Rochester is home to many poets, authors, and artists. So we know there’s a lot of love here for our independent bookstores. The next time you’re looking for a great read, be sure to check out one of these fantastic spots and treat yourself to something magical. Happy reading!
Akimbo Books
714 University Ave., Rochester
Located in the Neighborhood of the Arts, Akimbo hosts author readings, art exhibitions, workshops, mutual aid events, reading parties, open mics and live music. Founded in 2020 by Rachel Crawford, Akimbo focuses on small presses, social justice, and international fiction. Crawford also started Unabridged Literary Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of human rights issues through literary and visual arts.
Archivist Bookstore
772 Monroe Ave., Rochester
Taylor Thomas opened this haven for small press lit and indie queer writers in 2024. She hosts events like blackout poetry night, book clubs, and drag story time with books featuring queer and diverse families. Support this Black-owned indie bookstore.
Author’s Note
519 Main St., Medina
Located in the beautiful village of Medina and owned by local children’s author Julie Berry, this bookstore hosts book clubs and many author events. Sign up for Berry’s fantastic newsletter and book recommendations.
Before Your Quiet Eyes
439 Monroe Ave., Rochester
beforeyourquieteyesbooksandart.com
This bookstore features used and rare books but also carries art and photography.
Owner Kenneth Kelbaugh recently started publishing works from local writers and hosts readings, art shows, and groups—like the Sherlock Holmes book club.
Bleak House Books
5 West Main St., Honeoye Falls
From Hong Kong to the village of Honeyoye Falls, this family-owned-and-operated bookstore has traveled a long way to make its home here in the Rochester area. Bleak House has a great selection of titles and offers free events, including author readings and presentations.
Book Culture
28 South Main St., Pittsford
Nestled in the village of Pittsford, this bookstore has a separate “kids cottage” behind the main shop, dedicated to children’s books, games, and toys. Along with a wide selection of books, Book Culture features unique jewelry, clothing, bags, and more.
Bookeater
836 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester
Bookeater has an incredible selection of books and two floors of cozy seating. The cafe serves delicious coffee and treats. This unique bookstore hosts holiday singalongs, queer singles meetup, live music and author events.
Burn Bright Books
269 Park Ave., Rochester
Burn Bright Books carries all subgenres of romance. The store also features a monthly book box along with other bookish items. This new bookstore will soon offer events such as book release parties, author signings, book clubs, and much more. Owner Shauna Cox envisions a “community space where we can celebrate love in all its forms; where every person can find themselves among the stories and where everyone feels celebrated and welcome no matter what.”
Hipocampo
638 South Ave., Rochester
Located right in the South Wedge, this woman/Latinx-owned bookstore is a family favorite. The entire store is children’s books! You’ll find books in English and Spanish as well as some other languages. Hipocampo also has a great selection of children’s apparel and toys. Check out the website for children’s programs and author visits.
Lift Bridge Book Shop
45 Main St., Brockport
This family-owned bookstore is the official bookseller of the annual Rochester Children’s Book Festival. Located in the village of Brockport, this beautiful spot hosts midnight book release parties, book clubs, and author events.
Noire Reading Room
383 West Ave., Rochester
Founded as a pop-up bookstore by Kristen Walker in 2021, this fantastic space was curated to increase literary engagement for all and to specifically highlight books authored by Black and Queer women. Open by appointment only.
Oxcart Books
425 North St., Rochester
Located upstairs at Small World Books, this independent bookshop specializes in rare books, vintage science fiction, tabletop role-playing games, and Buddhist scriptures.
Small World Books
425 North St., Rochester
There is always something special to find at Small World Books. And we love that there are cats roaming around the store. Owner Rocco Pellegrino hosts open mic nights with poets and comedians as well as classical music performances for the community.
Unreliable Narrator
302 N. Goodman St., Rochester ‘
This LBGTQ+-owned bookstore and gift shop is full of eccentric finds, magical items, tarot cards, and really great books. We especially love the word machine. Follow Unreliable’s socials for an unending list of book events and special bookstore days.
Writers & Books/Ampersand Books
740 University Ave., Rochester
Ampersand Books is the bookstore within the nonprofit literary center Writers & Books.
Located in the heart of the Neighborhood of the Arts, Writers & Books is home to community writing groups, authors, poets, conferences and workshops. It hosts Rochester Reads, Poetry in the Park, and SummerWrite camps for children, including the popular Hogwarts Academy.
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of (585).
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