This blog post was updated on October 10, 2018.
From mysteries to children’s books, you’ll find everything your bibliophile heart desires in the independent bookstores of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Here are my top five recommendations.
Magers & Quinn
3038 Hennepin Ave S., Minneapolis
The Uptown (Minneapolis) bookstore Magers & Quinn specializes in first-edition and rare books, but its shelves are also full of, well, pretty much any book you could want (and if they don’t have it, they’ll order it for you). This massive space filled floor to ceiling bookshelves makes my little bibliophile heart go pitter-patter. (Note: The art and design section is one of the best I’ve ever seen.)
Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore
2864 Chicago Ave S., Minneapolis
Science fiction fans, look no further. From rare finds to the latest science fiction tomes, Uncle Hugo’s has everything you need to become a true expert in the genre. In addition to carrying the best selection of science fiction books in the city, Uncle Hugo’s hosts regular events and readings with some of science fiction’s top names.
The Wild Rumpus
2720 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis
Located in the charming Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis, the Wild Rumpus is a mini bibliophile’s dream come true. The kid-tailored experience starts as soon as your young book lovers walk through the tiny door (don’t worry, there’s a big one for adults, too). The store’s “regulars” – chickens, a salamander, rats (you can peek at their underground cage through a window in the floor), and a cat named Booker T. – will help you find the perfect book to take home with you.
SubText
165 Western Ave. N., St. Paul
Located in below St. Paul’s iconic Nina’s Café in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood, SubText specializes in books by local authors, but carries myriad other titles as well. Check their website for author readings/signings and book launch events. Oh, and be sure to grab a delicious chocolate chip cookie and cup of java upstairs from Nina’s when you’re done book browsing.
The Red Balloon
891 Grand Ave, St. Paul
Located on St. Paul’s premier shopping street, Grand Ave., The Red Balloon is a St. Paul institution. Located in a beautiful old house, this charming bookseller specializes in children’s and young adult books. It’s the perfect place to find a gift for the young bibliophile in your life.
Happy reading!
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