Whether you love wandering through shelves of rare first editions, crave the thrill of a new release, or just want a quiet spot for coffee and a good read, you’ll find plenty to discover in and around Scottsdale’s vibrant bookstores. From independent specialty shops to lively community hubs, there’s a perfect place here for every kind of book lover.
Let’s get to it.
Alcuin Books
Hidden in Old Town Scottsdale, Alcuin Books offers far more than a simple rack of paperbacks. The shop carries roughly 15,000 titles focused on Western Americana, Civil War history, French literature, Japanese art, and other fields. Many volumes are rare, used, or limited editions. Among these holdings are signed first editions by James Joyce and Jack London. The collection also includes fore-edge paintings, early printings, and unusual bindings.
Richard Murian oversees the store. Staff members hold advanced degrees in book history and can recommend titles based on reader interests. The open layout features bright lighting and chairs placed throughout aisles for extended browsing sessions. The store is wheelchair accessible and offers private parking for customers. Professional appraisals are available for a fee. Since the store is a member of the ABAA and ILAB, collectors can shop with confidence. Prices align with scarcity, treating each book as a collectible treasure. The store’s online catalog also allows remote browsing and secure shipping options. Alcuin Books provides a specialized experience for serious book enthusiasts.
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Old Town Scottsdale specializes in mysteries, crime fiction, thrillers, and historical novels. A turn into a cozy aisle reveals UK bestsellers, Hot Book of the Week picks, and signed first editions displayed behind glass. Each title feels carefully chosen by staff who understand locked-room mysteries and espionage thrillers alike.
Events calendar boasts over 200 annual occasions, from in-store author signings to live webcasts and virtual book clubs. A cell-phone-free policy preserves quiet aisles and focused browsing. Shelves display chunky paperbacks alongside collectible hardcovers, while staff recommendations appear on chalkboard signs.
The store supports a thriving community of crime aficionados who attend annual conferences and local meetups. Parking near Old Town proves surprisingly hassle-free. Pricing ranges from standard paperback rates to higher tags on limited-edition autographed copies. Founded in 1989, The Poisoned Pen maintains a friendly, welcoming vibe that keeps readers returning for the latest twist-filled page-turner.
Anticus – Fine Art, Books, Jewelry, & Design
Inside Anticus you’ll encounter a curated blend of art, literature, and fine jewelry spread across a 7,000-square-foot gallery in Old Town Scottsdale. Six thousand handpicked books fill 24 genres, from independent Arizona authors to art history tomes and rare estate works. Gallery walls display rotating art exhibitions under track lighting, while cushy sofas and reading nooks invite leisurely browsing.
The jewelry section features handcrafted pieces set alongside occasional wine-tasting nights and painter-and-wine pairings. Sliding glass doors open to small gathering spaces for book clubs and launch events. A human “book curator” selects each title, and visitors often discover hidden Dr. Seuss estate prints or limited-edition art monographs.
Events include three monthly book clubs, author signings, art walks, and informal gatherings led by staff who know everything from Van Gogh’s palette choices to contemporary graphic novels. A resident dog named Chewbacca greets guests and lightens the mood. Pricing on books remains standard and accessible, while art and jewelry range from modest to high-end investment pieces. Ultimately, Anticus feels equal parts private living room, public gallery, and literary salon.
Fantastic Worlds Comics LLC
Fantastic Worlds Comics LLC delivers a full-scale comic shop experience for fans of superheroes, manga, and pop-culture collectibles. The floor plan features dedicated sections for current single issues, back-issue bins, and graded key issues. Shoppers can search through carefully organized stock boxes for silver-age editions or rare variants bagged and boarded to collectors’ standards.
Glass display cases showcase original comic art, limited-edition statues, and hard-to-find Funko Pops. The store’s bright lighting and spacious aisles make browsing easy, while display racks highlight weekly releases and themed collections. Staff members led by Bill field questions on story arcs, graphic novel recommendations, and upcoming titles.
Beyond retail, Fantastic Worlds buys, sells, and trades collections. Regular charity drives and local convention partnerships demonstrate involvement in the geek community. A resident group of comic aficionados hosts signing events, trivia nights, and manga reading circles. Pricing varies from budget-friendly single issues to premium art prints and high-end collectibles. For more than 30 years, Fantastic Worlds has built an inclusive space where collectors of all ages feel at home.
Barnes & Noble
Inside the Barnes & Noble at the Scottsdale Fiesta Shopping Center, visitors find a bright, open layout. Tall bookshelves stretch toward the ceiling in the fiction section, while non-fiction shelves line the opposite wall. A dedicated graphic novel area displays colorful titles. Collectible editions sit on a low table near the entrance, with ornate bindings that catch the eye. A separate table features local Arizona authors and bestsellers selected by staff. Every visit reveals new themed picks in eye-catching displays.
The in-store Starbucks sits in the center aisle, offering espresso drinks, scones, and pastries just a few steps from the checkout. Free Wi-Fi and scattered chairs invite guests to settle in for a quick read. Families appreciate the children’s corner with floor cushions, storytime events, and shelves stocked with picture books and early readers.
Barnes & Noble also offers curbside pickup, a membership program, and a buy-back service for used books and textbooks. Knowledgeable staff stand by with personalized recommendations, always ready to help with genre suggestions or order a hard-to-find title. The store blends the feel of a community hub with the selection and resources of a national chain.
F.C. Ziegler Co. – The Kings House
Walking into F.C. Ziegler Co., The Kings House, you step into a comprehensive Catholic supply shop. The high ceiling and well-lit aisles showcase bibles stacked a dozen rows high. You will find choices ranging from compact pocket editions to study bibles in every translation.
