The Best Independent Bookstores in New Jersey: 2023 Edition is written by Vinny Parisi.
Every avid reader knows the struggle of aimlessly clicking through links and reading online reviews. Then there’s the endless scrolling through bestsellers lists. But how can anyone really find their next great read online? The truth is, they can’t! The best way to truly find the latest and greatest books is to head to a local bookstore. In particular, an independent bookstore!
There’s no better place to get recommendations, attend author events and speak to staff who truly love books. Which is why Best of NJ is happy to showcase a list of The Best Independent Bookstores in New Jersey. From rare and exotic reads to biographies from popular celebrities, these independent bookstores have it all (or can order it).
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find an Independent Bookstore nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey
Bookends
Where: Ridgewood
Details: The event calendar at Bookends is packed with enough big names to rival any national chain’s flagship store. They regularly host celebrity guests as well as famous authors for readings and Q&A sessions. For anyone that can’t make it to the signing, Bookends also sells previously signed copies of books. They make for a great gift for the book lover in your life! In addition, all members of a registered book club receive 20% off the club’s current selection.
Books and Greetings
Where: Northvale
Details: Books and Greetings offers a huge selection of books to choose from. But the real draw is their amazing book signing events. This unassuming strip mall bookstore is able to pull major celebrities and best-selling authors. Those who want to participate in a book signing can purchase a book directly from the store. This guarantees a ticket and place on the book-signing line. They also offer fun events and holiday activities for kids, from costume contests to Easter Bunny photo ops.
Broad Street Books
Where: Branchville
Details: Broad Street Books is the local place to buy and sell used books in good condition. They are open seven days a week, with a collection that spans many genres. In particular, they specialize in children and young adult literature, non-fiction, and leatherbound classics. They also have a collection of classical and jazz CDs for sale. The bookstore notes that they are most interested in buying academic and scholarly books, textbooks, and CDs from patrons.
The Little BOHO Bookshop
Where: Bayonne
Details: The latest Oprah’s Book Club pick is always available at this vibrant bookstore. They also have a collection of used books available for purchase online. Meanwhile, kids love the activities happening around the store. For instance, they can guess the amount of jellybeans in the jar at Easter time. Parents also appreciate the Read & Craft packs to take home. The Little BOHO Bookshop typically features storytime hours for children as well.
Little City Books
Where: Hoboken
Details: Little City Books offers online ordering for in-store pickup, as well as nationwide shipping. They partner with audiobook distributor Libro to offer audiobooks for the same price as Audible and Apple; making it easy to support this independent bookstore at no extra cost to patrons. They offer weekly story time for kids every Wednesday morning, a Thursday book club, and bi-monthly Hoboken Writer’s Group. Basically, there are events for all areas of literary interest.
Montclair Book Center
Where: Montclair
Details: Montclair Book Center is a haven for new and used books. With over 10,000-square feet of space, MBC is one of the largest independent bookstores in New Jersey. Even better, they also allow customers to sell or trade books on site. For music aficionados, their expansive vinyl section is second to none in the area. One interesting section of MBC is all about collectibles. Hobbyists looking to learn about valuable collectible figurines, toys, and more can study up on what’s hot.
Source of Knowledge Book Store
Where: Newark
Details: Since opening in 1992, Source of Knowledge has grown from a simple bookstore to a community center. They specialize in showcasing media related to Black community, culture, and literature. Their goal is to empower young people to discover themselves and their heritage; and for students to educate themselves about Black philosophy. As such, their bookstore carries new and classic literature of every genre written by Black authors.
Wachtung Booksellers
Where: Montclair
Details: Watchung Booksellers prides itself on providing everything book readers and writers in Montclair need. They carefully select their available books based on owner and customer opinion. They also fill their schedule of events with book groups, children’s programs, author events, and special writing programs. For instance, their children’s storytime hours are perfect for letting budding readers have some fun! They even have a second location — dubbed The Kids Room — on Fairfield St.
WORD
Where: Jersey City
Details: WORD serves the book-loving community through its wide selection of books from every genre. Perhaps even better, they provide a place to hang out and engage with other enthusiasts and authors. The bookstore hosts special events every so often. For instance, they gave away 1-year subscriptions to Libro.fm on Independent Bookstore Day. Be sure to check out their social media, where they frequently post book recommendations from their staff.
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Where: Maplewood
Details: [words] boasts a robust calendar of author events, frequently featuring bestsellers like Anne Lamott and David Levithan. They’ve even hosted a singalong of “Puff, the Magic Dragon” with Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. However, [words] also has an important social mission, welcoming and employing people with autism in the store. In fact, the store has hired over 100 people with autism as part of its vocational training program.
