There is no better feeling than stepping into a bookstore filled with good smells, cozy vibes, and your next great story. Thankfully the Twin Cities is not short on amazing local independent bookstores. Whether you are looking for a gift or maybe even for yourself, local bookstores are the perfect spot to find knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to help connect you with the just right book.
Birchbark Books and Native Gifts | Minneapolis
Birchbark Books specializes in books about indigenous people and written by indigenous people. Owned by Louise Erdich, an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized tribe of Ojibwe people. Birchbark Books includes children’s books and resources spanning early grades to high school.
Black Garnet Books | St. Paul
Black Garnet Books sells new, contemporary books by authors and illustrators of color in an atmosphere that encourages learning, joyful interactions, and communal care for everyone who visits. Say hello to Nova the bookstore dog!
Boneshaker Books | Minneapolis
Boneshaker Books is a unique and radical volunteer-run bookstore committed to the growing needs of the community.
Eat My Words Bookstore | Minneapolis
Find the kids’ area tucked in a back corner of this magical used book store filled with treasures.
Excelsior Bay Books | Excelsior
A great indie book store in downtown Excelsior only a block from Lake Minnetonka.
The Irreverent Bookworm | Minneapolis
Irreverent Bookworm is a small neighborhood store staffed with friendly book lovers. They carry both new and used and will also do trade-ins.
Magers and Quinn Booksellers| Minneapolis
A beloved Minneapolis institution popular for book signings, Mager and Quinn carries a massive selection with the vibe of a cozy corner store. A good selection of new and used children’s books in the back.
Moon Palace Books | Minneapolis
A great bookstore with a well-curated children’s section and an even more delicious café to make an outing of it.
Next Chapter Booksellers | St. Paul
Next Chapter Booksellers love to give thoughtful recommendations so this is a great place to come for ideas for children of all ages.
Once Upon a Crime | Minneapolis
Have a mystery lover in your house? Once Upon a Crime is your perfect stop to find your sleuth reader in their next series.
Red Balloon Bookshop | St. Paul
Red Balloon is an independent, woman-owned children’s bookstore with a wide selection of books, toys, and gifts for all ages, from infants to adults. They also have great author visits and storytimes and love to connect you with your family’s next great book.
The Thinking Spot | Wayzata
A bookstore curated for the science lovers, young and old. They also offer events and talks by scientists, engineers, makers, and thinkers.
Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore | Minneapolis
A much loved and unique bookstore with a brand new location across the street from Moon Palace, proving independent bookstores love each other, Uncle Hugo’s is the oldest independent science fiction bookstore in America with books for kids of all ages.
Wild Rumpus | Minneapolis
Wild Rumpus feels like stepping into a bookstore in the magical world of Harry Potter. Cats curl up in chairs, birds sing in cages, murals cover every surface, and the selection of children’s books is unbeatable.
