It came as quite a blow to independent bookstores — and the readers that need them — when all were forced to suspend services as part of Michigan’s executive order to combat the spread of coronavirus. And then came the postponement of 2020’s Independent Bookstore Day — the annual celebration of books, book lovers, and the resilient bookshop owners and their incredible collections — that was supposed to take place on Saturday, April 25. Well, one thing is true: we need books now more than ever, which is why it’s important to support those shops offering curbside and delivery services in the interim. Though Independent Bookstore Day has been tentatively moved to Aug. 29, there’s no time like the present to immerse yourself in words, fantasy, information, poetry, and prose.
Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center
214 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-961-7376; blackstonebookstore.com
This independent Ypsi shop specializes in African-American books. Many of their titles focus on African culture, religion, and urban fiction — and they’re fulfilling online orders.
Photo via Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center/FacebookBook Beat
26010 Greenfield, Oak Park; 248-968-1190; thebookbeat.com
This Oak Park shop has become a must-visit spot for local authors as they frequently host appearances, signings, and events. As always, Book Beat offers a wide selection of new and used books for all curiosities. Book Beat is offering online and phone orders with curbside pick-up or delivery available.
Photo via Book Beat/FacebookCurious Book Shop
307 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing; 517-332-0112 curiousbooks.com
Speaking of curious, East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop offers a varied wall-to-wall collection that spans new paperbacks to rare antiquarian titles. Though there’s a bit of everything for every bibliophile, they specialize in vintage science fiction, fantasy, Michigan history, and sports, as well as vintage comics and magazines. They also have a thoughtful children’s corner for the little reader in your life. At this time, Curious Book Shop is offering online orders and delivery and with a $10 or more donation to their GoFundMe page, they’ll send a mysterious but generous assortment of books.
Photo via Curious Book Shop/FacebookBookbound
1729 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-369-4345; bookboundbookstore.com
This Ann Arbor hub for booklovers is offering online delivery from its eclectic new and used inventory. We can’t wait to visit the store’s Shop Dog (that’s his name!) once this is all over.
Photo via Bookbound/FacebookBooks Connection
31208 5 Mile Rd., Livonia; 734-524-1163; thebooksconnection.com
Books Connection has been serving Livonia for more than 30 years, with some help from their popular dog employee, Darby. The store’s selection spans mystery, romance, science fiction, self-help, and history. Inquire about titles and pick-up by emailing booksconnection@ameritech.net.
Photo via Books Connection/FacebookJohn K. King Rare & Used Books
901 W Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-961-0622; johnkingbooksdetroit.com
Billed as Michigan’s largest used and rare bookstore — and one of the largest in the world — John King is a book collector’s wildest dream with more than 1,000,000 books in stock. Get lost in their never-ending collection as the folks at John King’s are offering phone requests from noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday with limited email requests at johnking901@gmail.com.
Photo via John K. King’s Rare and Used Books/FacebookLiterati
124 E. Washington, Ann Arbor; 734-585-5567; literatibookstore.com
This beloved Ann Arbor store is more than meets the eye. In just seven years, Literati has become a hub for bookworms, music lovers, poets, and curious minds. The popular bookstore, which raised $100,000 in just 48 hours at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic to avoid permanent closure, is shipping books anywhere in the U.S. and is offering virtual book clubs.
Photo via Literati/FacebookMayflower Bookshop
2645 12 Mile Rd., Berkley; 248-547-8227; mayflowerbookshop.com
Specializing in books about esoteric and spiritual sciences, Mayflower Book Shop is the go-to spot for anyone looking to broaden their horizon. From Theosophy and Buddhism to veganism, astrology, paganism, and the tarot, Mayflower also offers crystals, gemstones, and religious artifacts. Per usual, you may make phone or email orders via mayflowerbookshop@mac.com.
Photo via Mayflower Book Shop/FacebookMotte & Bailey Booksellers
212 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor; mottebooks.com
Specializing in used and rare books, Motte & Bailey Booksellers caters to those looking for antiquarian books, or those interested in American and European history. They’re currently offering 2,400 of their 10,000 book inventory online, but if you’re curious about something just shoot them a message at motte@mottebooks.com.
Photo via Motte & Bailey Booksellers/FacebookNicola’s Books
2513 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-0600 nicolasbooks.com
Established in 1991 originally as a Little Professor bookstore, Nicola’s Books was purchased by Schuler Books in 2014, yet maintains an independent spirit with a wide array of books across all genres and interests. In addition to online ordering, tune into their Facebook page for special gift packages, virtual storytime, and puzzle sales.
Photo via Nicola’s Books/FacebookDetroit Book City
24361 Greenfield Rd., Ste. 305, Southfield; 248-993-3844; detroitbookcity.com
Specializing in new and gently used books catering to the African American community, Detroit Book City offers a wide selection of locally authored titles, plus rare and out of print books by Black writers. They also offer other media, like CDs and DVDs, as well as African body oils, soaps, and games. At this time, books can be purchased via email through Detroit Book City’s website.
Photo via Detroit Book City/FacebookPages Bookshop
19560 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-473-7342; pagesbkshop.com
This new-ish indie bookstore in Detroit’s historic Grandmont-Rosedale neighborhood boasts a carefully curated collection of books from and about Detroit, and frequently hosts intimate readings from nationally acclaimed authors. Pro tip: Ask shop cat Pip for suggestions when things return to normal. In the meantime, Pages is offering online and phone orders, as well as curbside pickup, and local delivery.
Photo viaPages Bookshop.FacebookSource Booksellers
4240 Cass Ave. #105, Detroit; 313-832-1155; sourcebooksellersonline.com
The sign in the window says it all: “A unique niche of non-fiction books”. The Midtown shop also has “unusual sidelines,” including oils, incense, raw snacks, and shea butter products, as well as a rotating calendar of events. While they remain closed for in-person shopping, you can place online orders to get your non-fiction fix.
Photo via Source Booksellers/FacebookToadvine Books
2783 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley; 248-439-0409; toadvinebooks.com
Want Vonnegut? Comics? How about illustrated Harry Potter books? This eclectic Berkley focuses on new and used fiction and literature, young adult novels, small press comics, zines, as well as science fiction and fantasy. Just email toadvinebooks@gmail.com to inquire about titles, pricing, and delivery.
Photo via Toadvine Books/FacebookTotem Books
620 W. Court St., Flint; 810-0407-6402; totembooksflint.com
This Genesee County fave is a bit of a spiritual experience as Totem Books in Flint offers a selection of new and used books along with vinyl records, vintage T-shirts and pins, CDs, cassette tapes, incense and healing stones. They’re currently growing their online store — which is wide open — to better serve hungry bibliophiles in this time of need.
Photo via Totem Books/Facebook
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