Supporting local business is more crucial than ever in this era of COVID and social distancing. Getting lost in the right bookstore can be other worldly and provide a perfect escape for book lovers. There’s nothing like scouring a ten foot tall bookshelf that’s home to hundreds of other worlds to explore. Here, we compiled a small list of local bookstores that are still open and you can visit right now!
1. Schuler Books
Perhaps the most well known bookstore on this list, Schuler is located on the always bustling 28th Street. Bigger than your average local store but still smaller than chain stores like Barnes & Noble, Schuler has a little bit of something for everyone and a welcoming cafe to sit and have a unique cup of coffee and other drinks you’ve probably haven’t heard of. They also sell plenty of trinkets and souvenirs like board games and kids toys. They even sell DVDs if you’re into that sort of thing!
2. Books and Mortar
This quaint local store notes itself on its website for taking pride in being fiercely independent and consciously progressive. Books and Mortar mostly sells novels by unknown authors or those that give a voice to an unspoken demographic. The storefront has a welcoming presence and those who are a fan of Harry Potter will be delighted by some of the décor inside. Like many bookstores, they also provide some local merchandise and gift cards!
3. Argos Book Shop
Argos has been around for over three decades now! Their main pride and joy is selling used books and comic books! All of them are extremely affordable and gently handled. A little bit of every genre can be found in this local store on Robinson Road. They’ll even provide discounts to students and future educators looking for that necessary book!
4. Bakers Book House Co
This is a large book store located on E Paris Avenue. They sell both new and bargain books, specifically of the Christian variety. What separates them from others is how they’ll buy your used books, and they especially sell and buy back textbooks! Those who attend the many private universities around the Grand Rapids area ought to shop here before they drop hundreds of dollars on a required book for class.
5. Redux Books
Perhaps the most niche bookstore on this list, Redux carries a large variety of books, but mostly specialized in rare, hard to find, and antiquarian kinds. They’ll also do cash or trade in with a book you would like to be rid of. If there’s a particularly rare book you’ve been scouring for, try your luck at Redux!