Independent booksellers are fast becoming the go-to stores for the latest (and classic!) reads. While box stores like Barnes & Noble are still going strong, independent bookstores provide a personal atmosphere with genre-specific nuance that might not be carried elsewhere. From hosting local authors and events, to supporting the community of small businesses, there are plenty of reasons to check out one of these great bookstores in Delaware!
Recently ranked the top independent bookseller in Delaware by Bookriot.com, Browseabout Books is a rare treat. Once you step past the amazing array of beach souvenirs, you find yourself immersed in rows upon rows of bookcases stocked to the brim of new and rare stories in every genre. Browseabout is very loyal to its local writers and features its own local authors section and hosts DelMarVa Public Radio. Many celebrities have visited Browseabout including former Vice-President Joe Biden and his wife Jill, both have roots in Delaware.
Bethany Beach Books is Bethany’s only independent bookseller. Located just a few steps off the beach, the store was established in 1991 and is open every day year from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer season). They offer year-round events including author signings, book clubs, women & wine, and more. Bethany Beach Books also has the book drop club where customers can sign up to receive a hand selected independent book from the beach mailed to them at home. They are also a proponent of diversity in children’s books including picture books, middle grade and young adult.
The Hockessin Book Shelf is one of the smallest but well-run independent new and used book stores in the state of Delaware. Kept meticulously stocked by its owners, the store features events year-round such as author signings, book parties, and book clubs. There is an avid fan base for the Hockessin Book Shelf with Indie book seekers travelling from far and wide to find the treasures located within this hidden gem.
“A bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking,” Jerry Seinfeld. Infamous for its sidewalk chalkboard with notable quotes, Biblion is one of those bookstores that makes you keep wanting to come back because you know the next time you do there will always be something new and interesting to see and read. Whether you are stopping in for a quick read on the beach or a rare book as a dealer, Biblion is truly a unique experience.
From live music to comic books, used books and personal recommendations from the staff, Between Books 2.0 in Claymont has been on the Indie bookseller for decades. The store moved from its original location to another location in Claymont at 3203 Philadelphia Pike, but it is still the same great atmosphere with personalized assistance from the staff. If you are looking for a book and can’t find it Between Books will make sure to find it for you.
We would be remiss to not include this independent comic book shop in Wilmington. There is more to see at this store than one might think. From vintage toys to modern day treasures, role playing game nights including Magic: The Gathering, women’s night for comic books, author events and more there is always something going on at the Comic Book Shop.