Local bookstore recommendations for every reader
These local gems each offer a variety of selections, price-ranges, and aesthetics, but all are essential to central Kansas' readers.
When you make time for reading, you are making time for yourself. Books are a perfect avenue for escapism, education, and fun. I’m not going to preach to you on why you should make time for reading, but for all of you who love literature, here is a list of some of the best local bookstores by location, listed from least to most expensive.
Newton: Book ReViews
The price of new books can result in some major sticker shock. A great alternative is thrift store books, but their variety can be questionable; Nicholas Sparks, Janet Evanovich, and Dan Brown novels often make up over half of thrift store shelves. While I have nothing against The Da Vinci Code or The Notebook, I personally find stores which sort through their inventory and cater to a larger literary audience preferable.
Book ReViews is a non-profit used bookstore conveniently located on main street of downtown Newton. They have an incredible selection of classic, nonfiction, and theological works and, even better, most books I have purchased here were no more than five dollars. The building looks small, but its rambling design is deceiving. Newton has its own bookstore gem; let’s show it some appreciation. Take cash!
McPherson: Twice Told Tales
Twice Told Tales is another extremely affordable bookstore which is independently run in downtown McPherson. They offer both new and used books while striving to make reading financially possible for everyone.
With a focus on community and social justice, Twice Told Tales is a safe place for every person, (especially passionate readers). The store culture is lovely with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Located on McPherson’s main street, every book-lover should consider Twice Told Tales a must-support bookstore.
Hutchinson: Crow and Co.
Are you not a big reader but still love the bookstore aesthetic? Crow and Co. was made for you. If you want coffee, local and art gifts, or (of course) a great selection of new books, this downtown Hutchinson store has you covered.
The Crow and Co. book collection features minority stories and authors. I found every piece of LGBTQIA literature I could think of without a prolonged search or staff direction. It may go without saying that Crow and Co. is dedicated to local social justice initiatives.
If that isn’t enough to convince you to stop by this bookstore, let me reiterate one final point: they double as a coffee shop. Books and coffee are the ultimate combination, after all.
Wichita: Eighth Day Books & Watermark Books and Cafe
Eighth Day Books carries a variety of new and used books with a large collection of poetry and modern literature. They are located in a house on Douglas avenue which literally gives the store a homely atmosphere. With their basement devoted to children’s books and their second floor packed with nonfiction, it’s easy to spend hours working to familiarize yourself with their extensive collection.
Watermark Books and Cafe represents the second installment of the book plus coffee combination on this list. Watermark carries a large selection of stationary, much of which is printed locally. Because they only sell new books, Watermark is one of the pricier options on this list. That being said, this allows their selection to be current and on top of the trends. In other words, for the readers who find themselves on BookTok, Watermark can fulfill all of your Colleen Hoover dreams.
These local bookstores represent the best book-lover destinations this area has to offer. Reading can be an intimidating hobby, especially where book prices are concerned. Luckily, local bookstores have created a community where anyone can foster a reading habit without spending a fortune — although there are worse things to spend a fortune on.