Las Vegas Bookstores: The Ultimate Guide for Bookworms

Find the perfect booktopia to satisfy all your literature leanings

Although Las Vegas is not often lauded for its literary richness, the city’s underappreciated arts and cultural scene is booming, with its annual book fairs, author readings, writing workshops, offbeat zines and poetry slams.

It may be surprising to locals and travelers that there are over a dozen independent bookstores here. Unlike other competitive companies, this budding bookstore community is forming a friendly circle in which they help one another by promoting other independent bookstores in town. Several booksellers carry a list of all of the independent and locally-owned bookshops for guests who are interested.

This handy guide shows curious readers where to look next for a wide range of novels, comics and other bookish goods. Each shop has its own personality, with rare specialties and quirky charms. Before embarking on your next literary adventure, explore this alphabetical list of local bookstores.

1. Alternate Reality Comics

Here’s my hot take. Comic books don’t get enough credit in the literary world, although there are many prolific graphic novels that prove they are worthy of it.

It’s not too late to give them a fair shot by visiting Alternate Reality Comics. It is the oldest comic and collectible bookstore in Las Vegas. Lonely Planet, a travel website, says the store “fills its shelves with the hippest graphic novels.” This geek-friendly shop also sells Japanese manga, collectibles and zines.

Guests may take in an engrossing graphic novel while relaxing on one of their comfy couches. If you’re not sure where to start, there are several critically-acclaimed graphic novel memoirs that I highly recommend such as, “Persepolis,” “The Complete Maus: A Survivor’s Tale,” and “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic.”

The Deets

Location: 5300 S. Eastern Ave. #130, Las Vegas, NV 89119 

Hours: Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Website: https://alternaterealitycomics.net/newsite/

2. The Analog Dope Store (Arts District) 

Established in 2022, The Analog Dope Store in the Arts District is a one-stop shop for bookworms and music lovers. This local treasure carries a diversely curated collection featuring an emphasis on artistry, culture, entrepreneurship, spirituality, young adult and children’s literature. 

Two Black musicians, Rachelle “Analog LUST” Luster and Cierra “Charlie Muse” Luster, founded this versatile vintage outlet. They formed a friendship out of a mutual love of music, which bloomed into a beautiful marriage and business collaboration.

Charlie and Rachelle, owners of Analog Dope / Courtesy of Analog Dope

According to Millennial in Motion Magazine, the couple, who have lived in Las Vegas for 20 years, created this business to strengthen the presence of Black culture in the community. This hip hideaway offers an unparalleled experience as most collector experiences have gone digital.

The Deets

Location: 205 E. Colorado Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89104

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.;

Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Website: https://www.analogdope.com/

3. Avantpop Bookstore

Every bookcase needs something out of the ordinary to spice it up. Avantpop Bookstore features everything a modern-day beatnik could want, whether it’s a one-of-a-kind local zine or an eyebrow-raising paperback. This quirky bookshop sells a variety of signed books, art prints, handmade zines, postcards and a motley mix of merchandise that’s different from any other shop on this list.

This bookstore embodies a perfect blend of nostalgia, underground art, contemporary and classic novels. It is easy to get lost in all the shop’s charming qualities, with its intimate layout featuring eye-catching showpieces at every turn. Similar to Analog Dope, this store reminds me of everything most locals love about attending First Friday, but instead of it spanning across 18-blocks of downtown, it’s all neatly and conveniently stored in one spot.

Don’t forget to pick up a complimentary Self Love Letter on the way out. Las Vegas’ “Zine Queen,” Elizabeth Allen Berry, crafted a collection of pocket-sized notes in a small basket near the front entrance. It’s a colorful freebie penned with words of encouragement and also makes for a sweet bookmark.

The Deets

Location: 900 Karen Ave. Suite D-102, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Hours: Wednesday through Monday from noon to 7 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays

Website: https://www.avantpopbooks.com/home

4. Bauman Rare Books (On the Strip)

What makes a book rare?

According to Bauman Rare Books, a famous bookstore inside the Palazzo, it is one that is important, desirable and scarce.

Bauman Rare Books is the most famous bookstore on this list. “Pawn Stars,” a hit television series specializing in rare collectibles, art and memorabilia, has featured this antiquarian shop several times. The experienced staff is well-researched in all the books they offer, which is helpful for collectors and clients. Book experts at Bauman’s have earned advanced degrees in literature, history and library science. This is the ultimate utopia for a bibliophile.

The shop boasts rare editions and has gained an extraordinary selection of top-notch tomes. From children’s books to literary classics, the bookshelves in this store are brimming with intriguing tales.

