Let local bookstores ignite your summer reading
Rosaura “Chawa” Magaña (center) is the owner of Palabras Bilingual Bookstore
Summer is the season of relaxation, exploration and the perfect opportunity to delve into the captivating world of books. And what better way to curate your summer reading list than by embracing the offerings of a local bookstore?
Picture yourself stepping into one of these beloved establishments. Engrossing mysteries, epic adventures, poignant memoirs and lyrical poetry all lie within your reach, ready to accompany you on your summer escapades.
But it's not just the books themselves that make local bookstores special, it's the passionate individuals who lovingly tend their collections, the knowledgeable staff who eagerly share recommendations, and the sense of community that emanates from these neighborhood literary havens.
Read on for a list of local bookstores to support this summer…
Tucson
Antigone Books America’s first 100% solar-powered bookstore is located in downtown Tucson along historic Fourth Avenue. The bookshop is women-owned, fitting as it was named after the Greek mythological character who stood her ground against male authority figures.
Amazing Discoveries Calling all comic book enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned fan or a curious newcomer, the store’s shelves are brimming with an exciting array of heroes and villains, waiting to capture your imagination. Amazing Discoveries also hosts weekly gaming events and has expanded its locations to Casa Grande, Gilbert and Glendale.
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange Founded in 1976 on a set of core values with community in mind, Bookmans has six locations you can shop throughout the state including Flagstaff, Tucson, Phoenix and Mesa. They regularly host in-store events and offer a huge variety of books, movies, music and more.
Flagstaff
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange Founded in 1976 on a set of core values with community in mind, Bookmans has six locations you can shop throughout the state including Flagstaff, Tucson, Phoenix and Mesa. They regularly host in-store events and offer a huge variety of books, movies, music and more.
Bright Side Bookshop This bookshop’s mission is “to be a gathering space for community, connection and a civil exchange of ideas.” Based in Flagstaff, check out their “Braving The Brightest” reading challenge that gets book lovers out of their reading comfort zones and having fun!
Looking for more? Check out this list of local reads written by Arizona authors to enjoy this summer.
Greater Phoenix
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange Founded in 1976 on a set of core values with community in mind, Bookmans has six locations you can shop throughout the state including Flagstaff, Tucson, Phoenix and Mesa. They regularly host in-store events and offer a huge variety of books, movies, music and more.
Changing Hands Bookstore Founded in 1974 in Tempe, Changing Hands boasts an impressive array of new and used books, along with an enticing selection of unique gifts and toys. Every year, the store hosts over 300 author events, making it a vibrant hub for bookworms. In 2014, a new chapter in the store's story began with the opening of a second location at The Newton, an innovative adaptive reuse project. Patrons here can savor wine, beer and coffee drinks from the space’s “book bar” while taking in the vast selection of books.
Grassrootz Bookstore Located in the historic Eastlake Park area of downtown Phoenix, Grassrootz has a significant distinction as the only Black-owned bookstore in the state. Niche books are a big part of the draw here, as are their efforts to foster positive connections within the community. Every purchase made here helps support the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee for Justice.
Palabras Bilingual Bookstore On a mission to promote cultural representation and diversity through literature and language, Palabras is part cultural hub and part bookstore alongside an art gallery, a workshop and an event space. The staff also cultivates a garden that feeds members of the community. Learn more about their fundraising efforts.
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore In business since 1989, this Old Town Scottsdale shop is celebrated for its schedule of author and literary events and its global outreach through webcasts and worldwide shipping. They also boast a diverse range of subscription book clubs tailored to offer readers a fresh selection of page-turning tomes every month.
