Book lovers in Reno are never far from the scent of fresh pages or the thrill of discovering a hidden literary gem. Whether you’re searching for indie favorites, comic book treasures, religious tomes, or the perfect cup of coffee to savor between chapters, the city’s bookstores offer something for every type of reader.
Let’s get to it.
Grassroots Books
At Grassroots Books in Reno, a lively community center exists within a bookstore setting. Over 40,000 new and used titles fill the shelves, making a quick trip almost impossible. On Sundays, customers can purchase a grocery-sized bag of books for just five dollars. An outdoor sale lot offers most items at a dollar or less, weather permitting.
The inventory extends beyond prose. You’ll find comics, manga, vinyl records, CDs, and vintage video games. There’s even a rotating section for Nevada hiking guides or local interest subjects.
A dedicated children’s back room features cozy seating and bright decorations. Free Wi-Fi and self-serve tea stations invite guests to linger. Staff members demonstrate genuine expertise rather than googling answers at the counter.
Proceeds support local schools and nonprofits, and many area teachers shop here regularly. With bargain pricing and a wide-ranging collection, Grassroots Books delivers both value and a strong sense of community.
LeRue Press, LLC
In Reno, LeRue Press, LLC blends independent publishing, printing, and a bookstore under one roof. Founded in the early 2000s as Publishing from the Heart, the company rebranded to LeRue Press but has kept its focus on launching indie authors and preserving local history.
Inside, you encounter a mix of cozy reading nooks and the steady hum of printing presses. An Author’s Corner highlights Nevada writers, and aspiring authors can schedule a consultation with an editor or designer to turn a manuscript into a physical book.
The inventory ranges from children’s stories to memoirs about mining towns. You’ll find shiny new copies alongside unique consignment titles from self-published authors. While rare local gems rarely go on sale, print-on-demand options offer fair rates for writers looking to print small batches.
LeRue Press also produces a podcast and hosts a weekly radio show, giving authors extra airtime. The shop manages to support local talent, provide printing services, and maintain a welcoming community space for readers and writers alike.
St Thomas Aquinas Book Store
In downtown Reno, St Thomas Aquinas Book Store & Gift Shop has served the community for over a century. It shares space with the Cathedral complex and offers a tranquil atmosphere under hand-carved angel statues and colorful stained-glass windows.
Inside you will find quiet nooks where you can browse Bibles, children’s catechism books, rosaries, prayer cards, icons, and other Catholic essentials. Vestments and altar breads occupy one section, while another shelf displays parish-branded items and seasonal gifts.
Most staff members are volunteers who know the merchandise well and do not pressure you to buy extras. They are happy to help you find a saint medal, baptism gift, or First Communion keepsake. Whether you visit in person or choose local delivery, custom orders arrive promptly.
Prices sit firmly in the midrange for religious goods, and credit cards are accepted at the register. The shop also functions as a parish hub, hosting occasional gatherings and serving both regular churchgoers and first-time visitors. Friendly faces and a broad selection make this longstanding store a reliable resource for Catholic supplies.
Thistle & Nightshade
At Thistle & Nightshade, a self-described bookstore for weirdos and others, you will find a handwritten promise of oddball reads. Since opening in August 2023 in Reno, this shop packs many surprises into a cozy, welcoming setting. The children’s section features a colorful mural and soft seating that invites you to settle in with a new discovery.
Signed first editions and wrapped blind date books sit on shelves, each tagged with a single genre hint…
You also get sci-fi and romance alongside shelves of woodworking guides, AAPI and Latinx voices, and Native and Indigenous stories. Local authors have a dedicated display next to an artisan gift corner stocked with candles, tea, jewelry, and stickers. It’s easy to leave thirty dollars lighter when you intended to buy just one book.
Special orders move quickly, and co-owners Annie and Alyx always seem to pick something you didn’t know you’d love. The shop isn’t huge but every visit reveals new titles. If you support indie businesses or crave recommended favorites from people who really get it, this is your spot.
The Radical Cat
At The Radical Cat, you find a feminist bookstore packed with brand-new titles on gender, sexuality, environmental justice, and a curated “witchy” section. The shelves also hold many zines and comics, each tucked into dedicated nooks where you can browse quietly.
A glass-walled cat lounge connects to the main area, offering rescue cats available for adoption through a partnership with the Nevada Humane Society. The lounge provides a calm spot to visit with these cats while you shop.
The Radical Cat hosts events nearly every week. Story times for children share shelf space with Tarot readings, writing workshops, author talks, and crochet meetups for crafting cat toys. Each event schedule appears on a bulletin board near the entrance.
