NJIB Guide: 31 New Jersey Independent Book Shops To Shop at this Season
One of my favorite gift ideas is purchasing books from local, independent book stores…and I love receiving books as gifts as well. These NJ book stores have so much character(pun intended) and they are a must-visit for any day trip. You can also support these bookshops by shopping on their websites. (List is alphabetical by location)
Photo taken at Words in Maplewood, NJ
31 NJ Independent Book Shops To Visit:
Asbury Book Cooperative, Asbury Park
Asbury Park’s Community-Run, Independent Bookstore features book clubs, books by local authors, and serves as a literary hub and community space.
623 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Princeton Antiques & Book Service, Atlantic City
Princeton Antiques is a collector and search service for old, rare, leather-bound, and out-of-print books for sale. With 250,000 titles in stock, it is likely that they have the book you need in stock at the time YOU need it.
2917 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
Little Boho Bookshop, Bayonne
Open since 2017, this independent bookstore sits in the downtown of Bayonne. According to owner Sandra Dear, “The Little Boho Bookshop is not your traditional Indie store, it’s a cozy getaway spot to find your happy place”
164A Broadway, Bayonne, NJ
View this post on Instagram
LBI Bookswap, Beach Haven
The LBI Bookswap features over 10,000 new and used books for adults, young adults, middle grade, and children. They also frequently hosts well-known authors.
325 9th Street, Beach Haven, NJ
View this post on Instagram
A Paperback Exchange, Belmar
The Paperback Exchange was established by Isabelle Carlo in 1977. This unique bookshop allows customers to bring in books and receive trade-in credit. They carry used fiction and non-fiction books, every genre from romance to horror, spirituality to science, history to science fiction. They also carry some collectible books and new books by local authors. Their inventory is constantly changing, so if they don’t have it today they may have it tomorrow.
703 ½ 9th Avenue, Belmar, NJ
The Bookworm, Bernardsville
Support a local bookstore in the heart of Bernardsville! They offer everything from the latest books to old favorites. Come in and browse their selection of books, unique greeting cards, journals, puzzles, book-related apparel, stuffed animals… and more!
99 Claremont Road, Bernardsville, NJ
View this post on Instagram
Old Bookshop of Bordentown, Bordentown
The Old Book Shop of Bordentown is a general used, out-of-print and antiquarian bookshop. Browse approximately 10,000 hardcover titles which feature strong sections on New Jerseyana, American history and military, baseball, historical mysteries, children’s book, and more.
200 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown, NJ
The Book Garden, Cream Ridge
Located in rural Cream Ridge in Central Jersey, The Book Garden is a must-see for all book lovers. Thousands of square feet filled with books of all sorts.Out of print and rare books, as well as back-issue comic books and magazines can also be found here.
868 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge, NJ
River Road Books, Fair Haven
River Road Books opened in 2006 with the goal of bringing a community of readers together. Author Events bring favorite writers, poets, and artists to you.
759 River Road, Fair Haven, NJ
The Curious Reader, Glen Rock
The Curious Reader is a unique children’s bookstore that offers a lively reading environment with a wide selection and knowledgeable staff. They are the largest independent children’s bookstore in the community and look forward to growing with the contributions of each new reader who walks through their doors
229 Rock Rd. Glen Rock, NJ
View this post on Instagram
Inkwood Books, Haddonfield
Inkwood Books is the area’s only full-service Independent Bookstore in downtown Haddonfield. Shop books, gifts, and signed books at this adorable community hub.
106 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ
View this post on Instagram
WORD, Jersey City
An independent bookstore featuring a wide variety of new books: literary fiction, non-fiction, gift books, kids’ books, puzzles and more.
123 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ
View this post on Instagram
BookTowne, Manasquan
Booktown’s motto is where “Good Friends Meet Good Books”. Along with a wide assortment of literature to choose from for the young and old alike, BookTowne also has events and happenings throughout the year that involve and nurture the reader in all of us.
171 Main Street, Manasquan, NJ
View this post on Instagram
Words, Maplewood
[words]‘ mission is to serve Maplewood and surrounding communities by offering an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for people and families of all stripes to pursue their literary interests. In particular, they are dedicated to the families in their community that have a member with a developmental disability. They strive to help Maplewood become a model community of inclusion through their treatment of disabled customers and employees, especially those with autism.
179 Maplewood Ave, Maplewood, NJ
Bogart’s Bookstore and Cafe, Millville
Independently owned in the heart of Millville, NJ. Bogart’s is a community of artists, writers, and friends. Bogart’s has a vast and diverse selection of quality used books to choose from, as well as a cafe area to relax in with desserts, coffee and lunch dishes available. They also host live music events, book clubs, writing groups, art classes, mahjong, and other events sure to keep any book lover happy.
