These top bookstores in Texas have become some of the best in the state by offering incredible titles and events in a welcoming atmosphere. A perfect rainy day activity, these independent bookstores below are full of interesting book collections that are sure to please any type of reader. No matter if you’re interested in mystery novels or children’s books or poetry, you’ll find a bookstore for you in this list of best bookstores in Texas.
BookPeople - Austin
BookPeople starts off this list because it’s the largest independent bookstore in the Lone Star State. BookPeople has been going strong since 1970. Head to BookPeople for not only children’s, fiction, and nonfiction books but also a variety of events. Located in downtown Austin, this bookstore holds hundreds of events a year, ranging from author readings to storytimes to even book fairs at local schools.
Half Price Books - Dallas
Half Price Books may have multiple locations all over the nation, however, its flagship location is found in Dallas. This bookstore sells both new and used books along with CDs and movies. Now a popular bookstore, Half Price Books started out as a used bookstore in a Dallas laundromat. This family-owned chain has been in operation since 1972 and has remained a popular destination for Texas readers.
Body Mind & Soul - Houston
This unique bookstore in Houston sells books to please the mind and soul. Body Mind & Soul has some of the best books written on interesting subjects such as spiritual awakening and metaphysics. This Texas bookstore is a great spot to visit for self-help books too. Body Mind & Spirit also hosts a number of events throughout the year like author readings, workshops, and various classes.
Deep Vellum Books - Dallas
Deep Vellum Books mixes books with coffee, community, and the arts. There aren’t many bookstores where you can enjoy live music or a new film along with a cup of coffee and a nice novel. Yet, Deep Vellum Books in Dallas is that type of bookstore. You may walk into the store during a book reading or while an underground metal band is rocking out. Deep Vellum Books’ uniqueness is what gives it a spot on this list.
Lucky Dog Books - Dallas
For readers on a budget, Lucky Dog Books is the perfect bookstore to visit. This used bookstore sells books, comics, magazines, CDs, and other various music items at affordable prices. You can even trade-in your books for cash or store credit. With two locations in Dallas, it’s easy to find a good yet affordable read at Lucky Dog.
The Wild Detectives - Dallas
The Wild Detectives doesn’t only offer a fine selection of books but also craft beer. This bar-meets-bookstore is the perfect place to have an intellectual conversation. Located in Dallas, The Wild Detectives has a “no internet” policy every weekend. For a lively social setting that also has a number of killer books, visit The Wild Detectives. Find children’s books, poetry, or even books in Spanish at this Dallas bookstore.
Recycled Books - Denton
A half a million books live at Recycled Books, a bookstore with a huge collection of used books, CDs, and DVDs. This 17,000-square-foot bookstore in Denton has three floors of reading material. You never know what you will find while browsing the shelves here. However, if you aren’t in Denton, Recycled Books also sells books on Amazon and eBay too.
South Congress Books - Austin
Find rare and vintage books along with the newest titles at this eclectic bookstore off South Congress in downtown Austin. South Congress Books strives for a perfectly curated stock, so expect a unique yet satisfying collection that spans a variety of genres.
Blue Willow Bookshop - Houston
Blue Willow Bookshop opened in 1996 and has been pleasing Houstonians ever since. This West Houston bookstore has reading material for all ages. Head to Blue Willow for author appearances and readings. And kids will love the weekly storytimes and book clubs hosted here too.
Brazos Bookstore - Houston
Brazos Bookstore is one of the most popular bookstores in Houston that features popular titles ranging in genre from fiction to poetry to art. Since Brazos hosts hundreds of authors each year, you may actually find your favorite author attending a meet-and-greet or reading at Brazos. If you’re browsing the shelves and are unsure of what to read, check out the written reviews by Brazos staff lining the shelves; it’s small details like this that make Brazos Bookstore a top book shop in Houston.
Monkeywrench Books - Austin
Monkeywrench Books is unlike any bookstore on this list. This volunteer-run bookstore has no management team; it’s solely run by volunteers. Monkeywrench Books is the shop to go to find “radical” literature mostly by independent presses. Expect to find books on politics, social justice, philosophy and ideology. Explore the book collection or attend a number of random events at Monkeywrench like film screenings and author readings.
Malvern Books - Austin
Malvern Books sells poetry and fiction in a cozy and eclectic book shop located in Austin, north of the University of Texas campus. Find books from independent presses or books translated from other languages. This is a great shop to visit if you’re searching for new material or titles that are difficult to find. Malvern Books hosts events like readings and even open mic nights.
BookWoman - Austin
Everybody can shop at BookWoman but the store celebrates women writers and readers. This independent bookstore located in Austin will have a title written by a woman that will become your next favorite read. Explore the book variety or attend an event at BookWoman. From poetry readings to author signings to even art classes, it’s no wonder why BookWoman is a premier bookstore in Austin.
Murder By the Book - Houston
Fans of mystery novels should definitely visit this Houston bookstore. Murder By the Book is a specialty bookstore that sells over 25,000 titles in the genres of mystery, crime, fantasy and thriller. This indie bookstore has been in operation since 1980. Even if you aren’t a mystery fan, there is a book on Murder By the Book’s shelves to captivate you.
