment of titles in all sorts of genres, The Yankee Bookshop also stocks vinyl records as well as a variety of gifts and stationery to suit everyone. If you are stuck on what to get, just ask their friendly team for some bookish advice.
Have a browse at The Yankee Bookshop.
9. The Norwich Bookstore
The Norwich Bookstore is situated in the town of the same name, and close to Dartmouth College. They were founded in 1994 by Liza Bernard and Penny McConnel, and are now run by Emma Nichols and Sam Kaas. They still try to have the community at their heart, with many events held both in the store or supported at other venues in the town.
They have plenty of books, both fiction and non-fiction, in a wide range of genres and topics of interest. If you find they don’t have the particular book in stock that you are looking for they would be happy to order it for you. Audiobooks can also be ordered, and you can also pick up some stationery or a gift or two.
Connect with The Norwich Bookstore.
10. The Eloquent Page
The Eloquent Page can be found in St. Albans. They have over 35,000 books on their shelves, all gently used but still in great condition. You can also pick up various bookish gifts, including tote bags, themed candles, and more.
The books in stock include books by Vermont authors, as well as local interest titles. One of their specialties is costume and fashion books, of which they have over 2000! The Eloquent Page also carries children’s books, rare first editions, mysteries, sci-fi and fantasy, gardening and farming books, and much more!
Enquire with The Eloquent Page.