Prices are set to support living wages and sustainable practices. You will not find a wall of bestsellers here but a thoughtful selection chosen by staff who know each author. This small shop feels like a genuine neighborhood gathering place for readers, activists, and anyone seeking something different.
Forerunner Eastern Orthodox Bookstore
At Forerunner Eastern Orthodox Bookstore in Reno, visitors find a quietly reverent atmosphere among rows of Eastern Orthodox texts and a dedicated icon gallery. Wooden shelves display everything from beginner prayer guides to comprehensive church history volumes. A peaceful alcove set aside for private prayer sits just steps away from the main bookcases.
Authenticity drives their collection. You can discover rare or out-of-print titles alongside children’s faith materials. The staff, especially Nina, will locate specific icon prints or obscure commentaries with ease.
Online operations are equally streamlined. Their website offers clear shipping policies and a special ordering system that ships nationwide. In-town guests can attend services and shared meals at the neighboring church.
Price options range from affordable introductory books under ten dollars to collectible volumes priced higher. Whether you need a starter guide or a scholarly reference, this bookstore serves both casual readers and devoted collectors without fuss.
His Word – Parable Christian Store
Since 1980, this store has stocked Bible translations, devotionals, prayer guides, Christian music CDs, apparel, and church supplies across packed shelves.
You will find a New Releases section near the entrance that highlights the latest devotionals and Christian living titles. Walls are lined with Bibles in various translations, and racks hold greeting cards for every occasion.
Staff members greet you with friendly help and knowledgeable suggestions. They answer questions about Sunday school curriculum, offer to pray with you, and process special orders daily. You can choose in-store pickup, local delivery, or custom orders for church events.
Prices tend to stay under twenty dollars for most books, with gift and music selections priced competitively. The store accepts credit cards at checkout. Over its forty-year history, it has hosted book signings, children’s events, and workshops to support local churches.
Seasonal displays update monthly to feature holiday Bibles, Easter gifts, and Advent devotionals. Whether you shop for church supplies or personal study materials, this store aims to build community and strengthen faith through quality products and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Coffee N’ Comics
Coffee N’ Comics combines premium beverages with a vast comic collection under one roof. Specialty lattes, craft beer offerings, and classic espresso drinks sit alongside glass-locked cases of rare 1970s X-Men issues. Patrons can also browse a free library of indie zines and modern graphic novels.
The layout resembles a relaxed living room meets game lounge. You’ll find board games on open tables and an arcade corner with vintage cabinets. Rows of POP vinyl figures line the shelves, contributing to the pop-culture vibe.
Baristas double as comic guides, ready to recommend the next hot series or debate Power Rangers continuity. Prices for coffee and snacks stay in the affordable range, while collectibles carry market-driven values.
Regular events fill the schedule: drag-bingo nights, Magic tournaments, open mic comedy, and cosplay contests. You might order an Americano and end up watching a stand-up set. The blend of caffeine, comics, and community keeps every visit lively.
Comic Kingdom
Since opening in 2012, Comic Kingdom has grown into a local gathering place for fans of comics, games, and collectibles. The single open floor houses neatly arranged shelves, mural-covered walls, and seating nooks where you can dive into a new graphic novel.
Staff members know their inventory inside out. They guide shoppers through manga series, advise on Magic: The Gathering decks, and point out rare back issues or display-case collectibles. New comics and graphic novels arrive every Wednesday, ensuring a steady flow of fresh releases.
Beyond retail, Comic Kingdom hosts tabletop game tournaments, weekly Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and pinball action. Special signings and charity events appear on the calendar, and the store’s outreach into local schools reinforces its community focus.
Pricing on current issues follows standard market rates, while imported and vintage items may carry premium tags. Whether you’re chasing first editions or hunting for your next favorite series, this spot delivers both selection and a welcoming atmosphere.
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble remains the ultimate destination for book enthusiasts craving both discovery and comfort. Tall shelves bear clear genre labels, so you won’t confuse fantasy with cookbooks. The comics and manga section sees new releases every Wednesday and features collectible covers from popular series.
In-store displays showcase local Nevada authors, signed editions, and seasonal staff picks. Tables cycle through themed selections, making each visit feel fresh.
The onsite café serves Starbucks beverages and offers ample seating for solo readers or study groups. Free Wi-Fi and power outlets line the walls. A children’s nook with low shelves and floor seating keeps young readers happily occupied.
Knowledgeable employees stand by to recommend titles or track down hard-to-find books. Membership discounts and reward points help offset the cost of purchase, especially when a coveted first edition catches your eye.
