Below is a list of the top and leading Bookstores in Kansas City. To help you find the best Bookstores located near you in Kansas City, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Kansas City’s Best Bookstores:
The top rated Bookstores in Kansas City, MO are:
- Sword & Trowel Bookstore – provides theological, educational, and pastoral resources for the church
- Prospero’s Books – is co-owned and operated by Will Leathem and Tom Wayne
- Willa’s Books & Vinyl – was invented in the heart of Willa Robinson
- Afterword Tavern & Shelves – invite you to walk through their door
- Barnes & Noble – serves more than 600 communities in all fifty states
Sword & Trowel Bookstore
Sword & Trowel Bookstore exists to provide theological, educational, and pastoral resources for the church. The “Sword & Trowel” was the name of Spurgeon’s magazine. This name was secondary to Nehemiah 4 and the builders who worked with their tools in one hand and a sword in the other. How fitting that a place that gives resources would be named after such an influential resource of the past. Your Sword & Trowel acquire fund training in gospel ministry. All proceeds from webstore sales go directly toward tuition scholarships for college and Midwestern Seminary.
So when you shop at Sword & Trowel online, you are not just getting a great gift or resource, you’re helping to fund more theological training for God’s mission in the world.
Products/Services:
Shop, Gift Card, Textbooks
LOCATION:
Address: 5050 Midwestern Dr, Kansas City, MO 64118
Phone: (816) 414-3808
Website: www.shop.mbts.edu
REVIEWS:
“This place was incredible! Great coffee, and more importantly it was the only Christian book store I’ve been in where there wasn’t a Joel Olsteen book right when you walk in. Absolutely awesome!” – Cole C.
Prospero’s Books
Prospero’s Books is co-owned and operated by Will Leathem and Tom Wayne, both of whom live in the neighborhood and one of whom is almost always behind the counter. On a cold November 19th, it’s opened on the anniversary of Silvia Beach’s famed Parisian bookstore Shakespeare and Company, the birthplace of the Moderns. Prospero’s promptly earned a reputation as home to a significant portion of Kansas City’s literary, music and arts scene. It was founded in 1997 with three floors of media and books, meet and take home the greatest minds in history, or join in on KCs finest, running conversations at the counter.
Situated in the scrum of KC’s bohemia. A five-minute ride from the Plaza and downtown convention district. Make a day of it, grab a drink and a bite just outside their door along 39th Street’s restaurants and bars.
Products/Services:
Buy, Sell & Trade, Events
LOCATION:
Address: 1800 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: (816) 531-9673
Website: www.prosperosbookstore.com
REVIEWS:
“Amazing vintage vibes used bookstore. Truly that bookstore you see people go into in movies that just makes you want to hang out all day and absorb the atmosphere, enjoy the environment, the eclectic collection of awesome books and items, and an awesome afternoon hang with friends. I highly recommend this store.” – Meredith M.
Willa’s Books & Vinyl
Willa’s Books & Vinyl was invented in the heart of Willa Robinson, who developed a love for books and reading at a very early age. In 1994 she began selling her books on 18th and Vine, in Kansas City, Missouri, as a street vendor. Willa’s Books & Vinyl particularizes in used and rare African-American books, first editions, along with the works of a broad range of mainstream authors. Willa’s Books & Vinyl also keeps a large collection of African-American History, vintage jazz, and blues LPs, 45 soul, literature, and rare selections of vintage magazines. There is something for everyone in Willa’s Books & Vinyl’s vast collections.
Products/Services:
Books & Vinyl
LOCATION:
Address: 5547-5549 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
Phone: (816) 419-1051
Website: www.willasbookskc.com
REVIEWS:
“Great selection of hard-to-find African American artists on vinyl and 78’s. In addition, great conversation with a knowledgeable lady. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit and will definitely return.” – RL
Afterword Tavern & Shelves
Afterword Tavern & Shelves, a good book has the exceptional ability to connect friends over midnight discussions, or to a talky passenger on the streetcar who loves the same writer. Simple paper pages can motivate a visit to a city or reconnect someone to a time and place of their past. Books can spark an idea or stimulate an argument and provide a tranquil escape from the chaos. Beer, spirits, wine, and food share this quality. Rather than leave one of them out they decided to combine their collective powers under a single roof. Thus, Afterword Tavern & Shelves was started.
While it may be libations and books they’re selling on paper, at a philosophical level they are peddling discovery and the city in which they live. Afterword Tavern & Shelves invite you to walk through their door, and when you depart they hope that you do so having discovered something stirringly novel.
Products/Services:
Books, Online Bookshop, Menu
LOCATION:
Address: 1834 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: (816) 299-8360
Website: www.afterwordkc.com
REVIEWS:
“Loved it here! The vibe of the whole place is super cozy and it was fun to be able to play games while hanging out and drinking – big shoutout for having chess tables! If I was a local I would definitely sign up for their booze & book club, such a cool concept. There was live music and the drinks were great. I had the Yellow Wallpaper and would totally recommend. If I ever come back to KS, I’d definitely stop in again! Cheers.” – Ashlyn
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble serves more than 600 communities in all fifty states and remains the leading book retailer in the United States. Barnes & Noble became a publicly traded company in 1993 and continued to grow during the 1990s, adding an e-commerce website, BN.com in May 1997, and publishing capabilities. In 2001, they purchased SparkNotes.com, a leading study aids website, and in 2003, Sterling Publishing, which had been working for more than half a century and had a deep library of titles in print. In 2009, it entered the eBook market with its acquisition of Fictionwise and launched its NOOK brand of e-Reading products, which give a fun, user-friendly, and immersive digital reading experience.
Over the past several years, the company has introduced several devices in the tablet and e-Reader categories. In 2011, Barnes & Noble added the Borders and Waldenbooks brands into its family. In 2016, Barnes & Noble started introducing new prototype stores in select markets throughout the country, featuring a contemporary aesthetic with books at the center, expanded food and beverage offerings, and comfy seating for a welcoming customer experience.
Products/Services:
Books, Fiction, Nonfiction, eBooks, Audiobooks, Teens & YA, Kids, Toys & Games, Stationery & Books, Music & Movies
LOCATION:
Address: 420 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO 64112
Phone: (816) 753-1313
Website: www.stores.barnesandnoble.com
REVIEWS:
“Love coming to this location – reminds me of an old-style library. With a Starbucks on the 2nd level and clean bathrooms, it’s customer friendly. Great time now to buy one get one free on selected titles. Throw in nice buys on clearance items and it’s worth the time to check out the Plaza area.” – Mike P.
Shera Elliott graduated from the New Mexico State University with a major in biology and a minor in Biological Basis of Behavior & Health Care Management. Shera grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to Las Cruces for college. Shera has written for several major publications including the Albuquerque Journal and NPR. Shera is a community reporter and also covers stories important important to all Americans.