In honor of Independent Bookstore Day, officially on April 27, here is an overview of the diverse collection of independent bookstores in Southwest Minneapolis. Pick up a Twin Cities Independent Bookstores Passport at any of these bookstores now and visit as many indie bookstores as you can through April 28. Most of these bookshops also hold events so check out their websites for details.
Big Hill Books
405 Penn Ave. S
Located in Bryn Mawr, Big Hill Books is a general interest bookstore with two in-house cats. Community events are held in the bookstore’s basement, including the neighborhood’s councilmember, Katie Cashman. The book store also sells home and garden merchandise. It is a relatively new store, opening in 2023. Books for all ages.
Birchbark Books & Native Arts
2115 W 21st St.
Located in Kenwood, Birchbark Books & Native Arts is an Indigenous bookstore that sells Native art and books and books written by non-Native authors, too. The bookstore is owned by the acclaimed author Louise Erdrich. Southwest Voices reported on the bookstore when it opened up an event space, Birchbark Bizhiw, in Loring Corners. Books for all ages. The bookstore has been open since 2001.
Comma, a bookshop
4250 Upton Ave. S
Located in Linden Hills, Comma, a bookshop is a general interest bookstore that pays special attention to Minnesota authors. It sells fiction and nonfiction books for adults and young adults. The bookstore is relatively new, opening at the end of 2022.
Magers & Quinn Booksellers
3038 Hennepin Ave.
Located in South Uptown, Magers & Quinn is a landmark independent bookstore in Minneapolis. It’s lasted through many eras of Uptown through strong community support. Check out its rack of discounted books out front and get lost in the tall shelves of books inside. It’s been open since 1994.
Once Upon A Crime
604 W 26th St.
Located in Whittier, Once Upon A Crime is a garden-level mystery fiction bookstore. Ask about the out-of-print and special edition books. A super specific bookstore that could only exist in a place like Minneapolis. It’s been open since 1987.
Paperback Exchange
2227 W 50th St.
Located in Lynnhurst, Paperback Exchange sells only paperback books and has a huge selection of used books. You never know what you’ll find in the bookstore that rarely turns down a book. Customers can trade in used paperback books for a discount on new books in the store, as we reported in a profile of the bookstore. Paperback Exchange opened in 1975.
Wild Rumpus
2720 W 43rd St
Located in Linden Hills, Wild Rumpus specializes in books for young readers. The bookstore is also known for its collection of animals found around the store. When entering the store, try out the small purple door nestled into the bigger entrance. There is a “tall” section for adult readers but it’s pretty small. Kids have ruled at Wild Rumpus since 1992.
