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STL- a bookshop & stationery lover's guide to St Louis, Missouri

24 items

bookstores

The St Louis area has some AWESOME local bookstores to go support! Chat with the booksellers, browse at your own pace, check out the used books sections, and enjoy!

cozy bookstore that goes back further than you expect. nice little international section towards the back. conveniently located on the Delmar loop near WashU campus

Subterranean Books

iconic local bookstore with a shop cat and a downstairs section filled with used books. they also host some awesome author events and collabs with the public library + gay and lesbian book clubs!

Left Bank Books

one of the best hidden gem book spots STL has. afterwards get a tasty bite to eat on south grand at meskerem or Brasília

Leviathan Bookstore

huge selection and they have a romance bookstore counterpart next door! their associated nonprofit, the noble neighbor, does literacy community work too

The Novel Neighbor

Large bookstore with three floors and a huge collection. The basement is a great place to take your time browsing the shelves. I believe they also have a store pet and often have free or low cost carts of books outside to grand. South Grand is a grea...

Dunaway Books

I've heard great things about Read a Book and have been meaning to head over there!

Read a Book STL 3125 Meramec St. St. Louis, MO ...

Local branch of a bigger chain. Great discounts on books of all types- especially fiction, poetry, educational books, coloring books, and more. PRO TIP- educators can get a 10% discount using their work email.

Half Price Books

This is a spot I could spend hours in! Two whole floors full of books, so you're bound to find something that catches your eye.

The Book House

Great newer spot that is actually just opening up an even bigger location on Cherokee Street! Excited to see all the lovely books and events they bring to life at the new corner spot.

Anchovy Book Co

Get 20% off your first purchase as a friend of mine! Every purchase you make on bookshop.org directly supports your local bookstores! Just make sure to select the local bookstore you want to support and bookshop.org takes care of the rest. I love this as an alternative to Amazon or other larger commercial retailers. Browse my shop page, Read More With Lore, as a great place to start when looking for your next favorite read! If you comment a genre you're looking...

Support your Local Bookstores: Read More With Lore Store on Bookshop.org

book themed coffeeshops & bars

These spots are great to meet up with pals or take your friends when they're in visiting from out of town! The vibes and ambience are bookish and fun.

A newer place that has been on my radar but I haven't yet had the time to check out! Located in St Charles. I love the idea of bringing books and a bar together as a fun community third space. So clever & cool!

Tomes & Tonics

Book themed local coffee shop-- what's not to like? Great drinks, bookish ambience, nice assortment of different size tables and couches. The gluten free and glutinous pastries are also really yummy. PRO TIP- join the rewards program when you check o...

Protagonist Cafe

libraries to study at

St Louis City and County have an incredible system of local library branches! These are just a few to get your started. Definitely look into the branches that are closest to where you live to make the most of your local library services! Check out th...

The downtown central branch of the STL public library is SO gorgeous. One of the best places to study surrounded by all of the beautiful architecture. PRO TIP- park in the designated library parking lot to save money and call their phone line to get ...

St. Louis Public Library - Central Library

A peaceful local library branch with lots of natural light! The library associates are really knowledgable and happy to helpp you find anything you're looking for. This branch in particular has a great selection of children's books and graphic novels...

Kingshighway Branch Library

This is one of the bigger library branches besides the central branch. Multiple floors with natural light and a relatively big parking lot. Conveniently located on Hampton near other shops. You can book a private study room in advance or call ahead t...

St. Louis Public Library - Buder Library

A great public library out in the county with a huge selection of books! They also have a mini book shop within the library where they sell some great newer books for reduced prices in order to benefit the community.

Kirkwood Public Library

Another great library branch in the county. It was remodeled recently and has a lot of modern computers, seating options, and gorgeous artwork decorating the space.

University City Public Library

The carpenter branch is great for a study spot, checking out books, browsing the mini zine library or children's section, or attending author events.

St. Louis Public Library - Carpenter Library

Awesome branch of the public library with materials for kids as well as 3D printing and makerspace resources the last time I checked.

St. Louis Public Library - Barr Library

stationery shops, collectives & events

Looking to read or journal in community with other cool folks? Get started with the groups below and find your people! Also check out these incredible local stationery stores to get your journaling fix in.

Get $5 off with my coupon for joining as a friend! Papillon Press is an awesome spot to restock on pens, stickers, notebooks, and cards. the store is so beautiful and timeless, plus I've heard sometimes you get to see the press in action! PRO TIP- sign up for their loyalty program online to earn rewards.

Papillon Press STL

The incredible brain child of some local book lovers who wanted to bring books to the people of STL and make reading more accessible. Check out their event calendar for occassional themed book dinners and to catch them at tabling opportunities.

The Public Intellectual Bookshop

A great space to meet fellow journalers or start a creative ritual like morning pages for yourself. They've had events at local restaurants and parks before. Excited to see what future months hold! PRO TIP- sign up for their email newsletter and foll...

STL Journal Collective · Connection through Reflection

affectionately deemed the “tiny shiny shop,” the kabine is the perfect compact spot to meet your stationery needs! You step into the camper and feel like you have a 1:1 shopping experience to browse curated goods from around the world. PRO TIP- sign ...

The Kabine

I've not yet had a chance to go to this spot on Cherokee Street, but I've heard great things from friends! Of note is the wonderful washi wall with a huge collection of washi tape for all the bullet journal, junk journal, and scrapbooking fans out th...

SunSnow