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.
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
2501 Fawn St.
Any magical place worth its salt must be entered by way of a portal. Think of the wardrobe in C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series, the stones in “Outlander” or the rabbit hole in “Alice in Wonderland.” For Wands Books, the portal is a narrow, tree-lined pathway guarded by gargoyles and fronted by an unimposing mudroom. Step through the entrance and you’ll find yourself in a used bookstore lover’s wonderland, where as many as 40,000 volumes await.
Wands Books represents the fruits of many years of labor for Morgan Wood, former Marine and longtime Hampton Roads resident who is happy to talk about books any time, all the time.
Quixotic Arts
While the main focus at this 3824 Granby St. shop is creations from local artists along with plushes and awesome socks, Quixotic also sells books from local publishers and authors. You’ll also find an eclectic mix of books about various artists, art techniques, anatomy, kids’ books and more.
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.
House of Consciousness
The House of Consciousness was originally named the Self-Development Center. In 2010, the business was converted to HoC, which “acts as a refuge for lost history, ancient cultures, revived movements, and an untraditional school of thought.” Find the House of Consciousness at 633 W. 35th St.
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’ve 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.
New additions to the list include the following:
- The Lit Garage: family owned used booksellers. Follow them on Instagram for pop-up schedule and deals.
- Book Wolf: Selling mail order used books as well as appearing at pop-ups. Follow them on Instagram for details.
- Atlantis Games and Comics: Comic books, tabletop games and much more at 9649 1st View St.
- Reach Reads Big Free Bookstore: Free books with an emphasis on children’s lit in the JANAF center 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
Do you sell books in Norfolk? Let us know so we can include you in our listings. Email us here.
