Fantasy Bookstores to Have On Your Radar
There’s no shortage of digital spaces for fantasy readers to link up and share recommendations (shoutout to r/fantasybooks) but nothing beats walking into a brick and mortar store, flipping through a new book, and finding a cozy corner where you can read it.
Fantasy bookstores—which usually specialize in science fiction, horror, and general speculative fiction, too—attract big imaginations, but they also bring these imaginations to life. If you can’t get to the Shire (yet…) they’re a pretty sweet substitute. Here are just a few of the reasons we love them.
The Heart of the Quest: Indie Bookstores and Community
All independent bookstores are cornerstones of their communities, but when they specialize in a genre as expansive as fantasy they also create spaces where readers can enjoy all of the many interests and activities that come with fantasy fandom—and maybe turn some like-minded readers into friends.
Creating Safe Havens for Heroes and Dreamers
There are book lovers and then there are fantasy book lovers. For diehards, it can become an entire lifestyle, and at a time when a growing sector of society insists joy is cringe, fantasy bookstores continue to encourage loud and proud enthusiasm. The spirit of fantasy is open and inclusive, and so are its spaces: Anything is possible and everyone is welcome.
Why Local Shops are the Lifeblood of the Fantasy Genre
Fantasy bookshops don’t just cater to current fans, they also invite new ones. For every newbie curious about breaking into the genre, there is a bookseller or fellow patron eager to help them find their perfect fit. They give literal space to titles that might otherwise be siloed in a single bookshelf, and they funnel money to fantasy publishers and authors through sales and events. At the same time, used bookstores help keep the genre’s history alive. (Is there any rush that can compare to finding a first edition or signed copy from your favorite writer?)
Fantasy Book Events and Workshops
Local bookstores are part of a dying breed: the third place. Not work, not home—just a place where friends and neighbors can simply hang out. Event calendars filled with community-focused fantasy gatherings are a nice bonus.
Midnight Release Parties and Author Signings
Fantasy series are arguably the core of the genre, inspiring some of its most passionate readers—the readers who always know when the next book is coming out and are probably counting down the days. Midnight release parties take that energy to the next level, mixing a standard book launch with trivia, costume contests, limited-edition merch and other goodies. In between these blowouts are plenty of book launches, author signings, and book clubs that celebrate the seemingly endless flow of amazing new releases.
Immersive Experiences: From World-Building to Tabletop Gaming
The thing about a genre that imagines new worlds is that those worlds don’t stay on the page. Fantasy bookstores account for this with events that extend beyond the books themselves. Extracurricular events, if you will. RPG and TCG tournaments are common, and—for fellow first-timers—are probably not as scary as you’re imagining. (I’m still mustering up the courage.) Libro.fm partner Mysterious Galaxy, for one, hosts “fun and welcoming” D&D campaigns in San Diego twice a month, in “drop in, drop out” form. But there are plenty of options for fans who don’t game, too. Keep an eye out for events like offsite mixers and speed dating, craft nights, tarot readings, and workshops for writers who hope to build new worlds of their own. More often than not, tickets are free!
Must-Visit Destinations for Every Dragon-Rider and Spellcaster
Whether in person or online, these bookstores (and their staff picks!) are worth checking out — you might discover your next obsession while you’re there.
The Legendarium (Salt Lake City, UT)
Snowlock Books (online)
Snowlock Books features expertly curated and organized fantasy, and offers personalized recommendations, from a professional librarian.
The Green Dragon Bookshop (Fort Dodge, IA)
The Green Dragon Bookshop strongly supports hoarding books—and they offer tons of fantasy, sci-hi, horror, romance, and mystery titles for you to pull from.
Mysterious Galaxy (San Diego, CA)
Mysterious Galaxy is a long-running community staple, specializing in fantasy, sci fi, mystery, young adult, romance, and horror books and events since 1993.
Bringing the Magic Home: Supporting Indies with Libro.fm
Bookworms are notorious for buying “too many” ( 😒) books, but those who prefer listening might assume they can’t direct their dollars to their favorite independent bookstore. That’s where Libro.fm comes in.
Power Your Local Bookstore with Every Audiobook Purchase
Every purchase you make on Libro.fm—whether through a membership, a credit bundle, or a single audiobook—goes toward the indie bookshop of your choice. You can pick one and stick with it or keep things moving. My very imprecise method is to switch it up every time I encounter a new bookstore that leaves a good impression. (I switch it up a lot.) However go about it, you can feel happy knowing that a worthy community-minded independent business is getting a share of the profit.
Conscious Consumerism for the Modern Fantasy Fan
Ultimately, how we spend our money matters. Our shopping decisions—what we buy and who we buy it from—are everyday opportunities to support the people and communities we want to thrive. It’s an overwhelming concept, especially for the many consumers who don’t have the financial security to consider anything other than price. But for those who have some wiggle room, moving toward more ethical consumption can lead to huge, lasting social and economic benefits. If there’s one trope fantasy fans know well, it’s the unlikely strength of the little guy in a fight against the Big Bad. I like to think that supporting small businesses increases that strength.
