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The Best Bookstore in All 50 States

©Flickr,Karen

For yours truly, there is nothing, NOTHING, better than a good bookstore. I’d rather spend hours in a bookstore than have a great meal or the perfect cup of coffee. That’s just me.

And I think a lot of you out there feel the same way.

In honor of Independent Bookstore Day (April 27, 2019), Mental Floss chose its favorite bookstores from every state in America.

Let’s see if some of yours made the list.

Alabama – Alabama Booksmith, Homewood, AL

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Join us tomorrow (5/6) at 5pm as Casey Cep launches FURIOUS HOURS: MURDER, FRAUD, AND THE LAST TRIAL OF HARPER LEE! #signedbooks #bookstagram #booksofinsta #readersofinsta #authorsofinsta #authorevent #authorsigning #casey cep #alabamabooksmith #furioushours #harperlee #tokillamockingbird #booklaunch @aaknopf @randomhouse @penguinrandomhouse

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Alaska – Title Wave Books, Anchorage, AK

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??Can’t wait for the snow to be gone? Ready to get your hand dirty? Planning and plotting your garden already? Come on down to shop our huge gardening section! ??

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Arizona – Changing Hands Bookstore, Phoenix & Tempe, AZ

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Today (Saturday) in Tempe! Our 45th birthday is April 1, but we're celebrating with YOU on Saturday, March 30. Join us at our flagship Tempe store from 1 to 3pm as we celebrate 45 years as your independent local bookstore. We'll have free Tarot mini-readings, light refreshments, cake, activities for kids, and more. And be sure to join us at 1:45pm for a bubbly toast with the store's owners and Changing Hands staff (Tempe store only). In Phoenix, enjoy complimentary sweets and extended happy hour prices all day long at our @firstdraftbookbar which is celebrating its fifth anniversary!

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Arkansas – Dickson St. Bookshop, Fayetteville, AR

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We'll be open our regular hours for Memorial Day. Hope to see y'all ??

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California – Green Apple Books, San Francisco, CA

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? @wendymac #same ❌⭕️❌⭕️❌ ? #Repost @wendymac ・・・ Church. #greenapplebooks #greenapplebooksandmusic #sunday

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Colorado – Tattered Cover, Denver, CO

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Come create your own blackout poetry! We have pages and markers available. Find a blackout poetry display in the Colfax Avenue, Historic LoDo, and Aspen Grove locations. We can't wait to read what you come up with! #nationalpoetrymonth #blackoutpoetry

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Connecticut – R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT

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29 years ago, Roxanne Coady opened RJ Julia Booksellers. Today, we’re celebrating not being a bookstore, but being a village that houses all of us—a village that allows us the opportunity to introduce you to books. What a privilege that we’ve been able to do that for 29 years. . (Swipe to see Roxanne on opening day—eight months pregnant!) . We’d love to celebrate with you! Stop by the store from 4–5 PM for a kids party with free homemade sugar cookies and get 29% off any one kids book. From 5–7 PM, we’ll have wine poured by our neighbor, The Wine Thief of Madison, and 29% off of any one adult book. We’d love to see you there!

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Delaware – Browseabout Books, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Florida – Books & Books at the Studios, Key West, FL

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#keywest #booksandbooksatthestudios #selfportrait #booksandbookskw

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Georgia – Charis Books, Atlanta, GA

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Our new signs are up just in time for our Grand Re-Opening Party on @indiebookstoreday and @agnesscottcollege alumni weekend! Thanks to Moonfish Collective for the design and Kay's Signs of Decatur for making them (and for generously donating so many banners to help us during our move!) We are so happy! #feministbookstore #independentbookstoreday #grandreopening #ascalumnaeweekend2019

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Hawaii – Talk Story Bookstore, Hanapepe, HI

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Welcome to The Westernmost Bookstore in the U.S. ?150,000 books to choose from ?We are open everyday 10-5pm ; Fridays until 9pm ???#bookstore #kauai #hanapepe #bookstorecats #bookstorecat

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Idaho – Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID

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Vincent Hannity is captivating our imaginations this evening by transporting us back in time to Ancient Greece. ✨?⚔️ . . . #localauthorevent #ancientgreekmythology #localbookstore

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Illinois – Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville, IL

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I spy @bailey_no_ordinary_cat. Do you?

