Whether you love hunting for rare first editions or simply want a cozy spot to flip through the latest bestseller, the local book scene here truly delivers. From indie shops with curated shelves to sprawling stores with every genre imaginable, you are never far from your next great read.
Let’s get to it.
Literally A Bookshop
At Literally A Bookshop, 800 square feet holds shelves filled with everything from baby board books to adult fiction and nonfiction. The store greets visitors with that unmistakable “smells like books” atmosphere coupled with a warm, small-town charm. Children’s titles and graphic novels take center stage, with a dedicated graphic novel shelf and a rotating display highlighting local authors. Owner Laura Sharp curates every selection personally, so browsing often turns up unexpected gems not found at larger retailers.
The layout maximizes space for families and book lovers without feeling overcrowded. Cozy nooks invite kids or tired parents to settle in, and a standing table offers a spot to preview new releases. Literally A Bookshop hosts regular community events such as the Children’s Book Swap for trading stories, the Banned Book Club for lively discussions, and a Lunch Hour Book Club in partnership with the local museum. Author visits and participation in the annual Find Waldo in Gilbert hunt round out the calendar. Standard publisher pricing applies, but the focused curation and welcoming environment offer real value to readers of all ages.
Bookmans Mesa Entertainment Exchange
At Bookmans Mesa Entertainment Exchange, bargain hunters and pop-culture fans can roam endless aisles of books, games, and collectibles. The store blends new and used inventory across multiple genres—literary fiction, graphic novels, children’s series, and obscure video games. Each week’s trades introduce unexpected finds, from vintage posters to limited-edition figurines, in the “Geeking Out” corner.
Staff members offer knowledgeable assistance in tracking down rare titles or out-of-print games. Comfortable seating areas invite you to leaf through recent purchases while enjoying a snack from the in-house café. Specialty coffee drinks and fresh smoothies pair well with a stack of paperbacks or a handful of collectible trading cards.
A trade credit system lets shoppers exchange old books, CDs, or games for store credit. That credit even applies toward café purchases, turning the store into a modern barter marketplace. Regular book clubs, gaming nights, and community events create a lively calendar and support local reading programs. Friendly prices on used items make it easy to explore new genres without stretching your budget.
The Bookish Shop
Located in downtown Gilbert, The Bookish Shop specializes in all things romance. After launching Bookish Box subscriptions online in 2015, they opened this brick-and-mortar location in April 2025. The store offers a modern-cozy atmosphere with a coffee bar, high-top seating, and a covered patio for reading sessions.
Luxe editions fill the shelves, from sprayed-edge hardcovers to artist-designed dust jackets and signed first editions. Specialty candles, apparel, and merch referencing popular authors and series create a boutique feel. The romance collection spans new adult, romantasy, and fantasy titles with a focus on relationship-driven plots and immersive worlds.
Staff members know genre conventions, recommend titles based on reading history, and manage exclusive preorders for upcoming releases. Weekly “Shut Up & Write!” meetups, local author signings, and writing workshops bring community events to life. Designed tables and cozy corners encourage extended stays without feeling intrusive. The Bookish Shop delivers a curated romance experience tailored to avid readers and writers seeking a dedicated space.
Book Gallery
Tucked in downtown Mesa, Book Gallery feels like a hidden retreat for book lovers. Nearly 5,000 square feet of antique and modern oak bookcases create cozy, narrow aisles that invite slow browsing. Classical music plays softly while vintage bookends and framed prints accent the shelves. You will find everything from the latest bestsellers to signed first editions and elegant leather-bound volumes.
The shop specializes in out-of-print, used, and collectible books. Autographed copies, antique maps, and occasional pieces of original artwork share the shelves with elusive titles. Prices range from wallet-friendly paperbacks to higher-end editions of Hemingway or Woolf, offering fair value for serious collectors.
Staff members know both their inventory and the building’s history. They will point you toward hard-to-find titles or arrange special orders for obscure requests. Whether you are picking up a quick read or hunting a rare collectible, Book Gallery caters to everyday readers and dedicated book collectors alike, making it a unique destination in the Mesa book scene.
Changing Hands Bookstore
Operating since 1974, Changing Hands Bookstore spans two Arizona locations in Tempe and Phoenix. Each shop functions as a community hub where visitors browse shelves, sip coffee or wine, and explore new arrivals. The Phoenix store includes a full bar called First Draft, serving wine by the glass and craft beer alongside seasonal menus.
