Want to visit the indie bookstore our Distracted Librarians explored in our last episode? Here’s how you can.
Schuler Books
Schuler Books has four locations throughout the state: Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Okemos, and West Bloomfield. This latter location is the newest, having opened in mid-2023. All locations offer new, bargain, and used books (as well as a host of specialty items) in all genres and for all ages. Schuler Books also regularly hosts special “bookish” events, like author visits and story times.
(Gateway Center, 7260 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., MI 48322 / 248-956-1515)
The Book Beat
The Book Beat opened in 1982 as a “general” bookstore, and their shelves feature predominately used books in all genres. However, the real jewels in their collection are the specialty items: fine art, photography, quality literature, collector’s items, art and historical pieces, and local music prints and posters. Many of their items are available for online order and purchase, including out-of-print and rare books, and audiobooks (including popular titles!). Their programming includes book clubs, poetry and reading events, blog posts, and newsletters.
(26010 Greenfield, Oak Park, MI 48237 / 248-968-1190)
Sidetrack Bookshop
Sidetrack Bookshop is a queer-owned, women-owned bookshop that opened in downtown Royal Oak in 2022. Their collection curates new books in all genres (fiction and non-fiction) for all ages (children’s, YA, and adult). They also feature a beautiful selection of specialty items like stickers, journals, bookmarks, totes, and more! Special events like book clubs and author visits also occur regularly, so be sure to check their website’s calendar to stay in-the-know on any and all exciting happenings.
(325 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48067 / 248-341-0777)
Paper Trail Books
This family-owned bookshop opened in 2017 in downtown Royal Oak, and is committed to creating a community atmosphere by connecting their visitors with the perfect titles. Although new publications do show up on the shelves regularly, the collection features general interest used books available on all subjects, often at half the publisher’s listed price (or thereabouts). Paper Trail Books’ holdings also include collectible items, comics and graphic novels, music media, and special edition printings. Occasional story times and author events bring the crowds too, as well as music and games that folks can play in-store.
(414 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48067 / 248-677-4628)
John K. King Books North
John K. King Books North is a much smaller offshoot of the enormous John K. King Books location in Detroit. This shop opened in the late 1980s, and features a comparatively small collection of materials. Their shelves contain predominately used books, but newspapers and historical items are also included in the collection, as well as some film and music items. Most of the collection is geared towards adults, with a good mix between nonfiction and fiction items.
(22524 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, MI 48220 / 248-548-9050
