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Independent Bookstores in Minnesota

NewPages.com guide to the best Minnesota indie bookstores

Independent bookstores in Minnesota are sorted by City as you scroll through. If your favorite indie bookstore is missing, please contact us.

If you are the owner of an indie bookstore, you can submit a free enhanced listing for your bookstore in our Guide here.

Cherry Street Books
  • Cherry Street Books
  • 503 Broadway St.
  • City: Alexandria
  • Phone: (320) 763-9400
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Crime/Mystery, Regional, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Newspapers
  • Facebook
  • Website

Cherry Street Books opened in June 2007. We have a wide variety of books for all ages and interests; orders are placed nearly every day and we are always happy to help customers find just what they are looking for if it is not already in the store. We are located in a resort community and enjoy meeting visitors from all over the US and other countries during the height of our summer tourist season. We host several book clubs and offer story time for young children every Saturday morning at 10 AM.

Bookstore and coffee bar in historic downtown Anoka, MN.

Daybreak Press Global Bookshop

  • Daybreak Press Global Bookshop
  • 3533 Lexington Ave. N.
  • City: Arden Hills
  • Phone: (612) 584-3359
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: Children's, Educational, Feminist, Literary
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Coffee/Tea, Curiosities, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
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Daybreak Press Global Bookshop & Gathering Space creates a platform for education, activism, and positive community experiences in Minnesota. With a focus on faith, social justice, and women’s empowerment, we provide books from around the world as well as space for community gatherings, events, and regular programming.

Sweet Reads

  • Sweet Reads
  • 407 N. Main St.
  • City: Austin
  • Phone: (507) 396-8660
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Café/Food
  • Facebook
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Sweet Reads is not just your average book and candy store—it’s an experience! You’ll find opportunities to take pictures inside a train, in a forest, and more. You will also find the World’s Largest Collection of Berenstain Bears Museum in our store. The local authors are featured with a wide variety of genres and the monthly schedule includes their readings, Poet’s Open Mic, and Book Shares!

Gently used books, puzzles, games, activities, events, space rental.

Haven Books & Gifts features new and used books, book-themed gifts, and local art in Big Lake, MN.

Buffalo Books & Coffee boasts the finest books and coffee in Wright County for 23 years.

Scout & Morgan Books

  • Scout & Morgan Books
  • 114 Buchanan St. North
  • City: Cambridge
  • Phone: (763) 689-2474
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
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Scout & Morgan Books is an independent bookstore, selling new, used, and out-of-print books along with cards and gifts for readers.

  • N.P. Junction Books
  • 110 3rd Street
  • City: Carlton
  • Phone: (218) 576-5377
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Crime/Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Puzzles, Toys/Games
  • Events: Book Clubs
  • Website

NP Junction Books is a general bookstore located in an 1880’s bank building in the heart of downtown Carlton, MN. We will have expanded sections for children and indigenous and local authors.

  • Bluebird Books
  • 813 Washington Ave.
  • City: Detroit Lakes
  • Phone: (218) 844-9208
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Facebook

We’re an independent bookstore in the lakes country of northwestern Minnesota. Detroit Lakes is a small town with big ideas, and we’d love to see you here soon!

  • The Amazing Alonzo
  • 1831 E. Superior St.
  • City: Duluth
  • Phone: (218) 724-3431
  • Type: Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Facebook

Duluth’s oldest independent bookstore. Locally owned and family operated since 1982.

The Bookstore at Fitger’s specializes in Northeastern Minnesota regional books. We also carry new releases, best sellers and nonfiction, as well as children’s books and toys. We have a full line of Fitger’s clothing and memorabilia.

Zenith Bookstore

  • Zenith Bookstore
  • 318 N. Central Ave.
  • City: Duluth
  • Phone: (218) 606-1777
  • Type: New books, Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Regional
  • Facebook
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Located in the heart of vibrant West Duluth, our beautiful space is comfortable and inviting, with author and community events held throughout the year. From our online store you can browse our collection of gently used and new books. We also stock greeting cards, journals, and fun book-themed merchandise.

Excelsior Bay Books
  • Excelsior Bay Books
  • 36 Water St.
  • City: Excelsior
  • Phone: (952) 401-0932
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Crime/Mystery, Regional, YA
  • Sidelines: Calendars, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Puzzles, Stationery, Toys/Games
  • Events: Author Signings, Readings
  • Facebook
  • Website

We’ve been the best little bookstore in Excelsior for 30 years. Books, puzzles, cards—but mostly books! Stop in to browse or chat about books. You can also order from our website or over the phone for curbside pickup. We ship books, too!

Aurora Booktique is a full service book store with an emphasis on supporting local and independent authors, artists and photographers. We offer a vast array of clothing, art, and accessories in our gift boutique.