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Indiana – Hyde Brothers, Ft. Wayne, IN

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We're excited to debut our brand new t-shirts, seen here being modeled by two of our staff members, Laurie and Caitlyn, who clearly shouldn't quit their day jobs to become models. ? Our new shirts are dark gray in color and come in sizes small to 3x. Show your love for Indiana's best-loved bookstore (that's us!) for just $19.92 (and we'll let you guess why they are priced that way ?)! #GetEmWhileTheyreHot #thecatsdidntwanttomodel #youcantbuyhappinessbutyoucanbuyashirt #indianasbestlovedbookstore #newarrivals #comfyshirts #bookstore #books #youcantbuyhappinessbutyoucanbuyabook #hydebrothersbooksellers #hydebros #hydebrothers #hydebrosbooks #fortwayne #indiana #dtfw

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Iowa – The Haunted Bookshop, Iowa City, IA

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You want me to hide them. The little colorful things that make big human cubs squeak? and not the heavy ones that make no sound but make humans act like they are having fun and bad dreams and stomachaches all at once? Because they are the same colors but one looks more like eggs ??? What kind of eggs do you EAT?! Now what are you – what are the white fuzzy – oh no, nope, nu, hm-mm, rrrrrrooooooowwwwwww ? you put those on yourself or they don't get put. Rattling shiny things and… hare ears. You guys got a religion that just maybe serves more food? . . . . . . . #bookstore #bookshop #bookstorecats #catthoughts #rabbitears #easterbunny #hidingeggs #dice #shiny #bizarre #ritual #commercialcandyday #thingswedoforkids #lostintranslation #chocolateappropriation #goodjewishboy #passtheplate #firsteatthenwetalk #happyeasterfriends

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Kansas – Rainy Day Books, Fairway, KS

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@rainydaybooks could also be called Arctic Day Books, as it was one of two stops on our day out on the town during subzero temperatures. Because, let’s be honest, I’m terrible at entertaining my kids at home. We only bought a picture book for a friend’s birthday gift, but I’m already planning my birthday trip back here in a few weeks… What would you do if you had an unexpected day off school with the kids? Cozy up at home with a book, or venture out to find a new read? Be honest – there are no wrong answers. ?. . . . . . #kcbookstagram #bookstagram #rainydaybooks #indiebookstore #independentbookstore #indiebooks #kansascity #bookstorebrowsing #bookstoresofinstagram #bookstorelover #books #booklover #shelfie

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Kentucky – Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Lexington, KY

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We love this so much! Thank you for letting us be part of the journey! • @chashensleyky I’m a woman; raising men ♥️ #fearlessfemales #respect #theloveofawoman #motherhustler #momlife #whoruntheworld #girls #women #josephbeth #womenshistorymonth #bookworms #kidswhoread

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Louisiana – Faulkner House Books, New Orleans, LA

Maine – Longfellow Books, Portland, ME

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"Goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere…" The end of a long week! Visit us on Monday to see what the new week will bring (books, books, and more books!). #margaretwisebrownquotebecausewhynot?

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Maryland – Second Story Books, Rockville, MD

Massachusetts – Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Boston, MA

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Great suggestions from @lorenzomagnus at @tridentbooks on #independentbookstoreday – get stuck into #thelovefool #boston #bookstoreday #italy #rome #novel #goodread #romcom

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Michigan – John K. King Used and Rare Books, Detroit, MI

Minnesota – Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN

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It’s a BEAUTIFUL day in the neighborhood! The sun is shining, the high is in the 70s, and the birds are DEAFENING! We’re open our usual 10-5 today, with a visit from Roda Ahmed at 11:00! Come on by the bookshop!

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Mississippi – Square Books, Oxford, MS

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Happy selfie day, y’all. #tbt

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Missouri – Left Bank Books, St. Louis, MO

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Thank you, St. Louis, for a wonderful Independent Bookstore Day 2019! #bookstoreday #stl #bookstagram #lbb50

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Montana – Country Bookshelf, Bozeman, MT

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We've been feeling the love lately ?Thanks @claratreckrealtor! #Repost @claratreckrealtor (@get_repost) ・・・ Our very own @countrybookshelf was voted one of the best bookstores in the 50 states! This bookstore never fails to please and has its own events monthly. Follow my Facebook page for their April calendar to start planning your month. They have an exciting line up! #downtownbozeman #bozemanmontana #bozemanmt #bozeman #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #bozemanmontana #bozeman #montana #belgrade #bozemanmontanarealestate #montanarealestate #bozemanrealestate #buyhomes #sellhomes #dreamhome #househunting #househunt #realestatelife #realty #realestatebozeman #realestatemontana #homesweethome #property #home #housing

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Nebraska – Indigo Bridge Books, Lincoln, NE

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Indigo Bridge Books in Lincoln, Neb., is "the eclectic independent bookstore with a purpose." Read more in today's Pro, link in bio.

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Nevada – Sundance Books and Music, Reno, NV

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What a fantastic evening celebrating with our dear friend Michael Branch out on the front porch reading from his new book, "Rants From The Hill," a hilarious collection of stories about our wild desert (and culture) and the characters in it. A big thanks to @greatbasinbrewing for supplying some great thirst quenching beverages!

