This bookstore is incredible! It's part of my North Loop Jaunt (every few months I head over to the…read moreneighborhood and hit up my favorite places). Did you know it's run by volunteers? Yep, how wonderfully Austin. The book selections focus on social justice, economic justice, etc. It's a gathering space for like-minded people and I feel so at home when there. They have different events like creative art nights and study groups. There's an area that has a shelving unit containing free items. Sofas, lounge area, coffee/tea area. Space for kids to create. It's a welcoming and inclusive shop that's important in today's world. Support local.

The staff is so friendly- this is a great example of an ATX bookstore and has a purpose . It is a…read morebit hippyish but that's what's so great about it. But also the other best part: VEGAN DONUTS- get them! You can really find some books that are a gem here and very good prices.

Kinokuniya Books is one of the coolest bookstores I have ever visited in Austin. Calling it a…read morebookstore is almost a misnomer...it is so much more. In addition to an incredible selection of Japanese and English-language books, the store is filled with stationery, art supplies, anime merchandise, pens, unique gifts, charms, and all kinds of fun gadgets. Wow, wow, wow! I was completely overwhelmed...in the best possible way. There was so much to see that I had to take three deep breaths, slow down, and explore one aisle at a time. Everywhere I turned, I discovered something new and interesting. I found myself just as captivated by the beautifully displayed merchandise as I was by the books. As soon as I walked in, a friendly staff member greeted me and asked if I was looking for anything in particular. When I replied, "No, I'm just browsing," she smiled and pointed out the store's main sections, making it easy to begin my adventure. Everything I looked at was reasonably priced. Fun, eclectic, non-standard bookstore...

Such a helpful staff!!!! Whether in person or over the phone they are SUPER helpful, there's one…read moregentleman in particular (I wish I had gotten his name) very friendly and polite. Despite the fact that they have products up to the brim- everything is very organized. The only problem is trying to decide what to get without breaking the bank!!!

I love Book Woman!! Been here several times over the years (even long before relocating to Austin)…read more So rad they've been around since 1975 as a feminist, LGBTQIA+ shop. Always progressive, always on the right side of history. It's definitely the center of the community. They've got an amazing collection of books including the important banned books. They host lots of events with authors, they've got book clubs, and more. It's really like a collab of like-minded folks gathering together over a shared love of literature as well as wanting to make the world a better place. It's wonderful to walk into a space like this where you're always treated like a lifelong friend or family member. If I'm in the mood for a read and not sure what I want, their recommendations are always spot on. In addition to books, they carry some really neat gift items too. Support local. Reading is fundamental.

The sweetest girl greeted me upon entering the store. I was looking for some different books, as…read morewell as the usual ones. But mostly different books by new authors with different storylines. I found it here, and it was such a refresher. I mean, the selection of new authors and books was right here in front of me. So I took my time with the different genres. I like how they dedicate areas to this subject and to other types of books. She also told me she can order books that are out of stock, which is great for me. I like to keep one-of-a-kind books on my bookshelves at home. They have so much worth and lessons I like to refer back to. Well, you have to be an author or writer to understand that last sentence. I made myself laugh! I saw an area for authors to speak, and we talked about the monthly events they host. They are an independent bookstore, which is high on my list because you cannot only find the best books, but also new books and authors, but also other items like accessories and more. And it goes back to the events of hearing an author read an excerpt from their book. I always say it's worth the cost and value, which isn't expensive, to experience what the independent bookstores offer.

On June 20, 2026, a beloved north Austin bookstore will cease operations as a brick-and-mortar…read moreshop. Their online presence will continue during the transitionary period. Black Pearl Books, one of Austin's few Black-owned independent bookstores, is closing this chapter of their physical operations. Husband-and-wife owners Eric and Katrina Brooks stated that this move comes as they "rethink life as empty nesters." I got an opportunity to chat with the couple. Eric said their daughter, Alicia, will be going off to college. He said they still continue to do pop ups with community partners like ACC Highland campus and the Austin Public Library. The owners will work toward their future plans and continue to host authors through the fall. The closing celebration on Saturday will include live illustrations, henna, matcha, and a live reading and book signing. Importantly, the City of Austin has designated June 20, 2026, as Black Pearl Books Day. This bookstore has been a beacon of light in the Austin community and will be sorely missed! For me, it is a bigger issue...we see more and more smaller businesses closing especially over the last few years. Big box national book sellers seemingly are expanding. While Black Pearl Books owners are closing their brick-and-mortar shop, I am excited for the new opportunities that await them. We say so long for now...not goodbye!

Now that they're about to close, I decide to write my review. Well, it's another one that has been…read moresitting for SO LONG as a pending draft, I may as well get to it. Though they are closing the brick & mortar, the owners say they aren't going anywhere and this makes me happy. I am hoping this means we will continue to see them involved in all things books, social justice, and more. This is a place I started going to when I first started coming to Austin on twice-yearly visits (prior to relocation here). For several years in fact. It is one the best places to obtain banned books. The collection is impressive and IMPORTANT. Though it is a small shop, they have EVERYTHING. If they don't they get it for you. They go above and beyond! I write this as if they are still in existence and that's because as I write this, they are. While there is still time, get out and support this local, Black-owned, glorious bookstore! When they're gone and doing other things, continue to support them. We need MORE people and MORE places like this. Period. They walk the walk and talk the talk! A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ah, one of my favorite stops during my North Loop Jaunts (it's when I hit up all my fave North Loop…read morebusinessses every few months). The store is well-organized and the folks working here know their stuff! From the rare and obscure to the trendy they can answer you. Their opinions and thoughts on music are bar-none some of the best. You can find just about anything you're looking for from vintage vinyl to super vintage vinyl, cassettes, 7" vinyl (aka 45s), and even 8-tracks. Bargain bins where you can grab music for just a buck! I like that you can listen to music before buying it as well. Like, don't try and sit there listening to an entire recording and then leave. Listen for a sample and make your decision. They also offer repair services (turntables, cassette players, etc.). Great local business. Support them.

