BiblioBuffet is doing its part to keep the literary world from becoming a flavorless landscape of indistinguishable books and booksellers. We need you to do the same. When you want a book, seek out an independent bookstore in your town. If you are not sure there is one, check booksense.com where you can enter your city or zip code and be given a list of such stores with a specified area of your location.

If you are buying books online, please considering ordering from one of them. Most have web sites, and they have the same wide selection, ordering ability and better service as the big “A.” Many times you can find the same or similar discounts and even free shipping with a minimum order. And every time you support an independent store, you cast a vote for independent minds.

It would be impossible to list all the independent bookstores in the U.S. so what this page offers is niche bookstores, those independents that cater to a certain audience or have a special history. If you are looking for something unique, these stores may have a bigger selection (because they focus on one or a few areas of interest) than large general stores. We ask that if you know of any that are not listed here (and the list is constantly evolving) to let us know. We'd be glad to add them.

Amazon Bookstore Cooperative  (Minneapolis, MN)
This store is more than an independent one; it is a worker-owned cooperative “offering products and services that foster the strength, wisdom, beauty and diversity of women, girls, and their families.” They specialize in books by, for and about women, and proudly support lesbian and feminist presses. Services include specialized book subject lists, book groups, discussion groups and workshops, special events, a membership program, e-mail newsletter and more.

Birchbark Books   (Minneapolis, MN)
This store is a joint venture with Native Arts and focuses on native culture of the area. Their 8,000 books cover  literary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, with a special interest in Native American children's books. These are housed in the children's loft complete with cozy kids chairs and the hobbit hole reading nook.  

Edward R. Hamilton  (online only)
This is my favorite book remainder dealer except that they also deal in new books. Discounts begin at 30 percent off and the prices go way down to $1.95. If you use a check and order by mail the shipping charge is only $3.50 regardless of the number of books you buy or the weight. They do have an online site where you can order with a credit card, but there is an additional shipping charge of 40 cents per book. Either way, the books are shipped via USPS media rate so you'll have a lot of time to find room for all that you will order.

Powell’s Books  (Portland, OR)
One of the fiercest defenders against the uniformity of chain stores, the work that Powell’s does to promote its vested interest in preserving its role as a successful independent bookstore is extraordinary. This literary oasis has a massive selection of used and new books. Its site offers interviews, contests, newsletters and much more. Spending time with them online is almost as good as browsing at their real store. Call their toll-free numbers and you’ll even reach real people.

Tattered Cover  (Denver, CO)
An exquisite bookstore whose atmosphere of literary-scented air pervades even their online site, the Tattered Cover is Denver’s most beloved book place. Its reputation for service is well-deserved with special programs like the Tattered Cover Gives Back and Instant Reward Coupon programs as well as Literary Ramblings, a literacy program, programs for kids and teens, book clubs and a restaurant (not, alas, available to online users). Lots of easy contact with genuine people via e-mail and toll-free numbers too.