Denver Bookstores: Everything You Need to Know

Today’s technology offers a million and one ways to read a book, so why visit a bookstore when you can get everything you need online?  There’s just something about holding an actual book and Denver bookstores offer that and so much more.

From comfy places to sit and lose yourself in the harmony of flipping through a coffee table book to wrapping your hands around a warm mug of freshly brewed coffee, Denver bookstores will not only calm your soul, they will revitalize your passion for the written word.

Your smartphone will be long forgotten as soon as you step into one of these well-loved Denver bookstores.

The Bookies Bookstore

For over 45 years, The Bookies Bookstore has been a local favorite in Denver. With over 100,000 titles available for all ages, all professions, and all genres, including classroom sets and educational resources for teachers, parents and kids, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

Started in a room in Sue Lubeck’s basement over 45 years ago because she thought the kids of Denver needed a magical bookstore, her collection of books soon spilled out into the hallways and beyond. Community focused and independently owned, Bookies is still that magical place Sue envisioned so long ago.

“Best bookstore for kids I’ve ever found. Story time is a must. There are tons of teaching tools to song with every children’s book I could imagine.” (Michyle B, customer)

Address: 4315 E. Mississippi Ave., Denver, CO 80246

Tattered Cover Bookstore – Colfax

A Denver original bookstore opening its doors in 1971, Tattered Covered knows the Denver community. Moving from its original location in Cherry Creek to a renovated theatre on Colfax in 2006, Tattered Cover remains a fixture in Denver bookstores.

Dotted throughout its expansive, yet intimate space, are large sofas, overstuffed chairs, and reading nooks, allowing for plenty of places to get lost amidst the pages of your favorite books. Complete with a cozy coffee shop, a variety of book and community related events and happening, used books and thousands upon thousands of titles, Tattered Cover on Colfax will keep you reading for years.

“Wonderful indie bookstore with a fun birthday discount and the feel of a treasure trove. Looking forward to more fun events.” (Laurie G., customer)

Address: 2526 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80206

Capitol Hill Books

Built on community, this landmark Denver bookstore has been serving the Denver area for over 35 years. From everything you can think of to the hard to locate, Capitol Hill Books will do their best to supply you with what you need from the pages of a book.

A bookstore that offers up mystery boxes of books to get you started on your book journey is a bookstore full of adventure.  With a variety of genres and pricing levels to choose from, Capitol Hill Books offers a unique opportunity to support a local bookstore while expanding your library.

“A bookstore is nothing without the community it serves. At Capitol Hill Books we support our community by offering friendly service to all of our customers and by helping community organizations.”

Address: 300 E. Colfax, Denver, CO 80203

West Side Books

This Denver bookstore has been a staple in the Highlands community for over 20 years.  Specializing in used, unusual and rare books, along with thousands of new titles, your curiosity for the old and interest in the new will both be piqued.

Lois Harvey brings your 40 plus years of bookselling expertise to you, so when you are looking for something very specific, Lois is the one to look for first. Along with this expertise, Lois also brings concerts, readings, and other literary events to the community.

“West Side Books is a magical place where time stands still, and I become a child again. The world opens up in this haven of warmly nestled books. The staff are ever passionate about helping find goodies just for you, while equality delighted if you want to get lost in your own intimate exploration. West Side Books is an absolute treasure!” (Bonnie H., customer)

Address: 3434 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, CO 80211

Kilgore Books & Comics

This used book and indie comic shop has been in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood since 2008 and also offers a comic publishing service through friends of Kilgore. With a rotating selection of sci-fi, fantasy, philosophy, history, science, digital comics and local stuff (in their words), Kilgore Books will keep you entertained and seeking for that elusive find for hours.

“Great selection, particularly of zines, graphic novels, and science fiction (as well as every other section, there’s really no weakness here). The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the location is great. Kilgore is a treasure.” (Sean G., customer)

Address: 624 E. 13th Ave., Denver, CO 80203

Fahrenheit’s Books

We seek out books, but at Fahrenheit’s they believe a book seeks you. Known for its emphasis on vintage paperbacks, science fiction, history, and metaphysics, you’ll be sure to connect with that book that you never knew you needed.

This Denver bookstore is also well-known for its eclectic collection of all books. So, while you may not find that popular book that everyone’s been talking about here, you will most definitely find that one that could become your most beloved book of all time.

“One of our favorite places and certainly favorite book store. Have found items here that have been near impossible to find elsewhere.” (Shelli M., customer)

Address: 210 S. Broadway, #1510, Denver, C0 80209

Hermitage Antiquarian Bookshop

Established in 1973, this Cherry Creek North bookshop is one of Denver’s oldest independent bookshops. Hermitage Antiquarian specializes in rare and vintage books along with 1st editions and Victorian yellowbacks. Each visit here is a new adventure with its 25,000 rotating titles. 

“I wish I had more poetry to extol the virtues of this lovely shop and its proprietors. I had been searching for a gift for a friend, I found several very reasonably priced first editions of her favorite authors, the perfect gift!” (Chela N., customer)

Address: 290 Fillmore St., Denver, Co 80206

Those Beloved Denver Bookstores 

In so leaving your beloved device behind, we hope you have found that books have become beloved.  Those brittle old pages that tell stories within stories, within pages upon pages.

Those hard backs or paper backs that will now go with you more so than your phone. If that is the case, then these Denver bookstores have done their job well.

Now, grab your beloved book, curl up on your favorite chair with your favorite blanket, and let that device of yours catch some dust.  Because your books will not.

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