Central Jersey
The Bear and the Books
Where: Hopewell
Details: The Bear and the Books offers a wide selection of stories for both children and young adults. In fact, this cozy shop has everything necessary to nurture young readers. Their signature Bear Mail service lets anyone sign up a child that needs a book. The shop then sends that child one book per month based on their preferences. Despite being a children’s bookstore, owner Bobbie Fishman is more than happy to order books for adults.
Booktrader of Hamilton
Where: Hamilton
Details: Not surprisingly, Booktrader of Hamilton allows trading in good condition books for store credit. The shop sells both new and used books, as well as audiobooks and gifts. Meanwhile, most hardcover books are only $5. Their website posts a schedule of upcoming book discussions on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings, complete with refreshments! Despite a health scare from the owner and a random, bizarre car crash incident, this bookstore is still going strong.
Bookworm
Where: Bernardsville
Details: The Bookworm is a true local bookstore that hosts events to bring the community together and celebrate books. Besides hosting book signings, the warm and knowledgeable staff are happy to assist with recommendations. They even have their own Bookworm book club, which offers members a discount on in-store purchases. Patrons also love that the store offers free gift wrapping, making gift shopping easy for any bookworm!
The Cloak & Dagger
Where: Princeton
Details: This mystery bookshop is well suited to its name. The Cloak & Dagger specializes in intrigue, mystery, and suspense novels. Even the building itself suits the mood, as the bookstore is located in a century-old Colonial Revival home. In fact, the building evokes the feeling of an old English library straight out of an Agatha Christie mystery. Their website updates with frequent Author spotlights so readers can see the latest thrillers on sale now.
Here’s the Story…
Where: Union
Details: Here’s the Story has been providing books to happy customers in downtown Union for over 25 years. Fun events are always happening here, such as scavenger hunts, storytime, and kids’ paint and sips. It’s not just a great place to buy books, but also movies, CDs, and more. Plus, Owner Joe Leo works closely with the Union Township school system. So his bookstore is the go-to shop for students’ reports, papers, and summer reading requirements.
Hidden Gems Literary Emporium
Where: New Brunswick
Details: This family-owned, non-profit, community bookstore makes major headlines for their mission. Owners Raymond and Kaila Sykes are former Rutgers students, now married, have a simple goal: To make literature accessible, affordable, and fun for all ages while cultivating knowledge, wisdom & truths to all readers. The donation-based bookstore also offers literary educational programming for all ages and hosts R.E.A.D Festivals & Conferences.
Labyrinth Books
Where: Princeton
Details: Labyrinth Books is a traditional book store as well as Princeton University’s go-to spot for course books. In addition to their Princeton location, Labyrinth also has a 40,000 square-foot warehouse patrons can order from. With so much space, their massive inventory encompasses everything from college reading materials to obscure and rare books. Their membership program costs just $15 per year, and provides 10% off all purchases plus other members-only perks.
The Town Book Store
Where: Westfield
Details: Open since 1934, The Town Book Store prides itself on two things. First, of course, is their quality book selection. But they also take pride in the friendly service that customers receive from staff. The Town Book Store hosts author events and also provides staff recommendations. (Their website frequently updates with the staff’s latest picks for each month.) They can even assist with out-of-print book searches or special orders at no charge.
Jersey Shore
The Book Garden
Where: Cream Ridge
Details: The Book Garden has a plethora of used books covering all areas of interest. For instance, they offer novels, biographies, instructional books, cookbooks, foreign language books, sheet music, and much more! In fact, they have out-of-print and other rare books, plus back-issue comic books and magazines. In total, their collection eclipses 100,000 books as well as paper memorabilia, silk floral arrangements, and other unique items.
BookTowne
Where: Manasquan
Details: BookTowne is “where good friends meet good books,” as they say. Patrons can expect to find friendly staff and a large collection of books spanning all genres. Likewise, this neighborhood book shop boasts story time, author events, and an online shop. Their curated subscription service provides a new book each month selected by BookTowne staff. In addition, patrons can support them by purchasing audio books via their Libro.fm page.
Cape Atlantic Book Company
Where: Cape May
Details: This bookstore is open seven days a week, and opens daily at 10:00 am. (However, closing times can vary so it’s best to go early.) Cape Atlantic Book Company does not offer used books or comics/graphic novels. Instead, they primarily focus on a mix of popular novels, best sellers, and books relating to local Cape May history. This makes the shop ideally suited to helping locals and vacationers alike find their next great beach read.
Hooked on Books
Where: Wildwood
Details: It’s hard to miss the bright orange, retro letters adorning Hooked on Books in downtown Wildwood. However, the store is only open during the summer months of May through September. Locals love it and it’s definitely worth a stop for anyone vacationing in the area. New books are always discounted 20% off, and the website offers other worthwhile coupons. Hooked on Books has a large selection of used books, and also specializes in carrying an author’s entire backlog.
