National Indie Bookshop Day in Staunton!

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“Bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper. They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power. They are, simply put, the best of places.”  Evan Friss, The Bookshop

Staunton is known for the American Shakespeare Center, Queen City Mischief and Magic and the Heifetz Music Festival. But did you know that our town is also home to six independent bookshops? In fact, you can’t find a big-box book retailer within the city limits! From general interest to specific niches, there’s something for everyone. Even better: half of them are within a three-minute walk from one another and the other half are less than a five-minute drive from historic downtown. 

In honor of National Independent Bookshop Day 2025, come on a tour of Staunton’s Indie bookstores and mark your calendars for April 26!

The Book Dragon

Book lovers with a general interest in fiction and non-fiction might start at The Book Dragon at 102 W Beverley Street in the heart of downtown. From young adult to romance, children’s books (always 10% off!) to manga, from cookbooks and food writing to biography – there’s something for everyone. My favorite section are the prominently featured titles that made it onto the Indie Bookshop bestseller list (also 10% off!). 

The Book Dragon’s owner, Sandra Cararo, explains, “I’ve always wanted to open a bookstore that provides readers of all ages with all genres of books. I enjoy helping readers find books that I hope they will enjoy and to help them discover new authors. It’s important to me to be able to give back, that’s why I work with schools and other community organizations. We’ve done author events, hosted our first book festival in 2024, as well as children’s activities. My favorite, however, are the one-on-one conversations with customers.”

Make sure to take a moment to take in the famous You Belong Here mural on the side of The Book Dragon – one of Staunton’s most photographed spots!

National Indie Bookshop at The Book Dragon

On April 26, stop by The Book Dragon for Indie Bookshop Day Exclusives (signed books, totes etc.) and find their Golden Ticket for a year of free e-books through Libro FM. Word on the street is that they’ll also have a gumball machine for prices! 

Staunton Books & Tea

Non-fiction enthusiasts only need to walk two blocks to step into the well curated walls of Staunton Books & Tea. This woman-owned independent bookshop at 34 E Beverley St celebrates its one year anniversary on National Bookshop Day. Owner Julia Sabin and her husband Nick ran a bookshop for used books for nearly ten years before shifting into this next iteration that is a haven for tea lovers and non-fiction readers alike (the shop also sells selected fiction).  

“With serving tea the intellectual experience will merge with the sensory experience and be a complete joy.” Julia Sabin

Julia highlights her vision for Staunton Books & Tea, “I knew that I wanted to have tea in the shop as I am a tea drinker and thought that Staunton was missing a place for good tea. I knew that I wanted to create a unique selection of books for mature adult readers, focusing on my genre – non-fiction but also bringing something special from my international background. Therefore, our fiction section is leaning towards international literature. I also wanted to have an interesting community around the shop, and now we have it – the community of curious people eager to read more to understand the complexity of this world.”

Every other month, the shop hosts Staunton’s international book club co-hosted by a representative of the author’s country. Julia and her team work with community members to curate their community bookshelf and pilot other event formats. 

“At Staunton Books & Tea, we’ve found that our community responds best to thoughtful, intimate events that invite connection and conversation.” Julia elaborates, “We host author talks, book clubs, lectures, and panel discussions—all curated to reflect the diverse interests of our readers while creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and safe.” 

And it shows. Most days that you walk into Staunton Books & Tea (open Thursday – Monday), you will find the booksellers deep in conversation with one or more customers. One of them, Vicki Breeden, shares why she loves working at Staunton Books & Tea, “I have always believed that books have the power to change lives, whether it is by enriching the imagination, fostering hope in dark times, exposing truths, or providing insight to the world around us. I am incredibly proud of the small but impactful book collection Julia has curated here at Staunton Books & Tea, and it brings me such joy to share it with both our local community and Staunton’s many visitors. Whether I’m describing a plot line while putting a book in a customer’s hand or exchanging ideas (and cultures) during one of our International Book Club discussions, I feel that what we are doing at SB&T is important and has the power to change lives!”

This spirit guides all booksellers at the shop. Julia, with a full-time job during the week, gives the shop her all, “My favorite thing to do at the shop is to find the right book for a customer and have a good conversation with them. I believe that a small retail business is about a one-of-a-kind human experience, which is about discovering, communicating, and enjoying beautiful conversations.” 

