You can travel the world, through all of time and space, just reading books.
You can live alternate lives and see through others eyes. You can learn about anything, feel every feel, think every thought.
When reading a book, the destination is the journey.
Here are a few places to start your adventure without leaving the Rochester area!
Book Stores
in Monroe County
Small World Books
Rochester – North St.
Sells mainly used books.
Hosts a robust calendar of book, music and community events.
Corner Bookstore
Fairport
The Corner Bookstore is a venture of the Friends of the Fairport Library. The store’s inventory of gently used and collectible books donated by the local community are modestly priced. Proceeds support library programs. Volunteers staff the store.
Bookends
Henrietta – Jefferson Rd
Bookends is a general used book store.
Ampersand
Rochester
Sells new books.
Ampersand Books is owned and operated by Writers & Books, Rochester’s leading nonprofit literary arts center. Our intimate space boasts a curated selection of award-winning and hard-to-find fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Specialties include small press titles, texts focused on social justice, and books by local authors.
Liftbridge Bookstore
Brockport
Sells mainly new books.
Secondhand Librarian
Rochester – The Hungerford Building
Sells used books.
The Secondhand Librarian’s mission is to get as many books into as many hands that want them. Reading has subtly shifted into a classist endeavor with books costing anywhere from $12-$30.
At TSL, we make it our goal to not only produce books sustainably but to also price them in a way that is both attainable and accessible. Reading is knowledge and knowledge is power and we believe everyone should have access to that.
TSL has officially joined the Luna Co-Op, a creative and collaborative studio based in Rochester, NY.
Yesterday’s Muse
Webster
Specializes in antiquarian, collectible, secondhand books, and book repairs.
Also sells books online. Owner Jonathan Smalter is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA), and former vice president of the Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA).
Greenwood Books
Rochester – East Ave
Sells used books.
Since 1998, Greenwood Books has provided Rochester with used fiction & non-fiction. Stop by for updates on sales, special events, and book offerings.
Before Your Quiet Eyes
Rochester
Before Your Quiet Eyes is a used and rare bookstore that also sells art, photography and ephemera and hosts readings and art exhibits.
Rick’s Recycled Books
Rochester
Sells mainly used books.
Barnes & Noble
Various Locations
Sells mainly new books.
Greenovation
Rochester
Sells mainly used books that have been donated, along with clothes, furniture, home goods, etc.
Goodwill
Various Locations
Sells mainly used books that have been donated, along with clothes, furniture, home goods, etc.
Plus, there is a books-only location in Webster!
Salvation Army
Various Locations
Sells mainly used books that have been donated, along with clothes, furniture, home goods, etc.
Book Stores
outside Monroe County
The Dog Eared Book
Palmyra
New, used & rare books, specializing in used books in great condition. A unique selection of literary themed gifts such as socks, candles and soaps.
White Paw Books & Curiosities
Newark
In addition to new and used books, they carry a variety of antiques, locally made art, gift items, and games. Will special- and pre-order books.
Books, ETC.
Macedon
Specializes in new and used books, with a robust calendar of book, music, and community events.
Sulfur Books
Clifton Springs
Specializing in new and used books. There has been a bookstore at this location for over 100 years.
“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.”
Jhumpa Lahiri in The Namesake
Libraries
Stop into one of our 32 Monroe County Libraries
Visit a library book sale
Give and receive from a Little Free Library
“I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”
Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice
Reading & Discussion Groups
As the Page Turns Greece Library
Rochester Academy of Medicine 1441 Book Club
“You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.”
Ray Bradbury in Fahrenheit 45
Become a Writer
Take a class with Writers & Books
And, check out their Gell Writers Retreat to really focus in on your craft.
105 Resources for Rochester Day Trip Inspiration
This is where it all began: searching libraries, bookstores, travel information racks, the Internet, and friend’s experiences for Rochester day trip inspiration.
Signing up for a free library card gives you access to all 32 Monroe County libraries in towns, villages, the city, and Central Library.
Where is your favorite place to find new or used books?
Do you have a favorite Rochester-area book or author?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!
Don’t forget White Paw Books & Curiosities in Newark, NY! We’re only 10 minutes East of The Dog Eared Book in Palmyra! 604 S Main St, open Wednesday through Sunday!
I’m so happy to add White Paw Books to the list. Thank you for reaching out!