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.

Such a cool independent bookstore. There is a great assortment of new and used books. You can even…read moretrade in books for credit toward used books. They have local author events, too. In addition to books, they sell a wide variety of toys, plush, incense, crystals, and other items. It's like a book, toy, and spiritual shop all in one. Family friendly. Great service.

A used bookstore with a small storefront but maze-like interior that seems to stretch on longer…read morethan possible, The Bookworm has been offering cheap, affordable books for decades. Their shelves are full of both used and new books, recipe books, fiction, historical books and an extensive cove of children's novels and storybooks. They also have a gift store in the back filled with a variety of toys, jewelry, nick knacks and other items that would make for easy presents or gift bag stuffers. Anyone spending a day in East Aurora should stop in for a look!

Stopped in on a Friday night because I live walking distance from this independent bookstore. It's…read moresmall but so cozy. The staff are all so helpful and friendly. They have a good selection across many genres, even a children's book selection. Our 7 year old found a couple books to take home. They have a monthly book club. I loved the hand pressed zines. A nice bonus is the ramen shop that is connected through the cute artist's alley at the back of the store. Can't wait to come back!

Tiny place but in a cute and cozy way - well worth a stop-in. They have both new and used books,…read morewith the curated selection leaning heavily toward indie authors (indy? independent.) Categories are clearly labeled on the shelves; some include historical fiction, poetry, sci-fi/fantasy, mystery, horror, and dystopian fiction. The proprietor is super nice. Parking is available on the street (Buffalo Roam app required), in a paid parking lot around the corner, or in a parking garage across the street (looks like there are EV hookups there). Ring the buzzer button on the sign and they will open the door and walk you to the correct suite in the building. I noticed a "cafe opening soon" sign just down the street, which feels like a perfect afternoon.

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.

Adorable bookstore with mostly books for kids and teens. I love all the clear signage here!…read more Shelves are organized by age group with sections for different interests, so it is easier for kids to find a new favorite book about something they enjoy. Regular bookstores can be overwhelming for kids who may not know what to look for, but a sign saying "books for animal lovers" is sure to get some interest. There are also sections for "snuggle up and read picture books" and "I am ready for longer chapters and bigger ideas", for example. LOVE IT. The curated book selection has many inclusive books too, not something I see in most kids' collections. Although the majority of books here are kid-focused, I found a couple to add to my to-read list too. There is a small parking lot around the back of the building for easy parking.

We've been wanting to check this bookstore out ever since we noticed it across from the zoo. Today,…read morewe were drawn in by the trail of bubbles outside the shop. There's a cute area in front of the big windows for reading. The book collection is wonderfully curated. I saw a lot of YA and middle grade titles in addition to children's books, including books I never saw before. Meg was very helpful and friendly, and she encouraged my son to branch out with the first Tristan Strong book. I wish my other son - another picky reader - came with us because I think he would have been happy to see the range of inclusive offerings.

Love the new space! They are not quite set up for waffles yet but the owner is working on that -…read morewaffles are coming. Fitz Books has a friendly and welcoming vibe; come in and browse the eclectic and inspiring bookshelves. They have a section with vintage records too (and for very reasonable prices). Seating in the back is perfect for chilling out for a while with a new or new-to-you book. Parking is on the street.

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.

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.