An independent bookstore in Fergus Falls that also features a wide variety of gifts, cards, inspirational items, office supplies, and quick print services.

Drury Lane Books

Small independent bookstore on the cool North Shore of Lake Superior with a hand-curated selection of books for book lovers. Give the gift of books! Shop or browse while the kids enjoy our children’s nook, sit at the window seat with a new find or an old favorite, or get recommendations from our knowledgeable staff. Author events, full moon readings around the bonfire, and children’s story hour details can be found on our Facebook page. Open 10am-5pm Seven-Days-A-Week Year Around

A gathering place for the community to relax, socialize, browse for books, and enjoy MN craft beer. We value diverse perspectives and we will sell new and used books from a variety of authors and genres. We will have rotating taps so that you can try new types of beer from local breweries. Come pull up a bar stool and catch up with family, friends, or a new book.

  • Book Break
  • 63 Birch Ave. S.
  • City: Maple Lake
  • Phone: (320) 963-1918
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest

New & used books, videos, music CDs. Also selling sheet music, reeds, drumsticks, and other items for musicians. We opened in Maple Lake in 1985, and then moved to Buffalo for many years. We are happy to relocate back to downtown Maple Lake in a beautiful historic building.

Birchbark Books & Native Arts

Birchbark Books is operated by a spirited collection of people who believe in the power of good writing, the beauty of handmade art, the strength of Native culture, and the importance of small and intimate bookstores. Our books are lovingly chosen. Our store is tended with care. We specialize in Native American books, art, and gifts, but also carry a wide variety of books for every interest. Adults will love our display table of carefully selected new titles. Kids will delight in the Tree House and Hobbit Hole. Young Adults will find a large selection of books to devour. Our store is lovely and peaceful; our staff, bright and helpful. Come visit us!

Now open 11AM-8PM daily! Boneshaker Books is the radical and progressive bookstore you always dreamed of: good books, book events, and bicycle delivery!

The Book House in Dinkytown

A labyrinthine space of floor-to-ceiling used books in the heart of Dinkytown. Independent book store buying and selling quality books since 1976. We specialize in academic topics, especially philosophy, social sciences, history, and math/science. Leftist politics. Modern and classic fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, and mysteries. Visual and performing arts. Antiquarian bindings. We also sell vinyl records.

  • Comma, a Bookshop
  • 4250 Upton Avenue South
  • City: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (612) 922-2211
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Website
  • Corner Books
  • 2903 Pentagon Dr.
  • City: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (612) 788-6570
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: Art, Children's, Regional
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Gifts
  • Facebook
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Corner Books of Minnapolis, MN emphazies a fine selection of books in the following: art, children books, geography, history, poetry, Minnesota books, signed books, but especially nature books of all kinds!

DreamHaven Books & Comics
  • DreamHaven Books & Comics
  • 2301 E 38th St
  • City: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (612) 823-6161
  • Type: New books, Used books, Rare books, Out-of-print books
  • Specialty: Children's, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Sidelines: Magazines
  • Events: Author Signings, Readings
  • Facebook
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Now in our 47th year, DreamHaven is one of the premiere dealers in new, used, and rare Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, Movie Books and Vintage Paperbacks. We have over 100,000 books in stock with more coming in every day.

Eat My Words

  • Eat My Words
  • 214 13th Avenue NE
  • City: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (651) 243-1756
  • Type: Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Facebook
  • Website

An education and entertainment redistribution center. 30,000 used books and a few new ones by local authors. Literary, musical and other events. Meeting space available. Comfy chairs.

The Eye Mpls is the metaphysical store in the Lyn-Lake area of South Minneapolis. Both online and off, we provide books, music, tools and services to support creativity, spiritual awakening (or deepening) and centered living.

The Irreverent Bookworm

  • The Irreverent Bookworm
  • 5163 Bloomington Ave. S.
  • City: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (612) 500-4339
  • Type: New books, Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Metaphysical/New Age
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Newspapers
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Website

The Irreverent Bookworm is a proudly LGBTQIA+ owned new & used bookshop in South Minneapolis. Our mission is to provide a warm, welcoming, whimsical & inclusive place for our community to find their next favorite read from our diverse selection. Drop by for browsing, a cozy chat with a friend in our comfy chairs, or to pick up your online order!

James and Mary Laurie Booksellers is a used, rare, and out of print bookstore. We also have many classical and jazz vinyl records, and a wonderful selection of graphic art. We are located in the downtown Minneapolis area.

Magers & Quinn Booksellers

7,000 square-feet devoted to new, used, and collectible books in the heart of Uptown Minneapolis since 1994.

  • Mayday Books
  • 301 Cedar Ave.
  • City: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (612) 333-4719
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: Alternative/Political
  • Facebook
  • Website

Providing quality political books to the Twin Cities public at discounted rates. We’re also a progressive political hub for events and information on social movements in the area. We regularly host public events, author talks and private group meetings. Find our blog here.

