Detroit’s independent bookstores are great places to read, learn, and grow. Read on to learn about our three favorite bookstores.
Pages
Susan Murphy opened Pages Bookshop with a mission of helping children learn to read and love books. With its cozy nooks and seating, Pages is a great place to curl up and get lost in a good book. Literary fiction, nonfiction, and children’s literature are among the treasures you will find on the shelves. In addition to books, Pages is also home to intimate readings by authors and book club discussions. Be sure to keep an eye out for the bookstore’s cat, Pip, who is a favorite among the regulars. You can find Pages at 19560 Grand River Ave. Online shopping and pickup are available.
Source Booksellers
Located in the heart of the Midtown district, Source Booksellers is a great stop for lovers of nonfiction. Owner Janet Webster Jones, a retired Detroit Public Schools teacher, opened the bookstore over 20 years ago, and still hand-selects all of the books and products on Source’s shelves. Source only sells nonfiction books, with an emphasis on history, culture, health, well-being, metaphysics, spirituality, and books about or written by women.
The shop also hosts many events, such as poetry readings, round-table discussions with local and nationally-known authors, and book clubs. In addition to books, Source Booksellers also sells Fair Trade chocolates, maps, oils, incense, Shea butter products, and snacks.
You can find Source Booksellers at 4240 Cass Ave., in Suite 105. The store is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Online ordering and curbside pickup are available.
John King Used and Rare Books
Since opening its doors in 1965, John King has become known for its vast collection of used and rare books as well as hard-to-find ephemera. The store has over 1 million books in stock in a wide variety of subject areas. The original store, at 901 W. Lafayette Blvd., in downtown Detroit, features four jam-packed stories of books. A second, smaller store (called John King North) is at 22524 Woodward Ave., in the suburb of Ferndale.
The staff at John King prides themselves on their service. They can help find anything you desire in the store or order it for delivery. If you are looking for something extra-special, check out the rare book room. This space is home to more than 25,000 books, bindings, memorabilia, autographed items, first edition printings, lithographs, watercolors, and more.
Hours for the downtown bookstore are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The North bookstore is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Whether you prefer romance, history, or fantasy, the independent booksellers in Detroit have you covered. Check out one of these three local favorites the next time you are looking for a great read.
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