Sure, you can order off of Amazon or pick something up off the rack of a big box store, but there’s something magical about walking into an independent bookstore, basking in the unique scent of a book, and leaving with something entirely unexpected.
Luckily, there is no shortage of amazing Denver bookstores that offer this experience and more. Whether you’re looking for giant facilities with every title imaginable or you want to pair your new book with a handcrafted latte, you’re sure to find the perfect bookstore experience throughout the metro area.
Here are our recommendations for the best bookstores in Denver, broken down by region, with details on hours, locations, and what makes each unique.
Happy reading!
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Central Denver Bookstores
The Bookies Bookstore Denver
Southeast Denver
- Address: 2085 S. Holly St., Denver
- Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- What makes it unique: It has a great combination of book clubs (including a storytime particularly for kiddos!), author events, and a curated selection of new and used books.
Bookies Bookstore Denver has been a community mainstay since it first opened its doors in 1971, and in the more than 50 years since, it’s become known for its wide selection of new and used books, friendly atmosphere, and lineup of events that encompasses everything from casual Sunday afternoon book clubs to gatherings for creative writers to an animal cracker storytime that’s perfect for getting your kids interested in literature as early as possible. See for yourself why this has long been considered one of the best independent bookstores Denver has to offer.
The Spicy Librarian
River North
- Address: 3040 Blake St. #110, Denver
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- What makes it unique: It’s the only physical bookstore in the city devoted solely to romance books.
This might be one of the most unique bookstores in Denver Co. That’s because the Spicy Librarian is the only physical bookstore devoted solely to romance, from wild romantasy books involving amorous fairies to the classic enemy-to-lover tropes we all know and love. The Spicy Librarian also prides itself on being a fun space that offers community for everyone who loves these guilty pleasure books — and it even has a special selection of non-book-related toys to take home.
The Tattered Cover
City Park
- Address: 2526 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
- Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
- What makes it unique: This is pretty much the granddaddy of independent Denver bookstores, and it has a huge selection of new and used titles, enthusiastic employees who can recommend your next read, and regular events with big names.
The Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver is an institution that needs no introduction (but we’ll write one anyway). The OG Colfax location is home to multiple floors with thousands of titles encompassing every genre you can possibly imagine, and as you might expect from a place with such a big reputation, it’s known to draw big authors and hold large events. One thing worth mentioning? It’s also one of the best used bookstores in Denver Co, with a wide selection of local and national titles that deserve a second life. Plan to hang out here for a while, and definitely snag a coffee in the on-site cafe.
Tivoli Bookstore Denver
Auraria Campus
- Address: 900 Auraria Pkwy. #205, Denver
- Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday
- What makes it unique: It’s the only MSU Denver bookstore and has a nice collection of textbooks and merch for the fam.
If you’re looking for the Auraria bookstore in Denver, then this spot in the historic Tivoli building is probably the place. This is where you can pick up all of your Metro State University merch (go Roadrunners!) as well as the textbooks and pleasure reading you need to make the most out of your school year. After all, a campus visit isn’t complete without checking out the MSU Denver bookstore!
Northwest
Book Cranny
Arvada
- Address: 7580 Grant Pl., Arvada
- Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- What makes it unique: It has superior customer service, a carefully selected collection of books, and a unique location in the heart of Olde Town Arvada.
This independent bookstore in Olde Town Arvada is carefully curated, meaning no matter what title you happen to pick up, it’s been vouched for by the store’s knowledgeable and passionate staff. Once you have your reading material in hand, make your way into nearby Olde Town Arvada, which is home to plenty of lovely patios, coffee shops, and bars that offer the perfect setting for an afternoon spent with a good book.
Boulder Bookstore
Boulder
- Address: 1107 Pearl St., Boulder
- Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, and closed Tuesdays
- What makes it unique: It’s Colorado’s largest independent bookstore with three floors of space holding more than 100,000 titles. Because of that, it’s able to draw lots of big-name authors for readings.
This independent bookstore has a big reputation. Case-in-point? It’s hosted visits from legends such as Stephen King, Michael Pollan, Neil Gaiman, and more. Even if there isn’t an author talk the day you visit (and that’s not super likely since the Boulder Bookstore hosts 200 events a year!), you’re sure to be entertained by the more than 20,000 square feet of space holding more than 100,000 titles across three floors. Don’t worry: If you’re overwhelmed, staff are sure to help with recommendations and directions.
The Read Queen Bookstore and Cafe
Lafayette
- Address: 129 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette
- Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- What makes it unique: It offers the perfect combination of new and used books, delicious coffee, games, and fun gifts.
If you’re looking for a place that has been recognized for both having the best coffee in Denver as well as the best selection of books, then look no further than the Read Queen. This cozy shop in Lafayette has old school vibes and a curated selection of new and used books. Once you make your purchase, be sure to order a latte and stay a while in the Queen’s Lounge, a reading nook that’s fit for royalty and the commonfolk alike.
Northeast
Dream Books Co.
Montbello
- Address: 4455 Grape St., Denver
- Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
- What makes it unique: It has a genuine commitment to sustainability and to giving used books a second life.
If you’re looking for used bookstores in Denver Co, look no further than Dream Books Co. This business is all about sustainability and ensuring that used books stay out of landfills and instead entertain and educate new generations — just like they’re supposed to. This store has a huge collection of books for every age from nearly every genre, as well as movies and DVDs to broaden your entertainment horizons. Be sure to check out the promotions on their website for the latest deals and bargain finds.
