As summer gives way to fall, many of us will soon find ourselves staying home with a good book. And while there are more ebooks available nowadays than you could read on a digital device in a hundred lifetimes, let’s face it – there’s something special about hard-copy books. Whether it’s the feel of turning physical pages or the simple pleasure of browsing a location and discovering that literary diamond in the rough, brick-and-mortar bookstores are unique and necessary. Here are three local bookstores to support.

Changing Hands Bookstore

If you’re the owner of an independent bookstore in 2021, it’s not enough to simply sell books. Enter Changing Hands Bookstore. With two locations near Olympus Steelyard, this Arizona mainstay has been adapting to the ebbs and flows of consumer trends since 1974 – with no signs of stopping anytime soon. Along with selling new and used books, Changing Hands also sells cool gifts and toys and hosts hundreds of author events every year. In addition, their Phoenix location also serves beverages, including wine and beer.

There are so many things Changing Hands is doing that this whole blog could’ve been about them. Do yourself a favor and head on over, or check them out online. They’ve got a solid social media presence, including a YouTube channel that showcases their charming and engaging staff.       

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange

Like Changing Hands, Bookmans Entertainment Exchange in Mesa doesn’t just stop at buying and selling new and used books. Along with a packed event calendar, Bookmans also exchanges magazines, comics, music, movies, video games, electronics, musical instruments, and so much more. If you have something to sell or if you’re curious about what the “and so much more” entails, you can check out the What Bookmans Wants section of their website for more info.

The Poisoned Pen Bookstore

A locally owned bookstore specializing in fiction, Poisoned Pen Bookstore has a smaller, more focused niche, dealing almost exclusively in the selling of books. Crazy concept, right? But don’t let that fool you into thinking that Poisoned Pen isn’t hip to the times. Along with an event calendar, book clubs, and a strong social media presence, Poisoned Pen also hosts a fun and informative podcast with interviews from local and visiting writers. Poisoned Pen also specializes in autographed first editions and imports for the avid book collector.

For more cool places to explore in and around Chandler, be sure to visit the Olympus Steelyard blog.