Great Book Stores in Denver, Colorado
Tattered Cover Book Store in Historic Downtown Denver
Unique Features: This Tattered Cover Bookstore is in the historic Morey-Merchantile building from Denver's early days, now restored to feature a roaring fireplace surrounded by plush armchairs, books that ascend two stories high, antique furnishings, and soft lamplight to give it that warm home-like feel that is so necessary for reading. Often the bustling hub for all things literary, this bookstore features frequent book signings, authors' seminars and readings, lectures and presentations, and other community events. Also has a coffee shop and ponderous newsstand.
Where: at the end of the 16th Street Mall, at the corner of 16th Street and Wyncoop, which is near Union Station and Coors Field (see map, at right).
Parking: Storefront parking available, as well as hourly parking lots within a short walk from the store.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 am to 9:00 pm; Saturday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; and Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Contact: 303-436-1070
Capitol Hill Books: the Best Used Bookstore in Denver
Unique Features: Capitol Hill Books may seem inconsequential to the unknowing eye, but this little shop has received 5280 Magazine's Best Denver Used Bookstore of the Year award, twice in a row! For 30 years locals have been browsing the store's organized and alphabetized sections, enjoying the unusual feel of being able to find exactly what they were looking for because they were looking in the right place. For a used books store, this one stands head and shoulders above the rest, according to customers.
Where: at the corner of Grant Street and Colfax (see map, below).
Parking: Unfortunately there are no large parking lots within a few blocks, since Capitol Hill Books really is at the foot of the little hill the state capitol is on. However, miscellaneous parking spots can usually be found along the neighboring streets.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Contact: 303-837-0700, info@capitolhillbooks.com
Website/Blog: Capitol Hill Books
Map to Barnes and Noble in South Denver
Barnes and Noble Book Store in South Denver with Lakefront View
Unique Features: This Barnes and Noble has an in-store Starbucks coffee shop in the center of the store surrounded by tables for two, with the individual book sections fanning out from the cafe. Other neat elements include free WiFi, a large selection of journals and magazines, and a storefront on Johnson Reservoir, the lake at Clement Park.
Where: At the southwest corner of Wadsworth and Bowles (see map, at right).
Parking: An expansive parking lot is located directly in front of the store.
Hours: Everyday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Contact: 303-948-9565
Website: Barnes and Noble in Littleton, CO
Map to the Neighborhood Bookstore
Neighborhood Bookstore in Small Town, Old Town, Downtown Littleton
Unique Features: Located just off of downtown Littleton's historic Main Street, the Neighborhood Book Store sells gently used books and accepts trade-ins for credit towards purchases. This book store takes pride in it's alphabetically organized sections and its knowledgeable staff, managed by a large grey bookstore cat who, it is rumored, is illiterate. The Classics section is stocked full of treasures that classics-lovers rarely find. Other sections such as Religion, Science, and Biographies, are fairly small. Their books cover a range of prices, but usually lean towards the higher side for used books since the books are in such good condition.
Where: North of Main Street on Curtice in Historic Downtown Littleton (closest major intersection is Bowles and Santa Fe/85). See map, at right.
Parking: A small lot is available behind the shop, as well as curbside parking on Curtice Street.
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Saturday through Monday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM .
Contact: 303-730-3682, or info@neighborhoodbookstore.com
Website: Neighborhood Bookstore
Mardel Christian and Educational Materials Supply Store in South Denver
Unique Features: Mardel carries a large selection of homeschool curriculum and Christian educational materials, as well as the largest selection of Bibles any store carries in Denver. Though not just a Christian bookstore (Mardel carries Christian music, inspirational gifts, children's interest, crafts, stationary, and a few clothing items), the books section of this gigantic store is as large as a campus bookstore, carrying Christian biographies, theology, devotion works, classics, commentaries, history, and fiction. One downside to their selection is the lack of Puritan writings. The books are surprisingly affordable; the modern Christian won't need to "sell your beds and buy books!" as one historic Christian preacher advised his congregation. Other "perks"? Enjoy a free cup of coffee at the little cafe just inside the main doors.
Where: On Wadsworth, just north of Belleview, by Sam's Club and Hobby Lobby. See map, at right.
Parking: A large lot in front of the store always has convenient openings near the entrance.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Is not open on Sundays in order to keep the Lord's day holy (see Exodus 20:7).
Contact: 303-904-6015
Website: Mardel in Littleton
