Incredible Roadtrip Worthy Bookstores Across the Midwest

Aug 9, 2024

It’s National Book Lovers Day! And what better way to celebrate than bulking up our end of summer reading list at some fine indie bookstores. Today, we’re sharing our picks for great roadtrip worthy bookstores across the Midwest that could use your patronage. Hop in your new car from Classic Auto Group and let’s hit the road as we begin a quest to find your next favorite book.

SemiColon Books in Chicago, IL

This Black-Woman-Owned indie bookseller has a mission to promote literacy and bridge the gap amidst marginalized communities through increasing access to and building interest in books. This unique bookseller is focused on empowering the community to connect with literature on a personal level, and to create not just an educational but also a social experience around books. The bookstore is now a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, providing another avenue for book-lovers to give back to the community! The store also offers a hybrid art-gallery setting and hosts numerous special events and signings. Be sure to check out their calendar frequently and follow them on social media for more information.

A Room of One’s Own in Madison, WI

Another indie shop focusing on inclusion and elevation of marginalized and underrepresented voices in the literary community and beyond. What once began with its roots in a 1970s feminist lit bookstore, the stock and mission has expanded to also focus on LGBTQ and anti-racist titles, as well as increasing the overall scope of stock in marginalized voices. The bookstore has a wonderful section dedicated to children and young adults, aimed to encourage young readers to explore new perspectives and expand their curiosity. They even have a selection of graphic novels, local interest topics, and women’s studies books.

Once Upon a Crime Books in Minneapolis, MN

Specializing in a particular genre of books, crime and mystery enthusiasts will surely be in all their glory with a visit here! This shop hones in on the thrillers, action mysteries, police procedurals, cozy mysteries, detective novels, and other related adrenaline fueled adventures. Be sure to check out their calendar of events to catch a glimpse of your favorite genre author live in person, listen to a book talk, or even catch a signing.

Loganberry Books in Cleveland, OH

Your one-stop shop for books of all kinds from rare and collectible books to new, used, and special order curated. Located in the historic Larchmere neighbourhood, this bookstore is jampacked from floor to ceiling and then some with more than 100,000 tomes and volumes. The exterior is also embellished with a stunning book spine mural by artist Gene Epstein on individual panels, and makes a fantastic backdrop for your bookish photo ops!

Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, MN

Nestled along the historic Grand Avenue, this women-owned indie bookstore is dedicated to children, teen, and young adult books, as well as educational toys and gifts for all ages. They run weekly storytime events, host regular book talks and author and illustrator meet-and-greet, and other fun activities. The store aims to inspire families to come together and find a sense of community, while fostering an inspired desire to read, explore, and join a space that’s wholly intersectional and welcoming. The store hopes to provide diverse viewpoints for younger readers, and help them build a wholesome library that increases empowerment and empathy.

Source Books In Detroit, MI

If you’re on a quest to expand your mind and increase your knowledge, this is the stop for you! Focusing especially on a unique niche in non-fiction books, you’ll find a fascinating collection of educational material. Topics at this shop include history and culture, health and well-being, spirituality and religion, books by and about women, and more. They also specialize in unique hand-selected gift items and snack items including raw snacks, fair trade chocolate, specialty world maps, oils and incense, and other fine gifts. Throughout the year they offer various book and author talks from both local and national authors, wellness and spirituality classes, yoga and qi gong, group chats and conversational topic events, and so much more. It’s not just a bookstore but a living, breathing community of curious minds.