There are many new and used bookstores in our area, but not all of them have storytimes or other events for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re looking for a rare spot for your bookworm, check out the list below.
With having so many stores closed during the pandemic, it is important to keep our independent bookstores in mind and support them now that things have opened back up
27th Letter Books
- Address: 3546 Michigan Ave., Detroit
This store is very family friendly and offers in-person and virtual events for kids. Its shelves have a diverse children’s selection and offer Spanish-language adult and children’s books. It offers a bilingual (Spanish and English) storytime every Saturday morning. Following the reading, there is an interactive activity for children.
Another Look Books
- Address: 22263 Goddard Road, Taylor
This used book store first opened in 1995 and has been going strong ever since. Be sure to follow on Facebook for upcoming events.
Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center
- Address: 214 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
This independent shop is in the heart of downtown Ypsilanti. It puts on kid-friendly events, including storytimes. The children’s section is filled with diverse books, plus it offers soaps, oils and T-shirts.
Book Suey
- Address: 10345 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck
It’s a bookstore co-operative in Hamtramck. It’s open for in-person shopping on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Make sure to check their calendar for local events happening.
Booksweet
- Address: 1729 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor
Come out to the Courtyard to browse the books here. They host a lot of events, as well.
Books on the Ave
- Address: 35622 W. Michigan Ave., Wayne
Shop for used books and records. The store accepts donations, too.
Bring Your Old Books
- Address: 48551 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township
This shop sells used books and comics. Stop in to purchase a comic out of their bin for only $10 and turn your used books into them for credits to use on your next purchase.
Brooks Books
- Address: 1234 Ford Ave., Ste C, Wyandotte
Shop antique, new, used and vintage books at the shop in Wayne county.
Browns Family Bookstore
- Address: 27309 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores
This shop offers new and used books of all varieties for sale.
Carol’s Paperbacks Plus
This shop sells new and used books in a variety of genres including children’s books, fantasy, gothic, science, westerns and more.
Classic Book Shop
- Address: 32336 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak
Their used books are neatly organized and said to be in excellent condition. They also buy back books.
Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe
- Address: 15118 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe
This independent bookstore focuses on books for newborns to young adults, with a small selection of books for parents and adults. It has a café that serves coffee and sweet treats. The walls throughout the store are filled with beautiful murals and a children’s storytime is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Detroit Book City Bookstore
This independent shop features new and gently used adult and children fiction and non-fiction books, including local and national African-American independent authors and Afrocentric interests. It hosts many holiday events, book expos and more.
Detroit Specials Used Books
- Address: 8275 John R. St., Detroit
This low-key bookstore sells used books online and in-person at the store.
Fenton’s Open Book
- Address: 105 W. Shiawassee Ave., Fenton
This full-service independent bookstore has an extensive section of children’s books and Melissa and Doug Toys. It also sells Pasties, which is pretty unique for a bookstore. You can shop the store online and it offers curbside pickup. It hosts book signings, monthly book clubs and is involved in downtown Fenton events. One of the biggest events is the Fenton Ghost Walk at the end of October.
Fine Print Bookshop
- Address: 109 E. Michigan Ave., Saline
The indie store’s “mission is to build a community around reading and a love of books and strive to promote literacy at all ages.”
John K. King Books North
- Address: 22524 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
Ferndale folks are walking distance from this local gem, which is located right on Woodward Avenue. While it’s smaller than the main location (see below), it’s still packed with fantastic reads for all book lovers.
John K. King Used & Rare Books
- Address: 901 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit
Four floors of books to browse – that’s why this is Michigan’s largest used and rare bookshop. Staff is there to assist customers who are looking for specific reads.
Library Bookstore Inc.
- Address: 169 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
Owner Martha Sempliner bought the bookstore in the ’80s and has been welcoming customers of all ages to the Ferndale spot since then. Find thousands of books here.
Literati Bookstore
- Address: 124 E. Washington, Ann Arbor
This store offers author readings, book clubs, poetry nights, children’s storytimes, and free book clubs for ages 13 and older. It offers two book subscriptions at the moment and online shopping and curbside pickup if desired.
