Calling all bibliophiles! While adventure can be found between the pages of a book, it can also be found in real life. That's why we decided to indulge book lovers with an Arizona literary road trip itinerary. The state is chockful of indie bookstores and beautiful libraries that offer enriching experiences to those who visit. Here is the itinerary for six stops you can make in a day around the Phoenix Metro area:
This trip is 55 miles with less than two hours of driving time. You can use this Google Maps link for directions and to customize your route.
1. Book Gallery — Mesa
This road trip begins in Mesa at the Book Gallery where you'll find a 5,000-square-foot space filled with books! This is a great place to come for first editions, out-of-print, signed copies, and leather-bound editions. Any book lover would enjoy perusing the aisles and shelves here!
2. Wijaya House Books Flowers Coffee — Tempe
As a newer bookshop, Wijaya House in Tempe has already made quite an impression since it opened. Not only can you pick up a book but grab coffee and even a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. There are plenty of cozy seats to sit and relax as you read and enjoy a caffeinated beverage.
3. Civic Center Library — Scottsdale
I cannot recommend the Civic Center Library enough. Not only is this large 103,000-square-foot library an architectural gem but it has a cafe, plenty of computers for public use, an art gallery, and perhaps the best kids' section of any library ever. It has a castle — what more could kids want in a library?
4. The Poisoned Pen Bookstore — Scottsdale
Everyone I know who's been to The Poisoned Pen Bookstore speaks very highly about it. Not only does it have a carefully curated book selection available in-store and online but it hosts a slew of author and literary events throughout the year.
5. Changing Hands Bookstore — Phoenix
I absolutely love the Phoenix location of Changing Hands Bookstore! Not only does it have a great variety of books but also endless unique gifts and toys. It's also home to First Draft Book Bar where you can sit and read as you indulge in an adult beverage or a tea or coffee. There's even a food menu if you're feeling hungry. This is a fantastic bookshop to spend an afternoon in.
6. Desert Broom Library — Cave Creek
Desert Broom Library is a Phoenix Public Library located in the town of Cave Creek. Perhaps the coolest thing about this library, aside from the books it houses, is its design. Its architecture was designed with the desert landscape in mind and built with the least amount of disturbance possible where it was built. It's even won awards for design and sustainability over the years.
Have you been to any of the stops on this Arizona literary road trip? What are your favorite bookstores throughout the state? Let us know!
If you'd rather shop for books online, check out what our friends at Bookshop.org have in stock.
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