5 Bookstores to Explore in Richmond
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You don’t have to go far in Richmond to find an independent bookstore full of new or used books waiting for you. These shops are RVA staples, serving our local community one book at a time through in-person shopping, private appointments, curbside pick-up, local deliveries, and online ordering. And while your ever-growing TBR pile is on the brain, mark your calendar for the next RVAx Book Club meeting.
— by Rachel Dawson, Contributing Writer
Be sure to visit each location’s website for the most current information on openings and offerings.
The Book Bar
A Black- and woman-owned bookstore and wineshop, centering its inventory on “BIPOC authors and brands in an effort to uplift and support a culture that is often silenced.”
Location: 1311 E Main St (Shockoe Slip)
Hours: Found here
Shelf Life Books
This Carytown classic (formerly known as Chop Suey Books) has two stories full of both new and used books, and it often has “blind date with a book” selections available for the adventurous readers. Be sure to look for the shop cat, Wonton.
Location: 2913 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Book People
This little gem has been in Richmond since 1980 and is full of nooks and crannies packed with books of all kinds—fiction, non-fiction, foreign language books, out of print selections, and more.
Location: 10464 Ridgefield Pkwy (Henrico)
Hours: Found here
Fountain Bookstore
This shop is quaint and well-stocked, right in the heart of the cobblestone streets of Shockoe Bottom, featuring local authors, autographed copies, locally focused books, and more.
Location: 1312 E Cary St (Shockoe Slip)
Hours: Found here
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This shop in Carytown specializes in children’s books, but also features books for the whole family (from babies to grown ups). They’ve been on the scene since 2010, and their selections focus on those particular titles which prompt readers to look at the world a little longer, a little closer, and a little differently.
Location: 3003 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
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