AROUND DENVER | Bookstore Gems in the Mile High City
BY SIET MILNE-WRIGHT
Denver’s literary scene is as vibrant as the crisp mountain air, offering a wealth of natural beauty that appeals to the creative soul. Despite recent challenges—near losses of beloved institutions like BookBar, Mutiny Information Café, Capitol Hill Books, and even Tattered Cover—the community’s passion for the written word has kept these treasures alive. Thanks to the dedication of local readers and activists, the city’s literary pulse continues, though its survival remains delicate. Denver, after all, has long been a haven for poets, writers, musicians, and artists—a city with a cultural soul that echoes through the streets, with Poet’s Row standing as a lasting tribute to this rich history.
The city’s connection to the Beat Generation is a key part of its cultural identity. In the 1940s and 50s, Denver became a hub for iconic figures like Allen Ginsberg, Neal Cassady, and Jack Kerouac. Ginsberg famously captured the essence of Denver’s raw, restless energy in Howl:
“Who wandered around and around at midnight in the railroad yard wondering where to go, and went, leaving no broken hearts, …to Denver, who lit cigarettes in boxcars boxcars boxcars…” The city’s mix of rugged landscapes, railroads, and downtown bars became a vital backdrop for the Beats’ explorations of identity, freedom, and rebellion.
While Tattered Cover remains Denver’s most recognized literary institution, with eight locations across the city, there’s more to explore. Over 50 independent bookstores dot the city, each with a unique personality, offering everything from rare antiquarian books to children’s tales. Denver’s independent bookstores reflect the character of a city that values creativity, history, and innovation. Here are a few standout spots to check out.
Kilgore Books – 624E. 13th Ave
A tidy little shop with a deep selection of graphic novels, zines, sci-fi, fantasy, and indie titles, appealing to those who love unconventional or community-driven literature.
The Shop at MATTER – 2114 Market St
Blending art, design, and activism, MATTER offers some of the best-curated content in Denver. This shop is clean, bright, colorful, and the staff are engaging and helpful. MATTER offers weekly community events such as screen printing, book clubs, live music, and art showings.
Petals & Pages – 956 Santa Fe Drive
A cozy, community-driven store with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite for those seeking a colorful literary experience. This LGBTQ+-owned store serves as a necessary gathering place for community members to meet.
West Side Books – 3434 W 32nd Ave
A North Denver staple, known for its vast selection of special new and used titles, this store is a crowd-pleaser with a knowledgeable, friendly staff. You can find anything from calendars, to stationery, posters, and small gifts.
Printed Page Bookshop 1416 S Broadway
For lovers of rare and out-of-print books, Printed Page offers the ultimate treasure hunt experience. This used bookstore is hidden away in a quaint Victorian house on South Broadway’s Antique Row.
Fahrenheit’s Books – 1415 S Broadway
Curated Eclecticism is the game at this unique shop now in its new location across the street from Printed Page. Specializing in out-of-print books, Fahrenheit’s is a must-visit for collectors and those searching for hidden gems that love a good and challenging hunt. Incredible offerings of rare, first-edition and archive quality books. A true gem for the patient bibliophile.
Denver, a city that once inspired the Beat poets with its gritty yet vibrant energy, remains a literary haven today that continues to inspire creativity. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Tattered Cover or uncovering a hidden gem, each bookstore adds its own chapter to Denver’s rich literary history.
