As a lifelong writer and author, I’ve come to love the spirit of an independent bookstore. Each is unique, and bookworms can rejoice in page-turning experiences no matter which shop they visit.
New titles, old books, cats on cozy couches, and coffee counters serving cups of caffeine. You can find a Kansas indie bookstore near you that suits your style.
Bookworm’s Paradise: Discover Kansas’ Indie Bookstores
FLAGSHIP BOOKS – KANSAS CITY, KANSAS
Operated by two brothers, Flagship Books (510 N. 6th Street) in Kansas City, Kansas’ Strawberry Hill neighborhood is worth pulling over to check out. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the quaint bookshop sells gently used books at affordable prices.
The store’s inventory is organized by genre, and a wall of best-selling books consists of newer titles. I purchased a $10 hard cover cookbook, a new release by Rachel Ray.
PRO TIP: Ask about the car of $1 books. Titles are added almost daily.
TWICE TOLD TALES – MCPHERSON
Within minutes of your arrival inside Twice Told Tales (104 S. Main), you’ll pick up books to take home. The boutique second-hand store is stocked with a large inventory of gently used books, a small collection of new books, and gift-giving items ranging from journals to greeting cards.
The staff are always ready to help you find the book you’re searching for or can suggestion a new-to-you selection.
You’ll quickly be impressed by the high-quality selections as you peruse the bookcases. Of course, my eyes darted right to the cookbooks and travel guides, but I also found myself gazing at the rest of the gently-used books. The backend of the story is dedicated to the littlest shoppers, while the rest of the store stocks books for all ages.
BOOK REVIEWS – NEWTON
I hit the jackpot when I walked into Book ReViews (707 N. Main St.) in downtown Newton and so will you. The store carries an extensive collection of used books, which are donated to the non-profit business. All of the Book ReView’s proceeds support local charities – now that’s shopping you can feel good about.
The store is organized and managed by a small group of volunteers who are eager to help you find your next read. Open six days a week, book lovers can peruse well-stocked shelves for every genre from non-fiction to true romance. They make searching out a new book easy, too. The volunteer workers have painstakingly categorized the books and created thoughtful displays.
PRO TIP: Look for a small section of “free books” across from the register.
FAITH & LIFE BOOKSTORE – NEWTON
A local told me about a bookstore that I hadn’t shopped at yet, Faith & Life (606 N. Main St.). It was there that I met some of Newton’s nicest residents. After a warm greeting, I moseyed around the store admiring their large selection of books, Bibles, greeting cards, accessories, and gift items. A well-stocked store, it is one of the last remaining faith-based bookstores like it in Kansas.
Open since 2015, the store is operated as a non-profit with the hope of connecting people with the resources they need. Within moments of my visit, I spotted books and supplies for every age. Parents with children in tow will appreciate the kids’ section devoted to their reading needs.
RIVENDELL BOOKSTORE – ABILENE
Avid readers will feel right at home at Rivendell Bookstore (212 N. Broadway), where new and used books on endless topics or genres wait to be discovered. Organized shelves simplify finding a book, and helpful staff are eager to answer questions.
I appreciate the effort they make gift giving easy as well. Don’t leave without purchasing a Mystery Gift Bags($25) stocked with books bundled by topic.
PRO TIP: Do you love to put together puzzles? Walk to the rear of the store to be amazed by the selection.
THE DUSTY BOOKSHELF – MANHATTAN
Across the street, The Dusty Bookshelf (700 N. Manhattan Avenue) is a major draw for readers wanting a new title or a gift. Whenever I visit the store, I walk away with a bag of mystery books or purchase a new release.
A haven for college students, the upstairs tables are typically occupied by college-aged scholars seated behind laptops. Downstairs, the register area doubles as a cafe.
PRO TIP: Look for the table of Mystery Books bags labeled by genre that are sold for a set price.
THE DUSTY BOOKSHELF – LAWRENCE
A fixture in downtown Lawrence, The Dusty Bookshelf (708 Massachusetts Street) does an equally fine job of providing thousands of books for readers seeking to escape into a good read.
Carpeted floors creek with every step as shoppers meander the stacks of gently used books. The store’s cats spy at customers when they’re not napping in a sun-drenched spot near a window.
THE RAVEN BOOK STORE – LAWRENCE
The Raven Book Store (809 Massachusetts Street) has served the book-loving community since 1987. Their book inventory focuses on mystery titles; however, perusing the shelves you’ll discover fiction, poetry, romance, and science fiction genres. Parents and kids will be pleased with the section devoted to young readers.
Decorative ravens cut from paper dangle from string overhead as shoppers choose their next read. Like any good indie bookstore, a couple of curious cats are known to greet customers.
PRO TIP: Ask about the Mystery Fun Box, which houses a “well-curated surprise stack o’books.”
SEVEN STORIES – SHAWNEE
Book lovers will appreciate Seven Stories’ (11109 Johnson Dr.) inventory of new selections, gifts, and art. Owned and operated by a high school student, the shop operates out of a new storefront.
