Independent Booksellers in North America

I'm a book person. Every time I've moved to a new city, the first thing I've done (after unpacking all my books, of course) is seek out the nearest library and the closest independent bookstore. All of my travel plans include jaunts to as many locally-run bookstores as my itinerary allows.

Sure, some of the chains are OK – they tend to be clean and well lit and serve good coffee. Most have decent customer service (nothing spectacular, but passable) and comfortable places to sit and read. But they're missing a key quality that book people all look for: personality. And that is something that every independent bookstore I've ever visited has in abundance.

Independents are owned and operated by people who eat, sleep and breathe the printed word. They are probably the most widely read people on the planet, and their enthusiasm for literature is inspiring. Ask for a recommendation and you're likely to end up with a list that'll get you through the next several months at least. I love that. I love the quirkiness, the eccentricity, of these booksellers. Although their personal passions may be Asian cooking, science fiction or Victorian literature, they're knowledgeable enough to converse about many other topics. And if they don't know something, they are not afraid to admit it and ask a coworker for help. More often than not, the drone at the register of your local chain store will simply shrug and say, "Next!"

And just try getting something obscure or out of print through your local chain. Independents seem to thrive on a challenge – if they don't have it, they generally will go far out of their way to get it for you. With a smile.

There are lots of great indies out there. Heck, just about every independent bookstore is noteworthy simply for being an individual in these times of big-box sameness. But, here is my roster of ten of the best North American independents.

When I get a little money, I buy books; and if any is left over, I buy food and clothes.

Desiderius Erasmus

1. Tattered Cover – Flagship Store in a Renovated Theater
Denver, CO
After years in the Cherry Creek district, the Tattered Cover's flagship store moved to Colfax Avenue and is now comfortably ensconced in a renovated theater. The vast, magnificent space manages to be eminently functional as a bookstore while still retaining much of the character of its former incarnation. No visit to Denver would be complete without an afternoon of browsing at the Tattered Cover, and the sheer variety of books (all new, undamaged by zealous previous readers) will astound first-time visitors. An absolutely huge kid's section, a fiction collection rivaling that of most libraries, massive business and computer book offerings and a fantastic travel section... more than 150,000 titles spread out across two floors, with cozy nooks and crannies galore.

2. Powell's City of Books – Color-coded Rooms, 3500 Sections
Portland, OR
Powell's City of Books truly is one of the best. They deal in both new and used books, so the quantities and variety are jaw-dropping. Pick up a map as soon as you walk in to help with navigation. Within the color-coded rooms you'll find some 3500 different sections, from major contemporary fiction to the most esoteric of science and art books. It's about 68,000 square feet of pure book bliss. Looking for something that's out of stock everywhere else? Out of print? No problem – if they don't already have it somewhere among the million or so books on the shelves, Powell's can get it. Additional locations specialize in technical books and home-and-garden titles. 

3. Title Wave – Terrific Events, Exhaustive Collection of Alaskana
Anchorage, AK
This is the most impressive used bookstore I've ever encountered. They do stock some new books, and they have an exhaustive collection of both new and used Alaskana. Otherwise, the shelves are filled with gently used books of every size, shape and subject. The buyers are quite selective so virtually everything is in excellent condition. The buying process is also the fairest and best I've seen. One thing that makes Title Wave stand out is their calendar of events. New bookstores frequently feature readings and other events, but most used bookstores don't bother with it. The Wave, on the other hand, stages live music, hosts chess and Scrabble clubs, and brings in a plethora of writers like Michael Chabon, Maxine Hong Kingston, Douglas Coupland, Chuck Palahniuk, Dana Stabenow, and Tobias Wolff. All that, and Kaladi Brothers Coffee too.

4. McNally Robinson Booksellers – Canada's Best Bookstore
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Winnipeg's own McNally Robinson was founded in 1981 and is widely regarded as Canada's best bookstore. Although the flagship store at Grant and Kenaston is long gone, as is the funky Osborne Village outpost, the expanded store at Grant Park is huge and has all the hallmarks of a fine independent. There are plenty of cozy little out-of-the-way spots to sit and read in, a wonderful array of local and regional books, and an events calendar that puts even the most diligent of independents to shame. At any given time, you may find readings and book signings with internationally known authors, a children's story time, a writer's workshop, a band or a book club meeting. Drop by the in-store Prairie Ink Cafι for a light snack or even a meal.