While Austin’s city identity continues to expand and evolve, the Lone Star capital still considers itself a “college town,” proudly serving as the home base for the University of Texas.

As a result, Austin hosts numerous small businesses, including expertly curated independent bookshops, which cater to an academic and well-read population. These four Austin neighborhoods contain some of the city’s most acclaimed bookstores with knowledgeable staff, eclectic selections, and regularly scheduled readings and author events.

Downtown Austin

Exterior of Austin capitol building with park.

As the city’s central business district, Downtown Austin is a solid destination for shopping of all sorts. It also happens to feature Austin’s largest and arguably most beloved independent bookstore: BookPeople. 

Opened since 1970, BookPeople anchors Austin’s literary scene with its impressive blend of new releases and classics, its large and comfortable space, and its stacked calendar of readings, meetings, and events. BookPeople also hosts a dozen book clubs, each focusing on a different literary genre. BookPeople schedules readings and signings from nationally-recognized authors on a weekly basis, with past visitors including former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. 

If you’re interested in rare, collectible volumes, 12th Street Books on Downtown’s northern border is Austin’s go-to for antiquarian reads, selections from small presses, and first edition books. The space offers a relaxed, grown-up aesthetic and vibe, and 12th Street is proud to be the city’s only walk-in book room for rare tomes.

Hyde Park

Outside of residential gate with car driving through to homes.

A peaceful, residential neighborhood that still benefits from very close proximity to Downtown and the University of Texas campus, Hyde Park proves a desirable enclave for educated and creative professionals. For that reason, it makes sense that one of Austin’s favorite indie bookshops can be found within the neighborhood’s boundaries.

Malvern Books dubs itself a “bookstore and community space,” and the latter really sets it apart from more standard book purveyors; Malvern Books hosts book club meetings (including a club solely devoted to discussing James Joyce’s “Finnegan’s Wake”), live seminars from literary critics, poetry meet-ups, and much more. Malvern specializes in new works from independent publishers, so if you’re seeking out a mainstream lit hit, you may be out of luck here. But if you’re in the market for some under-the-radar reads, Malvern can set you up nicely. 

North Loop

Exterior of colorfully pained businesses and parking lot.

If you’re looking for an Austin neighborhood with laid-back charm, a strong community spirit, and a bohemian flair, North Loop may be your ideal stomping ground. As its name suggests, North Loop exists just north of the University of Texas, making it a popular choice for students and faculty seeking off-campus lodgings. Therefore, the shopping scene reflects this studious population, including many indie bookstores.

Monkeywrench Books, a volunteer-run North Loop bookshop best known for its well-honed collection of philosophical texts, has a social space used for club meetings and hosting visiting speakers. It’s also a great spot to find affordable books as well as free coffee that’s offered to all shoppers.

If feminist literature interests you, try BookWoman, a bookstore and gift shop celebrating female authors and artists. BookWoman, which has been open for 40 years, offers fiction and nonfiction centered around feminist themes. The store also hosts events like relevant readings, book clubs, and open mics. 

South Congress

Shaded green space with large church in background above trees.

One of Austin’s most enduringly trendy neighborhoods, South Congress has an offbeat and artsy attitude that makes it a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. Between the diverse selection of food trucks, the strong vintage-shopping landscape, and the presence of iconic live-music venues like the Continental Club, South Congress never feels dull. To add to the attractions, this neighborhood features one of Austin’s most beloved used-book emporiums. 

South Congress Books specializes in used volumes from all genres, ranging from recent bestsellers to rare antiques. The shop also carries a sizable collection of art, music posters, and vinyl records, making it a valued gift stop for tastemakers. Although used, the books at South Congress are in excellent condition, and the knowledgeable staff can offer you recommendations in all genres.