 

Moon Palace Books
  • Moon Palace Books
  • 3032 Minnehaha Ave.
  • City: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (612) 454-0455
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Alternative/Political, Feminist, LGBTQ+, Literary
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Stationery
  • Events: Author Signings, Readings
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Website

We’re an independent bookstore located in the Longfellow neighborhood next to Arbeiter Brewing and The Hub Bike Co-op. We’re at 3032 Minnehaha Ave (at Minnehaha and Lake Street and across from the new Uncle Hugo’s location) and we’re open Monday through Saturday from 11 to 6:30 and Sunday 12 to 5. We’ve got new and used books. We’re very excited to be open and can’t wait to meet you!

Once Upon a Crime
  • Once Upon a Crime
  • 604 W 26th St
  • City: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (612) 870-3785
  • Type: New books, Used books, Rare books, Out-of-print books
  • Specialty: Crime/Mystery
  • Events: Author Signings

Once Upon a Crime is an independent bookstore specializing in Mystery Fiction. In our main room we have a wide variety of new and reprinted mysteries and in our Annex we have used mysteries ranging from pulp paperbacks to signed first editions. We host meet and greets with authors as well as seated readings and discussions.

Established in 1975, Paperback Exchange is a locally owned and independent bookstore with over 150,000+ books in stock, and books arriving daily. Our selection ranges from current bestsellers to out-of-print oddities.

For decades we’ve held space for alternative thinking to blossom, while making the natural and magical healing powers of plants available to all!

Strive Bookstore
  • Strive Bookstore
  • 901 Nicollet Mall
  • City: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (763) 270-5738
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: African American, BIPOC, Educational, LGBTQ+, Literary
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs, Readings, Storytime
  • Facebook
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Bringing the joy of book shopping back to downtown Minneapolis!In the center of downtown Minneapolis with a thriving literary scene, the Strive Bookstore is a community-informed space that celebrates and supports local Black authors and promotes multicultural literary events. We work to be a go-to source for books that inform hungry minds and inspire the community to build relationships across cultures. We strive to understand authors and readers while bringing them together to engage in the joy of books.

A romance bookshop in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore

Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore is the oldest surviving science fiction bookstore in the United State, opening on March 2, 1974. Since December 1, 1980, Uncle Edgar’s Mystery Bookstore has been a companion bookstore to Uncle Hugo’s.  Uncle Edgar’s shares the new location with Uncle Hugo’s.  The Uncles carry new and used science fiction, fantasy, and mystery books, including a kids book section, plus a lot of jigsaw puzzles.  Ecko, the store dog since 2016, is usually around to greet customers.

We are an independent children’s bookstore in Minneapolis with a penchant for Manx cats and chickens (as well as many other interesting creatures living at our store).

Lykke Books in New Ulm, Minnesota is focused on creating a community focal point & gathering space that highlights local authors, poets, artists, and artisans.

Turtle Town Books & Gifts

  • Turtle Town Books & Gifts
  • 25491 Main St.
  • City: Nisswa
  • Phone: (218) 963-4891
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Regional, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Puzzles, Toys/Games
  • Events: Author Signings, Storytime
  • Facebook
  • Website

Turtle Town Books & Gifts is an independent bookstore in the heart of Nisswa, MN that also sells high quality puzzles, games, and toys.

Content Bookstore

  • Content Bookstore
  • 314 Division St.
  • City: Northfield
  • Phone: (507) 222-9238
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Puzzles, Stationery, Toys/Games
  • Events: Author Signings, Readings, Storytime
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Website

Content is the independent bookstore and toy store in historic downtown Northfield, Minnesota. We offer a lovingly curated selection of books for readers of all ages and tastes, as well as beautiful games, puzzles, stationery, toys and gifts. We pride ourselves on great customer service and a well-curated selection that will surprise and delight readers of all stripes, all ages, and all interests.

Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery

Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery is your local, indie bookstore in Park Rapids, MN!

  • Big Pine Books
  • 126 W Main St
  • City: Perham
  • Phone: (218) 346-0402
  • Type: New books, Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Website

Big Pine Books is a bookstore and gift shop in Perham, Minnesota!

  • The Bookstore
  • 253 5th St SE Suite #2
  • City: Pine City
  • Phone: (320) 322-5124
  • Type: New books, Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Facebook
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The Bookstore is Pine City’s go-to place for all things related to books and education. We carry new and used books, puzzles, board games, homeschool curriculum, book-themed gifts, and gourmet snacks.  

Fair Trade Books

Since 2014 Fair Trade Books in Red Wing offers used books, fair trade merchandise, and new books in a friendly, inviting location in downtown Red Wing. The bookstore hosts readings, musicians, poets, authors, film discussions, and has a weekly Meet the Author event from 12:00-3:00pm each Saturday.

