My Favorite Connecticut Indie Bookstores

Independent Bookstore Day is taking place on the last Saturday of April. Many indie bookstores will host their own celebrations on this day with prizes, discounts, fun things for kids, etc. We are fortunate to have so many amazing bookstores in Connecticut and beyond!

What I love about the indie bookstores is the personal interactions with the booksellers, curated book selections based on the location of the bookstore, the charm, its unique personality. There are some bookstores that I could easily stay there all day long!

Here are my top favorites:

RJ Julia’s — Madison

This is the most stunning bookstore I’ve been to in Connecticut. I admire the dark wood, wood flooring and the green shelves. The selection is impressive.

Book Barn — Niantic

This is the Mecca of used books and they have three locations through out Niantic. I always have to plan an entire day for this outing!

Hickory Stick Bookshop — Washington

I always have to visit this bookstore whether I take a day trip up to Washington. It is very cozy bookstore. They have a special Gilmore Girls selection!

Syd’s Book Shack & Boutique — Madison

This used books bookstore is very inviting and has beautiful views of the marshes behind the store. The book selection is always impressive and great priced. I also love their mission of helping nonverbal kids with technology.

Westport Book Shop — Westport

I have been a long time fan of Westport book sales so I was thrilled when they opened this used books shop. Very organized, their used books almost always look like-new!

Black Rock Books — Bridgeport

The cutest little bookstore! I’m obsessed with the logo which has a lighthouse in it. Of course, I picked up a shirt! I love how they have a used books cart at discounted prices.

Montgomery & Taggert — Chester

The only romance bookstore in Connecticut. It has all the best romance books that you’ll want to read!

A special shout out to my local bookstores in Mystic:

Bank Square Books — Mystic

The bookstore has its charm and plenty to pick from!

No Other Books Like This — Mystic

A great used-books store with plenty to pick from. The shop has an impressive selection of antique/rare books. It’s worth a pop in, especially to say hi to the shop dogs!

Alice’s Little Haunted Bookshop — Mystic

It’s a small shop but perfectly curated selection. If you’re a fan of Halloween and anything spooky, you’ll enjoy this bookshop.

There are plenty more of bookstores across Connecticut that didn’t make the list. I haven’t been to all of them yet, but that’s a goal I’m willing to try to accomplish! Hope you enjoy the wonderful indie bookstores in Connecticut!

8 Libraries You Must Visit in Southeastern CT/RI

Happy National Library Week! I have such a huge appreciation for the libraries. I have been a bookworm dating back to my childhood days. Due to my deafness, I wasn’t able to hear information, books gave me that access. I learned so much through books about the world, people, cultures and beyond.

I still utilize libraries to this day. One thing that I love about Southeastern Connecticut is that there are so MANY libraries and some are in historical buildings. Where I grew up, I only had one library in a rural town. I’m amazed at how many there are within half hour of Mystic, CT so I’m sharing some of my favorites that you must visit:

WESTERLY LIBRARY & WILCOX PARK — WESTERLY, RI

This is a beautiful library overlooking a park. Keep an eye out for their book sales over the summers - they have a great selection. This time of the year is definitely the best to visit the park, all of the trees and plants are blooming. I always make this an annual spring trip!

WHEELER LIBRARY — NORTH STONINGTON, CT

In a former schoolhouse, this library is gorgeous. Especially the upper level. When you walk in Wheeler Library, there are two lions statues guarding the doors (reminds me of NYC Public Library!). Also the best part? There’s a year-round book sale in the cellar, all profits go back to the library. The staff here is so friendly, I would go back there just for them alone!

STONINGTON FREE LIBRARY — STONINGTON, CT

You can’t miss this library situated in the middle of the green, right as you enter the borough. Go inside and see the gorgeous upper level combined with regal columns and amazing floors. When the weather is beautiful, they have an outdoor patio where you can read or work at the table.

MYSTIC NOANK LIBRARY — MYSTIC, CT

One of the most beautiful libraries! Since it was a sea captain who built this, you can see nautical touches throughout the library. I love the exterior details… those green moldings! I also admire the carved oak ceiling! Cat lovers, this will be the one for you - there are two library cats that lives there. I always have to visit with them every time I drop in. The interior detail is just stunning, especially the green banker lamps which reminds me of the ones at Boston Public Library.

BILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY — GROTON, CT

Located right next to Fort Griswold, this beautiful small library is worth a peek. The interior details are stunning, wood paneled ceilings and the iron cast doors! Despite it being probably the smallest library, it is very cozy.

BILL LIBRARY — LEDYARD, CT

Yes, you read that right - there is another library in the area with the same name. If you read up on the history - there is a family connection with both. There is a walkable sidewalk from the library into Ledyard Center.

NEW LONDON PUBLIC LIBRARY — NEW LONDON, CT

Situated in Downtown New London, on the corner of State Street and Huntington Street. The historical library is surrounded by other historical buildings — the oldest courthouse across the street, Garde Art Centers and more.

PHOEBE GRIFFIN LIBRARY — OLD LYME, CT

I enjoy my visit there as it is perched on Main Street in Old Lyme, where there are nearby businesses to check out. The library also has a book sale cellar opened on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

There are more libraries in the area that I didn’t include. I always make sure to visit libraries on my day trips or travels. It’s amazing to see the variety of details and structures. I am forever grateful that libraries exist in today’s world!