book stores rochester

Bookstores Around Rochester

Books can take us on a journey through all of time and space. If you’re looking for a new adventure through reading, check out these bookstores around Rochester, where you can find a variety of new and used books.

City of Rochester

Akimbo Books

Rochester – University Ave, NOTA

Sells new books.

We specialize in titles published by small presses focusing in two areas: Social justice (socio-political education, titles on class, race, anti-capitalism, environmentalism, community health, LGBTQAI rights, intersectional feminism…) and Contemporary literature in translation — making sure you don’t miss out on international talent coming from small presses around the globe today.

Writers and Books
Ampersand at Writers and Books

Ampersand

Rochester – University Ave, NOTA

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. 

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Barnes & Noble

Rochester – Mount Hope Ave, College Town

Sell new books.

Barnes and Noble at the University of Rochester is open to students and the public. In addition to college-themed gear and required reading, they carry a variety of new releases and best-sellers.

Before Your Quiet Eyes
Before Your Quiet Eyes

Before Your Quiet Eyes

Rochester – Monroe Ave, Pearl-Meigs-Monroe

Before Your Quiet Eyes is a used and rare bookstore that also sells art, photography and ephemera and hosts readings and art exhibits.

Bookeater

Rochester – South Clinton Ave, South Wedge

Offers a cafe and new books.

Greenwood Books
Greenwood Books

Greenwood Books

Rochester – East Ave, East End

Sells used and rare books.

Since 1998, Greenwood Books has provided Rochester with used fiction & non-fiction. Stop by for updates on sales, special events, and book offerings.

Hipocampo Childrens Books
Photo from Hipocampo Children’s Books website

Hipocampo Children’s Books

Rochester – South Clinton Ave, South Wedge

Sells mainly new books.

Rochester, NY local woman- and latinx-owned independent children’s bookstore. “Exciting children’s bookstore on South Avenue. We even have a growing adult selection. A community and regional beacon of children’s literature and programming.”

Ricks Recycled Books
Rick’s Recycled Books in Rochester

Rick’s Recycled Books

Rochester – Monroe Ave, Pearl-Meigs-Monroe

Sells mainly used books. No website.

Small World Books in Rochester
Small World Books

Small World Books

Rochester – North St., South Marketview Heights

Sells mainly used books. Hosts a book, music and community events.

The Unreliable Narrator
The Unreliable Narrator

The Unreliable Narrator

Rochester – Village Gate, NOTA

Sells new books, toys, games, and gifts.

Monroe County

Another Chapter

Another Chapter Bookstore

Fairport

Sells new books, puzzles and a selection of games in a cozy, community-oriented, inclusive space.

Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble, Greece

Barnes & Noble

Multiple Locations

Find BN bookstores in Greece, Pittsford, and Webster.

Bleak House Books

Honeoye Falls

Sells new and used books.

book culture pittsford ny
Book Culture, Pittsford

Book Culture

Pittsford

Sells mainly new books.

A diverse assortment of books, stationery, and gifts. Make sure to visit the separate building behind the main shop where the children’s books and toy shop is located.

Bookends

For a while, it looked like Bookends was closing, but the owner decided to keep it going! Check their Facebook page for current hours.

Corner Book Store Fairport
Corner Bookstore in Fairport

Corner Bookstore

Fairport

Book sales support 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.

Lift Bridge Book Store
Lift Bridge Book Store

Lift Bridge Book Shop

Brockport

Sells a huge variety of new books on the first floor and used books in the basement.

Mainly Books
Mainly Books

Mainly Books

Hilton

Book sales support Parma Public 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.

Secondhand Prose Bookstore

Greece

Book sales support Greece Public Library.

Offering gently used books donated by the Friends of the Greece Public Library.

Yesterdays Muse
Yesterday’s Muse

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).

Greater Rochester

Books and Fields
Books & Fields

Books & Fields

Perry, Wyoming County

Specializes in used and rare books.

Books ETC
Books, ETC

Books, ETC.

Macedon, Wayne County

Specializes in new and used books, with a robust calendar of book, music, and community events.

The Dog Eared Book
The Dog Eared Book

The Dog Eared Book

Palmyra, Wayne County

New, used & rare books, specializing in used books in great condition. A unique selection of literary themed gifts such as socks, candles and soaps.

Jim Brunners Book Store
Jim Brunner’s, photo from Facebook post

Jim Brunner’s Book Shop

Livonia, Livingston County

From July 2023 Facebook post, “My grandfather has run a bookstore in Geneseo and Livonia for most of his life. He owns thousands upon thousands of books, some of which I used during my time as History Ed student at Geneseo. He’s getting older and wants to move most of his books. If you’re in the Geneseo or the Rochester area, his bookstore, Jim Brunner’s Book Shop shares a parking lot with Ember and he is there on Saturdays and Sundays 1-5 PM. (If the red Chevy is there he is in the store – if it’s there but he’s not, he is likely upstairs at Wanda’s diner grabbing a bite to eat.) Check it out! He has books on just about any topic – and many records of local history.

Sulfer Books
Sulfur Books

Sulfur Books

Clifton Springs, Ontario County

Specializing in new and used books. There has been a bookstore at this location for over 100 years.

More Bookshops in the Greater Rochester Area

Author’s Note
Medina

Touch of Grayce
Geneseo

Surrounding Counties

Choosing a bookstore as a destination is a great starting point for planning a day trip!

Alice, Ever After Books
Buffalo

Bookworm Books
East Aurora

Buffalo Street Books
Ithaca

Dog Ears Bookstore & Cafe
Buffalo

Golden Bee Bookshop
Liverpool

Lock City Books
Lockport

Odyssey Bookstore
Ithaca

Parthenon Books
Syracuse

The River’s End Bookstore
Oswego

Talking Leaves…Books
Buffalo

Westside Stories
Buffalo

More Places to Find Used Books

Little Free Library Corn Hill
Little Free Library, Corn Hill

Give and receive from a Little Free Library

Visit a library book sale

Visit places like Greenovation, Goodwill and Salvation Army. Goodwill also has a books-only location in Webster.

Google Map of Locations

view map separately here

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If you don't see the book you want on the shelf, write it - Beverly Cleary
If you don’t see the book you want on the shelf, write it – Beverly Cleary

Where is your favorite place to find new or used books?

Do you have a favorite Rochester-area book or author?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

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7 thoughts on “Bookstores Around Rochester”

  1. The Greece Public Library also has a wonderful used book store, Secondhand Prose. You should check it out.

    1. Yes!! Bilblio-Tech Cafe and Books & Fields are great additions, Andrea! Thank you so much for taking the time to recommend them. I’ll add them to the list shortly.

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