The 15 Best Independent Bookstores in the US

Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore, is home to one million books. The store, which takes up an entire city block, boasts a massive collection of both new and used books. There are over 3,500 sections so, no matter how obscure your interests are, you're bound to find a section that's your cup of tea. And don't forget to visit the Rare Book Room to see the collection of autographed first editions and collectible books.

Does 18 miles of books sound like heaven to you? Us, too, and that's why we love the Strand Bookstore in the East Village of Manhattan. The bookstore recently celebrated its 90th anniversary of selling new, used, and rare books. The Strand also sells unique, fun tote bags and has entire section of knick-knacks that are the perfect souvenirs to bring home from the Big Apple for a book-lover.

The Last Bookstore is the ultimate retreat for book-lovers in the City of Angels. The spacious, multi-level store also sells records and showcases local art. As you navigate through the maze of books, be sure to take a photo peeking through the open circle of books (pictured).

Elliott Bay Book Company, a cozy store located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, is open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays — so it's ideal for those of us who prefer bookstores to bars on weekends. In addition to its expansive selection and amazing bargain section, Elliott Bay Book Company hosts free author readings nearly every evening at 7 p.m.

As its name suggests, Women & Children First in the Windy City is a feminist bookworm's paradise. It's one of the largest bookstores in the country that's designed with women's interest in mind. It also features a fabulous section for children with a large selection of (you guessed it) empowering books about young heroines.

Located in the former home of William Faulkner (be still, our hearts), Faulkner House Books is the center of New Orleans' literary community. It's home to myriad books both by and about Faulkner himself, as well as other iconic literature and rare editions. Faulkner House Books is often described as "America's most charming bookstore."

Owned by author and Prairie Home Companion host Garrison Keillor, Common Good Books is famous for its extensive poetry section. As you browse, you'll find employee notes attached to certain books explaining why they loved the title.

City Lights Books, which doubles as a publishing house, is paradise for book-lovers who are passionate about the arts and progressive politics. While you're there, be sure to check out the nonprofit City Lights Foundation, which specializes in books about San Francisco's culture. What better way to immerse yourself in a city's history and culture than through reading?

When Nashville's last independent bookstore closed its doors, author Ann Patchett and publisher Karen Hayes took matters into their own hands and opened Parnassus Books in November 2011. Parnassus is always well-stocked with books by local authors, and we love that Patchett used her clout to keep indie bookstores alive in Nashville.

With three locations in Denver, Tattered Cover Book Store is full of comfy chairs and couches so you can kick back and browse through your stack of books before making final selections. (We all know that struggle is real.) Don't miss Tattered Cover's "Espresso Book Machine" — if you're clamoring for a certain title but it's not on the shelves, the store can print it out for you.

In addition to its extensive collection of new and used books, Rediscovered Bookshop hosts plenty of signings and events, the most famous of which is its recurring Book & Booze nights. (Excuse us for a moment while we add "Book & Booze night at Rediscovered Bookshop" to our bucket lists.)

As if Housing Works' killer book selection, delicious cafe, and packed calendar of literary events isn't amazing enough, the bookstore's profits are donated to fighting homelessness and AIDS. So don't feel guilty stocking up here, because you can rest assured that your money is going to important causes.

With locations in Coral Gables and Miami Beach, Books & Books takes advantage of Florida's sunny climate with a layout that includes a courtyard. The store's award-winning Reading Series hosts 60 authors per month, so there's never a dull moment in this charming bookshop.

Located in three separate historic buildings, Square Books specializes in Southern literature and boasts an impressive selection of children's books. It's full of collector's editions and signed copies of beloved books. Visitors note that it's common to stumble upon a favorite book with a totally different cover than they've ever seen, which is heavenly for those of us who love to collect multiple copies of our favorite titles.

Unsurprisingly, Politics and Prose Bookstore is where it's at if you're in search of events and signings headlined by prominent political figures like Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. But events aside, Politics and Prose's staff is famous for providing top-notch recommendations to customers, and it also has an "Espresso Book Machine" so you won't have to leave empty-handed simply because you wanted to buy a self-published or out-of-print book.