A wide selection covers literary and genre fiction, cookbooks, graphic novels, and regional non-fiction focused on Arizona history and Native American voices. A children’s nook divides books by age groups, from board books to middle-grade adventures. Their used book counter accepts up to 40 volumes in Tempe and 15 in Phoenix for trade credit without judgment.
Staff members provide informed recommendations, curate reading lists, and highlight staff picks on in-store displays. With over 100,000 titles in stock, a rotating “New This Week” table, and a dedicated banned-books collection, every visit reveals fresh finds. Weekly author talks, book clubs, and writing workshops foster community engagement and make each trip memorable.
Half Price Books
Half Price Books in Mesa occupies a spacious storefront in Superstition Springs Power Center, drawing visitors into aisles stocked with discounted books, comics, CDs, vinyl records, and board games. Organized sections guide you through genres—from textbooks and sci-fi paperbacks to graphic novels and indie zines. The clearance aisle features steep discounts on overstock DVDs and heavily discounted paperbacks, making bargain hunting a breeze.
Staff members circulate the floor, ready to recommend first editions or suggest a title for your next book club meeting. The Half Pint Books area caters to young readers, grouping titles by age and reading level. Listening stations for vinyl and CDs let you sample music before purchase.
A trade-in program accepts gently used books, games, and media for cash or store credit. That credit applies not only to book purchases but also to snacks and beverages in the café. Recycling initiatives promote sustainable shopping by acquiring items that might otherwise end up in storage.
Occasional in-store events, such as author signings, board game nights, and children’s storytime, foster community connections. With its wide selection, family-friendly layout, and affordable prices, Half Price Books offers a welcoming space for book lovers and media collectors alike.
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble at SanTan Village features two spacious floors stocked with an immense range of titles. Bestsellers and nonfiction line the shelves alongside romance paperbacks, manga, indie comics, and a sizeable graphic novel collection. Special displays highlight signed copies from local authors while staff pick recommendations appear throughout the store.
Free Wi-Fi and a café serving Starbucks coffee, sandwiches, and pastries provide spots to relax. Overstuffed chairs and reading tables invite visitors to linger. The layout encourages exploration with clear signage and distinct genre sections. A children’s area includes a play table with puzzles and picture books positioned nearby.
With over a million titles available, the store offers in-store pickup for online orders and special orders for out-of-stock books. A membership program grants a ten percent discount on most purchases, which can offset premium prices on certain releases. Regular events such as storytime for kids, author readings, and trade nights round out the calendar. This location delivers a comprehensive retail experience for librarians, die-hard fans, and casual browsers alike.
MVMNT CHRISTIAN STORES
MVMNT Christian Stores in Gilbert blends a warm, family-owned atmosphere with a thoughtful selection of spiritual resources. Shelves feature a variety of Bible translations, devotionals, and books on personal growth alongside children’s ministry materials, including coloring books and activity guides. A display of Christian tumblers, bookmarks, and faith-patriotic gifts adds creative flair to the inventory.
Owner Sam’s deep roots in Christian retail shape both the inventory and service approach. Staff members know product details, recommend titles from personal experience, and can offer prayer when requested. The store’s compact layout supports a focused shopping experience that steers clear of the overwhelm often found in larger chains.
Pricing remains competitive with a range that spans budget-friendly devotionals to premium leather-bound Bibles. Custom orders for special covers, boxed sets, or hard-to-find editions receive attentive handling and follow-up. Ongoing workshop announcements and small group meetups appear on rented space nearby. Monthly devotionals and seasonal collections rotate throughout the year, ensuring fresh options on each visit. The result is a retail space grounded in faith, community, and genuine hospitality.
Deseret Book
Organized for ease of discovery, Deseret Book in Gilbert specializes in faith-based titles alongside an extensive selection of music CDs, digital downloads, DVDs, and inspirational gifts. Shelves are stocked with scriptures, self-help titles, church manuals, and signed volumes by local LDS authors. Holiday sections feature illustrated nativity sets and seasonal devotionals, adding a festive touch to the shopping experience.
The store layout emphasizes bright aisles and carefully arranged gift displays. Small seating nooks encourage browsing through new releases while immersive photo backdrops create ideal spots for quick breaks. Staff recommendations appear throughout the store, making it simple to find titles on topics ranging from parenting tips to church history.
Regular promotions, point rewards, and value-priced bundles help customers stretch their budget. Deseret Book also hosts book release events, study group gatherings, and author signings, turning the store into a vibrant community hub. The combination of well-organized merchandise, friendly service, and ongoing programming makes this Gilbert location a reliable destination for faith-centered reading and gift shopping.