103 North High Street, Millville, NJ
View this post on Instagram
Montclair Book Center, Montclair
The Montclair Book Center has been a part of the downtown Montclair scene since late 1984. They are one of the largest independent bookstores in New Jersey, with more than 9,000 square feet of new & used books.
221 Glenridge Ave, Montclair, NJ
Watchung Booksellers, Montclair
Founded in 1991, Watchung booksellers is a vibrant, independent community bookstore located in the heart of Montclair NJ. They are a general bookstore, with a fine collection of literary fiction, biography/memoir, and history, with strong sections of travel, education, poetry, and the arts. Their children’s room is a picture book space for all ages – from the smallest reader sitting on a parent’s lap to the happenin’ Teen Corner. They offer a full schedule of author events, poetry readings, storytime for toddlers, in-house book groups, and special programs for writers and readers of all ages.
54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ
Second Time Books, Mount Laurel
At Second Time Books, the business of books is a labor of love. They specialize in history and science-fiction/fantasy and hand-clean and cover every book on their shelves. With sections of art, science, philosophy, religion, music, and even children’s books, there’s plenty for you to browse. Boasting over 60,000 titles in stock, and more added daily, you’ll be sure to find the book you didn’t even know you were looking for!
114 Creek Road, Mount Laurel, NJ
View this post on Instagram
Books and Greetings, Northvale
Books and Greetings has all your reading needs. Want a book they don’t have, they can get it in a day. Gifts and party supplies include merchants like Papyrus cards, Melissa & Doug toys, Alex toys, Mom agenda, Life is Good, Bee Posh, and Dylans Candy Bar.
271 Livingston St, Northvale, NJ
View this post on Instagram
Bookateria Two, Ocean City
Bookateria Two has been selling used books for 45 years and counting. You can bring in your good condition paperback books to trade for other used paperback books.
1052 Asbury Ave, Ocean City, NJ
Sun Rose Words & Music, Ocean City
Open since the 1970s, Sun Rose Words & Music is a quaint, old-fashioned shop specializing in new books, office/computer/art supplies, greeting cards, and fun and regional complementary items, all at competitive prices, located in the heart of downtown Ocean City.
756 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ
The Little Point Bookshop, Point Pleasant Beach
Established in 2019, the Little Point Bookshop’s hope is to create, foster, and celebrate the love for reading for people of all ages.
629 ½ Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
View this post on Instagram
Labyrinth, Princeton
Labyrinth is an acclaimed independent bookstore serving the students and faculty of Princeton University as well as the town of Princeton and beyond. They offer a large selection of constantly-changing inventory, daily sales, and deep discounts on most books, used and antiquarian titles, Labyrinth Books as well as gifts for readers and writers, art supplies, and stationery. Additionally, they are proud to host a full calendar of author lectures, conversations, and signings.
122 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ
Bookends, Ridgewood
Bookends Bookstore is a nationally known Independent bookstore that hosts over 100 author/sports/celebrity events annually. They have a large selection of autographed books both in-store and online for purchase.
211 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ
View this post on Instagram
The Book Nook, Sea Isle City
Open seasonally, the Book Nook is located right on the boardwalk! They are a family-owned independent book store with a focus on regional titles, children’s books and activities, best sellers, and back-list books. They also carry puzzles, games, and photo products.
3700 Boardwalk, Sea Isle City, NJ
Barrier Island Books & Art, Stone Harbor
This Cape May County used bookshop specializes in fiction, nonfiction, nature, birding, local history, US History, classics, and more. They also have great gift items, which including local art, and specializes in vintage beach tags & postcards.
301 95th Street, Stone Harbor, NJ
Stone Harbor Book Shop, Stone Harbor
Located in Harbor Square, this independent bookshop features books, games, and toys.
261 96th St, Stone Harbor, NJ
The Bookworm, Surf City
The Bookworm has been a fixture on LBI for nearly 15 years. They feature new in-demand releases and old favorites of all genres. They also has an expanded kids’ selection, gifts, and cards. Activities at The Bookworm include summer storytime for the youngsters and, on occasion, book signings featuring the works of area authors.
1509 Long Beach Island Blvd, Surf City, NJ
Here’s the Story, Union
Here’s The Story is an independent bookstore in Union, NJ that has been in business since 1995.
043 Stuyvesant Avenue Union, NJ
The Town Book Store, Westfield
The Town Book Store has been serving Westfield and neighboring communities since 1934. They specialize in good, old-fashioned customer service for the reading needs of adults and children.
270 E Broad St, Westfield, NJ
Hooked on Books, Wildwood
Open seasonally, this award-winning Jersey shore book shop’s primary focus is on second-hand books. Bonus: It’s two blocks away from the beach.
3405 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ
Did we miss something? Email info@newjerseyisntboring.com
