6 popular bookstores around Phoenix

Phoenix is pretty singular as far as state capitals go. It’s uniquely privileged position sits squarely in the heart of the Valley of the Sun, the multi-city urban sensation in Arizona. The perennial sunny weather and pleasant climate make for the perfect outdoor reading experience. Instead of relying on the usual online sources to get your books, why not go back to the basics and hit up some local Phoenix stores? To that end, we’ve compiled this list of the best bookshops in the region.

Phoenix’s top bookstores for new, used, and comic books

1. Changing Hands Bookstore

Changing Hands Bookstore is what every bookstore should be: focused on promoting literacy and making every dollar count. There is no corporate greed, only a continued 40-year commitment to the Phoenix literary scene. In addition to their vast collection of books spanning numerous subjects, Changing Hands also hosts author events, classes, and workshops. Upcoming highlights include the family-friendly Costume Storytime featuring Curious George, Friday Poetry, and the Writing Workshop with Daniel Magariel. Changing Hands Bookstore is located in both Phoenix and Tempe. The Phoenix store is home to the First Draft Bar.

When: Changing Hands in Phoenix

Monday – Saturday, 9am-10pm | Sunday, 9am-8pm

Changing Hands in Tempe

Monday – Friday, 10am-9pm | Saturday, 9am-9pm | Sunday, 10am-6pm      

Where: Changing Hands in Phoenix – 300 W Camelback Rd

Changing Hands in Tempe – 6428 S McClintock Drive

2. The Poisoned Pen

The Poisoned Pen is perhaps the best-named bookstore on our list. True to their motto (“Your local bookstore. No matter where you live.”), The Poisoned Pen has serviced the Scottsdale community for nearly 25 years. There is no place better to discover hot new fiction reads. What’s more, The Poisoned Pen’s multiple author events pose the perfect opportunity for you to meet the artists behind some groundbreaking works. Upcoming highlights include a Wendy Walker signing, Benjamin Percy’s lecture on the Dark Net, and the Croak & Dagger Book Club meeting.

When: Monday – Friday, 10am-7pm | Saturday, 10am-6pm | Sunday, 12pm-5pm

Where: 4014 N Goldwater Boulevard – Scottsdale, AZ

3. Palabras Bilingual Bookstore

Palabras (“words” in Spanish) plays an invaluable role for cultural exchange in the Phoenix community. Conceived as a safe social space for intercultural dialog and the celebration of works that emphasize the diversity of the world at large, Palabras is the stage where many important discussions take place. You can find important books in both Spanish and English, making it a local treasure for the bilingual population.

When: Monday – Saturday, 9am-7pm | Sunday, 9am-3pm

Where: 1738 E McDowell Road

4. Bookmans

As the state’s biggest second-hand book chain, Bookmans is a staple in the Arizona literary world. Their biggest attraction is their help in rehoming books so you can get rid of unwanted copies and find new treasures on their shelves. Behind the scenes, however, Bookmans is participating in many other important projects. Their core values include activism for animal welfare, defending free speech, committing to helping the environment, and promoting literacy. Take a look at their programs to find out the best way for you to get involved in the Bookmans closest to you.

When: Open every day

Where: Phoenix – 8034 N 19th Avenue

Mesa – 1056 S. Country Club Drive

5. Old Town Books

Old Town Books is a hole-in-the-wall Tempe bookshop with the established tradition of selling out-of-print titles. You can trust the friendly staff and owners to guide you in the right direction when suggestion new titles. Be careful – you’ll walk out with many treasured new titles. Don’t forget to bring cash, because they don’t take credit or debit cards.  

When: Monday – Friday, 11am-5pm (closed on Saturday and Sunday)

Where: 518 S Mill Avenue – Tempe, AZ

6. Dog-Eared Pages Used Books

Dog Eared Pages breaks it down to a simple practice: quality assurance on the out-of-print and rare titles on their inventory and low prices all around. This is a low-key bookstore with an ample reading area, where you can lounge and flip through their collection. They also host quite an eclectic roster of events, so make sure to check out the list of upcoming gigs to find the perfect one for you.

When: Monday – Wednesday, 10am-6pm | Thursday and Friday, 10am-7pm | Saturday, 12pm-5pm | Closed on Sunday

Where: 16428 N 32nd Street # 111

With so many exciting options to choose from, you’re bound to find your new favorite Phoenix bookstore.