Looks like we’ll be getting more rain this week in Austin, and scoping out some local bookstores with the kids sounds like a great way to spend a rainy summer day. Many of the stores on this list have special events and book readings, so check them out and dive into a great book with the rest of your summer break!
603 N Lamar Blvd.
Book People has a great selection of books for children, teens, and folks of any age. Get lost in the aisles of Book People where you can find gifts, gift bundles, and fun merch. Book People also has a great lineup of events, which you can check out here.
5501 N Lamar Blvd #A-105
BookWoman is celebrating 47 years as Austin’s go-to Feminist Book Store. Their books also include LGBTQIA+ friendly literature, a banned and challenged books list, as well as a great little section for kids and families. They also have events like book launches and open mic nights which you can check out here. Please note: masks are required as of July 2023 to protect BookWoman staff and friends with disabilities. They have masks available at the door if you forget yours.
7112 Burnet Rd.
This Austin-based independent bookstore focuses on serving a multi-generational, multi-cultural, multi-soci-economic-community. You can check out their full mission here, and head to Black Pearl to search for your next book and experience. We know we mentioned Dog Man above, but they happen to have the new one, and you can check out what’s on their shelves in your favorite genre before Oprah and Reese Witherspoon do. You can also shop online and pre-order books here. Black Pearl also has an event space you can book here for parties like showers, birthdays, youth groups, poetry reading, and more.
6929 Airport Blvd #121
Our kids love going to Kinokuniya because it’s the spot for books, goods, and gifts direct from Japan. They have a huge selection of books and Japanese brands and can even special order if you don’t find what you’re looking for. From Manga and Anime to stationary, gel pens, and cute gifts and trinkets, you could easily spend an hour or more just soaking in Kinokuniya. It’s also in a lovely shopping plaza that has Soupleaf Hot Pot, lots of places for Boba, 99 Ranch Market, and more. We give Kinokuniya a 10/10.
Paper Bark Birch Children’s Bookstore
601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Bldg. 4, Ste. 218
This sweet children’s bookstore opened its doors in early December 2023. At this family business, each book is hand selected and you can find anything from kids’ water bottles and toys to cooking and baking supplies and more. Not just for little ones, Paper Bark Birch also has selections for middle-grade and young adult readers. You can also check their upcoming events here.
3703 Kerbey Ln.
South Congress Books is a space for the love and art of books. If you’re looking for a special gift or a lovely treat for yourself, you don’t want to miss this classic, vintage bookstore.
5335 Burnet Rd.
Austin Public Library’s Recycled Reads Store is a collection of books, recorded material, art, ephemera, games, puzzles, and more, mostly priced around $2. The goods sold at Recycled Reads are received both from public donations and APL’s weeded materials. You can also make donations during business hours or by appointment by emailing [email protected]. Check out their hours and get more info here.
5330 Menchaca Rd Ste D
This South Austin Independent bookstore sells both new and used books and is also a community space to read, write, and feel inspired. You can also shop online at Reverie Books here, and check out their list of books on how to support Trans teens and their families here.
5002 N Lamar Blvd.
Austin Books and Comics is Central Texas’ largest, longest-running comics and pop culture retailer and is super fun to walk through. You can also shop online here, and check out their other stores, Guzu Gallery and Outlaw Moon Games and Toys.
Austin Public Library’s Book Mobile
APL’s Mobile Library Fleet includes the Bookmobile, a Book Trike, and a Bike Trailer that shares books at venues around the city like senior homes, washaterias, and community events. At these mobile sites, you can sign up for a library card, check out books, and peruse APL’s Virtual Library on mobile devices. To see when the next mobile stop is, click here and search “Mobile Stop”.
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