New & Used Bookstores Around Rochester
Books can take us on a journey through all of time and space. Bookstores can take us on a journey around Rochester!
If you’re looking for a new adventure through reading, check out these bookstores around Rochester, where you can find a wide variety of new and used books.
City of Rochester
Akimbo Books
Rochester – University Ave, NOTA
Sells new books.
From Rachel on Akimbo’s website: “Akimbo Bookshop is an independent bookstore in Rochester, New York’s Neighborhood of the Arts that focuses on small presses, social justice, and international fiction (though we have a little bit of everything!)” The bookstore hosts a variety of book and community events.
Archivist Books
Rochester – Monroe Ave, Upper Monroe
Sells new books.
From Taylor on Archivist’s website: “Archivist Books is a queer bookstore based in Rochester, NY. My love of literature began very early, and I’d often be spotted walking while reading or being told to put the book down at the dinner table. Now, I’ve curated a space for and with queer folks in mind. Every book on the shelf is queer, and I pride myself on sourcing small press lit and indie queer writers to have in store. Archivist is a love letter to queerness.” Hosts a variety of book and community events.
Ampersand
Rochester – University Ave, NOTA
Sells new books.
From their website: “Ampersand Books is owned and operated by Writers & Books, Rochester’s leading nonprofit literary arts center. Our intimate space boasts a curated selection of award-winning and hard-to-find fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Specialties include small press titles, texts focused on social justice, and books by local authors.” The bookstore also hosts a variety of book and community events.
Before Your Quiet Eyes
Rochester – Monroe Ave, Pearl-Meigs-Monroe
From their website: “Before Your Quiet Eyes is a used and rare bookstore that also sells art, photography, and ephemera and hosts readings and art exhibits.”
Bookeater
Rochester – South Clinton Ave, South Wedge
Offers a cafe and new books. Hosts a variety of book and community events.
Greenwood Books
Rochester – East Ave, East End
Sells used and rare books.
From their website: “Since 1998, Greenwood Books has provided Rochester with used fiction & non-fiction. Stop by for updates on sales, special events, and book offerings.”
Hipocampo Children’s Books
Rochester – South Clinton Ave, South Wedge
Sells mainly new books.
Hippocampo is a local woman- and Latinx-owned independent children’s bookstore. From their website: “Exciting children’s bookstore on South Avenue. We even have a growing adult selection. A community and regional beacon of children’s literature and programming.” Hosts a variety of book and community events.
Rick’s Recycled Books
Rochester – Monroe Ave, Pearl-Meigs-Monroe
Sells mainly used books. No website.
Small World Books
Rochester – North St., South Marketview Heights
Sells mainly used books. Hosts a variety of book and community events.
The Unreliable Narrator
Rochester – Village Gate, NOTA
Sells new books, toys, games, and gifts. Hosts a variety of book and community events.
Monroe County
Another Chapter Bookstore
Fairport
Sells new books, puzzles, and games in a cozy, community-oriented, inclusive space. It also hosts a variety of book and community events.
anotherchapterbookstorefairport.com
Bleak House Books
Honeoye Falls
Sells new and used books in a beautifully restored historic building. Hosts a variety of book and community events.
Book Culture
Pittsford
Sells mainly new books. There is a diverse assortment of books, stationery, and gifts. Make sure to visit the separate building behind the primary shop, where the children’s books and toy shop is located.
Bookends
For a while, it looked like Bookends was closing, but the owner decided to keep it going! Check their Facebook page for current hours.
Corner Bookstore
Fairport
Book sales support the Fairport Library. The store’s inventory of gently used and collectible books donated by the local community is modestly priced. Proceeds support library programs. Volunteers staff the store.
Lift Bridge Book Shop
Brockport
Sells new books on the first floor and used books in the basement.
Mainly Books
Hilton
Book sales support Parma Public Library. The store’s inventory of gently used and collectible books donated by the local community is modestly priced. Proceeds support library programs. Volunteers staff the store.
Secondhand Prose Bookstore
Greece
Book sales support Greece Public Library. Offers gently used books donated by the Friends of the Greece Public Library.
Yesterday’s Muse Books
Webster
Specializes in antiquarian, collectible, secondhand books, and book repairs. It also sells books online. Owner Jonathan Smalter is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA) and former vice president of the Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA).
Barnes & Noble
Find BN bookstores in Greece, Pittsford, Webster, and Eastview Mall in Victor. Also, look for Barnes and Noble at the University of Rochester in Collegtown, which caters primarily to students but offers a variety of books.
Greater Rochester
Books & Fields
Perry, Wyoming County
Specializes in used and rare books.
Books, ETC.
Macedon, Wayne County
Specializes in new and used books. Hosts a variety of book and community events.
The Dog Eared Book
Palmyra, Wayne County
New, used & rare books, specializing in used books in excellent condition. A unique selection of literary-themed gifts, such as socks, candles, and soaps.
Sulfur Books
Clifton Springs, Ontario County
Specializes in new and used books. There has been a bookstore at this location for over 100 years. Hosts a variety of book and community events.
More Bookshops in the Greater Rochester Area
Author’s Note
Medina
Sundance Books
Geneseo
Touch of Grayce
Geneseo
Surrounding Counties
Choosing a bookstore as a destination is a great starting point for planning a day trip!
Alice, Ever After Books
Buffalo
Bookworm Books
East Aurora
Buffalo Street Books
Ithaca
Dog Ears Bookstore & Cafe
Buffalo
Golden Bee Bookshop
Liverpool
Lock City Books
Lockport
Odyssey Bookstore
Ithaca
Parthenon Books
Syracuse
The River’s End Bookstore
Oswego
Talking Leaves…Books
Buffalo
Westside Stories
Buffalo
More Places to Find Used Books
Give and receive from a Little Free Library
Visit a library book sale
Visit places like Goodwill and The Salvation Army. Goodwill also has a books-only location in Webster.
What I say is, a town isn’t a town without a bookstore? It may call itself a town, but unless it’s got a bookstore, it knows it’s not foolin’ a soul.
Neil Gaiman, American Gods
