15 awesome indie bookstores in metro Detroit

By Metro Times Staff

We love Amazon as much as the next guy, but there’s nothing quite like browsing a real brick and mortar bookstore in search of hidden gems. And honestly, it doesn't get much better than metro Detroit when it comes to indie bookstores. Have a look at our round-up and take yourself (and your book-loving friends) on a tour that's a bibliophile's dream come true.

Scroll down to view images

Big Book Store

The oldest continually operating bookstore in Detroit, the Big Book Store earned its name in another era. It changed locations and owners over the years before finding a permanent home in Midtown and becoming the smallest of the three bookstores owned by John King. 5911 Cass, Detroit. (Photo credit: krn_grl on Instagram)

Book Beat

The Book Beat specializes in children’s books, but with a wealth of books on every imaginable subject AND a selection of signed, out-of-print, and rare books AND fine art photography and gifts, there is something for everyone. The real treasure at The Book Beat is co-owner Colleen Kammer, who has an uncanny ability to recommend just the right book for any young reader. 26010 Greenfield, Oak Park. (Photo credit: The Book Beat on Google Plus)

Downtown Booksellers

If the phrase “used bookstore” brings to mind mismatched bookshelves, cozy armchairs, and creative knick-knacks, all surrounded by stacks of books that seem to have overflowed the shelves, this is the place for you. With a diverse selection of used books, both fiction and non-fiction, and a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere the Downtown Booksellers is an inviting place to browse for your next good read. 116 E. University, Rochester. (Photo credit: Jeremy R. on Yelp)

John K. King Books

The granddaddy of all used booksellers, a bibliophile could get lost for days in the stacks of creatively organized titles in this four-story factory-turned-bookstore. With no computerized inventory system, the best way to find what you’re looking for is to grab a map of the store and head off on an adventure. 901 W. Lafayette, Detroit. (Photo credit: johnkingbooksdetroit on Instagram)

King Books North

This suburban outpost of the King family of bookstores may not look like much, but the space is filled to bursting with a unique catalog of used and rare books. As in all the King stores, knowledgeable employees are your guide to finding what you seek without aid of a computerized catalog. 22524 Woodward, Ferndale. (Photo credit: jkbooks on Instagram)

Library Bookstore

Cozied up next to Java Hutt, this Ferndale bookstore is everything right about old-fashioned neighborhood bookstores. The comforting smell of used books hits you as soon as you enter, and the selection offers a little something for everyone in a compact space, walls lined with solid wood shelves packed to overflowing with titles from every genre. A true throwback, you won’t find the Library Bookstore online at all. The only way to discover what it has to offer is to stop in and see for yourself. 169 W. Nine Mile, Ferndale (Photo credit: Tim H. on Yelp)

Pages

Detroit’s newest indie bookstore, Pages opened in Grandmont-Rosedale with a vision of being more than just a place to buy books. Their “highly curated” selection of books bridges genres and subjects, with a section dedicated to books from and about Detroit, but where Pages really stands out is as a community meeting place. Frequent events, including author signings and book discussion groups, bring residents and visitors together for conversation and camaraderie in the tradition of the best bookstores and cafes of the past. 19560 Grand River, Detroit.(Photo Credit: pagesontheave on Instagram)

Nicola’s Books

Just a hour or so away is Ann Arbor’s premier indie bookstore, which first opened as a Little Professor bookstore in 1991, and was purchased by indie bookstore behemoth (is that an oxymoron?) Schuler Books in 2014. Nicola's specializes in book searches, and staff can usually hunt down titles with very little information, including many out-of-print or hard-to-find titles. Westgate Shopping Center 2513 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor. (734) 662-0600 (Photo credit: nicolasbooks on Instagram)

Crazy Wisdom

Another Ann Arbor mainstay, Crazy Wisdom’s been going strong since 1982. The bookstore is a center of information in the subjects of holistic health, bodymind therapies, psychology, Buddhism, alternative spiritual practices, spiritual development and consciousness. While you’re perusing their shelves, you can also grab a great cup of one of the over 100 varieties of tea (or coffee or specialty drink, plus appetizers, entrees, dips, delectable desserts and treats.) 114 S Main St, Ann Arbor, 734.665.2757. (Photo credit: crazywisdombookstore on Instagram)

Common Language Bookstore

Michigan's sole remaining Feminist LGBT Bookstore. Great children's book section. The latest lesbian and gay men's fiction. Unparalleled transgender section. Dozens of other sections, as well as "rainbow" sidelines: stickers, buttons, magnets, hats, and more! 317 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. (734) 663-0036. (Photo credit: Sam G. on Yelp)