These unique North Jersey bookstores are must-visits. Here's why

Maddie McGay, NorthJersey.com
·4 min read

For the bookworms out there, there's no better feeling than getting a new book. On summer days with nice weather, whether going to the beach or sitting down in one of North Jersey's many parks, it can be relaxing to immerse yourself in another world.

And why not feel righteous about what you're reading, too?

North Jersey has plenty of independent bookstores to choose from, including some that branch out to focus on niche products — children's books! vinyl! — and others that serve a greater purpose than just selling books.

Here are five bookstores in North Jersey worth a visit.

[words], Maplewood

[words] in Maplewood is a unique, community-involved bookstores in North Jersey. First opened in 2009, the store offers a vocational training program specifically for people with special needs. In all, they have provided jobs or job training to more than 100 special needs individuals.

The store also offers free monthly extracurricular activities for young children with special needs and has an entire section of the store dedicated to books on special needs, one of the largest of its kind. They've also brought in speakers, provided meeting spaces for parents and book selections for educators.

[words] has a vast selection of fiction and non-fiction books available outside of this topic, offering something for everyone while also directly serving the local community.

Go: 179 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood; 973-763-9500, wordsbookstore.com

Source of Knowledge Bookstore, Newark

Source of Knowledge bookstore is located along Broad Street in downtown Newark.
Source of Knowledge bookstore is located along Broad Street in downtown Newark.

Opened in 1992, Source of Knowledge is a Black-owned bookstore in Newark that also doubles as a community center. Source of Knowledge features books written by local authors and hosts various events like book signings and First Friday Food Truck and Poetry, held on the first Friday of every month.

In addition to selling books, the store holds a program known as Read and Feed. It collects donations throughout the year in order to sponsor free books and free meals for children in Newark.

Go: 867 Broad Street, Newark; 973-824-2556, sourceofknowledgebookstore.com

Montclair Book Center, Montclair

In addition to books, Montclair Book Center has a two-floor music section available.
In addition to books, Montclair Book Center has a two-floor music section available.

Originally opened in 1984 as a branch of the Passaic Book Center — which has since closed — Montclair Book was taken over by its current owners in 2022. The bookstore still offers that vintage charm from its early days.

In addition to selling new, used and rare books, located inside is a two-floor vinyl and CD section. There are vinyl consignors available for those looking to see their old vinyl records as well.

Go: 221 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair; 973-783-3630, montclairbookcenter.com

The Curious Reader, Glen Rock

The Curious Reader in Glen Rock is a children-only bookstore and collaborates with nearby schools.
The Curious Reader in Glen Rock is a children-only bookstore and collaborates with nearby schools.

While there are many independent bookstores in North Jersey that sell children's books, there are not many dedicated solely to the state's youngest generations.

This bookstore collaborates with local schools, featuring a designated leveled reading room that uses the same system used by schools in the area. They also offer the Neverending Book Fair program: A school signs up for the program, and students, parents, other family members and teachers can mention the school, giving the school 10 percent of their total purchase to buy books from the store.

You can also sign up for their book box program, where your child is sent a new book each month.

Go: 229 Rock Road, Glen Rock; 201-444-1918, thecuriousreaderbooks.com

Bookends, Ridgewood

Thousands line up outside Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood to meet actress Anna Kendrick.
Thousands line up outside Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood to meet actress Anna Kendrick.

Originally opened in 1985 and taken over by its current owners in 2002, this independent bookstore in Ridgewood is known for its star-studded celebrity and award-winning author appearances.

Among those scheduled to appear at Bookends in the upcoming weeks include Ed Kranepool of the 1969 World Champion New York Mets and actor Matthew McConaughey. Previously, they've had big names like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Lauren Conrad, Anna Kendrick and Billy Crystal, to name a few.

Visitors can participate in upcoming appearances by purchasing a ticket and a book to be signed. Signed copies of books may also be purchased for those unable to attend the appearances.

Go: 211 East Ridgewood Avenue; 201-445-0726, book-ends.com

Here are some other some other local bookstores to check out:

  • Books & Greetings, Northvale

  • The Little Boho Shop, Bayonne

  • Watchung Booksellers, Montclair

  • WORD, Jersey City

  • Broad Street Books, Branchville

  • Little City Books, Hoboken

  • Symposia, Hoboken

  • Indigo, Short Hills

  • Chatham Booksellers, Madison

  • Old Book Shop, Morristown

  • Station 1 Books Vinyl and Vintage Shop, Pompton Lakes

  • Bergen Book Studio, Hillsdale

  • The Book House, Millburn

  • Brier Rose Books, Teaneck

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Independent bookstores in North Jersey: These are must-visits