A used bookstore and community space for Rochester, Minnesota.

The Oldest Used Bookstore in Rochester, Minnesota

  • Silver Lake Books
  • 111 Broadway Avenue South, Store #100
  • City: Rochester
  • Phone: (507) 512-3074
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Artwork
  • Website

New, exclusive, used, vintage books, wildlife art, and exhibits.

Books Revisited

  • Books Revisited
  • 607 W. St. Germain
  • City: St. Cloud
  • Phone: (320) 259-7959
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Literary, Regional, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Facebook
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Our primary store was established in 1991, a tiny bookshop, with crowded isles, books to the ceilings, and all the charm and character of a day gone by. Many things have changed over the years—we have moved to a much larger location, expanded our selection ten-fold, and continue to evolve as we transition to the electronic age and Brave New World of bookselling. Despite all of these changes, the commitment to our customers has remained unchanged: To provide unique and top quality books at a reasonable price. Whether you are looking for an antiquarian copy of a collectible book, or a current selection of best selling fiction, you can rest assured that we will put our experience to work to offer the best books and service available.

  • Against the Current
  • 1658 Grand Ave.
  • City: St. Paul
  • Suburb of: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (612) 245-0292
  • Type: Used books, Rare books, Out-of-print books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Alternative/Political, Feminist, Literary, Regional
  • Website

A small store offering clean copies of used books in most of the usual subjects, but tending toward scholarly and literary categories, and at prices competitive with or cheaper than those to be found anywhere else.

Black Garnet Books sells new, contemporary books by authors and illustrators of color.

Midway Used and Rare Bookstore

  • Midway Used and Rare Bookstore
  • 1579 University Ave.
  • City: St. Paul
  • Suburb of: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (651) 644-7605
  • Type: Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Art, Children's, Crime/Mystery, Literary, Metaphysical/New Age, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Facebook
  • Website

Step back in time. Midway Book Store was established in 1965. Our three floor building houses over 100,000 used and antiquarian books of all genres. We have the largest art and photography book collection in the Midwest. Strong in literature, philosophy, folklore, new age, occult, science fiction, fantasy, and military history Huge inventory of new and vintage comics, including Silver and Golden Age. Vintage magazines. A book lovers dream.

Next Chapter Booksellers

We are a full service independent bookstore in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Locally-owned, independent children’s bookstore since 1984.

  • SubText
  • 6 W. 5th St.
  • City: St. Paul
  • Suburb of: Minneapolis
  • Phone: (651) 493-2791
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Facebook
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SubText is a general interest bookstore with special focus on fiction, poetry, history, and literary nonfiction. Join us for regular author events.

Located in historic downtown Stillwater, MN, our brick and mortar bookstore provides readers with fine bindings and first editions to gently used paperback classics.

Valley Bookseller

  • Valley Bookseller
  • 217 N. Main St.
  • City: Stillwater
  • Phone: (651) 430-3385
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Crime/Mystery, Regional, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Magazines, Newspapers
  • Facebook
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Great Books. Great People. Enjoy free WiFi with a view of the beautiful St. Croix River! Shop 24/7 at our website, or stop in to find out about author events, Totally Criminal Cocktail Hour and much more! Monday-Saturday, 9-8, Sunday, 9-5.

  • Back Forty Books
  • 625 7th Ave.
  • City: Two Harbors
  • Phone: (218) 834-9215
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Gifts
  • Website

In addition to supplying Two Harbors, MN with local art and gifts, we now have a section of the shop dedicated to gently used books: Back Forty Books! As the name implies, you will find most of the used books at the back of the shop, and we also carry new titles!

The story begins at Chapter One.

Tucked in the sleepy downtown of rural Minnesota, Driftless Books is home to many classic works of literature, occasional live music, and local artwork.

  • Hearthside Books
  • 229 Lewis Ave South
  • City: Watertown
  • Phone: (320) 237-0511
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Puzzles, Stationery
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs, Readings, Storytime
  • Facebook
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We are a small independent bookstore. We are new! We just opened last July! We are located in a beautiful old building that has a ton of history. The vibe of our store is cozy and we provide places for people to come and sit.

The Thinking Spot’s mission is to make science accessible. We strive to be an independent bookstore and community gathering place for exploring and interacting with science.

Lake Country Booksellers

Located in the heart of charming downtown White Bear Lake, MN, Lake Country Booksellers is an IndieBound bookstore.

We are the longest running bookstore in Winona and we take in used books!

Zumbrota Literary Society is a used bookstore located in the former Carnegie Library in Zumbrota, Minnesota. Stop by and enjoy a wide selection of books and bookish gifts.