The Deets

Location: 3327 S. Las Vegas Blvd Suite 2856, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (Inside The Venetian)

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Website: https://www.baumanrarebooks.com/about-us/locations.aspx?location=lasvegas

5. Copper Cat Books (Henderson)

About four years have passed since Copper Cat Books first opened its doors in the Amador Plaza. Alta, a literary community in California, recently listed this bookseller as one of the top 85 bookshops in the region. Animal lovers will appreciate the store’s semi-resident feline friend named Mickey. Contrary to the name, the cat is black, not copper.

The bookstore bargains at Copper Cat Books are ideal for readers on a budget, as it offers 40 percent off most in-stock and all warehouse purchases. Its ever growing diverse collection includes both used books and new releases. With over 50,000 books in their inventory, there’s bound to be something for every reader on their shelves. There’s even a “Harry Potter” room.

The Deets

Location: 1570 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy. Ste. #170, Henderson, NV 89012

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: https://www.coppercatbooks.com/

6. Dam Roasthouse and Browder Bookstore (Boulder City)

Although happiness can’t be bought, grabbing a good book and a hot cup of coffee at a cute bookshop is almost the same thing. The good news is that a bibliophile can get both at Dam Roasthouse and Browder Bookstore in Boulder City. This indie bookstore specializes on local authors, intriguing titles, and new releases, as well as a weekly rotating used book section.

Courtesy of Dam Roasthouse and Browder Bookstore

This quaint shop also serves “Thoughtful Eats.” Their menu accommodates every dietary need and supports small businesses by serving locally-sourced ingredients when possible. From Vegan Coffee Cake to Pancake Bacon Dippers, the restaurant side of the business serves a variety of tasty dishes fit for all palates. The coffee shop also serves delicious lattes and teas that pair well with their light bites.

Courtesy of Dam Roasthouse and Browder Bookstore

The Deets

Location: 554 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005

Hours: Monday through Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: https://damroasthousebc.com/

7. Diamond Sutra Books

Diamond Sutra Books is an artsy bookstore tucked away on the ground floor of the Downtown Arts Factory. The shop’s cozy space features a few couches, a centered coffee table and quirky knick-knacks. The decor feels homelike and intimate, unlike a traditional corporate bookshop setting.

Readers skimming the shelves will spot famed authors like Stephen King as well as classic ones like Ernest Hemingway. Diamond Sutra Books also features sections dedicated to LGBTQ+ and Black History books. In addition to the books, the downtown shop also offers used vinyl LPs for nostalgic music lovers and collectors. Prices range from $5 to $15 for books, but they also carry extravagant leather-bound books and first editions that are more costly.

The Deets

Location: 107 E. Charleston Blvd. #105, Las Vegas, NV 89104

Hours: Thursday and Friday from noon to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/diamondsutrabookslv/

8. Dragon Castle Books

Do you enjoy reading science fiction? If so, you will appreciate Dragon Castle Books impressive collection. The family-owned and operated bookshop is much bigger than it looks on the outside (similar to Doctor Who’s Tardis). It is a quiet place where a bookworm may happily wander through the wall-to-wall rows of books. The space even has that intoxicating old book smell. Bibliophiles know what I mean.

Since September 2014, this local bookseller has supplied a diverse selection of books ranging from classical literature to political science, but their specialization is science fiction and graphic novels. To find great book deals, check out Dragon Castle’s “Books $20 and Under” section on their website. Book collectors may also want to look into their rare offerings, like “A Magician’s Tour” and “Japanese Fairy Tales,” which are the most expensive ones currently listed on the website.

Courtesy of Melissa Gill

You may also swap and sell your books here, which is a great way to support sustainable practices, too.

The Deets

Location: 3142 N. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89108

Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Website: https://dragon-castle-books.square.site/

9. Great Wall Bookstore

Next time you’re in Chinatown stop by the Great Wall Bookstore. The shop sells a variety of books, ranging from Chinese-English translations to East Asia medicine. Browse this outlet for authentic Chinese stationery, Asian media, puzzles, and festival decorations. According to the website, this bookshop has served as a trusted source for current Chinese media for 30 years.

Another standout offering at this bookstore is its stamp collection. Since 1987, the Great Wall Bookstore has been dealing and collecting stamps. The shop’s extensive selection of Chinese and Asian stamps is something you won’t see anywhere else.

The Deets

Location: 4255 W. Spring Mountain Road C105-6, Las Vegas, NV 89102

Hours: Open daily from 10:15 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Website: https://greatwallbooks.com/

10. Hasta Siempre Books (Downtown)

What makes Hasta Siempre Books stand out?