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New Hampshire – Gibson’s Bookstore, Concord, NH

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Thank you to the wonderful crowd who came out tonight to DISCUSS (but not agree on!) important hot-button political topics as part of the Open Discussion Project! It is important that we learn to hear each other, even when we do not agree. #revivecivility #OpenDiscussionProject #indiebookstore

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New Jersey – Montclair Book Center, Montclair, NJ

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It’s miserable outside, but if you get a little cabin fever and want to brave the weather, we are open until 2 pm today! And as an added bonus, since everyone is staying inside it looks like there is plenty of street parking right now! . . . . #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookshelf #bibliophile #indiebookstore #booklove #booknerd #snowday #cold #shopsmall #shoplocal

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New Mexico – Collected Works Bookstore and Coffeehouse, Santa Fe, NM

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We had to walk uphill through the snow both ways to get here (heh) but we’re open ??☕️ come stomp off your boots, get some coffee, and pick up your next snow day read.

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New York – Strand Book Store, New York, NY

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Happy #IndieBookstoreDay! ?? Thank you for loving us, supporting us, and getting lost among our shelves (P.S. click the link in bio for tips on how to find your lost bookworm ?). Feel free to pop in to celebrate with us! We're open from 9:30am – 10:30pm.⠀ ⠀ ?: @nycbookgirl

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North Carolina – Main Street Books, Davidson, NC

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We got to remind everyone tonight that @tommyltomlinson was nominated for a Pulitzer for a column that ran on his wedding day about finding love later in life. While sports and music are what he’s known for, it felt fitting as we head into February. And tonight, Davidson showed up for Tommy! We love his tender heart, the way he listens so carefully, and the way he puts words together into stories. Go read his memoir, friends – The Elephant in the Room! #siba #readermeetwriter #bookstore #indiebookstore #sro #davidsonnc

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North Dakota – Zandbroz Variety, Fargo, ND

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This place is just the best. I can never leave without taking one home. #zandbrozvariety #downtownfargo

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Oklahoma – Gypsysnark Books, Stillwater, OK

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New fave place. #notalibrary #books #everywhere #gypsysnark #usedbooks

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Oregon – Bloomsbury Books – Ashland, OR

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We have a great sale on choice hardcover books right now. Come on in and check it out! #sale #bloomsburyashland #

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Pennsylvania – Farley’s Bookshop, New Hope, PA

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Are we open extra early today? You bet your sweet jinglebells we are! Come on down, we've got your last-minute needs covered!

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Rhode Island – Cellar Stories, Providence, RI

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Some small visitors today

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South Carolina – Blue Bicycle Books, Charleston, SC

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today is the LAST day to vote for us for best bookstore and best used bookstore in the City Paper’s Best of Charleston! Link in bio!

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South Dakota – Mitzi’s Books, Rapid City, SD

Tennessee – Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN

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Happy Independent Bookstore Day! We’ve had a blast so far — regulars, out-of-towners, literary editors, WXNA DJs, a prom photo shoot (what?), a Keltie-Keltie meetup. What do you love about bookstores? . #bookstoreday #keltieclub #prom #photos #indiebookstore #independentbookstoreday #nashville #what #draft #books

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Texas – Bookpeople, Austin, TX

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Looking for that PERFECT last-minute gift? Prefer to do your shopping when you can feel the rush of adrenaline from countdown clock thrills? Need something to read as you unwind this evening near a cozy fireplace with warm cider? We’ve got all of our favorite books of the year out on display for your perusal! We have fiction, nonfiction, Teen and Kids displays! Stop in and wander around, we’ll be here until 9PM tonight, and from 12-6 on Christmas! #bookdisplay #christmastimeishere #independentbookstore #shopsmall #shoplocal #favoritebooks

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Utah – King’s English, Salt Lake City, UT

Vermont – Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, VT

Virginia – Chop Suey Books, Richmond, VA

Washington –Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA

West Virginia – Taylor Books, Charleston, WV

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Nov. 3rd – Saturday Story Hour in the Children’s section @ 11 a.m. This week’s theme? Diwali! Join us for crafts, snacks, and lights! Mr. Daniel will be hosting. Note that this week’s hour begins at 11:00 a.m. #bookstagram #taylorbooks #storyhour #bookworm #coffee #cwv

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Wisconsin – Dotters Books, Eau Claire, WI

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Our first #smallbusinesssaturday in our little shop has us feeling so thankful. Thank you to everyone that stopped in today and spent some time with us. Thank you to all of the fellow small business owners who have encouraged and supported us as we work toward this dream. This is an incredible community and we’re so honored to be a part of it. And HUGE thanks to @caldid who generously put together our beautiful holiday decorations.? Happy Holidays!

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Wyoming – Sidekicks Bookbar, Rock Springs, WY

Did your favorite store make the list?