El Paso’s independent bookstores provide more than just a place to purchase books. These local shops are cultural hubs, offering everything from rare finds to community events.
Among those events are gatherings of the El Paso Matters Book Club. The club, launched in 2022, encourages readers to discover books, stories and authors with ties to the borderland and expand their collection of favorites.
The El Paso Matters Book Club hosts bi-monthly gatherings with selected authors, and brings you exclusive author interviews, and news and features about new releases and more. Click here to join.
Here’s a look at some of El Paso’s oft-visited independent bookstores:
Books are Gems
Books Are Gems is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy in El Paso. The organization provides free books to children and offers affordable options for educators and families. With an inventory that spans all genres, it’s a community favorite.
Must check-out: The children’s book section and free book giveaways for kids.
- Location: 7744 N. Loop Drive, Suite B.
- Website: Books Are Gems
- Social media: Instagram and Facebook
Brave Books
Brave Books emphasizes works written by marginalized voices. Located near the University of Texas at El Paso in West-Central, it’s a popular spot for students and community members. The shop also features a robust lineup of poetry nights, open mic events and social justice discussions.
Must check-out: The ’zine collection and local authors shelf.
Friends of the Library Bookstore
The Friends of the Library Bookstore is a treasure trove of affordable reads from great classics to bestsellers as well as magazines, periodicals, music and videos and other media resources. Operated by volunteers, this nonprofit shop supports El Paso’s public library system as proceeds go back to the library. Prices that often start at just $1.
Must check-out: Monthly clearance sales and vintage book finds.
Locations:
- Friends of Cielo Vista Library, 3025 McRae Blvd.
- The Bookmark – Friends of Westside Branch, 7348 Remcon Circle.
- Friends of Irving Schwartz Bookstore, 1757 George Dieter Drive.
- Friends of the Northeast Bookstore, 9600 Dyer St., Suite C.
Good Girl Romance Bookstore
Discover the latest romance novels at Good Girl Romance Bookstore, a Westside boutique bookstore with a spicy selection of contemporary, sports, fantasy, paranormal and dark romance.
Must check-out: Curated book bundles and book club events.
- Location: 7118 N. Mesa St.
- Website: Good Girl Books
- Social media: Instagram
Literarity Book Shop
Located in Pepper Tree Square in West El Paso, Literarity Book Shop specializes in new, used and rare books. Known for out-of-print books and signed first editions, Literarity Bookshop is a must-visit for collectors seeking rare and unique literary treasures.
Must check-out: The signed first editions section and unique El Paso-themed books.
- Location: 5411 N. Mesa St., Suite 19.
- Website: Literarity Book Shop
- Social media: Instagram and Facebook
READ MORE: El Paso Matters Book Club featured reads of 2024
Margin Notes Bookbar
Margin Notes Bookbar is a combination of a bookstore and a wine bar. Located at Cimarron Market in West El Paso, the shop offers a curated selection of books alongside a menu featuring wine, coffee and small bites.
Must check-out: Evening book clubs, wine tasting and author events.
- Location: 7460 Cimarron Market Ave., Building 2, Suite 300.
- Website: Margin Notes
- Socials: Instagram and Facebook
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