One of the pleasures of travel for book lovers is discovering independent bookstores. Just as readers get to experience new worlds in the pages of a book, bookstores are an opportunity to explore into the culture and community of the neighborhoods and cities they serve.
Grand Rapids is fortunate to host a number of independent bookstores, each with its own distinct character and focus, all providing a welcoming refuge for people who love the written word.
We asked our social media followers which local bookstores they like to buy from and hang out in, and got a wide variety of responses. (Seems every bookseller in town has devoted fans.) Here are the top vote-getters ranked in order of most mentions:
Schuler Books
Schuler Books has been serving Grand Rapids since 1982. The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into its southeast GR location is its size: Schuler is considerably larger than most independent bookstores, which means it offers a much bigger and broader selection of titles.
As a general interest store, Schuler stocks both new and used books in all genres, for all ages, including titles from local authors. They also stock a curated selection of gifts, games, puzzles, toys, art supplies, stationery and more.
A busy calendar of events and meetings include local author nights and children’s story times. The on-site Chapbook Café offers sandwiches, salads, soup, panini, quiche and a kid’s menu.
Books & Mortar
Owner Jenny Kinne purchased this “proudly progressive, consciously curated and fiercely independent bookshop” from its founders in 2018. She stocks Books & Mortar with a broad selection of books reflecting a diverse range of voices, perspectives and narratives while hosting book clubs, author events and educational programs that nurture and empower the community.
She also uses the store as a platform to actively engage in advocacy efforts related to literacy, education and social justice issues. Stop in for friendly and knowledgeable recommendations on books and gifts for all ages.
Books & Mortar is located in a beautiful, historic building in the Uptown neighborhood.
Epilogue Books
Rockford residents Pat and Valerie Burkholder opened this beloved bookstore in their hometown in late 2018. Located on the banks of the scenic Flat River, about 15 minutes north of downtown Grand Rapids, Epilogue Books carries new books, gifts and greeting cards.
Epilogue Books hosts fiction, non-fiction and romantasy book clubs as well as author events and release parties. Kids love the special section devoted to them, which features a large mural by local artist Rebecca Haigler. Fans say the owners and staff are knowledgeable and helpful, and love to talk books with patrons.
But the most memorable aspect of the Epilogue experience may be the store’s greeter – Tommy, a chill and friendly golden retriever whose favorite things are food and belly rubs.
Epilogue Books is Rockford’s go-to spot for readers, offering a thoughtfully curated collection and a warm, inviting space.
Photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR. Artwork: Rebecca Haigler
Cellar Bird Books
Opened in the busy Bridge Street Entertainment District in 2024, Cellar Bird Books quickly achieved a fervent following for its thoughtfully curated selection of new books for all ages, along with a variety of literary-themed gifts, puzzles, notebooks and more.
The store has a warm and cozy vibe, with lots of dark wood and walls painted dark purple, making it a calm and centering place to visit. It’s just steps from Bridge Street’s many bars and restaurants, so it’s a great place to check out before or after a meal, and it’s within a 10-minute walk (or free DASH bus ride) of downtown Grand Rapids hotels, shops and restaurants.
Cellar Bird Books hosts a number of different book clubs each month, plus author events, kids’ storytimes and fun community events.
Bettie’s Pages
Declaring itself “the coolest, queerest and best little bookstore in Lowell,” Bettie’s Pages is a queer-owned, veteran-owned and woman-owned bookstore that carries a diverse selection of books to help diverse readers see themselves in stories. You’ll find bestsellers on the shelves along with books that have been banned in local libraries or schools, plus an assortment of unique gift items.
Bettie’s Pages hosts a number of book clubs, including an Autism Book Club featuring fiction and nonfiction books about autism or featuring autistic characters, and a Gaia Guild Book Club marrying themes of the metaphysical, spiritual and natural world. Sundays are reserved for customers who need to wear or feel more comfortable wearing a mask while shopping. These and many other special touches make this a safe space for many community members who are marginalized or oppressed.
Bettie’s is about 20 minutes east of downtown Grand Rapids – you can follow Fulton St. the whole way.
Grand Rapids has a variety of book and comic stores.
Photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR.
Other Popular Responses
Orchard House Books & Café, just east of downtown GR’s Medical Mile neighborhood, serves up great coffee along with great reads.
Pages & Peonies is a romance-focused bookstore on Alpine Avenue, about eight minutes from downtown.
Argos Comics & Used Books in Uptown GR offers new and used comic books and graphic novels, and a vast selection of used, rare and antiquarian books.
Black Dog Books & Records is a used book and record shop focused on leftist philosophy, including labor, LGBTQIA+, women's and Black issues.
Pages & Grapes in Wyoming is a romance-only bookstore where patrons can unwind, connect and indulge with a glass of wine and a good book.
Plumfield Books in Ada stocks classics and new releases from multiple genres along with gifts and wine.
Redux Books in Uptown GR is a used bookstore filled with unusual and unexpected treasures such as rare, out-of-print and antiquarian books
The Book Pile is a used bookshop in Sparta featuring 5,000+ books in all genres, sharing space with The Sassy Chicken décor/gift sore.
Rolling Rabbit Books in Byron Center presents new and used books for children and teens, along with toys, puzzles and art supplies.
Inkwell Archives is in the small town of Middleville, about 30 minutes from downtown GR, that’s stocked with a curated collection o new books and gifts.
Baker Book House offers a large selection of new and used Christian fiction and nonfiction books along with an on-site café.
Golden Hour Bookshop is a small store selling books for all ages located inside Lowell’s Disco Darling women’s boutique.
We Are LIT is downtown GR’s multicultural bookstore, carrying a curated selection of books for all ages and interests.
Great Matter Books in GR’s Creston neighborhood carries all kinds of used books but specializes in non-fiction.
Wally’s Castle in Wyoming is one of numerous local antique/vintage stores that host used book vendors.
Additional local bookstores to explore:
A House of Books & Creative Art Studio stocks vintage and rare books, book-related items and gifts, and offers a “menu” of craft projects such as making bookmarks and book nooks.
Argos Comics & Used Books in Uptown GR offers new and used comic books and graphic novels, and a vast selection of used, rare and antiquarian books.
HSB Bookstore/Second Mouse Finds offers new and used books and other resources for home-schooling families.
Jason’s Books & Coffee in Wyoming features a curated collection of new, used, small-press and self-published books, plus literary journals and coffee, tea and snacks.
Kregel Parable Christian Store in Grandville is a Christian bookstore stocked with Bibles, books, music, DVDs, apparel, cards and lifestyle gifts.
Reformation Heritage Books in southeast GR is a Christian bookstore specializing in Reformed and Puritan titles, with an on-site café.
Vault of Midnight in downtown GR is one of several local comics shops stocked with new and back-issue comic books, graphic novels and pop culture collectibles.
