Independently owned bookstores can offer a special peek inside the culture of the city or county in which it is located. Each store has a unique take on the books they offer while still carrying classics in popular genres, such as biographies, self-help, fantasy, historical fiction, and more. Essex County is home to several bookstores, each with its own flair, and we’ve rounded up a whole list of them. Read on for must-visit bookstores in the Montclair + Essex County area.
Ant Bookstore and Café | 345 Clifton Avenue, Clifton
Reading books with a good snack or beverage is a winning combination. Ant Bookstore and Café has the best offering of both. Breakfast, lunch, coffee, and cold drinks are served daily alongside the bookstore. Grab a book inside and head out to the open patio for a socially distant safe morning or afternoon. Books and food can both be ordered online for pick up in-store.
Read More: Books Based in Essex County + Beyond
Iris | 25 Valley Road, Montclair
View this post on Instagram
This bookstore, which opened in 2024, sells used and new books and zines from all sorts of genres, from cook books to romance novels. In the back of the store, Montclair locals will find books on sexuality, gender studies, poetry, and more. Iris also sells art supplies, tickets, tote bags, and everything under the sun.
Montclair Book Center | 221 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
The Montclair Book Centers, which is the largest bookstore in the tri-state area, has been a staple in Downtown Montclair for quite some time. Despite humble beginnings, the store now boasts three levels and two stores filled with a diverse offering of genres, including both new and used books. Although its name suggests only books, vinyl records, journals, tarot cards, puzzles, and more can be found here.
Source of Knowledge Bookstore | 867 Broad Street, Newark
Photo Credit: Source of Knowledge Bookstore
Source of Knowledge Bookstore is an African-Caribbean family-owned bookstore carrying books written by and about people of African descent. In addition to traditional genres seen in most bookstores, Source of Knowledge has an array of African art, drums, and Shona stones. Guests can visit to get the latest in literature or stop by the community center for yoga, lectures, parties, and more.
The Book House | 281 Essex Street, Millburn
Photo Credit: The Book House
While every bookstore offers something unique, The Book House is one of the only to offer a book tasting, a special event where an expert from the store will share a curated list of suggested books to choose from. Members of the tasting receive a special discount off of presented books. For those that want a curated experience at home, The Book House offers a subscription service of monthly books.
Watchung Booksellers | 54 Fairfield Street, Montclair
Watchung Booksellers is in the heart of Montclair and provides all kinds of books hand-selected by staff and readers. From books on travel to education and biographies to fiction, visitors can fulfill their literary needs. For those not sure what they are looking for, their expert staff shares over 70 years’ worth of knowledge combined and is always happy to help. This spot is not only great for books, but also Italian food. Da Pepo, a charming little restaurant that serves authentic Italian cuisine, is located inside the shop.
See More: A Guide to Bookstores in Hoboken + Jersey City
[words] Maplewood’s Bookstore | 179 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
Photo credit: [word] Maplewood’s Bookstore
This bookstore has dedicated itself to the practice of inclusion. This can be seen in the selection of books offered, but also with the staff. Word has hired over 100 young people with autism as part of their vocational training program. The mission of this bookstore has been recognized by others and even awarded. Montclair locals can find all kinds of genres at this bookstore, from romance to fantasy to self-help.