Breakaway Records is like a records museum! The store has mainly vinyl records and a very large…read moreselection. The store is located on North Loop in Austin, TX off the beaten path. According to staff, Breakaway Records opened in 2008, moved to its current North Loop location in 2010, and later expanded the space. The store is clean, well-organized, and with items strategically arranged with excellent signage. There was no piled-on dust that you tend to see in music stores housing old vinyl records. Breakaway's true highlight was the breadth and depth of its music items and accessories. The shop had an extensive collection of used vinyl and 45s, spanning genres as well as ages that primarily focused on soul, jazz, funk, hip hop, international sounds, punk, and rock. Flipping through their vinyl records was easy and enjoyable with some surprise finds. Listening stations let you preview records before you buy. The staff were knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about music. They'll either give you space to browse or gladly answer questions, depending on what you prefer. Breakaway also sells 45, CDs (small section) and record players. The store carries stereo gear and accessories at a range of prices including turntables, receivers, speakers, and small essentials. They did not have any small music tapes or 8-track tapes...probably my nieces and nephews have never heard of these. Smile. Great discovery...great visit...

We came here as our city is being a jerk and closing this down. I know some of that is that our…read moreolder generation didn't want any new taxes on anything as they are selfish and don't want to pay taxes on the 3 houses they own or whatever. Still it sucks to see this going away. We came in, bought some books and browed a bit. They place had a fair amount of people, still quite a few books, music, and movies. I couldn't find much I was intersteied in but Shana did and even found me a book or two. The bathroom is weird, it is around a corner that looks like you are not allowed to go to and there is a key on a hanger that you take in with you, you don't need to unlock the door and I am not sure it even locks. If the key is missing that is how you know the bathroom has someone in it, there is a small hook on the inside to hang the key while you are in the restroom. So you have to hope people notice it is gone and you have to hope everyone puts the key back. But they are clean and they have a sign in the bathroom that the front desk can supply you with pads if needed. The one misstep here was the guy running the front desk, he was not super friendly, I heard his reaction to a lady gushing about how great the place was and how many books she found for such a good price, some were gifts and he could care less. He wasn't rude but he was doing that thing where you just nod and say uh huh. I also heard him later say he was from another branch of the library, I don't know which but I hope we don't run into him again. We got something like 7 or 8 books for 9 bucks which is fantastic. He checked us out fast, as he had better things to do and we headed out.

Recycled reads is a really interesting place. I found out about it from Google when I was looking…read morefor a used copy of a specific book. Let me start with - it's not a big place, and the selection isn't huge so it's not terribly likely you'll find something very specific, much less a popular title. However, it's a nice concept. They sell retired library books for VERY cheap, so if you're list looking for a new book in general, this is actually a pretty decent spot to get some and save money. They have a small lot out front but I had no trouble finding parking. The staff there were really friendly and helpful; they don't have a catalog because of all the turnover but they do have things arranged by genre so they could point me toward where I might find the book I was looking for.

We drove from Dallas for Ciney and Flint to be part of a book event at BookPeople and I have to say…read moreI was really impressed with this book store. The employees are all wonderful and extremely helpful, especially Rachel, who was our host for the event. She took wonderful care of us and the guests at the booking, from the moment we all arrived to the moment we left...thanks Rachel!!! Now some more about the store. It's a really nice sized independent store that carries a great selection. The books are laid out in pleasant ways and you really enjoy browsing the shelves and exploring! They also have a really nice sized Children's Book Section and host Storytimes here as well. If you are a book lover, this place is worth a trip to Austin to check out, you will not be disappointed!

Local bookstore in Austin where I attended an author event…read more Highlights: - Nice staff - 2 floors of books and very large space - Set up area upstairs with some chairs for the authors to speak Lowlights: - Bit older and worn

This place slams! Love it so much. It's a video store and…read moremini movie theatre with 25 seats or so. Non-profit and strictly run by volunteers. These folks know their stuff. Ask them anything about the most of the wall movie you can think of and they'll know the answer. They host all kinds of cool events including watch parties and viewings. This is a Mecca for film buffs. They have so much stuff from the rare and obscure to modern and classic and cult films. It's a membership video rental shop that provides access to movies that aren't available on streaming services. You can rent VHS, DVD, & Blu-Ray. This iconic space in North Loop is a meeting ground of sorts for like-minded people to gather. It's a welcoming and kind vibe, exactly what Austin is known for.

This is an adorable video rental store. They have a pretty massive selection of films in DVD,…read moreBluRay, and VHS. Upon entering, to the left they have alphabetized films according to director. But further in, you'll find films sorted by genre. They also have a private screening room in the back which seats 25. When we visited, there seemed to be a party or event going on. They also offer memberships for renting, which seem to be on a per month basis, where you can rent one, two, three, or five movies out at a time, with extra rentals costing $2 per.