Independence Day 2011: Bookstores We Love For Their Spirit Of Independence (PHOTOS)

Independence Day 2011--it's approaching next week, and we wanted to celebrate the spirit of independence in books. In a difficult economy and a landscape of big box stores with no individuality, we asked you for your favorite independent bookstores from around the country and the world, the stores you go to for personal reading recommendations and for the discovery of new voices.

Here's what you've chosen so far this year and we'll run more tomorrow, including your suggestions if you'll leave them in the comments section below. And don't miss last year's series for other ideas:

Independent Bookstores
Independent Publishers
Big Books from Small Publishers

 

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Booksmith

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San Francisco, CA "Their big, hairy, audacious goal - Create the Independent Bookstore for the 21st Century."

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San Francisco, CA

"Their big, hairy, audacious goal - Create the Independent Bookstore for the 21st Century."

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This Bookstore

Rank #2  |  Average: 4

Not my fave I love this store!

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Comments

[rfxobrien]

08:40 PM on 07/14/2011

Chester County Book Company in West Chester, PA; the Strand in NYC (esp. the one on Fulton St.)

[Disketta]

09:51 PM on 07/11/2011

Did nobody mention The Strand in NYC?

[Greek Girl]

11:45 PM on 07/05/2011

The two best independent bookstores in the west are Tattered Cover in Denver, Colorado and Garcia Street Books in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

[NDWKY]

05:32 PM on 07/01/2011

Carmichael's is a really hip, old-fashioned store that beats the socks off any other chain store in the country. A must-see for travelers to the area.

[youresomodest]

05:30 PM on 07/01/2011

Carmichael's in Louisville is the best!

Also: Michigan News Agency in Kalamazoo, MI is fantastic!!!
http://www.michigannews.biz/

[Sara Velasco]

06:09 PM on 06/29/2011

I live in SIlicon Valley, California. There are about 10 bookstores within a 5 mile radius of my home (including Border's).
People around here really love books. Kepler's Books is by far the best - a gem that our community can not afford to lose.

[iamjones]

03:41 PM on 06/29/2011

For me, nothing has ever really compared to or bettered The Tattered Cover in Denver. A glaring omission on this list...

[writeon1]

10:43 AM on 07/02/2011

Yeah, it is the second largest independent in the nation. Can't believe it is not on the list. http://newsy1.wordpress.com

[Tom Gerald]

01:19 PM on 06/29/2011

The Book Loft in Solvang, California... a wonderful store founded by Kathy Mullins and her late husband Gary. In business for 41 years The Book Loft has the unique offering of new books on the main floor, a full used bookstore on the upper floor AND a museum dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen, the literary hero of Denmark. [Solvang was founded by Danish midwesterners in 1911 and is very proud of its Danish heritage.]

[cardholder]

12:58 PM on 06/29/2011

I am amazed that "The Tattered Cover" bookstore in Denver is not included in this list. The Tattered Cover told the FBI it would not reveal its customer's purchases and went to court to defend their position. This, by itself, places them high on the list of favorite independent bookstores. I mean, refusing to comply with the FBI special letters demands and paying legal bills and court costs, pretty much defines their independence and popularity.

[watchdogwatcher]

04:02 PM on 07/11/2011

I couldn't agree more. Thanks, cardholder. Well said.

[Dragoon]

12:00 PM on 06/29/2011

McNally jackson, Bluestockings, Strand, St. Mark's Bookshop.......

So many great shops in NYC

[Richard Lee Wilson]

02:03 AM on 06/29/2011

Tin Can Mailman in Arcata, Eureka Books in Eureka...

[Danny456]

01:41 AM on 06/29/2011

Love Half-Priced Books for the selection and the pricing. Absolutely god-awful place to sell.

[jim mcnamara]

01:07 AM on 06/29/2011

Great to see BOSWELL and WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST on the list. They are first class stores with enthusiastic, knowledgeable booksellers. But where is UNABRIDGED BOOKS? It's a required stop whenever I'm in Chicago!

[truthinesshurts]

08:40 PM on 06/28/2011

Ducky Waddle's Emporium in Encinitas California.

[bethie1941]

01:32 PM on 06/28/2011

I don't think that's the original Books & Books in Coral Gables. The original was across the street.
It's a wonderful place to browse, and the new place has a cafe