One of the pleasures of travel for book lovers is discovering independent bookstores. Just as readers discover new worlds in the pages of a book, bookstores are an opportunity to explore the culture and community of the neighborhoods and cities they serve.
Grand Rapids is fortunate to host a number of independent bookstores, each with its own distinct character and focus, all providing a welcoming refuge for people who love the written word.
Whatever you enjoy reading, Grand Rapids has a bookshop for you and near you. Here are a few local favorites:
Schuler Books
Schuler Books has been serving Grand Rapids since 1982. The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into its southeast GR location is its size: Schuler is considerably larger than most independent bookstores, which means it offers a much bigger and broader selection of titles.
As a general interest store, Schuler stocks both new and used books in all genres, for all ages, including titles from local authors. They also stock a curated selection of gifts, games, puzzles, toys, art supplies, stationery and more.
A busy calendar of events and meetings include local author nights and children’s story times. The on-site Chapbook Café offers sandwiches, salads, soup, panini, quiche and a kid’s menu.
Books & Mortar
Owner Jenny Kinne purchased this “proudly progressive, consciously curated and fiercely independent bookshop” from its founders in 2018. She stocks Books & Mortar with a broad selection of books reflecting a diverse range of voices, perspectives and narratives while hosting book clubs, author events and educational programs that nurture and empower the community.
She also uses the store as a platform to actively engage in advocacy efforts related to literacy, education and social justice issues. Stop in for friendly and knowledgeable recommendations on books and gifts for all ages.
Books & Mortar is located in a beautiful, historic building in the Uptown neighborhood.
Whether you’re in Ada or Grand Rapids, Plumfield Books and Orchard House Books & Café combine great reads with local coffee and pastries.
Photo by Shaylin Cota for Experience GR
Plumfield Books/Orchard House Books & Café
Opened in 2022 and featured in USA Today in 2024, Plumfield Books in downtown Ada offers a wide range of book genres, gift items, author visits, book clubs, story times and other events.
Plumfield’s success prompted owner Amy Squire to open Orchard House Books & Café in GR’s Midtown neighborhood, just five minutes from downtown GR. Orchard House has a similar vibe, but offers more classics, poetry and local business collaborations than its sister location.
Collaborators include a local coffee roaster and a bakery that supply the on-site café with beverages and pastries.
Redux Books
Redux Books in Uptown GR is a used bookstore filled to the rafters with unusual and unexpected treasures. It specializes in rare, out-of-print and antiquarian books, and is adept at tracking down books you’ve had a hard time finding – just ask staff for assistance.
The store also carries a large and eclectic selection of more common books ranging from mass-market paperbacks to textbooks. (Just be aware that it doesn’t carry romance novels, if that’s your thing.) Redux is always looking for new (used) books, so bring yours in for a cash or trade offer.
Baker Book House
Baker Book House began its evolution to Christian bookstore and influential publishing house when Herman Baker started selling books out of his garage in 1939. His vision continues to this day, with Baker Book House in southeast GR offering a large selection of new and used Christian fiction and nonfiction books.
Baker Book House also sells DVDs, CDs, journals, mugs, T-shirts, jewelry and Christian greeting cards. It hosts author talks, book signings, pop-up markets and other events throughout the year.
An on-site café invites patrons to sit down, relax, and enjoy a handcrafted specialty drink and bite to eat while engaging in conversation, studying, or just sitting and reading.
Grand Rapids has a variety of book and comic stores.
Photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR.
Other local bookstores to explore:
A House of Books & Creative Art Studio stocks vintage and rare books, book-related items and gifts, and offers a “menu” of craft projects such as making bookmarks and book nooks.
Argos Comics & Used Books in Uptown GR offers new and used comic books and graphic novels, and a vast selection of used, rare and antiquarian books.
Bettie’s Pages declares itself “the coolest, queerest and best little bookstore in Lowell,” and offers new and used books plus gift items.
Black Dog Books & Records is a used book and record shop focused on leftist philosophy. They buy books on philosophy, labor studies, LGBTQIA+ studies, women's studies, black sturdies, current fiction, horror, poetry, art, design, architecture, and true crime.
Books in the City is a multicultural bookstore in downtown GR that elevates diverse voices across all genres, for all ages.
Cellar Bird Books offers general-interest books for all ages in a cozy, slightly gothic space in the Bridge Street Entertainment District.
Epilogue Books is a beloved Rockford bookstore with a good selection of new books and gifts, plus a friendly atmosphere and welcoming Golden Retriever.
Great Matter Books in GR’s Creston neighborhood carries all kinds of used books but specializes in non-fiction.
HSB Bookstore/Second Mouse Finds offers new and used books and other resources for home-schooling families.
Jason’s Books & Coffee in Wyoming features a curated collection of new, used, small-press and self-published books, plus literary journals and coffee, tea and snacks.
Kregel Parable Christian Store in Grandville is a Christian bookstore stocked with Bibles, books, music, DVDs, apparel, cards and lifestyle gifts.
Pages & Grapes in Wyoming is a romance-only bookstore where patrons can unwind, connect and indulge with a glass of wine and a good book.
Rolling Rabbit Books in Byron Center presents new and used books for children and teens, along with toys, puzzles and art supplies.
Reformation Heritage Books in southeast GR is a Christian bookstore specializing in Reformed and Puritan titles, with an on-site café.
Vault of Midnight in downtown GR is one of several local comics shops stocked with new and back-issue comic books, graphic novels and pop culture collectibles.