Bookstores outside the mainstream give cities across America (and the world!) a dose of local spice and build supportive communities of like-minded individuals. Some focus on certain genres, some would rather promote a specific ideology, and others want to encourage academic research (or other form of appreciation) appreciation of an oft-ignored niche. Regardless of their bent, these unique, often quirky, and extremely intriguing bookstores help open up the country to a far broader spectrum of literature found far beyond the realm of the commercial chain. While many of them do carry popular literature from major publishers, their true calling lay with offering a haven for hobbyists, professionals, and fans from oft-ignored or overlooked markets. And the United States is certainly better off because of it.

1. Quimby’s Bookstore

Located in Chicago’s ultra-hip Wicker Park neighborhood, Quimby’s Bookstore rightfully prides itself on its efforts to seek out and provide adventurous American readers with “every cool – bizarre – strange – dope – queer – surreal – weird publication ever written and published.” As the raving reviews and persistent stream of customers can attest, the store is doing quite swimmingly in offering its customers underground comics, zines, obscure and lowbrow literature, erotica (contemporary and vintage alike), political treatises, and other celebrations of the odder corners of human expression. In addition to books, they also carry posters, journals, and hard-to-find movies and music as well. Quimby’s is not a bookstore for the easily offended or the closed-minded, and much of the media offerings shed light on frequently unexplored philosophies that lay anywhere from the mainstream minority to the almost radical. This should be an integral visit for anyone with a love and appreciation for all things quirky, creative, thoughtful, and – of course – overlooked. Even those who cannot make it to Chicago can still browse and purchase their eclectic wares online and receive a thorough schooling in the realm of obscure and intriguing media.

2. City Lights Books

Named one of the best booksellers in the United States, since 1953 San Francisco’s City Lights Books has catered to a clientele with a bent towards “anti-authoritarian politics and insurgent thinking.” It stood as a cornerstone of the beatnik movement upon its founding, and in spite of its considerable recognition and fame still stays true to the core values of independent thinking and the demolition of hierarchal constructs within society. While they do carry some mainstream titles, City Lights’s main draw comes from the obscure and niche books that come hand-picked by its staff. Because of this, an eclectic range of literature receives respect within its walls – from poetry to music to spirituality to politics to philosophy to fiction to nonfiction to…everything. They even operate their own printing press, which now boasts hundreds of publications to its name. Perhaps unsurprisingly given its beatnik roots, poetry comprises much of its output, though they also briskly print prose as well. Authors from around the world find a home with City Lights’s publishing wing, provided their works fit the sort of ideas and image the store means to project.

3. Domy Books

In sharp contrast to the rather grossly unfair stereotypes depicting Texas as a void where cutting-edge culture dies immediately upon contact, Domy Books – with locations in both Houston and Austin – offers up an excellent dose of overpoweringly funky good times. Part art gallery, part toy store, and (of course) part bookstore, both Domy locations fill their shelves with literature and products that celebrate mankind’s creative spirit. With a particular eye for the quirky, lowbrow, and obscure, visitors to either location are treated to photography and art exhibitions that change on a regular basis as they browse manuals, portfolios, retrospectives, comics, and other works of literature pertaining to aesthetics. Though a few other subjects do manage peek in from time to time, of course. Vinyl toys, stuffed animals, and other curiosities are available for purchase, making the stores seem as if a tangible version of Juxtapoz magazine. They also carry a nice selection of relevant films and documentaries as well. In Houston, Domy is involved in bringing many of these to interested audiences completely free of charge – an effort which won them the 2009 “Best Film Series” award from the Houston Press.

4. Sedition Books

Another Houston venture, Sedition Books operates as both a bookstore and a library specializing in the dismantling of capitalism, oppression, and intolerance. They proudly wave their anarchist banner and passionately despise the concepts of “oppressive social institutions such as patriarchy, white supremacy, and heterosexism,” believing them to drive wedges into society’s overall harmony. As one can assume, their bookstore overflows with literature pertaining to anarchism and peaceful protest of hateful, discriminative, derisive, or hierarchal ideals at the grassroots level. The store operates as a collective, with every participant considered an equal when it comes to making decisions – there is no management system in place. Zines, books, and pamphlets are available for sale, though they do offer some free literature as well. Their private lending library costs a yearly $5 membership fee, though anyone wanting to read without leaving the shop may do so without paying. Beyond the books, they also carry a selection of relevant films for sale and rent as well.

5. Women & Children First

Women & Children First is one of the premiere feminist bookstores not only in Chicago, but the United States as a whole. Opening in 1979, it continues the tradition of supporting female writers by carrying a stock of over 30,000 comprised almost solely of their work. Children’s books also round out the selections as well, as does GLBT fiction and nonfiction as well. Even today, writing by women and minority writers or those aimed towards children receives less general attention and renown than those penned by white, heterosexual men. Though things are certainly far better than they once were, ardent readers should learn to love and appreciate a broad spectrum of perspectives from a broad spectrum of writers. Women & Children First provides them with a venue for them to voice their ideas and seek out an audience eager to hear them out. In addition to their amazing books, they also carry magazines, music, videos, and gay pride merchandise that further open up visitors to their ideology.

