Discover community at your local bookstore

Whether you’re relocating to a new place, or simply visiting, to get to know the heart of any city, check out the local bookstores.

There’s simply nothing quite like a local bookstore where you can get much more than just books. Glean insight into the community, find a cozy space to work and connect, enjoy local coffee and baked treats, and of course, find everything from education, motivation, to entertainment within the pages on the shelves.

Learn the lay of the land through the perspective of local authors. Connect with others in your new community at author talks. Pick up a local cookbook and learn how to incorporate your farmers’ market bounty into delicious dinner dishes. Peruse the staff picks to get a feel for what issues and topics are of particular importance in your neighborhood. Local bookstores are where it’s at; they’re like an all-knowing concierge, helping you navigate a new city.

Continue reading at Livability.com for eight more reasons why the local bookstore should be the first place you visit in a new city

Support Central Oregon local & indie bookstores

In Central Oregon, we love local and encourage local and small business support. Here are a few of our favorite local bookstores around the area:

Agia Sophia Coffee Shop & Bookstore – Midtown, Bend

Established to pierce through the mindset of our seductive, fast-paced culture by providing a real social networking experience: sharing life with friends over a hot cup of coffee, tea, or delicious treats! And, all of this is added to a ‘curated collection’ of The OPEN BOOKS’ historic used & recycled fiction, Oregon History & Outdoor Living, Children’s Books, and much more.

Big Story Books & Movies – Midtown, Bend

Central Oregon’s largest used and new bookstore, visitors to Big Story can expect attention to artistic design and a hand-picked selection of classic, popular, and uncommon books and movies.

Dudley’s Bookshop & Cafe – Downtown Bend

Dudley’s features a curated and in-depth selection of new and used literary fiction, all the best guidebooks, western history, science-fiction, and fantasy. We have an ever-changing staff picks section along with a cross-genre selection of new and notable hardbacks. In addition, a variety of locally baked breads from Mother’s are available to complement that perfect espresso drink or cup of tea.

Herringbone Books – Downtown Redmond

Located in Redmond’s historic downtown area, Herringbone Books is a proudly independent, family-oriented bookstore featuring a unique blend of bestsellers, regional titles, children’s books, toys, games, and gift items.

Lonesome Water Books – Downtown Sisters

In the used and rare book business for 40+ years, you’ll find a couple of thousand volumes on the website, or visit the store, which has been located in downtown Sisters for 28 years.

Paulina Springs Books – Downtown Sisters

Paulina Springs Books was founded in 1992 and has established a national reputation as a fine independent bookstore and a cultural hub in Central Oregon. An iconic business in Sisters to locals and visitors alike, customers can browse in-store – with COVID-19 guidelines in place – or order books for store pick-up or home delivery.

Pegasus Books of Bend – Downtown Bend

Roundabout Books – NorthWest Crossing, Bend

Located in the heart of Bend’s NorthWest Crossing Community, Roundabout Books is a full-service independent bookstore that takes tremendous pride in their highly curated selection of new adult and children’s books. The in-store café serves locally-sourced snacks, coffee, tea, wine, and beer to enjoy during your stay, free Wi-Fi, and several cozy chairs and coffee tables.

Sunriver Books & Music – Village Mall, Sunriver

An inviting, friendly bookstore where you will feel comfortable to browse, talk about books or just stop in to say hello. Carrying a wide selection of Fiction, Mystery, History, Biography, Current Events, Travel, Children, Nature, Animals, Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Gardening, Yoga, Golf, Health, Architecture, Journals, Science Fiction, Thrillers, and Local Interest. And, in true Central Oregon style, Sunriver Books & Music’s store is dog-friendly.

When you shop at an independently-owned business, the entire community benefits

2020 was a challenging year for business owners and indie bookstores, and many are facing an uncertain future as a result of stay-at-home orders requiring closures and adapted business models.

You can help our local and independent bookstores stay in business by visiting each store in-person (as permitted by state guidelines), shop their online store, or buy gift cards for friends and family or yourself to use at a later date. And, share the love with the community; head to the store’s social media profiles and leave a good review.

Quick Links:

• Blog: Shop And Support Local Businesses In Bend, Oregon
• Blog: Bend, Oregon The Number 2 Small City For Small Business Owners
• Article: Your Local Bookstore Wants You to Know That It’s Struggling