Discover your next great read | Browse our latest recommendations
Discover your next great read | Browse our latest recommendations
Discover 19 independent bookstores across 15 cities in New Jersey. From beloved neighborhood shops to iconic literary landmarks, find your next favorite place to browse and discover new books.
19
Bookstores
8
Used Books
4
Rare Books
8
With Cafes
An independent academic bookstore in the heart of Princeton University's campus.
Montclair's beloved independent bookstore, a cornerstone of the town's thriving arts scene with an exceptional selection of literary fiction and children's books. The store anchors Church Street's walkable shopping district and draws a loyal following of discerning suburban readers. Author events regularly sell out weeks in advance.
A diverse, community-driven bookstore in Jersey City's dynamic downtown, reflecting the neighborhood's multicultural identity. The bilingual section spans over a dozen languages. Founded by local educators, the store prioritizes representation and accessibility in every aspect of its operation.
A stylish independent bookstore in Red Bank's revitalized downtown, combining a carefully edited selection with a relaxed Shore-town atmosphere. The store's emphasis on debut novels has earned it a reputation as a tastemaker among publishers. Live music and literary events make for memorable evenings.
A cozy neighborhood bookstore on Collingswood's charming Haddon Avenue, known for its passionate staff and strong community programming. The store specializes in book-to-table events pairing cookbooks with local BYOB restaurants. Children's programming is woven into the fabric of the town.
A friendly, well-organized bookstore in downtown Cranford with a reputation for outstanding customer service and expertly curated displays. The mystery and thriller section is a particular draw, with a dedicated following of genre enthusiasts. The store's window displays are considered an art form by locals.
A lively bookstore on Hoboken's main drag, catering to the city's young professional and growing family demographic. The store balances trendy book-club picks with substantive nonfiction and an outstanding board-book selection for new parents. Manhattan skyline views from the upstairs reading area are a bonus.
A scholarly independent bookstore on Nassau Street serving the Princeton University community and discerning readers since 1976. Renowned for its depth in philosophy, history, and the sciences. The store maintains close relationships with Princeton faculty who regularly curate themed displays.
A charming Victorian-era bookshop on Cape May's pedestrian mall, specializing in maritime history, nature writing, and beach reads. The store is a beloved stop for vacationers and birding enthusiasts visiting the Jersey Cape. Its wraparound porch invites customers to linger with a good book on warm summer afternoons.
A cozy neighborhood bookstore on Bloomfield Street offering a smart mix of literary fiction, current affairs, and local interest titles. Little City Books reflects Hoboken's character as a walkable, creative community just across the Hudson from Manhattan. The store is a favorite stop for commuters and weekend browsers alike.
A refined independent bookstore on historic Kings Highway, blending Haddonfield's colonial charm with a well-curated modern inventory. The store excels in historical fiction, biography, and a carefully selected children's section. Its location in one of South Jersey's most walkable downtowns makes it a natural destination for readers.
A warm, community-driven bookstore on Collingswood's charming Haddon Avenue, championing diverse voices and independent publishers. Inkwood Books is a hub for the town's thriving restaurant row district. The store's emphasis on contemporary fiction and social commentary has built a passionate following.
A collectively owned bookstore on Cookman Avenue celebrating Asbury Park's creative renaissance with shelves stocked in music, art, and countercultural writing. The store doubles as a gallery space and community meeting room. Its spirit mirrors the eclectic energy of the Jersey Shore's most artistic boardwalk town.
A family-friendly bookstore in Cranford's walkable downtown offering a warm selection of fiction, children's books, and local history. The store is a cornerstone of the North Union Avenue shopping district. Cranford Chapters has been a reliable source of reading recommendations for Union County families for over two decades.
A long-standing Bergen County institution on East Ridgewood Avenue, famous for its blockbuster author signings and encyclopedic general inventory. Bookends has hosted some of the biggest names in publishing over its decades-long history. The store is a pilgrimage site for book lovers across the northern New Jersey suburbs.
A classic independent bookstore in the heart of Westfield's downtown, offering a broad general inventory with particular care given to children's books and local author support. The store has been a fixture of East Broad Street since the mid-twentieth century. Its old-fashioned charm and personal service embody the best of small-town bookselling.
An antiquarian and used bookshop on the banks of the Delaware River, housed in a converted stone mill in artsy Lambertville. Phoenix Books specializes in rare finds, vintage paperbacks, and regional Americana. The store is a treasure hunter's paradise and a natural complement to the town's thriving antique trade.
A modern, community-centered bookstore on Maplewood Avenue with a strong commitment to diverse literature and progressive nonfiction. Words Bookstore serves as a cultural hub for one of Essex County's most integrated and engaged communities. The store's events programming draws readers from across the greater Newark area.
An elegant independent bookstore on Summit's main thoroughfare, known for its refined taste in literary fiction, essay collections, and beautifully designed editions. The store caters to the town's well-read commuter community with late evening hours and curated subscription boxes. Its window displays are a local art form unto themselves.
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