Updated April 2026

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Over the years, 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.

This list does not include all of the indie bookstores in Kansas, but rather the stores I’ve visited during my travels thus far.

Bookworm’s Paradise: Discover Kansas’ Indie Bookstores

THE LITERARY CAT – PITTSBURG

Calling all bookworms and cat lovers! Step inside The Literary Cat Company (915 N. Broadway), where adoptable whiskered friends curl up alongside readers. As I shopped, I watched as a new pet parent returned with a cat carrier to take her new furry friend home.

Committed to adopting out the cats in their care through a strict vetting process, I was impressed with the store’s mission to provide cats and book lovers with a space where they can get to know one another.

The store sells books of every genre, from bestselling adult titles to young-reader must-haves. And like any business that favors felines, they stock an array of merchandise for shoppers smitten with kittens, such as stickers, bookmarks, and apparel.

FLAGSHIP BOOKS – KANSAS CITY

Operated by two brothers, Flagship Books (510 N. 6th Street) in Kansas City, Kansas’s 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 hardcover cookbook, a new release by Rachel Ray.

PRO TIP: Ask about the cart 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.

FAITH & LIFE BOOKSTORE – NEWTON

A local told me about a bookstore that I hadn’t shopped at yet, Faith & Life Bookstore (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 of its kind in Kansas.

Open since 2015, the store operates as a non-profit with the goal 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 dedicated kids’ section, which caters 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 make it easy to find a book, and the helpful staff is eager to answer questions.

I appreciate the effort they make to make gift giving easy as well. Don’t leave without purchasing a Mystery Gift Bag ($25) stocked with books bundled by topic.

PRO TIP: Do you enjoy putting 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 at 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 creak 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, upon perusing the shelves, you’ll discover a range of 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 a 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’ (12115 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 a wide range of 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.

MIDDLE GROUND BOOKS – EMPORIA

Walking to Middle Ground Books (606 S. Commercial St.) is an immediate sensory experience.

It’s dimly lit. The space smells of new and used books. And one can hear chatter from the cafe at the rear of the store.

If you’re someone who appreciates the community you feel in an independent bookstore, Middle Ground Books will feel like a home away from home.

Upstairs, the low-ceiling space is packed with stacks of gently used books of all genres, creating a cozy, treasure-hunt kind of vibe.

BOOKS & BURROW – PITTSBURG

Books & Burrow (212 S. Broadway) sets itself apart from other independent bookstores by hand-selecting titles in small quantities, catering to readers of all ages.

You’ll notice that they don’t carry just best-selling titles but also curate new books that might not be found elsewhere. For example, they stock a sizable selection of books by Indigenous authors, and the children’s book inventory is sizable.

PRO TIP: Check the store’s hours before arriving.

RED FERN BOOKSELLERS – SALINA

Red Fern Booksellers (106S. Santa Fe Ave.) gives visitors and residents something to rave about. No expense was spared in renovating the commercial space into a high-end, independent bookstore that resembles one 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 handmade gift wrap, stationery, 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

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 in small groups. During my visit, several locals met friends and colleagues at oversized tables with free Wi-Fi access. 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.

This hidden gem, located in the original site of the local newspaper office in downtown El Dorado, offers readers new and used books in multiple genres. I appreciate the multiple seating areas and an array of board games available to play.

They are known for affordable pricing and offer free shipping to customers outside their 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 shop’s first floor showcased new releases from various genres. They pride themselves on “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 it when visiting.

PRO TIP: The store’s Year-End Sale includes greatly discounted titles.

WATERMARK BOOKS & CAFÉ – WICHITA

Watermark Books & Café (4701 E. Douglas Avenue) has been my go-to indie bookstore for new titles and bestsellers. The store is stocked to the brim with a robust selection of genres, and the children’s section is particularly expansive for the store’s size. Unlike some bookstores, they also carry gifts, ranging from bookmarks to socks with quirky designs.

Additionally, the French-inspired café serves as an inviting place to cozy up with a newly purchased book between sips of coffee and bites of homemade pastry.

In business since 1977, the store regularly hosts author signing events, and book talks take place in the finished basement.

PRO TIP: Get there early because they close by 3 pm or 4 pm, depending on the day of the week. Hours extend to 7 pm 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, whose 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 features multicolored café tables perfect for reading a book.

MORE TO LOVE

Would you describe yourself as a reader who also appreciates 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 long list of cafes I’ve loved.

If you have a book to donate or want a free book, also read The Power of Sharing Books: A Little Free Library.

GIFT IDEAS

Give the gift of Kansas pride with locally inspired treasures that capture the heart of the Sunflower State—perfect for sharing a little hometown charm wherever they roam. View my Kansas Gifts Shopping Guide with items suitable for every age group, including books.

You can purchase my books about Wichita via Reedy Press.