“A town isn’t a town without a bookstore. It may call itself a town, but unless it’s got a bookstore it knows it’s not fooling a soul.” – Neil Gaiman
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Bookstores are a dying breed…the days of the quirky independent bookstore may soon be gone. I am surely dating myself but one of my absolute favorite places in New York was the old Scribner’s Bookstore on Fifth Avenue.
Here are a few that are left that are worth seeking out if you ever happen
to be near any of them:
to be near any of them:
The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles, California
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El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal
Selexyz in Maastrict, Holland
Shakespeare and Company in Paris, France
Le Bal Des Ardents in Lyon, France
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Bart’s Books in Ojai, California
The Book Barge in London, UK
And on the topic of books, don’t forget to stop by and enter the giveaway for a the soon to be released memoir by Ann Mah, Mastering the Art of French Eating which ends tomorrow night. The winner will be announced in Friday morning’s post!
So many unique ones…that one in Argentina is amazing. Have been to Shakespeare and Co in Paris, it is an amazing chock full little place, sometimes there are lines to get in and there's a tiny staircase that leads to little rooms..its like something out of a movie! Fun post….and I bet you are getting excited for your trip!
I love a bookstore and try to find one wherever we visit. I tend to gravitate to the small independently owned ones…so charming…
I was one of those kids who was always happy with a book in my hand and I would read anywhere! I still love to read and adore the independent bookstore. I'll go to Diane's just b/c it feels good as opposed to ordering on Amazon.
Still kicking myself I didn't go to Shakespeare and Co when I was in Paris. Next time!!!
xoxo Elizabeth
Sandy, that first picture reminds me of the bookstore from "you got mail". I love touring shops like these when we travel. Sadly, or little bookstore closed several years ago. I miss it.
My whole family loves to go hang out at the bookstore. Sadly, all we have now is B&N, but it's better than nothing. These all look amazing!
Extraordinary…each and every one….
I, too, get sad when thinking about this endangered species, dear Sandy…
I really try to spend my dollars in the independent book shops, but they are getting harder to find…
Wishing you a lovely day…
xoxo,
– Irina
What a great post! I agree completely. There is a great independent bookstore in my town, and I make a point to shop there. Asheville isn't far from me, and there is a bookstore downtown with a champagne bar. It is a glorious place. You should stop in if you're ever there.
its my husband's favorite thing to do in a city…explore the bookstores….these are amazing
There are way too many endangered species these days with the internet, but then again with the internet, we now have one another. How I love a good bookstore, and the feel of a book in my hand. Anita
Once I get in a book store it's quite hard to get me out. We used to have a great one with a coffee shop in there too but sadly it closed. You have chosen some wonderful ones here – truly iconic.
Stunning selection of storebooks pictures! Love it!
Cute blog! I'm obsessed with all things books! You might like Memeoirs.com where we turn online chats into books. Pop over and say hi!x