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. Some have had to get creative during COVID-19 and put on virtual storytimes, puppet shows and other outdoor events. Some still allow access to browse their shelves (with or without an appointment), but others are only shipping books out to homes right now.
With having so many stores closed during the pandemic, it is important to keep our independent bookstores in mind and support them as things start to open back up.
27th Letter Books
- Address: 3546 Michigan Ave., Detroit
- Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and noon-7 p.m. Sunday
This store offers in-person and virtual events for kids. A weekly storytime takes place every Wednesday at 10 a.m. outside on its patio (weather permitting). There is a craft about the book or families can take the supplies home, if that makes them more comfortable. Various virtual events are held, as well.
Its shelves have a diverse children’s selection and offer Spanish-language adult and children’s books. They hope to expand to a Spanish-language storytime.
Self-Esteem Shop
- Address: 9568 Marine City Hwy., Building A, Casco
- Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Wednesday
The store has a free lending library, puppet shows, interactive storytimes, a free book vestibule (one free item per day, no purchase necessary), author signings and more. It also offers free use of the office area for kids activities, luncheons and other events. The shop prides itself on having a large selection of self-help, motivational, inspirational, socioemotional learning and entrepreneurial reading materials. It’s never too early to get your little learner into how they can be their best self.
Literati Bookstore
- Address: 124 E. Washington, Ann Arbor
- Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday
It offers kids book clubs for the middle grades (ages 8-12) and young adult readers (13 and older). There are also storytimes (via Zoom at the moment) that are a great way for the whole family to bond. It also offers online shopping and curbside pickup if desired.
Nicolas Books
- Address: Westgate Shopping Center, 2513 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor
- Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
This store’s summer reading club focused on “Choose Your Everyday Adventure” for grades K-8 and it often offers author events and other book-related events. It offers storytimes, although only on Facebook Live at the moment, as well as curbside pickup and online ordering if desired.
Source Booksellers
- Address: 4240 Cass Ave., Suite 5, Detroit
- Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday
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. Hear from authors and illustrators, take a free, mind, body and spirit class on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. or enjoy a storytime with your family.
Toadvine Books
- Address: 2783 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley
- Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday
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. Although the store had to put a pause on events when COVID hit, it is hoping to restart them this fall.
Call ahead for hours and to find out COVID guidelines. Most are still asking customers to wear masks indoors and some are only open with an appointment.
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