20 Detroit-area independent bookstores for the bookworm in you

By Metro Times editorial staff on Thu, Apr 25, 2019 at 11:00 am

While big box bookstores shutter by the numbers and mom-and-pop operations struggle to compete with Amazon and, well, the fact that most people these days seem to digest information in 140 characters or less, it's time to celebrate independently owned bookstores around the country for their impact on their local communities. If you have a passion for reading, stop by one of these metro Detroit stores to support spaces where classic novels and hidden literary treasures fill the shelves.

(Hours listed reflect Saturday hours only.)

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Black Stone Bookstore and Cultural Center
214 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-961-7376; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This independent Ypsi shop specializes in African-American books. Many of their books' subjects cover African culture, religion, and urban fiction.
Photo via Facebook

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Literati
124 E. Washington, Ann Arbor; 734-585-5567; Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Imagine enjoying a fresh espresso in your hands, a nice book in your lap, and some hip tunes being played softly in the background. Now just walk into Literati in Ann Arbor and realize that you're in a fantastic bookstore. They have poetry readings, open mic nights, book clubs, and special guest author readings. Plus, you can go to the store to browse, but the store also offers online ordering in case you can't make the trip to Literati.
Photo via Facebook

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Pages Bookshop
19560 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-473-7342; Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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.
Photo via Facebook

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Bookbound
1729 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-369-4345; Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Peter and Megan Blackshear own this independent Ann Arbor store with a desire to share their love of books with their town. Their canine companion, Shop Dog, can usually be seen lounging around the store while you peruse through Bookbound’s large selection of new and used books.
Photo via Facebook

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Books Connection
31208 5 Mile Rd., Livonia; 734-524-1163; Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Books Connection has been corporate-free since opening in 1981. Darby, their popular dog employee, is a frequent sight around the store, which is filled with book titles in mystery, romance, science fiction, self-help, and history.
Photo via Facebook

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Brown’s Family Bookstore
27309 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-773-7370; Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Located in a strip mall in St. Clair Shores, Brown's is the sort of place you'd pass right by unless someone told you it was worth a stop. Step inside the shop and you'll find stacks on stacks of books packed nice and tight for your browsing pleasure. With helpful store owners and that great "old book smell," Brown's Family Bookstore is well-stocked with both old and new books for every bookworm.
Photo via Facebook

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Common Language Bookstore
317 Braun Court, Ann Arbor; 734-663-0036; Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
If you’re interested in feminist or LGBTQ literature, Common Language has you covered. Recently, Common Language has received an influx of online orders after a link to their store was shared on Tumblr and went viral, ushering in over 200 online orders for a store that usually only handles a few per month. With their recent boom in business, this queer bookstore has a bright future ahead.
Photo via Facebook

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John K. King Used and Rare Books
901 W Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-961-0622; Open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Billed as Michigan's largest used and rare bookstore, John King is a book collector’s wildest dream, with about 1,000,000 books in stock. Get lost in their never-ending collection of literature that Salon magazine described as "one of the largest and strangest collections in North America.”
Photo via @ Facebook

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Book Suey
10345 Joseph Campau., Hamtramck; 313-398-2017; Open noon to 6 p.m.
Only two years in and Hamtramck’s cooperatively owned and managed bookstore has already become a community necessity. Book Suey offers books that are able to bring people together through contemplation, conversation, and a sense of community. They have limited hours and frequent events, so check with them before heading over.
Photo via Facebook

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The Book Nook
42 Monroe St., Monroe; 734-241-2665; Open noon to 6 p.m.
This locally owned bookstore has been in business long before e-readers and Kindles. Established in 1969, Monroe’s Book Nook boasts 1,000 square feet of books.
Photo via Facebook

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Book Beat
26010 Greenfield, Oak Park; 248-968-1190; Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This Oak Park shop has become a must-vist 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 your reading pleasure.
Photo via Facebook

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Curious Book Shop
307 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing; 517-332-0112; Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This East Lansing 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.
Photo via Facebook

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Another Look Books
22263 Goddard Rd., Taylor; 734-374-5665
A catchy name and a bright pink sign are welcome sights for Taylor book lovers. With more than 22 years in the book biz, Another Look houses a towering 40,000 books, including new releases and the latest in fiction.
Photo via Facebook

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Library Bookstore
169 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-545-4300; Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Located in the heart of downtown Ferndale, Library Bookstore is an easy stop when you’re out and about. Take a step back in time as you walk in the front door and are met with that warming old book smell. You won’t find this store online at all — come by and find your new favorite old paperback.
Photo used with permission.

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Nicola’s Books
2513 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-662-0600; Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This Ann Arbor indie bookstore opened in 1991 as a Little Professor bookstore, but was purchased by Schuler Books in 2014. On Indie Bookstore Day, Nicola’s will have giveaways every hour. Available every day, however, is access to Nicola's collective brain-database because this shop is run by folks who devour dozens of books on the reg.
Photo via Facebook

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Source Booksellers
4240 Cass Ave. #105, Detroit; 313-832-1155; Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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.
Photo via Facebook

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John K. King Books North
22524 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-548-9050; Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This expansion store of the original John King Detroit store may not be as big as the main location, but it's equally as dedicated to housing used and rare books. Entire shelves are dedicated to well-known authors like Stephen King and Agatha Christie, while others house rarer finds. John King stores aren’t big on computer systems, so don’t be afraid to ask one of their knowledgeable employees for help.
Photo via Instagram, @jkbnorth

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Totem Books
620 West Court St., Flint; 810-0407-6402; Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you’re in Genesee County on Indie Bookstore Day, consider stopping by the independently owned and operated Totem Books. New and used books are on display along with vinyl records, vintage T-shirts and pins, and CDs and cassette tapes.
Photo via Facebook

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Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tearoom
114 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, 734-665-2757, Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Another Ann Arbor book stop, Crazy Wisdom has been locally owned and independent since 1982. Crazy Wisdom specializes in the subjects of holistic health, body, mind therapies, psychology, Buddhism, alternative spiritual practices, spiritual development, and consciousness. Tea is always available in the Tea Room — try their April Drink Specials for soothing seasonal sipping.
Photo via Facebook

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Mayflower Book Shop
2645 Twelve Mile Rd., Berkley; 248-547-8227; Open noon to 6 p.m.
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.
Photo via Facebook

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