Reading, as they say, is fundamental. Not to mention, fun. If you’re itching to go book shopping and feel the need to add to your ever-growing To Be Read pile, fear not; Norfolk has you covered. From beach reads to serious collectible tomes, these Norfolk, Virginia bookstores and pop-up booksellers will keep you turning pages all year long.
Prince Books
109 E. Main St.
Located diagonally across from VisitNorfolk’s Visitor Center and Mermaid Market is Prince Books. Since 1982, this adored shop has offered an intelligent selection of fiction in hardcover and paperback, sections on poetry, history, biography, boating, travel and a complete children’s section. They also have books on home design, cookbooks and spirituality, and they have dedicated an entire section to antiracism reads. After browsing for a good bit, you can dive right into your new book while enjoying lunch at The Lizard Cafe. Located right on site, this adorable cafe features salads, wraps, sandwiches and combo options, plus soups and biscuits with jam.
Local Heroes Comics
1905 Colonial Ave.
If you’re into comic books and graphic novels, this is the place for you. Located in Ghent, Local Heroes features weekly new releases, bargain comics, comic subscriptions and staff picks so you’ll have a place to start if you’re not familiar. Plus, if you’re in need of a personal comic book concierge, you can email a knowledgeable member of the Local Heroes staff to get started on scoring the comics and graphic novels you love, chosen just for you.
Eleanor’s Norfolk
806 Baldwin Ave. #1
The first of its kind in Norfolk, Eleanor’s is your local intersectional feminist bookstore and bottle shop, combined in one welcoming space. The Ghent shop is aimed at amplifying traditionally underrepresented voices and encouraging those seeking to be a more active part of their community by offering opportunities for education and conversation. Their curated book lists include feminist novels and speculative fiction, eco reads, parenting for liberation, plus books geared to young adults and children. As far as featured bottles, Eleanor’s carefully curates their bottle selections to reflect values of diversity and sustainably. Their selection includes wines, beers, ciders and meads.
Book Exchange
116 E. Little Creek RD.
Do you like to practice sustainability and save money at the same time? Then the Book Exchange, located near Naval Station Norfolk, is for you. Offering the largest used book selection in the area, the Book Exchange carries a selection of over 60,000 used books, movies and music. You’ll find books you love for half the price you would normally pay. Plus, each month from January through October, Book Exchange works closely with regional nonprofits to donate proceeds, so not only are you scoring super selections; you’re making a positive difference.
Wands Books
Pop-up seller, various locations
Lack of a formal brick and mortar location is no problem for Wands Books. Its well-curated collection is distributed among the shelves of small businesses around town including Ten Top, 80/20 Burger Bar, LeGrand Kitchen and Old Kings Road. Wands has previously provided books to The Velvet Witch, M&G, Packed House and Quixotic Arts. These days, you can catch Wands’ large display at the monthly Norfolk Flea Market, held the first Sunday of each month at the Waterside District, as well as the Fanciful Fig market on second Sundays. Wands will open a popup in Not For the Weak Records in July 2024. To see where Wands is currently selling, follow them on Instagram.
University Bookstores
Two Norfolk locations
Most people know the ODU bookstore on Monarch Way and the NSU bookstore on Park Avenue as the place to buy and exchange college textbooks. While it is most certainly that, there’s more to these bookstores than you might realize. They carry a sizable selection of general reading books in categories that include fiction and nonfiction, plus young adult. In addition, both stores sell school supplies, branded ware and accessories, health and fitness necessities and even must-haves for the dorm.
Timbuktu Bookstore
3601 E. Ocean View Ave.
Established in 2003, Timbuktu Bookstore is, according to its website, “dedicated to building the best you. We are mind-builders, spirit-builders and health-builders. We carry a wide array of books. We feature health, dietary, history, children’s, self-help, religious, spiritual, African history, geography, and economic titles.” Timbuktu also sells beauty products, incense, Masai beaded jewelry and more.
Little Free Libraries
Various locations
Interspersed throughout town you’ll find more than 100 Little Free Libraries, thanks in part to efforts of volunteers from Friends of the Norfolk Public Library, who have “provided support, training and resources for dozens of additional (privately owned) libraries.” Simply click on the Little Free Library map, walk to a location and take a book of your choice (and feel free to leave one you’re finished with to keep the giving spirit going).
Everywhere Else
Used and collectible books are also sold at vintage and thrift stores, including CHKD Thrift Stores, Hope House, Thrift Store USA, Hunt and Gather, and often at antiques shops.
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