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, Downtown
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, Twin Lakes
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, Paradise
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, Paradise
We bet you wouldn’t think there was a bookshop on the Strip, right? 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, Paradise
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, Charleston & Silverado
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. Cat’s Curiosities
An eclectic collection of used and vintage books (including books from an old Ohio one-room schoolhouse (1875-1926). Store located close to the heart of downtown Las Vegas, Nev., on Charleston Boulevard at Interstate 15. Call 702-656-8855 for information on book stock; 702-228-4783 for driving directions to the store. Open 10 to 6 daily, 11 to 5 Sunday. Specializing in modern first editions; books of Las Vegas, Southwest & desert interest (many signed); children’s books; religion, occult & philosophy; war & aviation; math, science & medicine; Archaeology & Native American; paperbacks of unusual quality; and books from the one-room White Oak School, St. Clairsville, Ohio, 1875-1926. Cat’s Curiosities also offers a room of luxurious not-just vintage clothes.
Location:
307 W. Charleston Boulevard Las Vegas, NV
8. 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
9. Las Vegas Books
An underrated bookstore in Las Vegas, Las Vegas books has a wide selection of paperback and hardcover books to choose from, and because it’s considered a hidden gem, there’s a wide selection. The selection is less contemporary than other bookstores with a huge selection of older books and some rare books and are well-priced as well.
Location: 4790 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV