Whether you’re after the latest bestseller, quirky indie finds, or a quiet spot to sip coffee and read, the area around Southlake is a book lover’s dream. From historic shops with small-town charm to bustling retailers brimming with new releases, there’s a perfect store for every type of reader.
Let’s get to it.
Talking Animals Books
Inside Talking Animals Books, personality shines through every nook. Housed in a 1902 bank building, this shop blends history with a welcoming atmosphere. Shelves hold new releases alongside gently used titles, and aisles feature gifts, postcards, artwork, and oddball curiosities.
The staff are deeply connected to local schools and excel at finding books you didn’t know you wanted. Weekly events keep the calendar lively, with story time for children, game nights, open-mic evenings, and occasional Shakespeare performances by a resident troupe. Upstairs, a micro-gallery showcases local history, while a play zone entertains younger visitors.
Prices range from budget-friendly paperbacks to rare editions for collectors. Operating for over two years, the store exudes a lived-in charm and a touch of delightful chaos. Staff recommendations often reflect their own reading passions, making each visit feel personal. Whether you’re hunting for a specific title or browsing curiosities, Talking Animals Books balances community spirit with a curated selection that feels truly unique.
d20 Comics and Games
When d20 Comics and Games opened in April 2024, it quickly became a destination for comic and game enthusiasts. Drawing on 28 years of experience in IT and gaming, the owner created a space full of category bays that guide visitors to anime vampire novels, manga, light novels, and more. Superhero comics, sci-fi graphic novels, collectible toys, and miniatures each have their own dedicated display areas.
A private gaming room features a large TV, while long communal tables invite players to roll dice and join ongoing campaigns. You’ll find Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and Flesh and Blood tournaments taking place most days. Regular events include D&D West Marches and Friday Night Magic Commander sessions, ensuring there’s always something in play.
Whether you need advice on the latest Star Wars deck or want to special order an obscure graphic novel, the staff can help. This lively shop embraces community over quiet browsing, making it ideal for anyone who enjoys discussing rules or discovering new games alongside fellow fans.
A House With Books
Since February 2023, A House With Books in Keller Town Center combines fresh releases with gently used finds. Olive-green shelves host fiction, biographies, Christian titles, and classic children’s stories. Staff-curated donations add an element of surprise to the collection.
The shop evokes a mid-century cozy feel, complete with reading nooks and vintage travel posters. A central display table features rotating themes, and soft background music fills the air. Visitors can pour a cup of tea or enjoy a Topo Chico. On weekends, a Casi Cielo coffee pop-up serves specialty brews. Frequent weekend pop-ups feature local roasters, adding to the shop’s welcoming vibe.
Community engagement remains central: book clubs meet regularly, story times entertain young readers, and annual events such as Indie Bookstore Day and an Easter celebration in the nearby park bring everyone together. Owner Hayley Smith and her team offer thoughtful recommendations or stand back to let customers explore at their own pace.
Alongside books, shelves present journals, stickers, mugs, and stylish tote bags. Prices sit comfortably between bargain and premium, inviting readers to stock up without hesitation.
Barnes & Noble
At Barnes & Noble in Southlake Town Square, you get a genuine bookstore experience. This two-story space feels open, thanks to large windows that fill every corner with light. You’ll find bestsellers, graphic novels, and stacks of hardcover thrillers in no time. A dedicated Local Authors display sits beside staff favorites, and signed copies add a touch of bookstore prestige.
Scattered between shelves are comfy couches and café tables, ideal for anyone seeking a quiet spot with a book from their forty-thousand-title collection. The in-house café serves coffee and snacks, and the staff genuinely know their books, offering thoughtful recommendations. On Saturdays, families gather for storytime sessions, and visiting authors sometimes drop in for readings and signings.
Prices match typical new-book rates, but membership deals make frequent visits worthwhile. After more than twenty years serving Southlake, this branch feels less like a national chain and more like a local hub where book lovers and community events come together.
Kinokuniya Bookstore – Carrollton
At Kinokuniya Bookstore in Carrollton, manga and stationery lovers find a well-organized haven. Opened in 2024, this branch hosts mainstream manga alongside rare art books, Japanese textbooks like the Genki series, and a plush Studio Ghibli Totoro collection. Pens and notebooks fill dedicated shelves, inviting you to browse unique journal options.
Display tables showcase the latest English and Japanese novels, plus Kinokuniya exclusives that often sell out quickly. The layout makes it easy to navigate by genre, and cozy browsing corners offer a moment to review purchases. Staff members share genuine excitement for niche manga and collectibles, and they’re happy to recommend new series or track down hard-to-find items.
Regular events draw a crowd: author signings spotlight Japanese creators, cosplay gatherings celebrate fan art, and calligraphy classes introduce traditional writing techniques. Prices range from affordable volumes to premium graphic art editions. Frequent exclusives and in-store events keep inventory fresh, ensuring that Kinokuniya Carrollton stays at the top of every anime and manga enthusiast’s list.
Half Price Books
Since its founding in 1972, Half Price Books has earned a legendary status in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. The store strikes a balance between a public library, a record shop, and an eclectic basement, all bathed in warm lighting and free of odd odors. Shelves rise from floor to ceiling, packed with novels, textbooks, comics, vinyl records, and video games. Cozy reading corners invite you to relax, and flagship locations sometimes include a café.
Every major genre is well represented. Literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, mysteries, manga, children’s titles, and young adult books fill the aisles… even obscure cookbooks with unusual recipes make an appearance. Hidden first editions, signed copies, and a vault of collectible comics add an element of surprise.
Browsing the clearance section often uncovers unexpected treasures, and most prices stay under half of retail. Knowledgeable staff support local teacher discounts, host book drives, and organize author events. Community activities like story hours and donation programs strengthen local ties. The only thing you won’t find at Half Price Books is buyer’s remorse.
Books-A-Million
With over 20,000 square feet of retail space, Books-A-Million offers more than just a massive selection of titles. Bright, organized aisles lead you past table displays filled with bestsellers and hidden gems. The Faithpoint section serves Christian and faith-based readers, while the Kids-A-Million zone highlights young adult and children’s books. Dedicated shelves of graphic novels and manga cater to fans of illustrated storytelling.
The staff are trained to locate specific books and provide tailored recommendations. They might guide you across the store to your desired shelf. The Joe Muggs Café serves coffee, snacks, and light fare, with ample seating for reading or working. New book prices align with standard retail rates, but clearance tables and weekly deals, particularly on manga, offer budget-friendly finds.
Books-A-Million supports its local community through author signings, story hours, and school book drives. Despite its century-long history, the chain combines superstore scale with approachable charm. You can browse at leisure without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
