Five Bookshops You Should Support During Quarantine

If you’re like me and just don’t love digital books because nothing beats the feel of holding a book in your hand, you’ll want to support these five independent bookshops while in quarantine. Then, when we can travel again, add them to your bookshop bucket list to visit in person!

Wild Geese Bookshop
Nestled in the quaint little town of Franklin, Indiana, Wild Geese Bookshop is an adorable cottage turned store that’s run by one of the kindest individuals you will ever meet. Tiffany Phillips started the shop in 2016 after her daughter insisted it was just what the town needed. You’ll find plenty of unique gifts and curiosities and some local handmade things for sale along with the books.

“I want people who would never step into a traditional bookstore to be able to find faith books here. And I want people who would never step into a faith bookstore to be surprised. It’s important to me that books about God and social justice are not far apart,” she told Book Riot in a 2018 interview.

The shop is currently closed due to the pandemic, but they ARE fulfilling online orders.

Otis & Clementine’s Books and Coffee
This used bookstore is in Nova Scotia, Canada and as if the books weren’t enough to bring you in, they also have adoptable kittens!! Owner Ellen Helmke began fostering kittens in 2019, which brought a wave of publicity and popularity for the small shop and they’re helping so many furry lives find new home through their unique venture.

Like many of the independent and small booksellers out there, they are struggling through this pandemic. You can help buy ordering online and then when we help them get through this, take a trip to Canada to see those adorable kittens in person. Check out their Facebook page for info on how to order. (Photo from their Facebook page)

The Last Bookstore
There’s a hidden bookstore in downtown Los Angeles that’s full of amazing book tunnels, floating books and two levels of stories to get lost in. Thanks to Instagram, it’s become an influencer destination, but if you love books, you’ll want to check it out anyway. Just be prepared to stand in line to get that famous shot in the book tunnel.

The Last Bookstore started in a loft in 2005, but has always been in the heart of LA. Currently, they’re one of the largest independent bookstores in the world is even a celebrity destination, as they have many online book clubs and in person events.

Books Are Magic
This Brooklyn, New York independent bookstore has a mural that’s been on my must visit list for several years now. Books Are Magic opened their doors in 2017 in the Cobble Hill neighborhood and have so much to offer their community, including gumballs that are filled with poetry and panels and readings during the week.

They’re still processing and shipping orders and I can’t wait to visit them in person someday.

Libreria Acqua Alta
Venice’s bookstore is a dream and I’m kicking myself for not knowing about it until after we’d already been there. It’s located close to St. Mark’s Square and gets it name from the regular flood that fills the floor in the winter. There are also resident cats, so it’s got that going for it too.

But the main draw, is the stunning entrance just off one of the canals which has book steps leading up into the shop. I’m going to have to go back!