I only had a short window to explore Austin this time around, but that didn’t stop me from squeezing in visits to three independent bookstores I’d been eager to check out. Each one had its own charm — and its own quirks. Here’s a quick rundown of what I saw, what I loved, and what I’d change if I had a magic bookstore wand.
Birdhouse Bookstore: A Tiny Space with a Huge Heart
Birdhouse is exactly the kind of bookstore you hope to stumble upon. It’s small, yes, but don’t let that fool you — this place is packed with character. The owner is absolutely wonderful, one of those booksellers who radiates warmth and clearly cares deeply about her community. She knows her books, is eager to chat, and goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome.
One thing that stood out was the store’s commitment to banned books and LGBTQ+ representation. I saw several banned titles prominently featured, along with displays celebrating diverse voices. It felt like a bookstore on a mission — the good kind of mission.
For a store its size, Birdhouse had a surprisingly solid middle school section. There were titles there I hadn’t seen in other shops, and the curation felt thoughtful and current. When speaking to the owner, she mentioned that the middle school section felt like the most important section to curate. You can’t get future adult readers if they are not interested in books in middle school! If I lived in Austin, I think Birdhouse would quickly become a favorite local haunt, the place where you pop in for “just one book” and end up staying to talk for an hour.
BookPeople: Big, Bold, and a Little Impersonal
BookPeople is the giant of the Austin indie book scene, and you can see why. Their collection is enormous — everything from bestsellers to those niche, hidden-gem titles you’d never expect to find at a big store. There’s a well-curated feel to their shelves that makes you want to run your hands along the spines of every row.
One highlight was their visual displays: bright, colorful, and designed to catch your eye. They also do an excellent job with staff picks, with not just one or two, but two entire shelves of staff choices per section. Those picks definitely tempted me into picking up more books than I had budgeted for, which is always a sign of a bookstore doing its job.
The only downside? The booksellers were a bit impersonal. It might just be the size of the place, but I never got that warm, conversational vibe. If I lived in Austin, I might still be sending my rent money straight to BookPeople, but the personal charm of Birdhouse appealed to me more.
Lark and Owl: A Cozy Little Escape
Lark and Owl might be small, but it is beautifully done. There’s a warm, cozy atmosphere to their space that made me want to curl up with a book and stay for days. The store’s layout is welcoming, with comfy corners that invite you to sit and linger.
Their picture book section was an absolute highlight. I loved seeing such a strong focus on children’s literature, and it was well-balanced with a respectable (if modest) middle school collection. I think with just a bit more inventory — especially in adult novels — they could really shine. The store would also benefit from a few more staff picks to help highlight hidden gems, but what they do have is curated with care.
If I lived closer, I could see Lark and Owl becoming one of those happy little reading havens you return to again and again. It’s a reminder that you don’t always need a giant selection if the atmosphere makes you feel at home.
Final Thoughts
Austin’s indie bookstore scene is thriving, with options for every kind of reader. Whether you want to browse in a massive store like BookPeople, talk banned books at Birdhouse, or relax in the cozy corners of Lark and Owl, there’s something here that will fit your bookish soul.
