It’s 2018, and e-readers are bigger and brighter than ever, but nothing beats a good book in your hands, your favorite easy chair, and a cup of coffee. That’s why the largest independent bookstore in Texas is doing so well. Since 1970, Book People has been the leading independent bookstore in Austin and was voted the best bookstore of the year by Publisher’s Weekly in 2005.
When you walk inside Book People, you’re greeted by a friendly bookseller and the smell of coffee. The floors are hardwood, and the bookcases, while easy to navigate, are arranged in a maze. It’s both easy to find what you want and easy to get lost looking along the way. There’s a wide selection of stationery, notebooks, and journals, as well as spectacular themed gifts at every turn. And, of course, there’s a Texas literature section just a few steps from the door, featuring Texas memorabilia, Austin coffee mugs, and hundreds of Texana books.
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Book People goes beyond its charming selection of gifts and stationery, however. It truly is a destination bookstore – complete with full bookcases for every genre you can imagine, from Romance to Horror to Food Lit. Every bookcase has laminated cards lovingly handwritten by staff members. These books are described in careful sketches and colorful anecdotes, with cards taped to the shelves below out-facing titles. They also feature odd collections of books. Currently, they’re featuring David Bowie’s book recommendations. They offer thirteen different book clubs which meet each month at the store to discuss current titles and make friends with like-minded readers. There are four different book subscriptions, so you can receive a book in the mail each month, to ensure that your ‘currently reading’ shelf is never empty.
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There are dozens of hidden corners with chairs and stools to sit in and read, and a coffee shop in case you get hungry or need that afternoon pick-me-up. The children’s section has a playhouse big enough for young readers to crawl inside and play. The backside of it features an amphitheater for story hour. Besides the children’s section, the upper floor is also where guest speakers are featured. Avid readers can meet their favorite authors and get their books signed and customized.
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You can always find what you’re looking for in Book People, whether it’s a New York Times Bestseller or a hidden gem. Book People recognizes the value of famous books and fledgling books; one of their book subscriptions is specifically for debut novels so that the up and coming writers of today don’t get lost in the vast libraries of yesterday. Whatever your purpose for entering, you’re sure to leave with a good book in your left hand and a good coffee in your right – the perfect afternoon for the Texas reader.
