# 18 Women-Owned Indie Bookstores We Love

This **Indie Bookstore Saturday**, we’re celebrating the incredible women behind some of our favorite indie bookstores across the U.S. These shop owners and book lovers are on a mission to uplift young readers and create spaces where everyone can see themselves in the pages of a book. Whether you’re looking for picture books, page-turners, or the next story to inspire your girl, these stores are worth a visit—online or in person.

Here are some of the women-owned and women-powered bookstores we love:

### **Alice, Ever After Books (Buffalo, NY)**

[_www.aliceeverafterbooks.com_](https://www.aliceeverafterbooks.com/)

A cozy and whimsical children’s bookstore in Buffalo, **Alice, Ever After Books** brings stories to life with curated selections and creative events. This woman-owned shop sparks imagination and fosters a love of reading in the youngest bookworms.

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### **Annabelle’s Book Club LA (Los Angeles, CA)**

_[annabellesbookclubla.com](http://annabellesbookclubla.com/)_

Started by a teenage book lover, this vibrant LA bookshop focuses on Gen Z readers, featuring diverse and engaging titles across genres. It’s a joyful space to explore bold stories and youth-driven perspectives.

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### **Beacon Hill Books (Boston, MA)**

[_bookshop.org/shop/beaconhillbooks_](https://bookshop.org/shop/beaconhillbooks)

**Beacon Hill Books** is a warm, elegant escape nestled in Boston. With a curated book selection, literary events, and a charming café, it’s a community haven where stories, tea, and conversation go hand in hand.

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### **Books Are Magic (Brooklyn, NY)**

[_booksaremagic.net_](http://booksaremagic.net/)

This beloved Brooklyn indie—co-founded by author Emma Straub—is known for its vibrant programming, eclectic selections, and community-first vibe. It’s a must-visit for curious minds of all ages.

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### **Brave + Kind Bookshop (Atlanta, GA)**

[_www.braveandkindbooks.com_](https://www.braveandkindbooks.com/)

This Black- and woman-owned indie is all about raising kind, curious, and brave humans. Its beautifully curated shelves center diverse and artful stories, and the store hosts workshops, story clubs, and meaningful community events.

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### **Children’s Book World (Los Angeles, CA)**

[_www.childrensbookworld.com_](http://www.childrensbookworld.com/)

**​Children’s Book World** is an independent, full-service children’s bookstore located in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1986, it offers a comprehensive inventory of children’s books, knowledgeable staff, and hosts various events.

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### **Joseph-Beth Booksellers (OH & KY)**

[_www.josephbeth.com_](https://www.josephbeth.com/)

With roots in Cincinnati and Lexington, **Joseph-Beth Booksellers** is more than a bookstore—it’s a community space where knowledge is shared and memories are made. Their mission is to broaden hearts and minds through books and connection.

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### **King’s English Bookshop (Salt Lake City, UT)**

[_www.kingsenglish.com_](https://www.kingsenglish.com/)

A beloved fixture since 1977, **The King’s English Bookshop** is known for its passionate staff and thoughtfully curated selection. Its children’s section is especially magical, inviting young readers to fall in love with books.

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### **MahoganyBooks (Washington, D.C.)**

[_www.mahoganybooks.com_](http://www.mahoganybooks.com/)

A Black-owned indie committed to celebrating Black voices, **MahoganyBooks** offers a powerful selection of children’s and adult books alike. Their mission centers literacy, culture, and community empowerment.

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### **McNally Jackson (New York, NY)**

_[www.mcnallyjackson.com](http://www.mcnallyjackson.com/)_

With several NYC locations, **McNally Jackson** is a literary haven featuring carefully selected books from around the world. Their passionate team and beautiful displays make every visit unforgettable.

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### **Solid State Books (Washington, D.C.)**

[_solidstatebooksdc.com_](http://solidstatebooksdc.com/)

Co-owned by a former bookseller and indie bookstore champion, **Solid State** is a cozy, progressive space filled with diverse titles and a beloved children’s section. Their welcoming vibe makes it a go-to for local families and readers alike.

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### **Thank You Books (Birmingham, AL)**

[_thankyoubookshop.com_](https://www.thankyoubookshop.com/)

**Thank You Books** is a small but mighty bookstore run by three women who believe deeply in the power of stories. Their shelves are packed with inclusive, imaginative reads for readers of all ages—especially those just beginning their literary journeys.

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### **The Dock Bookshop (Fort Worth, TX)**

[_www.thedockbookshop.com_](https://www.thedockbookshop.com/)

One of the largest Black-owned bookstores in the South, **The Dock** is a literary anchor in Fort Worth that serves several communities. With curated selections and dynamic events, their mission is to inspire, inform, and uplift through books and culture.

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### **The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles, CA)**

[_bookshop.org/shop/thelastbookstore_](https://bookshop.org/shop/thelastbookstore)

A literary landmark in downtown LA, **The Last Bookstore** is as much an experience as it is a shop. With its eclectic atmosphere, curated titles, and vibrant events, it’s a haven for creatives, collectors, and curious readers alike.

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### **Three Avenues Bookshop (Chicago, IL)**

[_threeavenuesbookshop.com_](https://www.threeavenuesbookshop.com/)

This family-run gem in Chicago’s West Lakeview centers joy, belonging, and discovery. Their inclusive selection and thoughtful programming make it a go-to for families looking to see themselves in the stories they read

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### **Whose Books (Dallas, TX)**

[_www.whosebooks.shop_](https://www.whosebooks.net/)

Proudly Latina-owned and community-centered, **Whose Books** is a vibrant indie in Oak Cliff. With diverse shelves and empowering programs, they’re all about literacy, love, and local voices.

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### **Word After Word Books (Truckee, CA)**

[_www.wordafterwordbooks.com_](https://www.wordafterwordbooks.com/)

Located in historic downtown Truckee, this mountain-town gem offers a curated selection for readers of all ages. With a dedicated kids’ room and an indie vinyl shop below, **Word After Word** is where books, music, and community converge.

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### **Vroman’s Bookstore (Pasadena, CA)**

[_www.vromansbookstore.com_](https://www.vromansbookstore.com/)

Founded in 1894, **Vroman’s** is California’s oldest and largest indie bookstore. With a beloved children’s section and a deep commitment to community and culture, it’s a literary home for readers of all generations.

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Let’s show up for the bookstores that fuel our imaginations and open new worlds for young readers. Indie bookstores are where stories live, and the Rebels behind them are the storytellers behind the shelves. Visit your local indie, buy a book (or three), and spread the word—because supporting them means investing in the next generation of readers, dreamers, and changemakers.
