Mesa Bookhouse

Mesa Bookhouse opened in 2016 as part of downtown Mesa's ongoing revitalization and quickly became the neighborhood's living room, a place where families, students, and retirees mingle over shared love of reading. The children's section is the store's crown jewel, designed with a reading fort, a mural of Arizona wildlife, and low shelves that invite small hands to explore independently. Bilingual story times in English and Spanish draw families from across the East Valley, reflecting Mesa's rich cultural diversity. The young adult section is equally strong, curated with input from a teen advisory board that keeps the selection current and relevant. The cafe serves house-made horchata popsicles that have become legendary during Mesa's scorching summers. Owner Patricia Reyes, a former elementary school librarian, has built a store that prioritizes accessibility and community, with a pay-it-forward book shelf that ensures every child can leave with a book regardless of ability to pay.