A faint scent of polished metal and fresh paper hints at the display cases. Inside, chalices, patens, and ciboria stand neatly in rows. This showroom feels like a waiting gallery for Sunday services.
Throughout the store, curated displays mark key Catholic milestones. Shelves dedicated to baptisms hold infant baptismal gowns and special books. The First Communion section features prayer books and commemorative rosaries. Wedding gifts range from decorative crosses to personalized missals. If an item is out of stock, the staff arranges custom orders for rare sacramentals.
With more than 85 years in business, F.C. Ziegler Co., The Kings House, supplies local parishes and individuals alike. The team offers expert guidance, whether you are a priest in need of a new lectionary or a godparent choosing a gift. Their deep inventory and service have made this store a long-standing pillar for Catholic life.
Gifts Anon.
Operating in Paradise Valley Plaza since 1977, Gifts Anon. has specialized in recovery resources for nearly five decades. Wooden shelves and curved display cases line the store. You will find books on every 12-step program, along with personal memoirs and practical guides. Medallions and chips in silver and bronze mark sobriety milestones from one day to twenty years.
Nearby racks hold anniversary cards, bookmarks, and themed coffee mugs. Educational pamphlets cover various support groups and community events. The warm, earthy scent of paper and coffee creates a relaxed atmosphere. Small seating nooks invite visitors to browse titles at leisure. No pushy sales pitch interrupts the quiet focus.
Store staff bring in-depth knowledge to every conversation. They can recommend a book for a newcomer or suggest a gift for a sponsor. If an item is not in stock, they arrange delivery or custom orders. Gifts Anon. also works with local recovery groups to host meetings and supply materials.
Whether you prefer to shop in person or request delivery, this shop serves individuals and communities dedicated to sobriety. Their long-standing presence makes Gifts Anon. a dependable resource for recovery supplies.
Books and Blessings
Nestled on the grounds of the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Books and Blessings offers a mix of bookstore and spiritual gift shop. Wooden shelves curve around the walls, filled with Christian literature, daily devotionals, and inspirational memoirs. A glass case highlights handcrafted art by local artists… each piece celebrates faith themes in bright colors.
Across from the books, a display table holds greeting cards and small gifts. Many items are handmade or come from fair-trade suppliers. You will find prayer beads, scented candles, and unique wall art.
The small store layout encourages browsing with wide aisles and natural light. Outside, a private lot provides easy parking. Inside, wheelchair ramps and open doorways ensure accessibility. Well-behaved dogs can enter on a leash.
Staff members greet every customer and offer friendly assistance. They can help you select a reading plan or choose a gift for a special spiritual occasion. Because the store sits within a retreat center, this shop blends into the wider community of workshops, prayer spaces, and group events. Books and Blessings serves visitors, parish groups, and anyone seeking a faith-focused gift or read.
Scottsdale Community College Bookstore
Located in the SC Building on campus, the Scottsdale Community College Bookstore serves every student need. New and used textbooks fill the front aisles. A digital material portal offers eText and open educational resources, reflecting SCC’s push for zero-textbook-cost degree paths. Rental options help lower costs further.
Along one wall, lab manuals and reference guides stand alongside course supplies. Another section features SCC-branded apparel, mugs, and stationery. Students can compare rental versus purchase prices at dedicated kiosks. The Follett-trained staff offer practical advice on rental deadlines, access codes, and buy-back dates.
The store layout focuses on fast service. Multiple checkout stations keep lines moving during peak hours. There are no lounge areas, but the efficient setup ensures you get in and out quickly. Order pickup lockers allow a contactless option, and curbside service remains available.
Whether you need a printed textbook, a digital code, or a cap and gown for graduation, the Scottsdale Community College Bookstore has it. The straightforward approach keeps students on track and costs as low as possible for every term.
Holy Land Books & Gifts Inc.
At Holy Land Books & Gifts Inc. in Scottsdale, you’ll find a warm atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy living room but with a focus on Christian and Judaica resources. The shelves feature new releases, study guides, devotionals, and a well-stocked children’s section. The gift selection goes far beyond typical plastic crosses; shoppers discover candles, home décor, artwork, and meaningful tokens for any occasion.
Owner Victoria Angelone leads a knowledgeable staff that provides personalized guidance rather than simply pointing at random titles. A comfortable seating area invites browsing or quiet reflection. Customers remark on rotating inventory, weekly feature tables, and themed displays that highlight seasonal devotionals or holiday items.
The Judaica collection includes prayer shawls, menorahs, and locally crafted souvenirs from Jerusalem and Bethlehem. If an item is out of stock, staff will special order it and offer gift wrapping upon request. Regular events—prayer gatherings, author signings, music nights, and book launches—bring Scottsdale’s faith community together. Prices range mostly between $15 and $35, balancing boutique flair with affordability.
The Café & Bookstore at SBC
The Café & Bookstore at SBC combines a bustling coffee shop vibe with a serious selection of Christian books and Bibles. Espresso machines hum alongside soft worship music, creating an upbeat yet reflective atmosphere. Shelves hold new titles, study Bibles, devotional guides, and specialized editions for teens, moms, and couples. A daily 30 percent discount applies across everything from large-print Bibles to thematic devotionals.
Cozy corners and communal tables fill the space, inviting solo readers or small groups. For deeper study, shelves dedicated to biblical commentaries and original-language guides cover Greek verb moods and Hebrew syntax. The gift area features cards, journals, and rotating seasonal displays.
Staff members offer expert recommendations without pressure. If a sought-after title is unavailable, they’ll place a special order and notify customers upon arrival. Community events such as Bible study meetups, author visits, and worship music nights punctuate the calendar. All profits funnel back into church ministries, so every purchase supports local outreach efforts. Regulars appreciate the honest service, quality coffee, and the chance to linger over a good book.
