The store also hosts a vocational program in which they hire young adults with Autism. Bookstore displays a focus on Jewish authors and literature in coordination with JCC Metrowest. This Maplewood-based bookstore looks to engage all levels of readers and to provide a space for a wide assortment of voices. The shop also offers customized mystery boxes as an exciting option to get readers out of their comfort zone. Word’s virtual book clubs revolve around fun themes like Space Truckers, Show Me Women, Well-Read Black Girl, and Gilmore Girls. The staff at Word provides book recommendations for all ages and reading levels, and has a vast range of expertise. Word Bookstores is a trendy spot in Jersey City with a sister store in Brooklyn. Watchung is also known for its whimsical children’s section and its young adult area, which gives all age groups a space to come back to reading. The store hosts book clubs based on a range of popular subjects, as well as frequent author readings. Through promoting the work of Essex County authors and allowing the locals to influence their selection of books, Watchung Booksellers is an active part of the Montclair community. With the needs of Westfield locals’ at heart, The Town Book Store hopes to remain open for another eight decades.

The shop is known for its service-with-a-smile and quality selection of literature. The Town Book Store – Westfield, NJĪ post shared by The Town Book Store Town Book Store in Westfield was opened in 1934 at the end of the Great Depression, and it has enjoyed 85 years of serving the local community. The used bookstore has an overall mission of developing the community, creating accessibility to books, and making reading exciting for all. As a nonprofit, Symposia also aims to raise money for charitable programs and local artists in Hoboken. The store is a fluid space that serves as a used bookstore, a community center, and an educational space. Symposia Bookstore – Hoboken, NJĮducation and charitable works are at the core of Symposia in Hoboken. In addition to their massive book collection, the MBC also sells CDs, records, tarot cards, and more. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they’re eager to help visitors find their way around the shop. The shop has been around since 1984, and its selection of both new and used titles offers affordable prices as well as variety. With over 9,000 square feet of well-stocked shelves, the Montclair Book Center is brimming with books. As a black-owned and female-owned business, this bookstore creates representation through the voices and experiences of all its carried authors. In a candid conversation with New Jersey Digest’s own Gianna Valdez, Dear discusses what it took to make The Little Boho Bookshop a successful independent bookstore and a cozy community space for patrons to browse millions of titles. The Little Boho Bookshop – Bayonne, NJĪ post shared by The Little Boho Bookshop the core of this local shop in Bergen Point is owner Sandra Dear’s goal of literacy for all children and teens. Here’s the Story also provides support with recommended summer reading for grades two to 12 in an effort to increase childhood literacy. With over 30 years under his belt, Leo has made the shop an institution within the local community. Here’s the Story – Union, NJĪfter spending about eight years working for another shop, owner Joe Leo decided to open his own independent bookstore, Here’s the Story, in Union. As kids grow they can start browsing more advanced sections of the shop and keep challenging themselves with new titles. As a children’s bookstore, there is a strong focus on selecting quality books for all levels of readers. With vibrant colors on the walls, model trains chugging through the air, and stuffed animals strewn about, The Curious Reader is a wonderland for child readers. People flock to the shop for signings and, of course, to browse their book collection. Bookends has earned a reputation for hosting many celebrity authors and authors-turned celebrities. Bookends Bookstore – Ridgewood, NJĪlthough it might look like any other bookstore from the outside, Bookends is well-known for its prestige among other independent shops. That’s why we’ve created this list of 30 independent bookstores to support in New Jersey right now. Unfortunately, between the difficulties of owning a business in the midst of COVID-19 and competing with nationwide bookstore chains, independent bookstores in particular are facing an uphill battle to remain open and to serve their loyal New Jersey customers. Over the past year, local storefronts have been doing everything they can to adjust to our new way of life and to accommodate the communities they work so hard to uplift. Throughout New Jersey, locally-run and independent businesses serve as social hubs for our communities.

Bookends bookstore in new jersey