Overview:
If you're looking for your next read and don't want to order a book on Amazon, check out our list of the best Denver bookstores.
Welcome to a curated journey through Denver’s most cherished bookshops! My name is Helena Fox-Mills, and I am a fourth-year journalism student at CU Boulder and a lifelong bibliophile. I am delighted to be your guide to the best Denver bookstores.
In an age dominated by online retailers and big-box stores, independent bookstores remain magical havens where the gentle rustle of turning pages and the distinct aroma of books create an atmosphere that Amazon could never replicate. This guide celebrates vibrant independent Denver bookstores.
Each of the five entries on this list has been carefully selected for their unique character, thoughtfully curated collections and the irreplaceable experience they offer fellow book lovers.
The Shop At MATTER
Located right in the heart of downtown, The Shop At MATTER is a hidden gem. Although the selection of books is quite niche, there’s still something for everyone there.
The only full-service—both in-person and fully online—majority Black-owned bookstore in the Mountain Time Zone, The Shop at MATTER meets the intersection of design and social justice. Their carefully curated collection spans an impressive range of design disciplines—from print and graphic design to packaging—while thoughtfully showcasing works by Black, Brown, Indigenous and queer intellectuals.
Though specialized, the store’s diverse selection ensures every visitor discovers something compelling. One of the workers helped me pick out a Christmas gift for my sister after I told her my sister was an aspiring designer. The shop offered a large variety of books on all things design. I ended up picking up a MoMa coffee table book entitled “Design and Violence” that I know she will love.
Beyond books, browsers can delight in charming gift items including cards, keychains, tote bags, and stickers. The store is also home to their design studio, MATTER. The accessible space has a welcoming atmosphere that almost makes you want to gather around and begin reading in the store.
The Shop At MATTER, 2114 Market Street, Denver. Hours: Friday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Learn more at www.shopatmatter.com.
Capitol Hill Books
For over four decades, Capitol Hill Books has been a Denver literary landmark, nestled at the corner of Colfax and Grant. This beloved independent bookstore boasts an impressive collection of used books at remarkably affordable prices, with most titles ranging from $8-$12—a welcome alternative to new releases that typically cost $20-$40.
While Capitol Hill doesn’t order new books, its thoughtful request service allows customers to be notified when desired titles arrive in their ever-changing inventory.
When I visited on a Sunday, the store was filled with customers who took a chunk out of their weekend to find the perfect used book. I also spent a long time browsing the diverse range of genres and books in its impressive collection.
This personal touch, combined with their extensive selection, has helped Capitol Hill Books become a fixture in Denver’s literary community since 1980.
Capitol Hill Books, 300 East Colfax Avenue, Denver. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at capitolhillbooks.com.
Kilgore Books & Comics
Also located in Capitol Hill, Kilgore Books & Comics offers an extensive selection of used books and comics. While its carefully curated selection of used books draws literary enthusiasts, it’s the store’s dedication to comics that sets them apart.
What began as a neighborhood bookshop has evolved into an influential independent publisher, launching its journey in 2010 with Noah Van Sciver’s “Blammo #6.” Today, Kilgore stands as both curator and creator, publishing works from an impressive roster of independent comic artists while maintaining their roots as a welcoming brick-and-mortar haven for book and comic lovers alike.
The store has a very homey feel with hand-drawn markers for each genre, which I enjoyed during my visit. It was clear the patrons there at the same time as me were regulars, pointing out new books that had been added since their last visit, which gave it a strong community vibe. Overall, even though the store is small but cozy it still fits a large selection of books and comics.
Kilgore Books & Comics, 624 East 13th Avenue, Denver. Hours: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more at www.kilgorebooks.com.
Petals & Pages
Petals & Pages brings a unique bloom to Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe Drive. This queer woman-owned and managed space seamlessly combines three distinct elements: an independent bookstore, a flower shop and a thriving community hub.
The warmth here is palpable, from the owner’s friendly dog greeting guests at the door to the intimate book club meetings tucked away in cozy corners. Browsers can search carefully curated bookshelves, admire fresh florals or simply sink into one of the many inviting nooks designed for relaxation and connection.
As I was browsing around Petals & Pages, the owner’s friendly dog was trotting around greeting customers. I picked up the store’s final copy of a book that’s been on my list for a while, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.”
While ringing me up, the owner, Dylah Ray, said it was one of her favorite books of all time and she was so glad I was picking it up. Ray made my experience feel especially personal and I left the shop knowing I would definitely return soon.
More than just a bookstore or flower shop, Petals & Pages has cultivated a true “third space” where literature, nature and community flourish together, complemented by a thoughtfully selected collection of gifts.
Petals & Pages, 956 Sante Fe Drive, Denver. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more at www.petalsandpagesofdenver.com.
West Side Books
West Side Books, a cherished neighborhood fixture near North High School since 1997, embodies the quintessential local bookstore experience in Highlands. For over 25 years, they’ve struck the perfect balance between new and used books, creating a welcoming space where both bargain hunters and collectors can discover their next great read.
It feels appropriate to end this guide to Denver bookstores on West Side Books, as it felt like a perfect intersection between the new and used bookstores I’ve already highlighted because they offer a large selection of both. Its thoughtfully curated collection spans every category imaginable.
The stacks of books they have acquired provide a pleasant browsing experience. Every inch of the store is taken up by towering shelves stacked high with books, many with additional books stacked on top of the overflowing collection.
From contemporary bestsellers to unusual finds, ensuring each visitor—whether browsing on a budget or seeking something special—leaves with a treasure in hand.
West Side Books, 3234 West 32nd Avenue, Denver. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more at www.westsidebooks.com.
In a city as vibrant and diverse as Denver, the independent bookstore scene is a treasure trove for every kind of reader. From the niche expertise of The Shop at MATTER to the warm, community-centered charm of Petals & Pages, these literary havens offer more than just books—these Denver bookstores offer connection, inspiration and belonging.
Whether you’re seeking the nostalgia of pre-loved pages, the thrill of discovering a new favorite, or simply a quiet corner to lose yourself in a story, Denver bookstores have it all. So grab a coffee (maybe at one of the places nearby suggested by a former barista), hit the streets and let these incredible spaces remind you why bookstores are, and always will be, an irreplaceable part of our lives. Happy reading!