“I think it’s unique because I really take my time micro-curating it, finding really ‘out there’ books that I think people would want in their collection,” says Pedro, owner of Hasta Siempre. “I like sharing new things with people, and that’s the inspiration behind [opening the store].”

Courtesy of Hasta Siempre

Hasta Siempre Books offers a multitude of unexpected novelties, especially for individuals who like rich art and cultural relics. It’s also worth highlighting the store’s vintage t-shirt corner, as well as its shelf of DVDs and exceptional collectibles.

Prices vary anywhere from $10 for an old copy of “Pleasure of the Damned,” a collection of poems by Charles Bukowski, to $300 for an out-of-print book by Raf Simons, a Belgian fashion designer. This vibrant bookstore is sure to have something special for anyone looking to expand their home library.

The Deets

Location: 1020 Fremont St. (inside the Gather House)

Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: www.instagram.com/hastasiemprebooks/

11. Las Vegas Books

I can’t be the only one that misses the shuttered bookstore, Amber Unicorn Books. The good news is that Las Vegas Books is reminiscent of it. With its wide variety of used books, its bibliosmia (that’s the official name of “old book smell”) and friendly bookstore clerk, it’s sure to make any literature lover feel right at home.

In front of the store, there is a petite cart with books offered for $1.99 or less, which is a great bargain. While inside the store, there are also rare book editions on display that will excite collectors. Another great feature of this outlet is its blue donation box out front, where people may drop off old books to contribute to Spread the Word Nevada, a local children’s literary nonprofit that provides books to kids in at-risk, low-income communities.

Aside from what seems like endless rows of nearly ceiling-high bookshelves, the store also offers a few other intriguing items, such as Harry Potter mystery bags, black-and-white photography prints and bracelets with dangly literary-related charms. The outlet bills itself as a “friendly and affordable bookstore,” which couldn’t be a more accurate tagline.

The Deets

Location: 4790 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/LasVegasBooks/

12. Psychic Eye Bookshop (Multiple Locations)

Imagine entering a mystical shop perfumed with earthy incense that’s filled with metaphysical books, crystals, candles, oils and professional psychics. Psychic Eye Bookshop is exactly that. It prides itself on being “the largest and most comprehensive New and Old Age bookseller and metaphysical gift supplier in the United States,” according to their website.

The spiritual shop offers several categories of books, including divination, astrology, healing crystals, herbology, dream interpretation, spellcraft, psychic development and more. In a glass display case, they also sell handmade leather-bound journals, jewelry and other witchy goodies. It’s no doubt the most enchanting spot on this list.

The Deets

Location: 6848 W Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89117 and 

5835 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89119

9550 S. Eastern Avenue, Henderson, NV 89074

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Website: https://pebooksandgifts.com/

13. R.D. Talley Books (Meadows Mall Kiosk)

On the first floor of the Meadows Mall, there is a bookstore kiosk named R.D. Talley Books. This local business offers a variety of books and services, including publishing. Its wide selection of literature includes company-published books, Bi-Lingual, Biographies, Comics, Inspirational and more. Some of the special services the shop provides are spoken word and keynote speaking; writing services; event vending; book reviews; full book publishing; consulting; as well as online and physical bookstores.

Courtesy of R.D. Talley Books

The owner, Roderick D. Talley, was born in Oklahoma but was raised in several different cities. In 2019, after enduring some hard times, he returned to writing and started his own company to create his own brand of books. Talley credits his writing gifts to God and wants to help other writers from being taken advantage of financially, according to the website.

His bookstand is a testament to not only his faith but also his love of writing and books. Even though it’s only a small section of the mall right now, Talley has plans on expanding his business, which includes its own storefront slated to open in mid-May.

The Deets

Location: 4300 Meadows Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89107

Website: https://www.rdtalleybooks.com/

14. The Writer’s Block

The Writer’s Block is more than a bookstore. It is a thriving space for literature lovers to gather and share their love of books. This whimsical shop hosts author meet-and-greets, readings, workshops and other community events. 

Throughout the store, there are cardboard cutouts of prolific writers, eye-catching art, and thoughtfully curated book displays. It’s easy to get lost in this book haven while browsing its diverse shelves. When it opened in 2014, it was the only independent local bookstore in Las Vegas at that time.

Not only does it have an excellent book selection, but it also features other unique offerings. The Writer’s Block has an artificial bird sanctuary with soft toy birds, a resident rabbit in the children’s book section, a quaint coffee shop, and it sells elegant stationery sets. The cashier is situated in a large-scale birdcage, which fits its eclectic plush-feather friend theme.

The Deets

Location: 519 S. 6th Street, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Hours: Monday-Sunday 10-7 p.m., Coffee Shop 10-4 p.m.

Website: https://www.thewritersblock.org/


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