It’s not uncommon to walk in to a Tucson bookstore looking for a piece of fiction and to leave with an acoustic guitar and a vegan cookbook. Tucson’s entrepreneurial mindset makes it home to a unique spread of bookstores.
These bookstores range from the antique and out-of-print rarities found at The Book Stop to the newer, more academic works found at the UA Bookstore. This list is in no particular order, as each of these shops offers it’s own unique set of features that defy categorization.
1. Mostly Books
Mostly Books is found on the Southwest corner of Speedway Boulevard and Wilmot Road. The store regularly host writers workshops, book clubs and even an adult coloring hour. Its busy calendar and overall cordiality has turned it into the Eastside reader’s Athens. Mostly Books offers a large variety of both new and used books, and dabbles in gifts and novelty merchandise. It even offers a rotating collection of signed books for sale.
2. Antigone Books
Antigone Books is a Fourth Avenue book shop reminiscent of a mini Barnes & Noble, as this cozy shop offers books and novelty items for all ages. The store is conveniently located next to the coffee shop and bar Cafe Passe, making it the perfect place to grab a coffee and relax with a good book. Antigone also holds regular book clubs and occasional book readings. What really sets it apart is its promotion of local authors and businesses. Antigone partners with The Loft Cinema, offering monthly discounts on books that accompany selected screenings.
3. The Book Stop
The Book Stop is antiquated, but in a comfortable and satisfying way. Upon walking through the front door of this 47-year-old bookstore, readers will notice the fragrant aroma of well-used books. The shop focuses on out-of-print and antique works. Readers can expect to find anything from a 1940s fashion magazine to a decades-old philosophy textbook at this Fourth Avenue bookstore. While it’s easy to get lost in this nostalgic collection of literature, the staff is always friendly and willing to point you in the right direction.
The Book Stop is a must see for all Tucson literature enthusiasts.
4. The UA Bookstore
This university stop offers modern, academic and casual reads. With a Starbucks conveniently located inside the bookstore, readers can enjoy cups of coffee while settling into their new books. The bookstore also sells school merchandise, computers and much more. It’s welcoming staff, diversity of products and convenience make it a necessary stop for those passing through campus.
5. Bookmans
Bookmans has become a household term among native Tucsonans. Bookmans is constantly expanding and has multiple locations around town. While specializing in used books—which take up most of the store—the store also sells everything from electronics to music equipment.
“It’s cheap and local. [They have a] great selection of novels, nonfiction, comic books, you name it,” said Erin Badger, a UA alumna.
It’s easy to get carried away at Bookmans. You wouldn’t be the first to walk in looking for a new read but leaving with a mandolin and N64.
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