Top Small Independent Bookstores In Denver

There is something truly magical about the smell of a bookstore. The minute you walk through the doors, your eyes adjust to the lighting and you begin to smell that mixture of old paper, dust and ink. You're in a used bookstore and you've got a few hours to enjoy as you get lost among the tall shelves packed with books on nearly every topic imaginable. Sure, it's not as convenient as an e-reader but you can't replace the feel and smell of holding a real, tangible book. Plus, there are still lots of great independent bookstores found all over the Denver area, all of which would be perfect for March 2, which is National Read Across America Day. Find some time to get lost in a new book this weekend — here are five independent bookstores to check out soon

The Bookies
4315 E. Mississippi Ave
Denver, CO 80246
(303) 759-1117
www.thebookies.com

For more than 35 years, The Bookies has been one of the best specialty bookstores for children's books and educational materials. You'll find more than 100,000 titles here, all specifically for children and teachers. Many nearby schools will arrange to have their reading lists available at The Bookies and teachers from all over the state like to stop in to stock up on necessities for classes. With story time nearly every weekend and lots of great special events, The Bookies is a great independent bookstore for anyone with children or who works in the classroom. This Denver institution is a must-visit for all book-loving families.

Related: Top Children's Bookstores In Denver

West Side Books And Curios
3434 W 32^nd Ave
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 480-0220
www.westsidebooks.com

West Side Books has served this Highlands neighborhood of Denver for nearly 20 years, so you know this neighborhood icon is worth a visit. You'll find a large inventory of new and used books and a very helpful staff ready to suggest a new title or recommend something special. You can also visit on Tuesdays or Saturdays to trade in your own books for cash or credit. Depending on the evening, you'll also find a long list of speakers, live music and other fun events, so be sure to check out West Side Books and Curios the next time you're in the Highlands neighborhood.

Capitol Hill Books
300 E. Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 837-0700
www.capitolhillbooks.com

Capitol Hill Books boasts "Denver's largest searchable database of used books" and one visit to the 36-year-old Denver icon will prove to you that it certainly must be true. Navigate the aisles of used and gently-loved books in nearly every subject and covering pretty much any topic you can imagine. If you've got a lot of books to get rid of, you can also bring them here for trade credit, though you can't trade in text books or audio books here. Capitol Hill Books is one of those creaky old bookshops that is perfect to waste a few hours at on a weekend afternoon, so stop by and get lost in these wonderful book-filled shelves.

Related: Top Specialty Bookstores In Denver

Mutiny Information Café
2 S. Broadway
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 778-7579
www.mutinyinfocafe.com

Located on South Broadway, this hip hot spot is always a great place to visit. You'll find lots of great new and used books with a fantastic focus on local authors. You'll also find a huge selection of vinyl records, comic books, local CDs and more. There is also a large coffee shop here so you can sit and peruse a few books or chat with some friends about the latest punk band you discovered. This great shop also features live music, book clubs and other fun reasons to hang out and spend some time. If you've never been to Mutiny Information Café, be sure to stop by soon, as you're sure to fall in love with this popular hot spot.

City Stacks Books And Coffee
1743 Wazee St
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 297-1440
www.citystacks.com

Sure, this great bookstore is just a few blocks from one of the biggest independent bookstores in the country but this new neighborhood gem is still worth visiting. You'll find a very specific selection of mostly new books (both fiction and non-fiction) as selected by its resident book experts. There's also a large kids selection, so it's a great place to bring the whole family to find a few fun reads for the weekend. You can also sit down at one of the many tables to enjoy an espresso, loose-leaf tea or hot chocolate as you pick out a book or three. With books, games, mugs and lots of great gifts for book lovers, City Stacks is a fun new bookshop that should definitely be on your weekend plans.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.