Best Independent Bookstores In Minnesota
At a time when bookstores large and small are feeling distressed, the Minnesota reader can still find metro area booksellers offering an eclectic array of books. Here are five noteworthy independent bookstores where you can celebrate National Read Across America Day on March 2.
Micawber's Books
2238 Carter Ave.
St Paul, MN 55108
(651) 646-5506
www.micawbers
The St Anthony neighborhood is made for bookstores. Folks have been coming to Micawber's Books just off Como Avenue since 1972 for its special selection of local authors and bestsellers. Owner Tom Bielenberg is a knowledgeable bookmeister and is eager to share his élan with his customers. This cozy shop has a unique selection of bestsellers and local authors. Moreover, if the book you are looking for is not there, Tom can order it for you.
Subtext Books
6 W 5th St.
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 493-2791
www.subtextbooks.com
In case you missed it, Subtext moved out of its basement in Cathedral Hill to downtown St Paul. Look for it on 5th Street near Rice Park right across from the Dunn Brothers and a short walk from Amsterdam, Kincaid's or Pazzaluna. It is Downtown St. Paul's only full-service bookstore. Owner Sue Zumberge stocks mostly new books in a wide variety of interests to "get you reading what interests you most." Sue lives in the neighborhood and is strong proponent of the St Paul community.
Related: Best Local Bookstores In Minnesota
Wild Rumpus
2720 W 43rd St.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
(612) 920-5005
www.wildrumpusbooks.com
Rumpus boldly declares itself a children's bookstore. You have to stoop down to enter through the kid-sized front door. Stepping over the threshold, you enter an out-of-doors woodland theme. Various kinds of animals may run past you as you discover many tiny species with cute names, mostly in cages. The store has made an impact since opening in 1993. It offers a massive display of inexpensive books for kids and teens. It even has an adult section with an array of bestsellers and new releases. It is worth the trip across town to Linden Hills just for the weekly story time. Be sure to arrive early.
Midway Bookstore
1579 University Ave. W.,
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 644-7605
www.midwaybook.com
Midway claims to have the largest selection of art books in the Midwest. The store also has a large accumulation of vintage comic books and magazines. A person could get lost wandering down aisle after aisle of new, old, vintage and rare collections of magazines and books. Its National Geographic collection is impressive. The store is also a good place to look for literature, fantasy, science fiction, folklore, children's books, photographic magazines, history and military. After you have seen it all, check out the bargains in the basement.
Sixth Chamber Used Books
1332 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 690-9463
www.sixthchamber.com
It's extraordinary that a used bookstore would be full of clean and bright books, so well organized that patrons can easily locate the book they are seeking. It's also rare that these used books are catalogued and searchable on the Internet. Even more unusual is that Sixth Chamber finds books and ships them to people who place requests. Likewise, the children's section has nifty new toys and attractive books. Sensible pricing on the huge inventory of used books make all this possible. Success breeds success. The enterprise recently opened a sister store, Fox Den Used Books, in downtown River Falls, Wisconsin.
Related: Best Used Bookstores In Minnesota
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.