Bookstores provide the ideal setting for a relaxing and quiet retreat amidst a sea of stacked books and lounge chairs. Whether you’re on the hunt for a children’s pop-up, classic romance novel, addicting mystery thriller, or anything in between, bookstores have the ability to keep your mind active for hours on end. Here’s your guide to four of the coolest independent bookstores Houston residents should visit at least once.
Becker’s Books
Originally opened in 1993, Becker’s Books continues to be the largest and most historic independent bookstore in Houston. As such, it houses only antique and secondhand books and manuscripts on subjects like art and anthropology, folklore and mythology, religion and theology, and movies and television, and the shop even features a few unique finds, including an edition of Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables” dating back to 1900.
Among the floor-to-ceiling bookcases are corner chairs and couches available for lounging, complimentary pastries and coffee, and seasonal delights like a Christmas-themed “book tree.” Likewise, events at Becker’s Books frequently occur and include parking lot book sales, author signings, poetry readings, giveaways, and holiday gatherings. Be sure to join the First Edition Club, so you don’t miss out on new arrivals, events, and special offers.
Kaboom Books
Head just outside downtown Houston and you’ll find Kaboom Books, a used bookstore that caters to buying, selling, and trading books. The company first took off in New Orleans and eventually planted a branch in Houston that has continued to grow to this day. It currently houses more than 100,000 books scattered across 76 unique sections and featuring both modern reads and out-of-print gems.
Books cover subjects such as science fiction, true crime, children’s tales, and poetry anthologies. However, specialties at Kaboom Books are areas like fiction and literature, art and history, and the social and physical sciences. Additionally, if you stop by, you may just catch one of the bookstore’s many ongoing events. These include book and poetry readings, author signings, storytelling sessions, and music shows.
Katy Budget Books
With more than 30 years in business, Katy Budget Books is a popular community bookstore harboring an extensive collection of new and used items. These include children’s stories and signed editions as well as e-books and diverse book clubs for mothers, mystery lovers, and fantasy fanatics.
Events are pretty regular, too, and include everything from adult coloring book parties and author signings to storytime and complimentary yoga sessions. Additional events at Katy Budget Books include Small Business Saturdays where local vendors and crafters gather in the bookstore parking lot, and semi-annual sales where select used books go for $1 or less.
The Lift
What makes The Lift so unique is that it combines a passion for books with a love for novelty gifts. You’ll find current titles spanning from fiction and nonfiction to cookbooks to children’s picture and chapter books. There are also frequent events such as stock sales, holiday sales, and live music shows.
Once you’re done browsing the bookshelves, head toward the gift emporium and shop for cute and charming trinkets and souvenirs. These include board games, home decor, jewelry, journals, toys, T-shirts, and fragrant soap bars to name a few.
Whether you’re searching for a current edition or an antique publication, you’re sure to find what you need at these top independent bookstores in Houston.
Image via Flickr by 3n | CC BY-ND 2.0.
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