6. The Cook’s Library

Los Angeles boasts “one of the most complete selections of cookbooks in America” with The Cook’s Library. The combined talents of the staff encompass an excellent variety of expertise in both cookbooks as well as the culinary arts, making them a valuable resource for novices browsing the selections. It is not uncommon to find a rare, foreign language, or independently published works nestled on the shelves alongside popular favorite and bestsellers, as the aim is to expose visitors to everything that cookbooks have to offer. Not content with merely indulging in the literary, the store remains active in its respective community. Professional chefs routinely drop in to find inspiration, and in turn they drop in for special events revolving around the creation and appreciation of wonderful dishes and delights. Seminars – either held in-store or at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market – comprise some of their more frequent and popular activities, but they also hold a used book sale every year and the occasional consultation on piecing together a professional home or business library. Be sure to browse the archives of favorite monthly recipes on their website as well.

7. The Other Change of Hobbit

This specialty bookshop in Berkeley may not update their website terribly often, but anyone with a love of science fiction and fantasy literature can flock to its brick-and-mortar or online stores to indulge their hobby. Mainstream bookstores carry some of the more popular and lucrative titles, of course, but those on a hunt for rare, out-of-print, or self-published works will come up short when browsing their shelves. The Other Change of Hobbit provides fans of speculative and imaginative literature with almost anything they want or need to round out their collections. Any and all staff members mirror the same passion as the customers, and the store boasts numerous events that cater to the niche. Signings, readings, question and answer sessions, and auctions make up most of the activities that bustle around the shelves. Even when the likes of George R.R. Martin are not hanging around, employees enjoy sharing recommendations for books they think the clientele will enjoy. Whether a novice or an expert in fantasy and science fiction, all who find joy within their covers will find something to love and appreciate about The Other Change of Hobbit.

8. Creatures ‘n Crooks Books & Sundries

Like The Other Change of Hobbit, Creatures ‘n Crooks in Richmond, Virginia enjoys providing a haven for readers with a love for science fiction and fantasy. However, they also take on two more genres that go overlooked by the mainstream into the mix as well. Horror and Mystery receive a generous amount of love at Creatures ‘n Crooks, though much of the store’s theme does seem to veer more towards the fantasy side of things. They do host reading groups for all these niches, however, as well as guild meetings and a writing workshop for adults. Frequent buyers are rewarded with a 5% discount on their non-gift certificate purchases and a $10 credit for every purchase totaling $100. Although the website updates very infrequently, anyone with an interest in learning about horror, mystery, science fiction, and fantasy novels that may pique their curiosity will love browsing the selection of online reviews. Aside from the literature, Creatures ‘n Crooks also sells merchandise relevant to their featured genres and some fragrant, soothing handcrafted bath and body treats.

9. Robin Bledsoe, Bookseller

Located near Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this quirky and intriguing little bookstore specializes in an incredibly unexpected mix of foci. Readers who love themselves some horses and art should head towards Robin Bledsoe, Bookseller’s physical shop or online presence to see what goodies they can find. Literature related to art encompasses a generous selection of media, movements, time periods, and nations. As for the horse books, they impressively cover nearly every subject the hobbyist or serious equestrian needs to fuel their passion – even updated catalogues selling tack and other supplies! One of the perks that collectors of art or horse literature enjoy with Robin Bledsoe, Bookseller involves their experienced appraisals, available for an hourly fee. They also buy and sell used books from their customers for cash, consignment, and store credit as well. A quick trip to the “About Us” section of the website discusses and shares some of the research that the founder currently undertakes, with the invitation for anyone with suggestions to contribute. Anyone else curious about her work will probably greatly appreciate the available bibliography as well.

10. Fred Wilson Chess Books

New York City overflows with fun, quirky, and specialty bookstores. But Fred Wilson’s little shop stands out as one of the most unique among them. It provides chess aficionados with all the literature – and some supplies! – they need to succeed in the game. Regardless of whether or not a customer only plays at home with friends and family or hopes to try their hand at serious competitions (and everywhere in between), they can find something that caters to their skill level. The staff at Fred Wilson also goes out of its way to provide a wide range of books in terms of obscurity as well, filling the shelves with rarities and out-of-prints alongside mainstream titles and new releases from major publishers. To spread a love of chess throughout the community, the shop also offers classes for children and adults alike – even hosting an annual summer camp for the younger set. In addition, their stock also carries instructional videos, trading cards, and tournament-quality sets and equipment. Even the occasional antique or vintage game board and pieces fall into their possession, which are available for purchase with the right price.

Literature fanatics from across America have a multitude of amazing specialty bookstores at their disposal – and given that most of them have an online shop, those unable to access the brick-and-mortar locations still have a means of browsing and patronizing. They perform a necessary function in the community at large, bringing together those with special interests and building friendships through practicing and promoting their passions. Without these unique shops (and the myriad others who went unlisted here) the United States would exist as a singularly lifeless entity beholden to massive chain stores peddling the same garbage about sparkling vampires.