Shoppers can expect fiction and non-fiction titles, and I was impressed to see several best-selling titles in stock. Are you on the hunt for a good read during a road trip? Do you have a young adult reader interested in a new book? You’ll find multiple genres at Seven Stories.
BOOKS & BURROW – PITTSBURG
Books & Burrow (212 S. Broadway) sets itself apart from other independent bookstores because the owners hand-select titles in small quantities focusing on all readers’ ages.
You’ll notice that they don’t carry just best-selling titles but also curate new books that might not find elsewhere. For example, they stock a sizable selection of books by Indigenous authors, and the children’s book inventory is sizable.
PRO TIP: Check out the mural on the back of the building.
RED FERN BOOKSELLERS – SALINA
Red Fern Booksellers (106S. Santa Fe Ave.), gives visitors and residents something to rave about. No expenses were spared when renovating the commercial space into a high-end, independent bookstore resembling a store you might see in a big city.
The smell of new books welcomes you as you walk through oversized wood doors into the store. The store’s shelves are organized by category while stacks of the latest titles are arranged upon dark wood tables.
But you’ll find more than books at Red Fern Booksellers. I was impressed to discover hand-made gift wrap, stationary for sale, puzzles, stickers, and handcrafted greeting cards. My visit ended perfectly when a butterfly greeted me as I exited the store, a delightful experience.
AD ASTRA BOOKS & COFFEE HOUSE – SALINA
d Astra Books & Coffee House (135 N. Santa Fe Ave.) gets better every time I visit. Their new location is more spacious with a bright and cheery vibe. The welcoming staff is patient while I decide what drink to order (the monthly specials benefit a local non-profit).
The café offers patrons a place to sit back and relax with a book or meet as a small group. During my visit, several locals met friends and colleagues at oversized tables with access to free Wi-Fi. Other areas of the coffee house were dedicated to families with kids, and the back patio offered a quiet, more secluded place to unwind.
PRO TIP: Read on the inviting back patio.
RELIANT BOOKSTORE – EL DORADO
I was unaware of Reliant Bookstore (114 N. Vine Street) until I realized they were selling my first authored book, so I stopped by to sign copies of it.
Located in the original location of the local newspaper office, this hidden gem located in downtown El Dorado offers readers new and used in multiple genres. I appreciate the multiple seating ares and an array of board games available to play.
They are known for affordable pricing and offer free shipping to customers out of area.
EIGHTH DAY BOOKS – WICHITA
Eighth Day Books (2838 E. Douglas) specializes in new and used books primarily in the religion, philosophy, history, literature, and children’s fiction genres. However, the first floor of the shop showcased new releases from various genres. They pride themselves “offering an eccentric community of books.” Kids will love an alcove devoted to reading on the lowest level.
I particularly appreciate their local interest and Kansas history books, a modest section located on the second floor. In 2021, I was proud to see they stocked my first book and encouraged me to sign them when visiting.
PRO TIP: The store’s Year End Sale includes greatly discounted titles.
WATERMARK BOOKS & CAFE – WICHITA
For years, Watermark Books & Cafe (4701 E. Douglas Avenue) has remained my go-to indie bookstore when shopping for new titles and best-selling books. The store is stocked to the brim with a robust inventory of genres, and the children’s section is particularly expansive given the size of the store. Unlike some bookstores, they also carry gifts, ranging from bookmarks to socks with quirky designs.
Additionally, the café serves as an inviting place to cozy up with a newly purchased book between sips of coffee or homemade pastry.
In business since 1977, the store regularly hosts author signing events and book talks.
PRO TIP: Get there early because they close by 3pm or 4pm depending on the day of the week. Hours extend to 7pm on Thursdays.
LEFT ON READ – WICHITA
At Left on Read, shoppers can find new books supporting Black authors and creators. I enjoyed chatting with the owner who’s goal is to amplify diverse voices by showcasing books and literary-themed gifts.
The store is located in the heart of downtown Wichita in the Gallery Alley, which includes multi-colored café tables perfect for reading a book.
WATERMARK BOOKS & CAFE – WICHITA
Would you describer yourself as a reader who also appreciate a warm cup of coffee or tea? You’ll also want to check out my blog post, Kansas Coffee Shops You Simply Must Visit, a list of 35 cafes I’ve love. If you have a book to donate or want a free book, also read The Power of Sharing Books: A Little Free Library
The contributions of Kansas Department of Wildlife, volunteers, and supporters make Maxwell Wildlife Refuge what it is today, one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography.
Keeping warm with a lap blanket, we listened to volunteer tour guide, Les, inform us about native grasses and wildlife.
The looks on the kids’ faces was precious as each one became captivated by the narrative.
Parents snapped photos and chatted amongst themselves between bites of cupcakes and cookies. Afterward, Santa gifted a holiday-themed goodie bag to each child.
My take-home gift? I purchased postcards featuring photography taken by volunteers. Elk stood statuesque at sunset. Bison graze on prairie grasses under illuminated Kansas clouds.
I couldn’t resist taking my photo with Santa, who was eager to meet me. Perhaps I was the only adult who snapped a photo with the jolly ol’ guy? I felt like a kid again hoping for his approval and excited to tell him my Christmas wish.
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