Your Guide to Richmond's Independent Bookstores
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.
Image Source: Abi’s Books & Brews
Abi’s Books & Brews
This coffee shop/bookstore combo brings a fresh spot for good reads and just as good sips to the VCU area. Abi’s offers 2,500+ titles, including some on its unique spinning stand of banned books — while not for sale, they’re available to borrow via QR code, and each book on this stand has been banned in Hanover County.
Location: 1212 1/2 W Cary St (VCU)
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Image Source: Bargain Books
Bargain Books
If you’re in the mood for a treasure hunt — either of the book or bargain variety — Bargain Books has you covered. Peruse thousands of options, and plan to stock up since you’ll find lots of steals up to 75% off the orig cover price.
Location: 7228 Hull Street Rd (North Chesterfield)
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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)
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Image Source: Black Swan Books
Black Swan Books
When it’s something really special you’re looking for, Black Swan Books specialty inventory of antiquarian and rare books may have it. The shop — named for Willam Byrd II, who was one of the more noted book collectors in Colonial America — would be right up your alley if you’re a collector or just want to marvel at some gorg stacks.
Location: 3310-C, 3308 Rosedale Ave (Scott’s Addition)
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Image Source: The Book Bar
The Book Bar
This Black- and woman-owned bookstore and wineshop centers its inventory on BIPOC authors and brands. Owner Krystle Dandridge has been know to post some delightful book recs on Insta, if you’re not sure what to read next.
Location: Relocating; visit online below
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Image Source: The Book Nook
The Book Nook
Perhaps the only thing better than an independent bookstore is an independent bookstore on wheels. At RVA’s mobile bookstore, you can shop lit while visiting other Richmond faves like Ruff Canine Club, Bryan Park, and Pizza & Beer of Richmond.
Location: Varies
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Image Source: Book People
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 (West End)
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Image Source: Brian’s Books
Brian’s Books
Coming to us from the founder of the comics and manga fanzine Bubbles, Brian Baynes, this 360-square-foot shop offers vintage and used books, magazines, collectible books, and new independently published books and zines. Brian has sourced inventory from thrift stores, personal collections, and the now-closed Azalea Flea Market to provide a curated selection on topics like music and skateboarding.
Location: 2514 P St (Church Hill)
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Image Source: Fountain Bookstore
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)
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Image Source: ILYSM Books
ILYSM Books
The name of this shop gets straight to the point, and we love it for that especially. ILYSM Books offers used and new books, a selection of used CDs, vinyl, and DVDs.
Location: 119 W Brookland Park Blvd (Northside)
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Image Source: The Little Bookshop
The Little Bookshop
The Little Bookshop brings Kathleen Kelly vibes to Midlo with 1,500 cozy square feet that pack a punch. Shop here for a carefully chosen selection of books for your or any other book lover in your life.
Location: 1244 Sycamore Square Dr (Midlothian)
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Image Source: Midlothian Book Exchange
Midlothian Book Exchange
Midlothian Book Exchange has been a community staple for 40 years. It was founded in 1986 by Maude Kerby and later run by her daughter, Martha Graydon, and then in July 2020, mother-daughter duo Dorryce Rudd and Caroline Davidson purchased the store and have continued restocking its 175,000-book (especially reasonably priced!) inventory while adding a membership program, events, reading challenges, and special promos.
Location: 13198 Midlothian Tpke (Midlothian)
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Image Source: Resist Booksellers
Resist Booksellers
In these ~interesting~ times, we especially want our book shops to give off bad-ass energy like Resist does in its name alone. Honoring those who “weren’t afraid to stand up for the rights of others,” Resist’s inventory reflects a diverse range of titles, keeping its patrons sharp and more than well-read.
Location: 233 N Sycamore St Ste B (Petersburg)
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Image Source: Richmond Book Shop
Richmond Book Shop
Richmond Book Shop does a old-school browsing sesh well. Whether you’re looking for a vintage pub or an eclectic read to add to your TBR, you’ll find it here.
Location: 808 W Broad St (Downtown)
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Image Source: Shelf Life Books
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 keep an eye out (and have some pats ready) for the shop cat, Mylar.
Location: 2913 W Cary St (Carytown)
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Image Source: Small Friend Records & Books
Small Friend Records & Books
This is where book and music lovers thrive. Browse books and records under one roof, and leave with a great soundtrack to pair with an equally great read.
Location: 1 N Lombardy St (The Fan)
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Solbird Books
Solbird walked in and dream-came-trued it for us when they set up shop inside Rivers Edge Coffee Co. Sifting through some good reads on our way up to order some good coffee? Sold and sold.
Location: 7038 Mechanicsville Tpke (Mechanicsville)
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