Brick and mortar bookstores were already suffering from Amazon deliveries. The Covid-19 pandemic has hit them hard, and many of them are struggling to survive. Here’s a list of independent bookstores in your favorite cities, and how you can help them overcome this crisis.

Bay Area

• • Alley Cat Books
    Located in the heart of Mission District in San Francisco, this bilingual bookstore not only has an array of new and used books, but also a spacious art gallery that hosts residencies and workshops for writers. You can buy from them online, or support them on GoFundMe or Patreon.
  • Green Apple
    Founded by Richard Savoy in 1967, Green Apple boasts of DVDs, 500+ magazines, journals, cards, and gifts besides books. The staff has even created a shelter-in-place reading recommendation list. Browse through their online titles, buy gift cards, or donate to support them.
  • B Street Books
    San Mateo’s only used bookstore has been operating for more than ten years. With more than 40,000 titles in their inventory, they have reopened the store with limited hours, including for buying used books. But make sure to wear a mask and make an appointment if you are selling your books.
  • Walden Pond Books
    Operating since 1973 in Oakland, this family-owned and operated bookstore has fundraised for local schools and nonprofits, and promoted Bay Area authors. Currently, they are available for curbside pickup. Order from them online, buy a gift certificate or support them here.
  • Marcus Book Stores
    The oldest black-owned bookstore in the country, and patronized by Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison, Marcus Books is open for online and phone orders. You can support this bookstore that specializes in Black culture, literature, and history here.

Houston

• • Kaboom Books
    With a stock of about 100,000 books ranging from current to out-of-print titles, Houston’s Woodland Heights bookstore is currently closed for browsing. You can order via phone or email to support the store, pick up at the patio, or get your books shipped.
  • Brazos Bookstore
    Since 1974, Brazos has been focussed on fostering the rich literary culture of Houston through author events, readings, and exhibitions. While the storefront is closed, you can order online or over the phone for curbside pickup and delivery. Don’t forget to join their virtual book club!
  • Becker’s Books
    As the oldest independent bookstore in the city which features only rare, antique, and used books, this is Houston’s go-to secondhand bookstore since 1994. Although the storefront is closed, you can browse through the stacks here and order your copies.
  • Blue Willow Bookshop
    Despite the pandemic situation, this bookstore in West Houston has ramped up its services to offer you the best experience in book browsing from the comforts of your home. While you can visit the store with appointments, the staff here is happy to make a personalized reading list for you!
  • Murder by the Book
    If you are a fan of mystery and crime thrillers, check out their collection. With more than 25,000 new and used books, you can support one of the nation’s oldest and largest mystery specialty bookstores with online orders, pre-orders, gift certificates, and tuning in to their Facebook Live events. Shipping is free for orders of $50 or more.

New York

• • Housing Works Bookstore Café
    With a stock of donated books only, this volunteer-run bookstore needs all the help during the pandemic. You can donate books, but make sure to call them to check. While the shop is currently closed, you can buy gift cards here to support them.
  • Café Con Libros
    An intersectional feminist community bookstore owned by a womyn of color, you can subscribe to their personalized book bundles for a monthly dose of feminism at your doorstep! Don’t forget to check out their book club events specifically for WOC, books, audiobooks, blogs, and podcasts.
  • Mil Mundos
    A bilingual bookstore with a mission to proactively engage with Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities, it is providing contactless bike delivery during folks’ regular bike rides outdoors for exercise! Besides regular e-commerce orders, they are also offering online Spanish classes. Find out more here.
  • Strand Bookstore
    Established as early as 1927, Strand Bookstore has reopened. Make sure to wear a mask if you choose to visit. You can also order curbside pickups, and the staff will work with you to create a customized collection!
  • Word Up Community Bookshop
    Located in Washington Heights, this is another volunteer-run, multilingual bookshop and artspace. Help them survive by donating here. Although the storefront is closed, you can browse online and get your books shipped.