NewPages Guide to
Indie Bookstores in Maryland

As a small-town independent bookstore, we know and value our community. At The Annapolis Bookstore we celebrate the art of writing, the joy of reading, and the community of good people in conversation. We've seen marriage proposals, birthday surprises, and first steps. The heart of The Annapolis Bookstore is people and the books that open the world to all of us. We are your community bookstore but we can't do it without you.

Creating a space where books rock, friends meet, and coffee is served. Ridiculously. Good. Coffee.

One finds the Cricket Book Shop housed in a charming building tucked away in the quiet village of Ashton since 1969. To those who have religiously returned over the years, it signifies going back to the days when shopping was an enjoyable and civilized experience. At the Cricket you will find knowledgeable and helpful sales staff anxious to offer assistance if needed. Or you may find, as have many customers, that just browsing undisturbed for an hour or two can offer as much enjoyment. So perhaps a short drive to the Cricket will restore your spirits, and you too will count yourself as a member of the ever growing family of satisfied customers. We hope to see you soon.

Located in Baltimore for over 20 years, Atomic Books has been the center of alternative and pop culture, specializing in small press, DIY publications, literary and underground comics and books, graphic arts and ephemera.

The Ivy Bookshop is Baltimore's independent literary bookstore, carrying a broad range of titles with an emphasis on literary fiction (including the best in mystery and speculative fiction), current affairs, history, biography, art, poetry and children's books. Our booksellers are knowledgeable and friendly, ready to recommend based on your personal preferences. We are locally owned and have a deep interest in promoting the community and its organizations.

Normal's is an organic farm of cultural livestock. We serve a diverse community books, records and CDs, so you might find a copy of Jim Thompson's Savage Night as well as a CD by The Jelly Roll Kings. We are located in the proximity of 3 universities and have a broad scholarly stock of books, including a huge philosophy section and a very fine Greek and Roman literature section. But within this solid base spanning the history of thought you will find pockets of sweet subversion and alternate universes.

BOOKPLATE is a traditional general stock used bookstore offering a wide range of books in a broad array of categories. We emphasize the local history of the Chesapeake Bay region with a strong focus of books relating to the history and literature of Maryland's Eastern Shore as well as its colonial and revolutionary heritage.

Edgewater Books is a full service, independent bookstore for children, teens and the young at heart.

Curious Iguana is an independent bookstore and benefit corporation located in the heart of Downtown Frederick, approximately one hour from the Washington DC and Baltimore metropolitan regions. A portion of sales supports global non-profits, and our customers appreciate that their support helps to make a world of difference. The Iguana's mission of 'get to know your world' is evident in our thoughtfully curated collection of books that encourages discovery and understanding.

Books With A Past is a used bookstore in Howard County, Maryland. The store has almost 100,000 books, so everyone is bound to find something they like—even you!

Located in the beautiful Hunt Valley Towne Centre, Greetings & Readings of Hunt Valley is Baltimore's premier independent gift store with bestselling books, local authors, greeting cards and countless gift ideas from Vera Bradley and Brighton to Baltimore Ravens gear, Baltimore Orioles apparel, Godiva, Swarovski, Melissa & Doug and so much more. Greetings & Readings provides a cafe with Wi-Fi service, great coffee and desserts.

Bonjour Mama is a French-language bookstore in Kensington, MD. Our growing collection includes both new and used French-language story books, picture books, audio books, sticker books, bilingual books and much more! We also carry a small selection of books in Spanish and other languages. And because we believe adults set an example for children by reading for our own pleasure, we also carry a small selection for les grands (grown-ups)!

Two floors of quality used, out-of-print, and unusual books. Vintage newspapers, magazines, photographs, prints, and more. Poetry and local author readings, book groups, interesting speakers, live music. 

Selling new and used books, CDs, vinyl records, and movies since 2003. Over 23,000 books in stock. General, collectible, and first editions as well as local authors and regional material. Located in downtown, historic Leonardtown, right next door to the new La Rive Breton (what used to be Café des Artistes) and across from Bank of America. Join us for special First Friday events every month.

Our better books (and even many of our mediocre ones) are available for viewing (and even purchasing) most business days by chance or appointment (recommended) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Other days and times may be available as well, but please inquire as far in advance as possible. 

Baltimore's premier independent source for used and new books. We stock over 100,000 titles, 99% of which are under $10.