8 Bookstores to Explore in Richmond
BY THE RVAX TEAM
You don’t have to go far in Richmond to find an independent bookstore full of new or used books waiting for you. These shops are RVA staples, serving our local community one book at a time through in-person shopping, private appointments, curbside pick-up, local deliveries, and online ordering. And while your ever-growing TBR pile is on the brain, mark your calendar for the next RVAx Book Club meeting.
Abi’s Books & Brews
This coffee shop/bookstore combo is named after owner Keith Duffin’s teenage daughter (who he plans to pass the business on to one day!). It opened its doors just last year, bringing a fresh spot for good reads and even better sips to the VCU area, with 2,500+ titles and treats like Bugle Call Coffee, Up All Night Bakery pastries, and DeLuca Gelato. BTW, don’t miss the unique spinning stand of banned books — while not for sale, they’re available to borrow via QR code; each book on this stand has been banned in Hanover County, making this section extra special.
Location: 1212 1/2 W Cary St (VCU)
Hours: Found here
I Love You So Much Books
The name of this shop gets straight to the point, and we love it for that especially. ILYSM Books offers used and new books, a selection of used CDs, vinyl, and DVDs.
Location: 119 W Brookland Park Blvd (Northside)
Hours: Found here
The Book Bar
This Black- and woman-owned bookstore and wineshop centers its inventory on “BIPOC authors and brands in an effort to uplift and support a culture that is often silenced.”
Location: Relocating; shop online here
Hours: Found here
Shelf Life Books
This Carytown classic (formerly known as Chop Suey Books) has two stories full of both new and used books, and it often has “blind date with a book” selections available for the adventurous readers. Be sure to keep an eye out (and have some pats ready) for the shop cat, Mylar.
Location: 2913 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Book People
This little gem has been in Richmond since 1980 and is full of nooks and crannies packed with books of all kinds — fiction, non-fiction, foreign language books, out of print selections, and more.
Location: 10464 Ridgefield Pkwy (Henrico)
Hours: Found here
Fountain Bookstore
This shop is quaint and well-stocked, right in the heart of the cobblestone streets of Shockoe Bottom, featuring local authors, autographed copies, locally focused books, and more.
Location: 1312 E Cary St (Shockoe Slip)
Hours: Found here
bbgb
This shop in Carytown specializes in children’s books, but also features books for the whole family (from babies to grown ups). They’ve been on the scene since 2010, and their selections focus on those particular titles which prompt readers to look at the world a little longer, a little closer, and a little differently.
Location: 3003 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Aquarian Bookshop
Visit Aquarian for some spiritual lit and then some. The bookshop — with locations in The Fan and Carytown — also offers crystals, candles, ritual tools, crystals, jewelry, incense, psychic readings, classes, events, and more.
Location: 2512 W Main St (The Fan) and 12 S Thompson St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Looking for more?:
