21 incredible bookstores make up the CT Book Trail
On April 26th, independent bookstores across the country – including all 20 stores on the CT Book Trail – will be celebrating the 12th anniversary of Independent Bookstores Day!
Visit your local bookstore for exclusive items, sales, and special events. (Activities vary by shop location.)
Don’t miss the Connecticut Bookstore Passport Program happening alongside Indie Bookstore Day, April 26th and 27th, where participants are eligible to win over $4,000 in prizes.
The Connecticut Book Trail is a group of independently owned bookstores in Connecticut working together to bring more book lovers – both locals and tourists – into all of their shops. The Trail showcases the unique character and charm of each bookstore, while also highlighting the diverse literary community in Connecticut.
By working together, these independent bookstores hope to create a greater sense of community and to foster a love of reading and books across the state. Whether you’re looking for a hard-to-find book or the latest bestseller, you’re sure to find it at one of the participating stores on the Trail.
Don’t miss the annual CT Bookstore Passport Challenge in April, or join the “Slow and Steady” challenge running from late April to Labor Day
Athena Books
228 Sound Beach Ave
Old Greenwich, CT 06870
Google Maps
Phone: (203)990-0295
Website: https://athenabooksog.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
Athena Books is named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, and is intended to be a source of inspiration and gathering place for members of the Greenwich community and beyond.
Bank Square Books
80 Stonington Road
Mystic, CT 06355
Google Maps
Phone:(860)536-3795
Website: http://www.banksquarebooks.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Twitter
Bank Square Book is a locally owned, fiercely independent bookstores committed to providing quality books, ebooks, and audiobooks for all types of readers in addition to gifts, toys, and cards.
Barrett Bookstore
5 Corbin Drive
Darien, CT 06820
Google Maps
Phone: (203)655-2712
Website: https://www.barrettbookstore.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Barrett Bookstore is the largest and oldest independent bookstore in Fairfield County. The 3,600 foot store carries literary fiction, non-fiction, classics, biographies and memoirs, history, poetry, essays, science-fiction, fantasy, mystery and thrillers, cooking, wellness, business, fine and performing arts, sports, nature science, gardening and picture/gift books. In addition, Barrett prides itself on its wide selection of books and games for children of all ages.
Bibliolatree Books
2 Norwich Road
East Haddam, CT 06423
Google Maps
Phone: (203)610-0008
Website: https://www.bibliolatree.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
Bibliolatree (Bib-lee-all-a-tree) is a new bookship in downtown East Haddam specializing in autographed books. The shop has over 7,500 autographed books, and a handpicked inventory of books on all subjects running to 15,000 volumes.
Black Rock Books
3030 Fairfield Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06605
Google Maps
Phone: (203)549-8144
Website: https://www.blackrockbooks.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
Located in Bridgeport’s historic Black Rock neighborhood, Black Rock Books aims to be a neighborhood haven for readers of all ages. The shop offers a curated selection of new and used books, as well as a variety of community events. From family storytime to author talks, to wellness workshops and monthly poetry nights!
Books on the Common
404 Main Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
Google Maps
Phone: (203)431-9100
Website: https://booksonthecommon.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
Books on the Common has been serving the greater Ridgefield area since 1984. A full-range bookstore, Books on the Common provides a place for people to come together to discuss books, local politics, world affairs or anything else on their minds!
Breakwater Books
81 Whitfield Street
Guilford, CT 06437
Google Maps
Phone:(203)241-0050
Website: https://breakwaterbooks.net/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
Breakwater Books, an independent bookstore located on the historic Guilford Green, is known for its curated selection of books. They also carry reader glasses, bookmarks, page marks, puzzles, playing cards, games, stickers, magnets, greeting cards, candles, matches, pens, pencils, journals, stationery and more!
Byrd’s Books
178 Greenwood Ave
Bethel, CT 06801
Google Maps
Phone: (203)730-2973
Website: https://www.byrdsbooks.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Byrd’s Books is located on Greenwood Avenue across the street from the Bethel Public Library. We carry only new titles: bestsellers, independent favorites, poetry, children’s, a selection of deep discount books and more.
The Curious Cat Bookshop
386 Main Street
Winsted, CT 06098
Google Maps
Phone: (860) 909-1014
Website: https://curiouscatbookshop.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | X (Twitter)
The Curious Cat Bookshop is a full-service bookstore, offering new books for all ages and genre interests as well as bookish gift items, stickers, games and puzzles, and greeting cards.
Elm Street Books
35 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
Google Maps
Phone: (203)966-4545
Website: http://www.elmstreetbooks.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Elm Street Books is a beloved independent bookstore located in the heart of New Canaan. With a wide selection of books for all ages and interests, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a destination for book lovers near and far.
The Golden Owl
19 Golden Street
New London, CT 06320
Google Maps
Phone: (860)924-2695
Website: https://goldenowl.shop/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
The Golden Owl is a bookstore selling new, used and antique books as well as plants and gift items. Wi-fi and seating are available along with drinks and snacks.
Goods & Curiosities, The Griswold Inn Store
47 Main Street
Essex, CT 06426
Google Maps
Phone: (860)767-0210
Website: https://store.griswoldinn.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
Goods & Curiosities at The Griswold Inn is a charming boutique located in historic Essex, CT. This unique shop offers a carefully curated selection of gifts, souvenirs, and handmade items from local artisans, as well as a selection of books and specialty food products. It’s a must-visit destination for those exploring the town.
Harbor Books
146 Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Google Maps
Phone: (860)388-6850
Website: http://www.harborbooks.com/
Harbor Books is an independent bookstore located in the picturesque town of Old Saybrook, Connecticut. This cozy shop offers a carefully curated selection of new releases, bestsellers, and classics, as well as a variety of gifts and stationery.
The Hickory Stick Bookshop
2 Green Hill Road
Washington Depot, CT 06794
Google Maps
Phone: (860)868-0525
Website: https://www.hickorystickbookshop.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
The Hickory Stick Bookshop is a charming independent bookstore located in the quaint village of Washington Depot, Connecticut. With a wide range of titles, including bestsellers, children’s books, and local interest titles, as well as gifts, cards, and stationery, it’s a favorite destination for book lovers and gift shoppers alike.
House of Books
10 N Main Street
Kent, CT 06757
Google Maps
Phone: (860)927-4104
Website: https://www.houseofbooksct.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Twitter
Kent’s Literary Landmark for over 40 years! House of Books carries bestsellers, independent titles, children’s books, and more virtually on their website!
Possible Futures
318 Edgewood Ave
New Haven, CT 06511
Google Maps
Phone: (203)446-2070
Website: https://www.possiblefuturesbooks.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Possible Futures is a community bookspace, a cross between a community reading room and an independent bookstore. It welcomes you, whether you’re looking to purchase, peruse, or plan.
River Bend Bookshop, Glastonbury
2400 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT 06033
Google Maps
Phone:(860)430-6608
Website: https://www.riverbendbookshop.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
River Bend Bookshop is a family owned business with locations in Glastonbury and West Hartford. These neighborhood bookshops carry a diverse selection of books for children and adults and offer a full calendar of literary and community events. The River Bend Book Truck hit the road in 2021, bringing the local bookshop experience to towns all over the region.
River Bend Bookshop, West Hartford
161 Park Road
West Hartford, CT 06119
Google Maps
Phone:(860)430-6608
Website: https://www.riverbendbookshop.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
River Bend Bookshop is a family owned business with locations in Glastonbury and West Hartford. These neighborhood bookshops carry a diverse selection of books for children and adults and offer a full calendar of literary and community events. The River Bend Book Truck hit the road in 2021, bringing the local bookshop experience to towns all over the region
RJ Julia Booksellers
768 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT 06443
Google Maps
Phone: (203)245-3959
Website: https://www.rjjulia.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Twitter
RJ Julia Booksellers is an independent bookstore located in the coastal town of Madison, CT. With a vast selection of books, gifts, and stationery, as well as a robust schedule of author events and book clubs, this beloved shop is a must-visit for book lovers.
Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
413 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
Google Maps
Phone:(860)685-3939
Website: https://www.wesleyanrjjulia.com/
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Twitter
Wesleyan RJ Julia Booksellers is a unique collaboration between Wesleyan University and RJ Julia Booksellers, located in Middletown, Connecticut. This spacious shop offers a vast selection of books, gifts, and stationery, as well as a coffee shop and event space. With a focus on community engagement and intellectual curiosity, it’s a destination for students, faculty, and book lovers of all ages.
