Although large, chain bookstores have a huge variety, it’s more interesting to bypass them in favor of small, independent, or family-owned bookstores. If you’re looking for businesses such as this in and around Colleyville, Texas, here’s a list of bookstores to please every bibliophile.

Lucky Dog Books

“Bookstore” licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr by greencandy8888

Featuring a huge selection of “recycled” pre-owned books, Lucky Dog Books has two locations in Dallas: East Dallas, at 10534 Garland Road, and Oak Cliff, at 911 W. Jefferson. The owners have over 40 years of experience with bookselling and are constantly refreshing their inventory. They carry books on all topics, including audiobooks, sheet music, comics, children’s literature, and more. You’ll also find a selection of new books by local writers. In addition, the bookstore sells movies on DVD and other formats, and music CDs, LPs, cassettes, and even 8-tracks. 

Both locations offer a variety of events, such as happy hour for readers, readings, and even music lessons. They sell gift certificates, which they point out are on real paper instead of plastic cards. You can also purchase a monthly subscription of $5 mini-gift certificates for yourself or as a gift for someone special. Guests can save up to 50% on their purchases by bringing books in to trade. Information such as operating hours, pricing policy, and trading policy can be found on their website. The shop is open Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday 1 to 7 p.m. 

Generation X Games & Comics

Even if you’re a Boomer, Millennial, or Generation Z, you’ll enjoy browsing Generation X Games & Comics. In addition to comic books, they sell a huge assortment of trade paperbacks. Visit the shop for trading card games such as Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon or a variety of role-playing games, including Dungeons and Dragons and Shadowrun. You’ll also find a selection of products from Games Workshop. The shop is located at 3504 Harwood Road, Suite 304, in Bedford. Operating hours are different each day, so check their Facebook page before making the trip.

Sci-Fi Factory

Sci-Fi Factory is another destination for fans of comics and role-playing games. They carry everything you’ll need for RPGs, including dice and gaming supplies. You’ll also find a selection of comics, collectible card games, board games, miniatures, and hobby supplies. Not only do they sell new items, but they also buy and trade. If you’re bored with the games and supplies on your shelf at home, bring them in and grab something new.

The dedicated, knowledgeable staff in this shop aim to educate guests and help them get the most enjoyment from their games and comics. They organize tournaments for all levels of experience and can even teach customers how to play the games of their choice. Visit the shop at 10716 N. Beach St. in Fort Worth. Operating hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Barber’s Bookstore

Barber’s Bookstore is one of the more unique shops in Fort Worth. This independent bookstore, which has been in business since 1925, carries both new and used books. Some of the books in the store’s inventory are rare and unusual, an attribute that fits the store itself. It’s a maze of odd rooms and narrow hallways stuffed with books of all kinds and communicates the owners’ personality and quirky sense of humor. 

The shop is owned and operated by the father-and-son team of Brian Perkins Sr. and Jr., who will be happy to help you find the section you are looking for, from poetry to science fiction or children’s books. If you’re a bookworm, chances are you’ll spend more time than you’d planned to browse the stacks. Barber’s is located at 901 Throckmorton St. in downtown Fort Worth. Its hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.

The Tattered Jacket Bookstore

This quaint, cozy independent bookstore is another place to browse for rare, used, and hard-to-find books. Housed in Lancaster’s Historic Town Square, the shop’s big display window and outdoor seating make visitors feel welcome right away. Inside, along with a multitude of neatly shelved books, you’ll find comfortable seating for guests who want to curl up and read for a bit before they buy. They offer complimentary tea as well, along with unique flavored teas in tins for you to take home. 

The shop hosts several community events as well, such as a book club that meets once a month. The Tattered Jacket Bookstore is located at 125 Historic Town Square in Lancaster and is open Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Teacher’s Tools

Teacher’s Tools isn’t strictly a bookstore, but since books are essential to a child’s learning, they do sell a large variety of publications. It was founded in 1985 to provide quality instructional materials to teachers, parents, and students, and its merchandise is useful for both classroom teachers and homeschool families. Books on the store shelves include board books for very early readers, chapter books, graphic novels, biographies, and publications on pop culture topics. Most school subject areas are covered as well, including math, language, science, and social studies.

In addition to books, Teacher’s Tools sells classroom items such as organizers, record books, and personal protective equipment. Shop for art and craft supplies, gifts, and even fidget items. They offer bulletin board ideas and themed kits, as well as a wide selection of items for students with special needs. Visit the shop at 9982 Grapevine Highway in Hurst. Their hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m.

Whether you’re a devoted bookworm who enjoys curling up with a good novel and a cup of herbal tea, a collector of rare and unusual books, or a fan of comics and gaming, there are plenty of bookstores in and around Colleyville, Texas, to visit. Have a store you love to visit? Contact us, so we can add it to our list!