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.
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
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
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 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.”
Rick’s Recycled Books
Rochester – Monroe Ave, Pearl-Meigs-Monroe
Sells mainly used books. No website.
Small World Books
Rochester – North St., South Marketview Heights
Sells mainly used books. Hosts a book, music and community events.
The Unreliable Narrator
Rochester – Village Gate, NOTA
Sells new books, toys, games, and gifts.
Monroe County
Another Chapter Bookstore
Fairport
Sells new books, puzzles and a selection of games in a cozy, community-oriented, inclusive space.
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
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 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 Shop
Brockport
Sells a huge variety of new books on the first floor and used books in the basement.
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.
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 & Fields
Perry, Wyoming County
Specializes in used and rare books.
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
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 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.
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
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
You may also enjoy:
Little Free Libraries Around Rochester
Before you head out on your day trip, look at your bookshelf. We have dozens of public Little Free Libraries where you can donate your books.
104 Resources for Rochester Day Trip Inspiration
I began searching libraries, bookstores, information racks, the Internet, and friend’s experiences for Rochester day trip inspiration.
A free library card allows you to access 31 Monroe County libraries, including Central Library and Libby, the digital library.
Shopping locally is about discovering something uniquely Rochester while directly impacting the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors.
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.
Could you add the Barnes and Noble at the University of Rochester?
The Greece Public Library also has a wonderful used book store, Secondhand Prose. You should check it out.
Ooo! Thank you for the recommendation, Linda!
There are two great bookstores in Perry NY!!! Definitely worth checking out and adding to the list!!
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.
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!