5 Austin bookshops to add to your list

A list of favs from a former Austinite ~ Dec 2024

A view of the Austin skyline featuring tall buildings and trees, under a clear blue sky. — Austin skyline at dusk

INTRO

I will always appreciate a city with more than the large corporate booksellers. We love them too, but having a little variety feels nice, eh?

One of my favorite pastimes living in ATX was book hunting. There are plenty of city libraries, little libraries, and bookshops in the area. My favorite was grabbing a stack of unwanted books and dropping by 8 little libraries then treating myself to a croissant. And following that by shopping for more books, of course.

At the time, I was very inspired by the YouTuber – @JustAli to explore my city and its surrounding small towns with only books in mind. It’s a great way to be a tourist in your city and get a lay of the land. I knew I wouldn’t love every single store, but I did find some favorites. Here’s my top 5 recommendations for places to shop for your next read.

#5 BookPeople

Address: 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Bookpeople interior with colorful bookshelves filled with various book titles, wooden flooring, and sunlight streaming through large windows, highlighting a few chairs and a small stool. — Bookpeople shop interior
**Credit:** @bookpeople

It seems like the most obvious rec … and it is. But it has a spot on every Austin bookshop list for a reason. Personally, large upscale bookshops aren’t my favorite but this one has a certain air of homeyness to it — and a coffee shop.

Maybe it’s the fact that they don’t give you bags reminding you that you’re in Austin, the impressive fact that it’s such a successful indie bookstore, or that it’s Texas-sized.

Do also note that they also have events with some pretty big names. You do have to RSVP, though.

Price:
$$ – $$$ – retail prices

Selection:
Comprehensive – decent staff picks

Vibe:
Suburban reader

Linger potential:
Good – wifi, coffee, tables

Parking:
Plenty. The area does get busy.

#4 Black Pearl Books

Address: 7112 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757

A person holding the book 'Tell Everyone on This Train I Love Them' by Maeve Higgins, featuring colorful illustrations of diverse characters in a train setting, with a background of a bookshelf filled with various books. — “Tell Everyone on This Train I Love Them” book in Black Pearl Books

This shop is down the street from #1. So naturally, I typically hit both together. I remember this place being very still and the selection being good. You can tell someone put a lot of care into crafting the collection and the store.

Having a dedicated place to inclusive reading is a gem. Not every place has them.

Price:
$$ – $$$ – retail prices

Selection:
Inclusive – hand-picked

Vibe:
Creaky and chill

Linger potential:
Good. It’s quiet and they have chairs.

Parking:
On-site. Somewhat limited. Entrance is tricky.

#3 B&N Arboretum

Address: 10000 Research Blvd #158, Austin, TX 78759

Interior of Barnes & Noble Arboretum featuring a wooden table with a microphone, two wooden chairs, and lined white folding chairs set up for an event. Bookshelves are visible in the background. — Barnes and Noble Arboretum
**Credit:** bnarboretum

I first visited this location in 2019 and have been in love ever since. I spent a total of 5 hours reading Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer here and it’s one of my core memories for reading.

It’s two stories of B&N goodness. The place smells of coffee and has such comfortable sofa chairs on the top level. Their clearance section is decent and there’s just plenty of room and things to look at.

Price:
$$ – $$$ – retail prices

Selection:
Retail categories. You’ll find newer popular titles.

Vibe:
Cozy latte

Linger potential:
Absolutely. I’ve spent many many hours here.

Parking:
No problems

#2 Lark & Owl Booksellers

Address: 205 6th St Suite 101, Georgetown, TX 78626

Exterior of Lark & Owl on a sunny morning. Yellow-paned glass door and modern cursive sign. — Exterior of Lark & Owl on a sunny morning

So, I did cheat on this one since it’s technically not in Austin. It’s place here is well-deserved, though. It’s about an hour out northward.

Maybe it was the mimosa I had at the brunch spot nearby, or maybe this place was just the absolute cutest. Whoever chose their color palette knew what they were doing. It ties in so well with the theme. They even have stickers of larks and owls. Like, c’mon.

Inside, there were so many options and shelves packed into one space. There were plenty of books that I added to my wishlist here. Next time I visit, I want to try the bistro. I’m sure it’s just as charming as the rest of the place.

Price:
$$ – $$$ – retail prices

Selection:
Good. Nice collection.

Vibe:
Sunshine intellectual

Linger potential:
Yes, not the biggest space but they have a little bistro.

Parking:
Located in downtown Georgetown. Could get busy.

#1 Recycled Reads Bookstore

Address: 5335 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756

A colorful bookshelf filled with a variety of mass market paperback books, located under a vibrant ocean-themed mural, showcasing tropical fish and coral in Recycled Reads. — Recycled Reads books
**Credit:** @recycledreadstx

Recycled Reads will forever be one of my happy places. Shopping is the most fun when the selection is different every visit. I prefer treasure hunts rather than shopping lists, ya feel?

The prices here are unbeatable, and you have to love a sustainable mission. I once found the movie – “Friday” here on VHS. It was $2 and is one of my most prized possessions. I recommend this place to everyone and stop by every time I’m in town.

Price:
$

Selection:
Unique and affordable

Vibe:
Thrifty love

Linger potential:
Medium. You can hang out looking but not much more than that.

Parking:
Limited. On-site.

Outro

Well, the list isn’t long but it is mighty. Let me know if you have the same favorites or others. I’m always looking to expand my Austin horizons.