7 Perfect Independent Bookstores from Across the Globe

By Alex McKelley

If there’s one thing I love more than books it’s bookstores. And, if there’s one thing I love more than bookstores, it’s independent bookstores. Independent bookstores act as a sort of home. They’re the places you go when you want to get out of the house, but you also still want to sort of be alone.

And this is why it’s so very vital that we stand by, support, and shop at our independent bookstores. Our independent bookstores are small business that are constantly being threatened by the bigger, fortune 500 corporations; it’s up to us to keep ensuring that the corporations don’t win and that the independent stores are able to stay in business.

So, pop into your local indie bookshop this week and pick up that novel you’ve been dying to read!

And, check out these seven super-rad independent bookstores from all across the globe; who knows, maybe you’ll see your local shop on the list?

Housing Works – NYC

Housing Works

Image Via Boo York City

Housing Works is a beautiful place because, on top of offering every book under the sun within their shop, they are also an organization that helps provide housing, healthcare, and treatment to those affected with HIV/AIDS. (You can also rent out the bookstore for your wedding!)

Daunt Books – London

 

Daunt Books

Image Via Voyage Collective

This breathtaking shop opened in 1990 with one objective in mind; organize books by country rather than genre, so the reader can walk through the shop all the while traveling the world.

Women & Children First – Chicago

 

Women & Children First

Image Via Afar

This friendly feminist bookshop opened in 1979 and specializes in books by female-identifying and LGBTQ+ authors in all forms. They are one of the largest feminist bookstores in the world, containing more than 30,000 books!

The Book Lounge – Cape Town, South Africa

 

The Book Lounge

Image Via Your Local Book Shelf

This incredible little shop opened in 2007 and contains the most unique, eclectic selection of books. They also host story time every Saturday morning!

Leaping Windows – Mumbai, India

 

Leaping Windows

Image Via Homegrown

Leaping Windows was born of the idea to connect comic book lovers with all the books their hearts could possibly desire. They believe in the connection books cause between fellow readers, the power of imagination, and the ability to create a space for all to feel welcome.

Type Books – Toronto, Ontario

 

Type Books

Image Via Type Books

This adorable little shop believes in the written word, hosts events for authors and artists, and offers a wide variety of books under all genres. Check out their insanely beautifully curated window displays!

Flow Books – Hong Kong

 

Flow Books

Image via Hong Kong Free Press

This book shop opened in 1997 and, in the past twenty-one years, have seen more than half-a-million books flow through!

Featured Image via The Book Man

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