Thriftbooks

A book seller that started in 2003 out of the back of a truck has grown into the largest online independent bookseller. They offer a huge selection of very accurately graded used books. We have been ordering used books from them since 2017 and I have never been disappointed in the quality of a book. They also work with Friends of the Library to help find new homes for ex-library books! They have a vast, excellent selection for all ages.

Magers & Quinn

The brick and mortar M&Q has been operating in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis since 1994, and their online store offers all the in-store titles, PLUS over a million more! They have many unique and hard-to-find editions and offer books in all subjects, for all ages.

Yu and Me Books

This book shop is the first female-owned, Asian American book store, located in Chinatown, Manhattan, NYC. Lucy Yu, the shop’s founder, “showcases immigrant stories and creates a home for the community” with this amazing shop. If you’re local or headed to New York City any time soon, make it a must to stop by this book shop/café/bar. They have a fabulous selection of graphic novels, poetry, non-fiction and kids books. Make sure to check out the “food” section too!!

Paperbacks & Fry Bread

When Dominique first popped up on my FYP with recommendations to help “decolonize your bookshelf”, I hit that + so fast! She runs this shop, and a book club too, with heart, soul and so much love. Paperbacks & Fry Bread sells both new and used books, centering Indigenous and POC voices, characters, and authors. There are also audio book offerings. This shop is a “community centered around nerdy goodness, the written word and appreciation for all.”

Malik Books

A local shop near us in Los Angeles, I was introduced to Malik Books just this year and fell in love. Malik is an “African American book store that specializes in books…full of cultural diversity”. Malik Books has been part of the community since 1990 and of July 2021, Malik they now ship nationwide! They offer a large selection of diverse children’s books and feature independent and self-published authors.

Birchbark Books

This is online and brick & mortar shop that features books/audio books, games and Indigenous arts. Birchbark Books is an absolute gem and a great place to find books available nowhere else! Founder and author Louise Eldrich says this Native-owned shop has a staff that is either Native background or “exceedingly Native-friendly” and huge bonus- she will sign any of her books purchased through the bookstore!

Bettie’s Pages

Nicole is another independent bookseller I found via TikTok, her shop Bettie’s Pages opened in 2020 and focuses on “cultivating community, empowering readers and maintaining a space that is diverse, inclusive and affirming!’ Something super special to check out is their #challengeyourshelf section, each month. This is a monthly list of intersectional books exploring topics of life and justice. The recommendations span fiction and non-fiction, from picture book to adult- so check back often to get new book inspo!

Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre

Founded by author, Rachel E Cargle, Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre is an “innovative literacy center designed to amplify and celebrate marginalized voices”, located in Akron, OH. The shop opened in 2020 online and then the physical location followed as a gathering spot for the local community. Make sure to check out favorites like the annual Reading Challenge and absolutely follow @elizabethsofakron on IG. Best of all a percentage of all sales goes to benefit the Loveland Foundation.

Red Planet Books & Comics

Red Planet Books & Comics was founded in 2017 and is the only Indigenous comic shop IN THE WORLD! Founded by Dr. Lee Francis IV, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, the Albuquerque, NM shop focuses on Indigenous titles. If you travel to Albuquerque, this is a must-visit shop for sure, but if you’re not in the area you can absolutely shop online and keep an eye out for their upcoming WonderBox Subscription!

Essence Book Gallery

Janice Taylor started this Black-Woman-Owned bookshop in Kansas City, MO. You’ll find everything from gifts to a huge collection of children’s books, Juneteenth books, Black Wallstreet Books, Black history books, Cookbooks, and books on race & diversity. They also have bundles and subscriptions to check out. The store showcases “Black books, black authors…reaching customers who want to learn through [our] experience”. Follow them on IG here!

Moondust Press

Absolutely enchanting witchy books for kids! Moondust Press was started by parent and author Andrea Stein in 2019. You can find incredibly inclusive books, stickers, pintables and pins in the online shop. The “C is for Coven” board book is the best new baby gift ever, and “What Witches Wear” is my youngest’s favorite! This publishing house is one to watch as I’m sure new authors, illustrators and titles that are too magical to miss.

Valore

Valore books is an online textbook marketplace. While it is by no means a “small” business, it’s one worth checking out. They also rent textbooks, which is a great option because I still have college textbooks under my bed and couldn’t tell you WHY I saved them (other than the sticker shock trauma I must still be processing from paying that much for a book at 19 years old).

Bookshop.org

You may not realize it but this one has already been on the list. Bookshop.org is a place where local, independent book stores through e-commerce, connecting readers like you with amazing local shops all over the world. Launched in January of 2020 (and not a moment too soon) the site started with 88 book store partners and now has, well, A LOT more than that.

Biblio

This online shop featuring rare and collectible books was established 22 years ago in North Carolina. They do also sell textbooks, so it’s another option for that.

Libro

Last but not least, Libro! Libro makes it possible for you to purchase audio books from independent booksellers. It’s incredibly simple to use- sign up for a free account and then you can purchase subscriptions or individual titles from your favorite local or online independent book store. This (and the Libby app for library audiobooks) is a fabulous alternative to Audible.

Do you have a favorite local or online bookshop? Leave a comment below and share it with us!

If you are looking for an in-person book shopping experience, check out your local book shops, local used book shops and don’t sleep on Costco (ugh- this post was originally posted in early 2022, as of now- early 2025, it’s been reported that CostCo will stop carrying books sometime this year, which sucks, but kind of the theme so far this year, ya know). If you don’t have a CostCo membership, co-op one through your social networks and see if someone with a membership can take you on a fieldtrip!

Bismillah School – Own Books on Amazon by Maryam/ Cristina Ignat

https://www.amazon.ca/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AMaryam%2BIgnat&s=relevancerank&text=Maryam+Ignat&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1