LBI Bookswap
Where: Beach Haven
Details: This bookstore on Long Beach Island offers new, used, and trade options. Used books are always discounted at least 60%, plus they stock all New York Times adult, teen, and children’s bestsellers. Author events and book signings are also a frequent reason to stop by. Those bringing good condition books to trade receive either 25% off a used book or 10% off a new book. They have over 10,000 books in stock, so there’s always something for everyone.
River Road Books
Where: Fair Haven
Details: The staff at River Road Books find joy in helping book lovers find their next great read. Their top-notch recommendations are perfect for junior readers, YA readers, and of course, adult readers. The spot also hosts book signings, storytime for kids, and local author events. Plus, their monthly book club meetings are a perfect social event for meeting fellow book lovers. They also encourage new, local authors to fill out an application and host a signing or event.
Sun Rose Words & Music
Where: Ocean City
Details: Follow the bright yellow awning to enter the charming world of Sun Rose Words & Music. This old-fashioned book shop sells books as well as office and art supplies. Meanwhile, they offer a 20% discount on current and recent New York Times bestseller hardcovers. Likewise, music is always playing and the service is always friendly. If the store doesn’t have a particular book, they’ll order it at no extra cost. Sun Rose is one of the Jersey Shore’s few year-round bookstores.
South Jersey
Barney Loves Books
Where: Woodstown
Details: Owner Tom Barney’s goal is to pass on his love of reading books to his customers. Barney Loves Books stocks the best new books in addition to quality used books at reasonable prices. In general, hardcovers are $10, paperbacks are $5, and children’s books are $3. Their website allows patrons to shop online or request a special order book. Tom also uses the bookstore’s social media to signal boost important community events and announcements.
Ida’s Bookshop
Where: Collingswood
Details: The sister bookstore to Harriet’s Bookshop in Philadelphia, Ida’s Bookshop is named for American Journalist Ida B. Wells. Much like the early civil rights leader herself, Ida’s Bookshop seeks to empower by celebrating women activists, artists, and authors. The shop always carries books from the Collingswood Summer Reading List for 7th Grade, 8th Grade, and the high school. In addition, they curate reading recommendations based on unique, rotating themes such as novels about birds.
Inkwood Books
Where: Haddonfield
Details: The closure of Haddonfield’s only bookstore inspired Julie Beddingfield to open her own shop. So she quit her job as an attorney to open Inkwood Books. Owning book shops runs in the family, as Inkwood is the “literal” sister store to a bookstore Julie’s sister previously ran in Florida. Inkwood offers the latest releases, and also hosts monthly book clubs in-store. Plus, they sell unique cards and gifts here. Fun events like meet and greets for characters such as Bluey are always big draws.
Nelson Rare Books
Where: Haddonfield
Details: Nelson Rare Books is not a traditional bookstore. But to anyone searching for a rare book, manuscript, or ephemera, they are a lifesaver. Most of their collections focus on 19th and early 20th century American and English literature. However, all visits are by appointment only. Patrons can either call the office to set up an appointment or browse their stock online. Book lovers can also catch Owner Douglas Nelson as he frequents rare book fairs to showcase his collection.
Second Time Books
Where: Mount Laurel
Details: What looks to be a quaint red cottage is actually a bookstore home to over 60,000 volumes. Second Time Books specializes in history and science fiction books, but they carry all genres. The store also sells its books on eBay and Amazon, making online shopping a breeze. However, shopping in store nets patrons a 20% discount on all purchases. In addition to monthly local author signings, they host dollar book sales on the 4th Saturday of every month.
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Independent Bookstores in NJ FAQs
The fastest way to find the Best Bookstores in New Jersey is to visit bestofnj.com. Our list of The Best Independent Bookstores in New Jersey curates the state’s best bookshops in every region. These shops carry everything from new novels to best sellers, classics, and more.
There are a handful of independent bookstores in New Jersey that specialize in used book sales. For instance, Montclair Book Center sells used books as well as vinyl records. Likewise, The Book Garden in Cream Ridge has an abundance of used books for sale.
Yes! Many independent bookstores in New Jersey have membership programs or book clubs that offer discounts on purchases. For example, Bookworm in Bernardsville has a book club that offers members a discount on in-store purchases. Similarly, Bookends in Ridgewood offers a 20% discount to members of registered book clubs when purchasing their club’s current read.
While many bookstores carry children’s books, some independent bookstores in New Jersey actually specialize in children’s literature. Broad Street Books in Branchville is one such bookstore, with a focus on children and young adult novels. Meanwhile, Wachtung Booksellers in Montclair has an entire second location just for kids called The Kids Room.
Of course! Many independent bookstores in New Jersey hosts a variety of events. In particular, Books and Greetings in Northvale is known for their book signings featuring major celebrities, famous athletes, and best-selling authors. WORD in Jersey City is another independent bookstore popular for hosting book groups, author events, story times, and other events.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © The Little BOHO Bookshop / Facebook
