If you want to visit some of the best independent bookstores in Connecticut, below we’ve featured 10 of them.
1. Byrd’s Books
Visit Byrd’s Books in Bethel, Connecticut and find your next great read. You’ll find books of all genres, along with knowledgeable staff who will help you find what you need if you’re looking for a particular title.
Browse their genres, which run the gamut from humor to nature to fiction. If you want a new book but you’re not sure what to read, check out Byrd’s Books staff favorites! If you want to discuss books you love with people who have similar tastes, join one of their book groups which meet up weekly!
If you’d like to learn more about this bookstore, visit their contact page.
2. RJ Julia Independent Booksellers
This indie bookstore in Madison, Connecticut is the perfect place to buy a new book for yourself, or a nice gift for a friend of family member! But don’t expect to leave with only a book. They also have a café where you can stop for a cup of coffee.
If you’re thinking of heading to this bookstore to browse the shelves, you can certainly do that. Or you can take their perfect next read quiz online to see what they think you should read! And don’t forget to check out their staff picks.
Get in touch with RJ Julia Independent Booksellers!
3. Books & Company
There are plenty of bookstores in Hamden, Connecticut, but if you want to support local, visit Books & Company! This bookstore sells used books that look like new, and you’ll have a great time browsing the shelves.
Browse their available “new to you” books, and send Books & Company an email to order your books online. You should also check out their non-book items, which include fun jigsaw puzzles, masks, and mugs for your morning cup of coffee.
Head on over to Books & Company’s contact page and give them a shout!
4. The Hickory Stick Bookshop
Support this local bookstore in Washington, Connecticut, and find your next favorite title. For over 60 years, The Hickory Stick Bookshop has provided the residents of Washington with fantastic reads and fun new finds.
If you’re looking to catch up on the most popular reads, check out The Hickory Stick Bookshop’s bestsellers. Or, take a look at their newest arrivals to find more recent publications. If you have a teen in your life who’s a big reader, you’ll want to browse their new releases for teens section.
Get in touch with The Hickory Stick Bookshop today!
5. Barrett Bookstore
You’ll find Barrett Bookstore in Darien, Connecticut. This shop first opened in Stamford in 1939, before eventually moving to its current location in Darien. It is both the oldest and the largest independent bookstore in Fairfield County.
If you know what title you’re looking for, search it up on Barrett Bookstore’s website and see if it’s available! You can also browse their selection online, which ranges from genres like comics and graphic novels, to art books, to fiction. Don’t forget to see what their book of the month is!
Give Barrett Bookstore a shout to learn more.
6. Bank Square Books
Are you looking for a bookstore in the Mystic, Connecticut area and prefer supporting local? You’ll want to visit Bank Square Books! Operating since 1988, you’ll love coming to this store after you finish your current book to pick up a new one.
You’ll find everything you could possibly want in a book at Bank Square Books. Check out everything they have available, and browse their titles. If you’re struggling to find a gift for the reader in your life, consider buying one of Bank Square Books’ book bundles for them!
Visit their contact page to get in touch.
7. Riverbend Bookshop
Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, you won’t just find books in this delightful bookstore. The owner of this store, Meghan Hayden, also curates a collection of products from artisans in the area.
Check out all of the books Riverbend Bookshop sells. No matter what you’re in the mood for, this bookstore is sure to have it. If you want to grab something truly special for a loved one, or just for yourself, why not grab a copy of one of their signed books?
If you’d like to learn more, just visit their contact page and give them a shout.
8. Books on the Common
Located in Ridgefield, Connecticut, this bookstore’s staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, and will work hard to help you find what you want or need. There’s no shortage of great reads at this store, and you’ll want to check them all out!
Visit their online store to browse all their titles and find your next favorite. If you’re having trouble deciding what you’re next read should be, take a look at their staff picks. You’ll be sure to find something you’ll love!
To learn more, visit their contact page and get in touch.
9. Elm Street Books
Located in Connecticut’s New Canaan, you should head to this bookstore if you’re in the area and looking for a new book to read. The staff here are friendly and helpful, and you’ll always leave with a book under your arm and a smile on your face.
Check out all of Elm Street Books’ genres and start browsing! With so many options, you’ll be sure to find whatever you’re in the mood for. Having trouble deciding? Check out their staff picks and see if any pique your interest!
Give them a shout by calling the number on the sidebar of their homepage.
10. House of Books
If you’re in Kent, Connecticut looking for a bookstore to find your next favorite title, House of Books is the perfect place to go. You’ll never leave wanting when you visit this delightful bookshop!
Take a look at all of their books and spend some time browsing their shelves. Whether you’re buying for yourself or for a friend, you’re sure to find something! If choosing a book is starting to seem a little overwhelming to you, take a look at their staff picks and let them decide.
Visit their contact page to get in touch and learn more!
“Evelyn is a freelance writer. When not writing, you can find her reading a good book, listening to a true crime podcast, or taking a long walk around the neighborhood.”
