Every reader knows the quiet magic of walking into an independent bookstore. There’s something deeply personal, even sacred, about these spaces—each one a curated haven of stories, a portal to other worlds. In celebration of Independent Bookstore Day, I’ve been reflecting on some of the independent bookstores that top my literary travel bucket list. While I haven’t yet set foot in these particular shops, their charm, unique personality, and the love readers have for them have already drawn me in from afar.
If you can’t celebrate in person this year, you can still show your support—many of these stores offer online shopping, and platforms like Libro.fm are offering deals that benefit local booksellers. But for now, let’s take a tour of eight indie bookstores I can’t wait to experience in real life.
1. The Lit. Bar – The Bronx, New York City
Nestled in the Bronx, The Lit. Bar holds a special place in the city’s literary scene—not just for its thoughtfully chosen books, but for its bold identity. As the only brick-and-mortar bookstore in the borough, it opened its doors on Independent Bookstore Day in 2019, quickly becoming a beloved hub for book lovers and community events. What makes it even more unique? It’s also a wine bar, inviting readers to pair literature with libations. I missed it during my last NYC bookstore crawl, and I’ve been meaning to make my way back ever since.
2. The Oxford Exchange – Tampa, Florida
Part bookstore, part lifestyle destination, The Oxford Exchange in Tampa is a feast for the senses. Designed with intentionality and elegance, every book cover faces out to maximize visual appeal. But it doesn’t stop with books—this space also includes a chic restaurant, an artisan gift shop, a coworking area, a design studio, and even an event venue. It’s the kind of place where you could lose an entire day wandering from book to brunch to brainstorming.
3. The Bookshop – East Nashville, Tennessee
A good friend recently described The Bookshop in East Nashville as “tiny but mighty.” Small in size, but mighty in taste, this indie shop is a reflection of its owner’s discerning eye. Every title is hand-selected, ensuring a tight but powerful collection of reads. The aesthetic doesn’t hurt either: soft natural light, cozy corners, and inviting displays create a vibe that makes it easy to linger—and hard to leave.
4. Downbound Books – Cincinnati, Ohio
Though I visit Cincinnati frequently to see family, I’ve yet to make it to Downbound Books—and I can’t believe it! Opened in late 2019, right before the pandemic hit, this neighborhood gem blends familiar bestsellers with lesser-known treasures. It’s the kind of place where you can stumble upon a title you didn’t know you needed, or a staff pick that changes your perspective entirely. It’s high time I remedy my oversight.
5. Joseph-Beth Booksellers – Cincinnati, Ohio
Another Queen City classic, Joseph-Beth Booksellers has been on my radar for ages. This bookstore is more than a place to buy books—it’s a community hub known for its welcoming staff, vast selection, and vibrant calendar of events. From author talks to kids’ storytimes, Joseph-Beth is proof that a bookstore can be both a quiet sanctuary and a social space.
6. The Book Loft of German Village – Columbus, Ohio
If a reader has told me once, they’ve told me a hundred times: I must go to The Book Loft. This sprawling maze of a bookstore boasts 32 rooms packed floor-to-ceiling with books. It’s one of the largest independent bookstores in the country and a beloved fixture in Columbus’s German Village neighborhood. It even makes a literary cameo in Kerry Winfrey’s novel Waiting for Tom Hanks. With its winding layout and cozy nooks, it feels like something out of a storybook itself.
7. Fabled Bookshop & Café – Waco, Texas
Few bookstores have captured my imagination quite like Fabled in Waco. I followed its development for years before it opened, drawn in by its blend of whimsy and warmth. A six-foot wooden owl greets visitors at the entrance, and a lamppost straight out of Narnia lights the path inside. Equal parts café and bookshop, Fabled is a tribute to childhood wonder and grown-up curiosity, offering curated shelves and cozy corners that beg for hours of exploration.
8. Commonplace Books – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma locals speak of Commonplace Books with genuine affection, and I can see why. This beautifully designed shop puts thoughtful curation at the heart of its mission. Every book on their shelves is chosen with care, creating an atmosphere that encourages meaningful discovery. Their Instagram feed alone is enough to make a book lover swoon—and it’s one of the reasons this shop is high on my to-visit list.
Why Indie Bookstores Matter
Independent bookstores are more than retail spaces; they’re cultural outposts, storytellers, and community builders. Each one reflects the character of its neighborhood and the passion of its owners and staff. Supporting them isn’t just about buying a book—it’s about preserving spaces that nurture creativity, dialogue, and connection.
Whether you’re planning a literary road trip or simply ordering a new novel online, this Independent Bookstore Day, let’s celebrate these small but mighty spaces that give so much to the reading world.
Which independent bookstores are on your bucket list? Or better yet, which ones have stolen your heart already?
