If you and your family are looking for a fun and educational adventure in Alpharetta, there’s nothing better than exploring your local, independent bookstores. Spend the day getting lost in the shelves or head to a local event held by one of your favorite shops. No matter the choice, a day filled with books is sure to be a magical time. Read on to learn more about seven local bookstores to explore around Alpharetta, Georgia.

Johns Creek Books and Gifts

Photo via Flickr by Burnt Pineapple Productions Licensed CC0 BY 1.0

Offering a wide selection of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books along with fun, literary-inspired gifts, Johns Creek Books and Gifts is a true community staple. This women-owned business is a great place to bring your kids and grab a comfy seat as they explore the colorful, inviting shelves. With an extensive collection of genres, styles, and topics, everyone in your group will surely find a story they love. Choose new or used or even trade in a well-loved favorite for store credit.

Although the shop has currently paused book-related events, past events have included monthly community book club selections and readings. If you’re interested in opportunities for community connection, you can participate in the store’s food drive. Doing good for the community while engaging with books is a great way to spend the day. 

Bookmiser

Over the last 23 years, Bookmiser has offered quality new and used books near Alpharetta. What began as a family dream has bloomed into a local favorite. Explore a constantly expanding list of books or ask a friendly staff member for their favorite pick. You can even search the shelves for autographed copies and other special editions sure to blow your kids’ minds. Bookmiser still loves used books and offers a generous book trade policy for credit toward any used book purchases. They also attempt to keep stock of all local schools’ required reading lists.

Bookmiser hosts over 10 monthly book clubs, with meetings at the bookstore and online. They also offer regular author events, including book launches, book signings, author showcases, and book discussions. There’s always something going on at this Georgia area gem. 

Read It Again

If you’re looking for a cozy bookstore with a family environment, try Read It Again. This family-owned new and used book shop offers a wide selection of books, gifts, cards, and charming novelties. Readers of all ages will find something they truly want to read again and again. 

The bookstore hosts a number of special events. Enjoy author interviews, game nights, book clubs, poetry readings, and regular storytimes. They also sponsor a special author-in-residence program for your family to enjoy. If you really have the reading bug, you can try out one of the shop’s famous mystery boxes. After answering a small questionnaire about your interests, you can receive a package of recommended books that are shipped right to your door. Whether you’re into the mystery genre or not, this box is sure to thrill.

Friends of the Milton Library Book Store

For something new, try out the Friends of the Milton Library Book Store. Although technically not a traditional bookstore, this library-run sale offers a wide variety of reading materials. Open on Wednesdays and the second Saturdays of each month, your family can enjoy the selection of donated books and former library hits. All proceeds fund the library’s operational expenses, so your purchases even help finance your future library loans. Get lost in the shop’s historic barn location and walk out with a new story or two to keep you busy. 

If you aren’t able to make these times, don’t fret. The library also runs a used bookstore from within the new Milton location that’s open during all regular library hours. It’s never too early to get your kids hooked on the magic of libraries and grab some fun books along the way. 

Posman Books

Local charm meets national appeal with Posman Books. Although this vibrant new bookstore has roots in New York City, it has since expanded to serve the local Georgia community with two locations, one of which is in Alpharetta. They offer books, gifts, stationery, and toys, all presented in bright, eye-catching displays. You’ll enjoy the experience of strolling through this indie bookshop that designs each store around its community. And with a collection as large and carefully curated as Posman Books’, you’ll probably pick up a book or two.

Sonny Ideker Bookseller, Rare and Antiquarian Books

Step back in time with Sonny Ideker Bookseller. Located inside the City Antiques and Interior Arts antique mall, this bookstore provides a page back into history. Marvel at antique and special edition books from yesteryear. You can even flip through a few historic relics, but be sure to do so carefully. If you have any questions, the shop’s passionate proprietor, Sonny Ideker himself, will be there to help you learn something new. If you’re looking for a certain special edition or just a fun and educational day in literature, bring your kids to Sonny Ideker’s for a glimpse of history.

Great Escape Comics & Games

As the name implies, Great Escape Comics & Games offers an excuse to escape your troubles within the colorful pages of a comic book. Although a bit different from the other options on this list, this shop will surprise and delight readers of all ages. Whether it’s a never-before-read story of their favorite superhero or a graphic novel filled with surprises, your family will enjoy the variety of reading material in Great Escape. They even have a free comic book subscription service that extends an easy method of reserving comics at a discount. New comics are released every Wednesday.

If you want to keep the fun rolling, you can find many varieties of trading card games and role-playing games. No matter the medium, excitement fills the shelves at this local spot.

There you have it. Crème de la Crème just listed some of the best local, independent bookstores for you and your family to explore. Did your favorite store make the cut? Are there any spots we missed? If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us to let us know. We’ll be sure to add it to our list.