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The Best Bookstores in Anchorage

Anchorage city in Alaska is best known for its beautiful trails, wildlife, dazzling northern lights and magnificent glaciers. A trip to Anchorage opens doors to the best of Alaska, all in one place.

It is also known to be Alaska’s cultural centre. This cool city is home to artists, authors, singers and even famous actors.  

In Anchorage, there are several bookstores ranging from independent to public libraries.

These local businesses are important in the community as they provide a unique experience for the local and visiting bibliophiles.

You can always visit bookstores that have been there for decades or drop by the newest to check out their covers.

Since books are sometimes a great way to start a conversation, they can also be the start of a long-lasting friendship.

Whether you are visiting, on a staycation or a local, here is a list of the best bookstores in Anchorage.

1. Title Wave Books – Used Books

Image sourced from Title wave bookstore

This is arguably the largest bookstore in Alaska and one of the biggest used bookstores in the United States.

There are about half-million used and bargain books in the 25,000-square-foot retail store. Additionally, there plus thousands of DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks and vinyl LPs.

You are guaranteed to get that copy or rare book that you are looking for. However, their vast selection changes constantly as they actively buy and trade for top-quality inventory.

This gives you, their customer, great deals on the very best selection offered anywhere!

They also have a large Children’s section stocked with the best selection you will find in Alaska.

Other interesting reads you can find here include Fiction, Crafts, Literature, Cooking, History, Sports, and so much more.

Practical Information:

Address: 1360 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, Alaska 99503

Website:

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am-7pm | Sunday 11am-7pm

2. The Writer’s Block Bookstore & Café

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This is an independent bookstore, arts venue, and gathering space for the Alaskan community. They feature house-made and local food, drink, music, art.

An interesting back story of this bookstore is that it used to be Adult Only a porn store. This was until 2014 when the Block founders negotiated taking over and repurposing the building.

The negotiations took almost a year and they were handed the keys in 2015. They cleaned, painted, and even burnt sage.

Soon the space was open to poets and dancers, musicians and painters, writers and artists.

These transformed the building which was once a place associated with sex trafficking, drug dealing, and disconnection into a community hub.

Check out their website to know when they have stand-up comedy, social gatherings and music.

Make new friends or people-watch while enjoying some comfort food, drinks, books, events, a place to hang out and more.

Practical Information:

Address: 3956 Spenard Rd, Anchorage AK 99517

Telephone: (907) 929-2665

Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11 am-8 pm

Website:

3. Bivy Bookstore & Art Gallery

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As you must have noticed, bookstores in Anchorage are more than that. They are designed and thought of with the artists in mind.

Bivy bookstore is one of those bookstores. Here, although a small bookstore, it is dedicated to artists’ books, magazines and ephemera by artists and makers.

They also have an all-Alaskan section. You will find a display of publications and a selected bibliography relating to the current exhibition.

The bookstore, which is a contemporary art gallery was founded by Simonetta Mignano in 2017 in Anchorage, Alaska.

The main purpose of this bookstore is to merge contemporary art and craft through exhibitions, performances, participatory practices and other events.

In 2020 Bivy launched the School of Non-functional Studies (SNS).

This is an open, informal and experimental school project, based on the belief that meaning and purpose are founded on what is non-functional in a capitalist society: interaction, presence, process, and awareness.

Practical Information:

Address: 419 G St STE 100, Anchorage, AK 99501

open by appointment only. Open 5:00 pm-9:00 pm (every first Friday of the month).

4. Barnes & Noble Booksellers – Café & Bookstore

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this bookstore was established in 1873 by Charles M. Barnes who initiated the business from his home in Wheaton, Illinois.

As one of the leading bookstores in the world, Barnes & Noble has vast reading material ranging from digital media and other educational products.

When you visit this store, you will find endless book genres to choose from and this can be overwhelming at times.

To fix this, you can first check the pick of the month or trending subjects.  You can also check out their online store.

Some of the popular fiction genres here are horror, sci-fi & fantasy, thrillers, romance, and historical fiction. The non-fiction ones are travel, sports, cooking, history, religion and law.  

Practical Information:

Address: 200 E Northern Lights Blvd Anchorage, AK 99503

Website:

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 09:00am- 09:00 pm| Friday & Sunday 09:00am – 10:00 pm

5. Paul’s Corner

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This bookstore has hundreds of return customers. The reason is there is always something new to see and read.

Being a religious institution, it is sponsored by Holy Family Cathedral in downtown Anchorage.

Some volunteers run the bookshop and thus are only open during the day at different times.

You will be able to find anything or everything you could want to better your religious life.

Some collectables that you may find here include beautiful statues, Jewellery, books, children’s items as well as Holy medals.

They have books that guide you on who the patron Saint is and everything else that you may need to know.

All the books here are sold at a very reasonable price. I love it. Furthermore, their staff are very helpful and will find just what you are looking for.

Practical Information:

Address: 811 W 6th St Anchorage, AK 99501

6. Vine & Branches Christian Bookshoppe

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This used books store will give you a pleasant surprise with the vast collection of books.

What is even better, the vast selection is low-priced books and the management is friendly and helpful. You will also find religious books.

They have different types of bibles and the knowledgeable staff will gladly explain each to you.

Practical Information:

Address: 1108 E Northern Lights Blvd Ste B Anchorage, AK 99508

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 07:00pm|Saturday 11:00am – 07:00pm | Closed on Sunday