4 independent bookstores around San Jose, CA

Hey, San Jose. There’s nothing like opening a new book — and if you’re like us, there’s something special about buying one locally. For all you literary lovers, here are four independent bookstores in our area. 📖

Wanna find the closest one to you? Check our interactive map . 📍

Sorry, the cats at Recycle Bookstore aren’t for sale. | Photo via @creasemyspine

📚 Recycle Bookstore , 1066 The Alameda + 275 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell

This 40-year-old store’s shelves + carts overflow with used books in almost every room. Explore large collections of science fiction, mystery, literature, art, history, and more. Recycle will buy back books for cash or store credit.

Expect family-friendly events + book signings at Hicklebee’s. | Photo via @lepetitelefant

📚 Hicklebee’s , 1378 Lincoln Ave.

This beloved Willow Glen spot specializes in children’s books, champions local authors + hosts famous authors. Among its many community-oriented programs, we’re a big fan of its Book Bonus Program , where your shopping can directly earn books for local school libraries.

Leigh’s + Bookasaurus are two bookstores in one. | Photo via @the.bookmarker

📚 Leigh’s Favorite Books , 121 + 125 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale

This is a perfect one-stop-shop for gift-giving. Leigh’s offers new + used books, greeting cards, games, socks, and stickers. On the note of giving: you can trade old books for store credit. Don’t miss Bookasaurus — Leigh’s next-door children’s bookstore.

This Bay Area chain brings in many local authors for reading events. | Photo via @emmasreadingagain

📚 Books Inc. , 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Ste. 600, Campbell + other Bay Area locations

As the oldest independent bookseller in the West, this local chain has you covered with new releases + local author events for all ages. We’d recommend the Campbell location’s Thurs., Sept. 8 event with Mary Jo Ignoffo, author of a Sarah Winchester biography.

Thanks to reader Ellyn G. for recommending BookSmart in Morgan Hill.

Have another local bookstore you want to share with our readers? Let us know .

📍 Map it out

Facebook
Twitter
Nextdoor
Email

Nicole Calande

Nicole was born and raised in San Jose, CA, graduated from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR, and is now completing an MFA at SJSU. She has previously worked in book publishing + marketing, and once was a tour guide at the Winchester Mystery House. In her free time, she enjoys local trivia nights, farmers markets, and hiking at Alum Rock Park + beyond.