While writing this article, we wondered if Austin’s Best Bookstores was the proper title, or if it should include “for Families” or “for Kids”. But as we’ve noticed from having kids of our own, their interests and reading levels vary so greatly they may be interested in both Pride and Prejudice and Dog Man, and who are we to hold them back from expanding their reading horizons? Plus, the more research we did, the more we realized that all of these awesome bookstores listed keep every age in mind. Tip: when you’re searching for a new book with your kids and are wondering about age-appropriate content, you can always consult Common Sense Media for a wide scope of pulled opinions on age recommendations.
Bookstores are for everyone and just walking the aisles may inspire a little kid (or grown-up kid) to venture into the pages of something extraordinary and step out of their typical reading genre. Get out there and explore your fave new bookstore! 
Book People
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.
Book Woman via Yelp
BookWoman
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.
Black Pearl Books via Yelp
Black Pearl Books
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.
Paper Bark Birch via Yelp
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.
South Congress Books via Yelp
South Congress Books
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.
Recycled Reads via Yelp
Recycled Reads Book Store
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.
Reverie Books via Yelp
Reverie Books
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.
Austin Books and Comica via Yelp
Austin Books and Comics
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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