True book lovers know that there’s no better treasure hunt than searching for a great story and another world in which to immerse yourself. Though Las Vegas is not typically known for academic accomplishments, the city has an assortment of specialty bookstores serving various cultural populations and over two dozen community libraries to provide resources and support for all ages.
Las Vegas for Bookworms
Whether you prefer the scent of musty pages and binding glue or e-readers and computer access, our bookstores and libraries are here to meet your needs.
Bauman Rare Books
Unexpectedly tucked into the upper levels of the Venetian, Bauman Rare Books is located in the Grand Canal Shoppes among the fashion boutiques and restaurants, focusing on collectible books and first editions. The leather-wrapped tomes and hushed voices are reminiscent of an academic library, with display cases and dust jackets protecting the most valuable of their stock. Readers with deep pockets can find limited editions and signed copies of historically meaningful and culturally influential texts here. The gallery also features space for author events and free weekly “Introduction to Book Collecting” sessions led by the staff.
Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center
This prominent location is more than just a library, with an attached performing arts theater that can seat nearly 300 people for performances by local dance, music and drama groups. The collection at Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center spans DVDs, music CDs, large-print fiction and a large children’s book collection. The building also includes study and conference rooms available by reservation and an on-site used book store and art gallery.
The Writer’s Block
This charming downtown bookstore with an emphasis on independent authors and unique voices recently moved into a new and larger building to expand its collection. In addition to selling books, The Writer’s Block is also home to a resident rabbit and an “artificial bird sanctuary” with adoptable feathered friends. The store stocks all literary genres but especially saves shelf space for minority voices, underserved populations and local authors. Owners Scott Seely and Drew Cohen also use the area to host readings, book signings, writers workshops and other events. A coffee shop has also been added to the new space, inviting customers to linger and socialize with other book lovers.
Books (©Tom Hermans)
Flamingo Library-Clark County Library
Having fun isn’t hard if you have a library card! The Clark County Library district has all the usual resources for a modern-day library and two on-site theaters for live music and cultural events. A schedule of upcoming events is available on their website, and events are typically free to attend. This location, just around the corner from the University of Nevada Las Vegas campus, also has specific programming and technology resources for teenagers, including video editing software, a 3D printer, coding classes and fashion design equipment.
Great Wall Books
Easily accessible in Chinatown Plaza since 1995, Great Wall Books is stocked with Chinese media, including newspapers, books, CDs and DVDs. The store is known for being a gathering place for Chinese immigrants new to Las Vegas and a site to connect with their culture. In addition to books and media, the shop also stocks a variety of gifts, including collectible stamps, traditional crafting and calligraphy supplies, origami paper and small décor items.
Chinese Books (©Eric Prouzet)
Copper Cat Books
This pet-friendly used book store is in a cozy corner spot off of Horizon Ridge Parkway. Organized shelves display books across several genres, with extensive selections in fiction, theology and suspense. There’s an entire room at Copper Cat Books dedicated to young adult fiction books, decorated with memorabilia from Harry Potter and other popular series. Reach out to staff if you are looking for anything in particular, as their store stock is only a tiny portion of what they have available in their warehouse.
Books (©Aaron Burden)
Dragon Castle Books
As the creative name hints, Dragon Castle Books specializes in science fiction, graphic novels and comic books but stocks a little bit of everything. A true used book store, this family-owned shop also has procedures for buying and trading books from the public. Regulars note that staff is knowledgeable and helpful for navigating the space to find whatever books you need.