Julia has had many of these experiences herself. She remembers, “Our very first sale at our used bookstore over ten years ago was to a tourist who bought a book about life in Russia. A decade later, the first book sold at Staunton Books & Tea was Spin Dictators by Russian economist Sergey Guriyev. It’s a sharp analysis of modern authoritarian regimes, including Russia, where dictators maintain the illusion of democracy.” Julia immigrated from Russia in 2015.

National Indie Bookshop at Staunton Books & Tea

National Indie Bookshop Day coincides with Staunton Books & Tea’s one-year anniversary. Throughout the day, you can meet local authors for book readings and signings, taste locally made chocolates and meet local artists who are collaborating with the shop (did someone say custom-made bookmarks?). The schedule is evolving so make sure to check Staunton Books & Tea’s events on the website as well as their Instagram account for the latest updates. 

During the day, every purchase over $10 earns customers a small gift and a raffle ticket to win book-themed surprises. 

At 7 p.m. Staunton Books & Tea invites book lovers to celebrate their anniversary at an intimate gathering at the shop. Seats are limited, please RSVP here.

Barrister Books

Anyone looking for rare, old and used books only need to wander another 300 feet into Barrister’s Row to step into the world of Anthony Baker, owner of Barrister Books. Anthony got his first taste for selling books when he was only eighteen years old living in 1960s London. He apprenticed at Henry Sotheran.

Anthony turned his professional attention to building construction in Northern Virginia but his love for collecting books remained and he collected rare copies for decades. 

In 2002, Anthony and his wife moved from Charlottesville to Staunton and opened Barrister Books in 2008 inside a historic building on the corner of Lawyers and Barristers Row. 

“I curate an eclectic and varied selection, because that’s what I like to read. I buy old, used and rare books in great condition – often from people that are downsizing. I don’t want titles to pile up in a corner so I choose carefully what I select for the shop.” Anthony explains. He calls it Fingerspitzengefuehl. 

“Fingerspitzengefuehl is the electric spark you get when you touch a book that is just right for you.” Anthony Baker, Barrister Books

From the Hardy Boys in the kids section to sections titles Big Weather, Poetry, Nature and Religion – the selection at Barrister truly is eclectic. Anthony’s Fingerspitzengefuehl is paying off.

Anthony’s recommendation

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

More Staunton bookstops

Words Matter Gift Shop

If you’re looking for poetry, visionary books, and inspiring word-art, stop by Words Matter Gift Shop, a mere two-minute walk from both Barrister Books and Staunton Books & Tea. Author and New York City native Terah Cox has published several books as well as a line of poetry and word art for all kinds of occasions. Words Matter features books on the natural world, spirituality, personal growth and social issues (“Book, Mind & Thinker” section), as well as poetry, award-winning children’s literature and books from local authors. Other offerings include works from local artists and artisans, framed and frameable prints and custom work, greeting cards, handmade papers and journals, candles, jewelry, and their “Things with Wings” line of fairies. 

Know Knew Books

Second hand treasure hunters will get their kick at Know Knew Books, a short drive outside of downtown Staunton. More warehouse than cozy bookshop, you will quickly consult the floor plan to not get lost in the labyrinth of used books. Rows upon rows feature second hand titles of general interest – from children’s titles to cookbooks to business and self-help. If you have the time and enjoy browsing, plan to stop at Know Knew Books at 707 Richmond Road (listed as “Bargain Books’ on Google Maps). 

Avocado Pit Used Books

If you’re looking for used books in an alternative ambience, stop by Avocado Pit at 2621 W Beverley Street. On my first (and only) visit, the darkened windows and unassuming storefront prompted me to ask my husband to go in first. Behind the taped off doors we encountered an eclectic mix of older fiction and non-fiction titles. You may find a rare edition of a classic book or general interest titles at a good price. Choose your own adventure. 

Blog Post Courtesy of Anika Horn

Anika Horn is a community storyteller, small town champion and Indie bookshop lover. She hosts her own podcast and supports our community by co-organizing CreativeMornings Shenandoah Valley and a nonprofit support group. She is currently on a mission to visit, shop at and feature 40 Independent bookshops by the time she turns 40 in December. You can learn more about her at www.anikahorn.com and visit her favorite spots.

Visit her on Instagram @socialventurer