Mayflower Bookshop
- Address: 2645 12 Mile Road, Berkley
Shop rare books and gifts at this independent bookstore. It also offers readings by the owner, Robert Thibodeau.
Motte & Bailey Booksellers
- Address: 212 N. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor
This bookstore sells used and unusual books. They focus on Medieval and Ancient History, Science Fiction, Military History, Fantasy and much more.
Read It Again Books
- Address: 39733 Grand River Ave., Novi
Their inventory features hard to find, out of print, used and rare books. They also sell new books, which are always 20% off.
Schuler Books
- Address: 2513 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor
This is a full service all genre bookstore with an award-winning children’s section that is soon to be expanded. It offers a summer reading program for K-8, author-led storytimes and author events for children of all ages.
Self-Esteem Shop
The store has a free lending library and complimentary gently used books. They are happy to schedule puppet shows, storytime, author signings and more upon request. It also offers free use of the office area for kids activities, luncheons, trainings and other events. The shop prides itself on having a large selection of self-help, motivational, inspirational, socioemotional learning and entrepreneurial reading materials.
Serendipity Books
- Address: 108 E. Middle St., Chelsea
Browse tons of new and used books here at this local indie spot.
Source Booksellers
- Address: 4240 Cass Ave., Unit 105, Detroit
This indie bookshop offers a wide variety of books and other items meant to enhance your lifestyle including oils, incense, world maps, raw snacks and more.
Pages Bookshop
- Address: 19560 Grand River Ave., Detroit
This indie bookstore features many Detroit authors and themes. Make sure to keep an eye out for author events and other fun events. It has a curated selection of nonfiction, fiction and children’s books.
Paperback Outlet
- Address: 29170 Hoover Road, Warren
This store sells new and used books, but they do not buy any used books from their customers.
Paperback Writer Books
- Address: 61 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens
Shop in downtown Mount Clemens at this local bookstore. They sell new and used books, records and more. Make sure to follow them on Facebook for any events like author signings and story times.
Paper Trail Books
- Address: 414 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
This independent bookstore offers a variety of free events, including storytimes, author readings, book signings and poetry readings. The store also has a piano and games of chess and checkers. It carries gift items, records, comic books, collectibles, greeting cards and games.
ReLiteration Used Books
- Address: 610 S. Main St., Almont
The used book store has been in business since 2004 and dedicates an entire room to its children’s section.
Shaw’s Books
They sell books in all areas, but are especially strong in Americana, Antiques & Collectibles, Art, Automotive, Aviation, Cookbooks, Decorative Arts, Fine Bindings, Golf, Great Lakes History, Illustrated, Literature, Maritime, Michigan History, Military, Performing Arts and Sporting of all sorts. The owner will take cash, check or Venmo.
Sidetrack Bookshop
- Address: 325 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
This independent bookstore offers a curated selection of fiction and non-fiction books for readers of all ages. Keep an eye on their calendar to stay up to date on events.
Source Booksellers
- Address: 4240 Cass Ave., Suite 105, Detroit
Shop at this indie bookstore for a unique niche of non-fiction books. There are a lot of multicultural books to choose from, as well as history and culture, health and wellbeing, metaphysics and spirituality and more. Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events.
Squirreled Away Books, Inc.
- Address: 22985 W. Main St., Armada
This Village of Armada shop sells books, comics, board games, role playing games and other fun items for all ages.
The Book Beat
- Address: 26010 Greenfield Road, Oak Park
Find art, children’s books and other literature at this Oak Park bookstore, which opened in 1982.
The Books Connection
- Address: 31208 Five Mile Road, Livonia
This bookstore has served Livonia for more than 30 years. Check out their trade-in policy for a great discount.
Toadvine Books
- Address: 2783 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley
This bookstore has a room just for kids – with lots of children and young adult books and toys to play with while they’re there. Local authors come in for storytimes.
West Side Book Shop
- Address: 113 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Shop used and rare books in the historic Haarer Building in downtown Ann Arbor.
