Sacramento has a strong independent bookstore community — from a general-interest flagship with decades of history to dedicated shops for comics, romance, fine art books, and African American literature. This directory covers the city's independent bookstores, listed alphabetically.
Amatoria Fine Art Books
Women-owned bookstore specializing in fine art, photography, and rare books. Co-owned by writer Miranda Culp and artist Laurelin Gilmore. Previously known as Richard L. Press Fine and Scholarly Books on the Arts.
Another Universe
Sacramento's destination for comics, manga, Magic: The Gathering singles and sealed product, and sci-fi/fantasy books. Hosts regular MTG tournaments. Located in the basement of the Capital Books building.
Avid Reader at Broadway Station
Open since 1994, a Sacramento community staple. New fiction and nonfiction, children's books, magazines, gifts, and board games. Owned by Stan Forbes. Regular author events.
Barry Cassidy Rare Books
Specializing in fine older books across all collectible fields, including photographs, book-related art, prints, and maps.
Beers Books
Founded in 1936, one of Sacramento's oldest bookstores. Now split roughly half new, half used. Strong in Western Americana and California history. Buy, sell, and trade.
Capital Books
Sacramento's flagship independent bookstore on K Street. Known for a diverse curated selection, community programming, and an outspoken personality. Also houses Another Universe (basement) and Knotty Novels (3rd floor). Parking validation available for nearby Capitol Garage.
Carol's Books
Carries everything from rare books to bestsellers.
Crawford's Books
New and used books. Buy, sell, and trade. Hosts a Super Sidewalk Sale on the first Saturday of each month.
East Village Bookshop
Independent bookshop with two locations — a flagship at 2500 J Street in Midtown Sacramento (opened 2026) and a satellite at 3604 McKinley Blvd in East Sacramento.
Knotty Novels
Sacramento's dedicated romance bookstore. Carries all subgenres — contemporary, historical, romantasy, paranormal, spicy — with staff who read widely and recommend specifically. Located on the 3rd floor of Capital Books.
Ruby's Books
An independent Sacramento bookshop with a carefully curated selection.
Time Tested Books
A Midtown Sacramento institution since 1970s. New and used books plus vinyl records. Buy, sell, and trade. Owned by Peter Keat.
Underground Books
Sacramento's independent bookstore rooted in the community, with a strong focus on African American literature, local authors, and cultural programming.
Wild Sisters Book Company
An independent Sacramento bookstore focused on women's literature and community engagement.
Downtown Sacramento Bookstores
Frequently Asked Questions
What independent bookstores are in Sacramento?
Sacramento's independent bookstores include Capital Books, Underground Books, East Village Bookshop, Avid Reader at Broadway Station, Beers Books, Time Tested Books, Amatoria Fine Art Books, Barry Cassidy Rare Books, Carol's Books, Crawford's Books, Ruby's Books, Wild Sisters Book Company, Another Universe, and Knotty Novels.
Where can I find comics and manga in Sacramento?
Another Universe at 1011 K Street (basement level) carries new and back-issue comics, manga, and Magic: The Gathering. It's in the same building as Capital Books.
Is there a romance bookstore in Sacramento?
Knotty Novels is Sacramento's dedicated romance bookstore, located on the 3rd floor of the Capital Books building at 1011 K Street.
Which Sacramento bookstore hosts the most events?
Capital Books and Underground Books are both known for regular author readings, signings, and community events. The Avid Reader in Davis has an active events calendar as well.
Where can I find used books in Sacramento?
Beers Books and Crawford's Books are Sacramento's established used bookstores, both carrying wide selections across genres.