A small but packed local bookstore! I came looking for gifts and ended up becoming a member. Now…read moreI'll receive a discount on all my purchases here for the year. Every employee I interacted with was so friendly and helpful, and I appreciate that they offer to wrap gifts as well. In addition to books, they also carry stationary items like nice notebooks, calendars, and more. Highly recommend checking out if you enjoy reading or looking for a gift for a book lover in your life!

Great selection! I was especially happy with the fantasy and cookbook areas as I saw several…read morefavorites there as well as several on my to-read list. Aisles are clearly marked with genre so you can find your favorites quickly (or ignore the signs and browse everything!). I also loved the jar candles near the front counter, which have lids but you can take those off to smell the candles. Any of them lean toward a perfect "rainy day with a cup of coffee and a candle" vibe. Staff was friendly. The whole shop gives a very inclusive energy and made me feel comfortable and welcome. Parking is a challenge; find a parallel-parking spot down the street. (If you're familiar with the Elmwood area that will not be a surprise).

Awesome bookshop. They have both new and used books, and even a small section for DVD's. The…read morestaff clearly love books and are happy to help guide you to the perfect stories. Bonus, they sell Snowy Owl Tea here (another Buffalo local company) for the perfect books-and-tea combos.

Love this place!! Amazingly well-curated selection of used and new books. Also, they hold lots of…read morecool events open to the community!

I love it here!!!! There are so many books in this wonderful store. There are also bookish things…read morefor friends in your life if you need. The store is colorful and quaint and the owner is amazing!!! This is worth the trip to go and visit esp if you are a bookstore and book lover!!! Go and visit. You won't be disappointed!

Just had second experience with AfterGlow Books and Kristina, I don't know where to start except…read morethat I'm a fan. I first met her at a pop up close to me and said I just r wanted to love reading again. She suggested Emily Henry and she was spot on, I'm just picked up my 3rd and 4th title by her. The pop up also had cute stickers (hot ghouls read books - had to get it!), amazing smelling candles, just very cute book themed gifts. Finally made it to her store in Delaware and it's cute AF. I went in on a Sunday and it was packed. I love the store, she had the titles I wanted and even told me about a launch party they're having for the title being released later this year. Honestly cannot recommend her and this store enough, and clearly I'm not the only one because she's got a following. I'm looking forward to attending some of the events I've seen on the website.

Holiday season is coming, and here's a gift idea.... A…read moreBurning Books favorite - Full of essays, beautiful artwork and important dates in social justice history! Certain Days: The 2027 Freedom for Political Prisoners Calendar -- Our Duty to Win Now in its 26th year of publication, the Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners Calendarisrequired reading for radicals, leftists, and all who support political prisoners and advocate the end of mass incarceration.Each calendar has 11 thought-provoking essays and 12 pieces of beautiful art. You'll feel inspired every day of the year, with radical historical dates and lots of space for your own plans. $15 via the Burning Books website. This is the bookstore that you can spend hours in browsing and come home with so many interesting reads to expand your knowledge on pressing issues of the day. As you all know, the modern world is smaller due to the internet and on this planet, we have a mix of people who are not always playing nice in the sandbox or sharing. But this is not a new occurrence. It's just more visible. Here you will find interesting reads on the antagonists and protagonists in our world drama. I attend a support Palestine Book Club meeting several times a year that is held at Burning Books. Other than this book club, there are other educational events held here. Lots of artsy merchandise to satisfy every left leaning woman's shopping dreams. Stickers and pins. Art work. Some free flyers to take home. Book bags. T - shirts. And of course Burning Books merchandise to support this independent bookstore. Check it out, especially if you want to dig deeper into social justice and political issues, and humanitarian and environmental causes. Support local. Support the small independent bookstore that will carry the books that will tell the stories. Skip the big box stores and Amazon. Their billionaire CEOs and owners can stand to lose a little business. Street parking. It's usually found in front of the store or nearby. Great people who will help you find what you're looking for and always chat with you. Get involved. This is really more than a bookstore. Check out their website.

This is a unique book store that is a must visit. I needed more time to browse, so I will be back!…read moreThey have a nice kids section as well!

I discovered Actual Books completely by accident while walking to the post office in the Village of…read moreKenmore. I happened to walk by, saw there was an independent bookstore, and of course I had to go in. What a delightful surprise! The shop has a great selection of both bestsellers and more obscure titles, along with plenty of bookish goodies like postcards, greeting cards, stickers, pins, and stationery. Books for children and adults and pricing seemed right on the mark. I loved the cozy seating area at the front of the store - I can definitely see myself coming back to spend some time there. The gentleman working told me they had just opened around October and were organizing after a busy weekend. Even while a bit preoccupied, he was friendly and more than willing to help if I had any questions. I also appreciate they're open into the evening, making it easy to stop by after work or dinner. Personally, I know I'll be back... just as soon as I make my way through the small stack of books I brought for my time back in my hometown. In my opinion, we need to read more *ACTUAL* books and Western New York can never have too many independent bookstores. Actual Books is truly a wonderful addition to Kenmore!!!

Great book selection, friendly staff, and an especially great collection of stickers. The…read moredifferent sections are clearly labeled. There are a couple chairs near the front for sitting and reading. If your brain is tired of melting from all the time in the digital world, this shop has the perfect actual books for a mental reset.

I visited Zawadi Books as part of Buffalo's Independent Bookstore Week and I plan to return. What…read morea great little spot! The shop itself is very small but they fit a truly excellent collection in the space, focused on books by and about Black people. There is a section in the back with kids' books. In addition to books, they have a large selection of greeting cards and a small shelf with puzzles and games. Look inside the front cover of each book for pricing. Friendly staff, easy street parking, great vibe. The shop is inside this residential-looking house - you'll see signage as soon as you walk in directing you which door to use (it is on the same floor as the main front door).

Quaint little gift shop and the right books for an open minded individual. Looking forward to many…read morefuture visits.

Very happy to discover this place as part of the Buffalo Indie Bookstore Passport. There is a…read moresuper cozy vibe, a great selection of new and used books, and fun accessories to pair with your books. I love their take on the "blind date with a book" concept (see photos!). There's also a coffee place next door. Perfect afternoon? I think yes.

Today I found a hidden gem. velvet bookmark had a nice collection. I found three new books,…read more Stephen King s newest, and Stephen Graham jones, I was a teenage slasher and, a nice copy of Emily Brontës Wuthering Heights. So I am set for my Halloween reading and then some. The proprietor was quite friendly as well as the customer service. I will definitely be going back

The road must eventually lead to the whole world. (The road can also be a metaphor for books.) This…read morefriendly place is rich with wonderful books... and great coffee!

Apparently author, Julie Berry, owns a bookstore! It's a lovely little shop that's bigger on the…read moreinside. A nice selection of books for all ages. Looks like they do a good business for author visits. Online shopping is also available.