Best Indie Bookshops Around Detroit

While the big retail chains may offer in-store Starbucks among their acres of new releases, Detroit still has several small shops with experienced specialists ready to help you find what you're looking for -- or make a helpful recommendation.

John K. King Used & Rare Books

901 W. Lafayette Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-0622
www.rarebooklink.com

If you've ever seen the large fading "Michigan's Largest Bookstore" sign from the Lodge and thought it was too good to be true, you were wrong! John King books is indeed still located in that old four story building along the express way and offers four levels of used books! Housed in a beautiful window-lined brick building, the place is fun to browse and you won't leave without finding something!

The Book Beat

26010 Greenfield Rd
Oak Park, MI 48237-1050
(248) 968-1190
thebookbeat.com

Hidden in a nondescript strip mall is a lovely, and well curated book store. The Book Beat is the perfect place to find a gift for a friend or treat yourself to something special.

John K. King Books North

22524 Woodward Avenue
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 548-9050
www.rarebooklink.com

A "satellite" version of the downtown John King location, John K. King Books North is still rather large and offers a variety of used books.  It has a great selection of coffee table books, paperbacks and offers a bargain table!

Classic Book Shop

32336 Woodward Avenue
Royal Oak, MI 48073
(248) 549-0220
classicbookshop.dawntreaderbooks.com

The Classic Book Shop in Royal Oak has collectible and hard to find books.  It's also a great place to find a quirky old pulp novel or an out of press title by a local author. There is no snobbery involved - even if you're just looking for something pretty to set on your mantle, they'll be glad to assist you at the Classic Book Shop.

The Library Bookstore

169 W 9 Mile Rd.
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 545-4300

This pint-sized book store in downtown Ferndale keeps its stock fresh with used books ranging from new age, mystery, biographies, cookbooks and travel.  I've found rare books here at incredibly low prices.