I Want More Comics and Games
Thornton
- Address: 550 E. Thornton Pkwy. Ste. 114, Thornton
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily
- What makes it unique: ALL. THE. COMICS.
Denver bookstores aren’t just all about traditional fiction and nonfiction. This store in Thornton is very, very enthusiastic about comics, and it’s the perfect place to find pretty much any title you could ever ask for. Don’t worry: While you’re here, you can also pick up manga, Pokemon cards, and even video games. Needless to say, this is the perfect place to find other folks who are passionate about comics, and you can get to know them better via the monthly Zoom book club.
Rescued by Romance Mobile Bookstore
Locations vary, serves the northeast metro area
- Address: The location varies, but the business is based in Commerce City and can pop up throughout the Front Range!
- Hours: Dependent on the event
- What makes it unique: These book lovers bring romance books to a variety of different locations. Its founder found solace in the romance genre after her husband’s death, and she wants to share the power of a good love story with the masses!
No matter where you are on the Front Range, it’s possible for you to find a bookstore near me … and that’s thanks to cool ideas like Rescued by Romance, a mobile bookstore that brings a curated collection of love stories to a variety of locations. The founder started the business because romance books helped bring her solace after the loss of her husband, and she hopes to bring joy to others in a unique, mobile format that ensures geography doesn’t get in the way of true love (of literature).
West
Edgewater Books
Edgewater
- Address: Public Market, 5505 W. 20th Ave. Ste. 144, Edgewater
- Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, noon-7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday
- What makes it unique: It has a wide variety of used books, including collectible, rare, and first editions. It’s also conveniently in the heart of Edgewater Public Market!
This space hasn’t been open very long — it’s only been around since 2022 — but Edgewater Books has already distinguished itself as one of the best bookstores in Denver Co. That’s thanks to its very unique collection of used books, including hard-to-find first editions and rare titles. Don’t worry: You can also find plenty of new titles, and since this is a relatively small, family-owned staff, the staff are more than happy to help make recommendations. Be sure to check out their list of events; between the writing groups and local author readings, there is no shortage of fun things to do.
Spell Books
Littleton
- Address: 2376 Main St., Littleton
- Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- What makes it unique: It has a diverse collection of fiction and nonfiction books for youth and adults, as well as writing nights, book clubs, author readings, and more.
We’re big fans of spending as much time in Downtown Littleton as possible, and it helps that this suburban oasis is home to one of the best bookstores in Denver. This independent shop has a thoughtfully curated selection of both fiction and nonfiction for younger and adult readers, but the events are where it really shines. Whether you’re looking for local author readings, book clubs, or you finally want to learn how to read tarot cards, this is the perfect place to curate a new group of friends – and find your favorite book in the process.
Whale’s Tale Books and Gifts
Lakewood
- Address: 14500 W. Colfax Ave. Unit 527, Lakewood
- Hours: Noon-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
- What makes it unique: It has a selection of new and used books, and its mission is to support programs and services at the Jefferson County Public Library.
In addition to having plenty of brand new titles, Whale’s Tale is one of the best used bookstores in Denver Co., thanks to its large selection of gently-used and ex-library books that are looking for a new home. While you’re there, be sure to check out the gift section, which has plenty of games, jewelry, specialty food, greeting cards, and more. You’ll also feel good about shopping here; proceeds from the sales help support the Jefferson County Public Library.
Southeast
Books Are Awesome
Parker
- Address: 11211 Dransfeldt Rd. #101, Parker
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday
- What makes it unique: It has a lineup of free community book clubs for lovers of genres ranging from romance to horror to historical fiction.
This locally-owned shop in Parker has an amazing name and it only gets better when you visit … making it easily one of the best bookstores in Denver Co. This bookstore is all about community, and in addition to having plenty of interesting titles for sale, also hosts numerous monthly book clubs for fans of genres ranging from historical fiction to horror to romance and everything in between. You can also catch special events featuring local artists, and try your hand at creating the next classic during the fiction writers club.
Haven Coffee and Books
Aurora
- Address: 1740 S. Buckley Rd. Unit 9, Aurora
- Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays
- What makes it unique: It offers a perfect blend of craft coffee, books, games, art, and a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to stick around for a while.
It isn’t just the selection that makes this one of the best bookstores in Denver; it’s the sense of community. At Haven Coffee and Books, visitors are encouraged to stay for a while to sip on one of their handcrafted beverages, find a cozy chair, and leaf through their new favorite book. The local art on the wall definitely adds to the good vibes, and you might forget what time it is the longer you’re inside … which definitely isn’t a bad thing.
Sudden Fiction Books
Castle Rock
- Address: 221 Perry St., Castle Rock
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
- What makes it unique: It has a very fun vibe (the website header says “bookmarks are for quitters”), a community book club, and a regular lineup of events and author visits.
This shop has quickly distinguished itself as one of the best independent bookstores in Denver — and it’s truly a labor of love for its three owners, all of whom have day jobs outside of Sudden Fiction. Stop by and browse a wide variety of hand-curated titles, and definitely plan to attend one of their events, which include book clubs with a side of beer, romance books and cocktail pairings, and so much more. If you’re a Castle Rock resident looking for a bookstore near me — or you just like reading — then this unique spot is definitely worth a stop.