Vegas is famous for many things, like our glamorous shows, iconic landmarks, world-class celebrity chef restaurants, casinos and more. But you wouldn’t automatically think of independent bookshops when you look at the bright neon lights, right? Well, there are actually many bookshops in Las Vegas that are total literary havens. We’ve complied a list of our favorite book stores for the next time you’re craving a good read and a bit of escapism.
1. Writer’s Block
Writer’s Block is one of the newer shops on this list but has quickly become one of our favorites. The independent bookstore and coffee shop is located near Downtown Container Park and regularly hosts terrific events. You’ll find a great selection, including contemporary fiction, non-fiction, classics, and children’s books. This spot is a real literary hub. It is a great space to hang out with friends or come and work. They offer writing classes and cool events like book signings, poetry readings, and gigs.
Location: 519 S 6th St #100, Las Vegas, NV
2. Dragon Castle Books
Dragon Castle Books is a lovely family-owned and operated shop with a wide selection of genres. They specialize in Science Fiction and comic books, so it’s an excellent spot for all the self-described nerds among us. You can swap and sell your books, which is a great sustainable practice.
Location: 3142 N Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
3. Alternate Reality Comics
Next time you’re looking for a graphic novel or comic book, check out Alternate Reality Comics. The shop has been open for over 20 years and has a fantastic selection of comics, toys, and other collectible goodies. The store is in a shopping center next to the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Location: 5300 S. Eastern Ave. #130, Las Vegas
4. Bauman Rare Books
We bet you wouldn’t think there was a bookshop on the Strip, right? However, one of the best bookshops in Las Vegas is right here. Stepping into this beautiful space is quite an experience. The wood paneling and vintage decor make it a peaceful literary haven. Bauman Rare Books mainly focuses on hard-to-come-by titles and first editions. You’ll find the shop and its treasures inside The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes.
Location: 3327 S Las Vegas Blvd Suite 2856, Las Vegas, NV
5. Great Wall Bookstore
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Great Wall Bookstore bookstore is the perfect spot to find Chinese language books and products. They also sell adorable Hello Kitty merch, cool vintage T-shirts and a wide variety of stationery goods. They opened in 1995 and have since been selling Chinese and English language books, DVDs, and more. So, if you’re thinking of picking up Mandarin, then this place should be your go-to spot.
Location: 4255 W Spring Mountain Rd C105-6, Las Vegas
6. Psychic Eye
Are you interested in the occult? Well, this is a great step up from tarot card readers on your FYP. Psychic Eye sells many books on herbology, witchcraft and more. You’ll also find supplies, such as tarot decks and candles, and you can get a reading or past-life regressions! They have a few bookshops in Las Vegas, so you’re never too far from a spiritual check-up.
Locations:
6848 W. Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89117
9550 S. Eastern Ave, Henderson, NV 89074
7. MaxiMum Comics
MaxiMum has an excellent array of comics, hardcover and paperback and the owner is well-versed in comic book history. They’ve got a pull-box for anyone who doesn’t want to miss a new comic relase, rows and rows of rare and popular comics, and the entire staff is nice and knowledgable.
Locations:
5130 S Fort Apache Rd #285, Las Vegas, NV
7290 W Azure Dr #130, Las Vegas, NV
8. Las Vegas Books
An underrated bookstore in the city, Las Vegas books has a wide selection of paperback and hardcover books to choose from. The selection is less contemporary than other bookstores, so you can find your older – and rare – books here. They’re often really well priced, too, so that’s an extra point!
Location: 4790 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV
9. Avantpop Bookstore
Avantpop Books and Art Gallery is an independent bookstore, publisher, and studio, established in 2019. They curate a selection designed for those with a taste for the rare and extraordinary. This is especially your go-to spot if you’re a subversive and countercultural enthusiast! Besides books, you can find merch, stickers or art – some items are humorous, some informative, others are simply cool and unique. They also regularly host events, like poetry readings. Keep in mind that they’re about to move soon, but the new location is unknown – just check their website before you visit.
Location (at least until end of 2024): 900 Liberace Ave d 102, Las Vegas, NV 89109
10. The Analog Dope Store
The Analog Dope Store, located in the Las Vegas Arts District, is a Black women- and LGBTQ-owned bookstore and vinyl record shop. It celebrates Black culture, the African Diaspora, and POC. Here, you can find a curated selection of books across various genres and vinyl records spanning jazz, soul, hip-hop, and more. Their aim is to foster creativity and consciousness, so the store promotes education, culture, uplifting imagery, and the transformative power of positive sound and lyrics.
Location: 205 E. Colorado Ave. Las Vegas, NV
11. Copper Cat Books
Their slogan – “Not a curiosity shop, but a shop for the curious” – reflects this shop’s changing inventory and decor. The owners’ aim is to always provide something new and interesting for their clients. So, for every box they sell, they replace it with more amazing titles from their warehouse. Opened about 6 years ago, this spot was only for used books, but you can now find some cool new titles, too. Besides, you may spot some unique jewelry or…pillows! Copper Cat Books also offers a Wishlist Service – let them know what you can’t find, and they’ll try to have it for you as soon as possible.
Location: 1570 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy STE 170, Henderson, NV 89012
12. Buffy’s Book Boutique
Buffy’s Book Boutique awaits you with amazing books, games, LEGO, journals, and more. Who’s Buffy, you’re wondering? Just the cutest little dog, who “opened a book store” next to her favorite place – the park. Here, you can find your favorite fiction and non-fiction titles, and even some of Buffy’s favorite titles, like Becoming a dog chef. They also have cool merch, like tote bags or stylish hats. This is one of the best bookshops in Las Vegas, because it doesn’t just offer great products, but you also get a warm welcome from the fuzzy “owner”.
Location: 3585 S Durango Dr #103, Las Vegas, NV