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).

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.

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

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.

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!

This is a very... political... bookstore. Honestly I got kind of an angry vibe from the book…read moreselection. Not saying that's inappropriate for the current climate, just not my personal jam. (Also not at all a reflection of the staff who were friendly and awesome). If you are looking for anything social justice related though you can definitely find it here. If you are wanting to get involved in activism, protests, or progressive issues, and are very left-leaning, this is probably the right place for that. They also have pins, stickers, and a large calendar on the wall showing upcoming events. There is a small section in the front with books about local plants, mushrooms, and hiking.

Oh my goodness if you haven't checked them out already DOOOOOOO ITTTTT! Cutest little bookstore…read morewith jaw dropping prices. There's even free books sometimes. Holly, the owner is a true gem and I'm so grateful she's a part of our community. She wants to share her love for books and reading. Her passion shines through her store. If you can't get there and you're a Lockport local they offer delivery two days a week also.

I know so many families who are beyond thankful that Busy Bee Bookstore is operating in downtown…read moreLockport! They are across the street from the Lockport Winter market (harrison building) so after you pick up your groceries, it's easy to stroll across the street to browse some books. Busy Bee's sells low-cost (mostly children's) books and they have a huge variety to choose from. There are so many titles, authors, and types of books for infants through teenagers. They've also expanded and have great options for adults as well. It's really hard to browse their store for presents for my kid and other family friends without picking up something for myself. Woops! During the COVID-19 crisis, they have also expanded their retail store online and provide free delivery in Lockport and flat rate shipping outside of LP. They also just started offering audio books as well so make sure to shop small and support your local bookstore! We need to keep these neighborhood gems alive!

Oh, how I long to give you an extra half-star! As the Crows…read moreFly is brand new to Alden--and as of now, it gives us exactly one bookstore, which already makes it special. I was genuinely excited when I saw the announcement on Facebook. Knowing it's owned by the same folks behind Alden's coffee shop (which truly impressed me), my expectations were high in the best possible way. Is this the bookstore I would open if I had unlimited time, money, and ambition? Probably not--but that's actually the beauty of bookstores. We all imagine our "perfect" version a little differently, and variety is what makes book culture interesting. The shop itself is absolutely charming. It leans heavily into a gift-shop feel, with a strong emphasis on local makers and healthier, thoughtfully sourced items--two things I truly love and fully support. The people working there are warm, welcoming, and genuinely delightful; the kind of folks you'd happily chat with all afternoon. As a lifelong book lover, I'll admit I went in hoping for a bit more of that wander-the-aisles-and-get-lost feeling. But this shop has only just opened--right in time for the holidays--and it already feels like a space with potential to grow into itself. Sometimes the best places take a little time to find their rhythm. I'm rooting hard for As the Crows Fly and hope Alden (and surrounding towns) show it plenty of love so it can continue to evolve. And who knows--if they ever put up a Help Wanted sign because the book section has outgrown the space... I may just be first in line to apply.