While Books-a-Million may be the most accessible and easy-to-find local bookstore, there are many small bookstores that go relatively unnoticed. For those who are able, these bookstores are definitely worth a visit — not only do they sell a wide (and inclusive!) selection of new books to add to your TBR, they provide a chance to support locally-owned small businesses (which, to be honest, we could all try to do more often). One thing must first be considered, however, before reading: this is not an exhaustive list. That is to say, there might not be something mentioned for everyone but I guarantee it does exist and you should definitely look beyond these bookstores.
Snowball Books:
Snowball Books is a dark academia* dream come true. One of the first things I noticed about the bookstore was its wide selection of (affordable) classics, especially those typically required for student reading. That is not to say it is perfect. The friendly-yet-aloof cats (!) make great book shopping companions, and the basement – the shop owner’s joy in showing customers the basement is absolutely palpable; she leaves the light off, asking you to go down a few stairs as you walk into the darkness, waiting at the top as she flicks the light on as you find yourself seeing shelves upon shelves of books of all shapes and sizes in no particular order (yet, important distinction – this may be a little overwhelming for some). However, the intrigue of the bookstore faded a bit when I realized the (first floor’s) books were arranged in alphabetical order. This could make it difficult to find new authors and diversify your bookshelf as it favors the authors we already know (which is…a not very inclusive selection). 3 / 5
*Excluding dark academia’s problematic aspects, of course.
Elizabeth’s Bookshop and Writing Center:
This is quite possible (read: definitely) my new favorite bookstore. It is very inclusive, amplifying the work of female, POC and LGBTQ+ stories without obfuscating their stories among authors with more privileged backgrounds. The environment is especially safe and welcoming, and in stark contrast with Snowball Books, not overwhelming. To be completely honest, this bookstore was near perfect — it is the epitome of what bookstores should be. In my opinion, reading should not be left to those without things that seriously upset them (that they may find in many popular, contemporary books) or those that are privileged (wherein every story features characters that live, look, and love like them). This bookstore was a perfect counter; it was a space where all readers (and writers!) were made to feel welcome, not betrayed or less-than in front of inaccessible or otherwise troubling reads. 6 / 5
The Book Loft at the German Village:
First, it is located in the German Village — which automatically made me think that it has the potential to have an unpleasant or unsociable atmosphere. After walking down a way-too-narrow cobblestone street (a lot less picturesque than I had imagined), I found the Book Loft. Inside, the aisles are even more narrow than the streets, and standing pressed against the books you are looking at makes the experience…a bit unenjoyable. The books, however, were surprisingly refreshing – at first: on the first floor, I found many feminist titles (upon a closer look, it was still not a terribly diverse selection, most authors had outdated, non-intersectional perspectives) and on the top floor I found classics for discounted prices (make no mistake, classics are hardly the epitome of literature but specifically classics for low prices might be beneficial for students – provided the students have an unimaginably flexible schedule allowing them to visit this bookstore). The bookstore also offered many short and contemporary reads, which may make those who are not presently able to consume longer or heavier books (which is completely valid, of course) feel more welcome. 2 / 5
