Five U.S. Bookstores House Vast, Varied Collections

A collection of bookstore features spotlights independent and used-book shops across the country, each offering a distinctive browsing experience. New Jersey’s Montclair Book Center is described as the state’s largest used bookstore, with densely packed shelves and handwritten section signs. Seattle’s Elliott Bay Book Company stands out for its Capitol Hill setting, historic-feeling wooden interior and inviting atmosphere, while Greenville’s Mr. K’s sells used books alongside music and other media. Downtown Los Angeles’ The Last Bookstore fills a former bank building with about 250,000 new, used and rare books across two floors. Central Florida’s Family Book Shop is arranged in four rooms and pairs its extensive inventory with resident cats Poe and Dickens, continuing a tradition established by longtime shop cat Ink.