5 Local Bookstores You’ll Want to Wander Through Around the Valley
There’s something about a bookstore that you just can’t get from scrolling through a website or grabbing a paperback at a big box store. It’s the smell of the pages, the quiet buzz of people flipping through books, and those handwritten staff picks with little hearts or fun notes. You can spend way too long just touching the spine of a book you might not even buy but really want to.
Luckily, the Valley has some amazing indie bookstores that make getting lost in a good book easy and fun. Whether you want a signed first edition, a fresh kids’ pick, or a cozy spot to escape the Arizona heat with a cold drink and a paperback, these places are worth checking out.
Changing Hands
Phoenix
If you haven’t been to Changing Hands in Phoenix, it’s time to change that. This place manages to be effortlessly cool while feeling like a community hub. You’ll find everything from the newest bestsellers to rare poetry collections. The staff knows their stuff and loves helping you find the perfect book. Their event calendar is always full, with author signings, writing workshops, and so much more.
Inside Changing Hands, you’ll also find First Draft Book Bar, where you can sip a glass of wine or a beer while checking out your new favorite book. It’s the kind of place that turns book shopping into a fun outing for grown-ups. If you’re bringing kids, the children’s section is bright and cozy with staff recommendations that make book hunting easier and way less stressful.
The Poisoned Pen
Scottsdale
For mystery and thriller lovers, The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale is a total gem. This bookstore has been around since 1989 and has built a devoted following of readers who know their whodunits. The staff here are experts at recommending just the right suspenseful read you didn’t know you needed. Even better? Tons of authors make this their regular spot to visit, doing signings and talks.
While mysteries are the heart of the store, they’ve expanded to include literary fiction, history, and even a small romance section. Still, if you’re looking for some good suspense stories, this is where the magic happens.
Grassrootz Bookstore & Juice Bar
Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix is home to Grassrootz, a Black-owned bookstore that’s about more than just selling books. It’s a cultural space centered on empowerment and diverse voices. They specialize in Black literature, history, and children’s books that highlight stories often missing from mainstream shelves.
Plus, they have a real juice bar serving smoothies and wellness shots, making it the perfect spot to treat your body and brain. The energy is welcoming and purposeful, and you can feel the community spirit as soon as you walk in.
Palabras Bilingual Bookstore
Phoenix
Palabras is one of the Southwest’s only bilingual bookstores, and it’s a celebration of language and culture. This Phoenix spot specializes in books by authors of color, many in Spanish or bilingual editions. It’s more than a bookstore — it's a creative gathering space that hosts art shows, open mics, and storytelling nights.
The shelves are packed with poetry, zines, children’s books, and community-published works you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a vibrant, inclusive space that honors the power of stories in all languages.
Dog-Eared Pages Used Books
Mesa
If you love used bookstores with a little chaos and lots of charm, Dog-Eared Pages in Mesa is your spot. This store feels like a treasure hunt with shelves full of gently loved fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and romance. It’s perfect for readers who like to hunt for out-of-print gems or niche genres.
The prices can’t be beat. You’ll probably walk out with more books than you planned but pay way less than a few new hardcovers. The friendly atmosphere makes it easy to lose track of time, and honestly, that’s the best kind of bookstore experience.
There’s something about wandering a local bookstore on a slow weekend that beats the convenience of online shopping. Discovering unexpected titles, chatting with passionate staff, and watching your kids get excited about a new book is what makes these spots so special.
These bookstores are more than shops. They’re community spaces full of personality and passion. When you support them, you’re investing in stories, culture, and moments that last long after you close the book.