Every fall, we hop around Kansas City and visit every bookstore we can. The goal is to say hello to our bookstore friends, check out new shops, and make a list for bookstore lovers that showcases the best bookshops in KC.
Here's some of our favorites on both sides of the state line:
Monstera's Books
Overland Park, KS
Monstera's is a family-owned bookstore + plant shop in Downtown Overland Park, a charming historic suburb of Kansas City. Our shop has a retro bohemian vibe and is located right next to the Overland Park Farmer's Market, voted the best market in Kansas.
We opened in 2024 after Kate quit her corporate job to chase her dream of owning a bookstore. In the summer of 2025, a fire at the restaurant next door caused extensive damage to our space and we had to start over. We survived by selling books from our home, by hosting popups in the parking lot, and by hand-delivering books all over Kansas City.
We are proud of our curated selection that includes something for everyone – literary fiction, kids, romance, non-fiction, art & design – as well as our collection of budget-friendly used books. Most of all, we are proud of our kind-hearted booksellers.
Alongside books and plants, we have a great rotation of gifts, stationery, and the best bookstore merch in America. (I make the merch lol)
Local tip: Grab a coffee at Homer's or the best breakfast burrito in the city from Red Kitchen.
Flagship Books
Strawberry Hill (Kansas City, KS)
Flagship is an understated shop with a great selection of new and used books. It's owned by two brothers who prioritize social justice titles and literary classics. I love the space and the vibe is perfect – the last time we visited, Ty (co-owner) was grading papers while he worked the front desk.
Local tip: Meander down the street for a treat at the local candy and ice cream shop, Hey Sugar.
Under the Cover
Midtown (Kansas City, MO)
Under the Cover is a romance bookstore with a quirky, witchy vibe. The merch, and even the genre labels, will make you laugh out loud. A must-visit for romance lovers.
Seven Stories
Shawnee, KS
Seven Stories has its own remarkable story: it is owned by local high schooler, Halley Vincent. Halley and her family curate a great selection of new and used books, focusing on underrepresented authors and donating part of the proceeds to charity. This is a "little shop with a big heart" that you'll be glad you visited.
The Book Club
Mission, KS
The Book Club is part bookstore, part coffee shop. Take a break from your bookstore crawl to grab a latte and a yummy pastry. It's also a great spot to meet a friend for lunch! Try the chicken salad sandwich.
Local tip: Walk two doors down to Truly Madly Depot. It's my favorite stationery and gift shop in KC.
Rainy Day Books
Fairway, KS
Rainy Day Books is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It's a Kansas City institution where you'll find professional booksellers and the largest selection of any of KC's indie shops.
Smitten Booktique
Leawood, KS
A mobile bookstore turned brick-and-mortar, Smitten is a romance-forward bookstore in the walkable Town Center Plaza. They just opened this year and you can tell that they poured their heart and soul into the store. It's a very cute shop with friendly staff that is worth a visit for any romance reader.
Steel's Used Books
Gladstone, MO
Not for the faint of heart, Steel's is filled floor to ceiling (and more) with used titles of just about any genre you can imagine. If you get anxiety when there are dishes in the sink... probably not for you. But if you love listening to the Grateful Dead while finding a well-worn copy of Kurt Vonnegut or the beats, this is a MUST-visit. It's my favorite non-Monstera's shop in KC.
Local tip: Walk next door to the Italian Sausage Company for a delicious deli sandwich.
Bliss Books & Wine
Midtown (Kansas City, MO)
Bliss is a bookstore, community space, and wine bar. These are our people.
Ink & Page
Overland Park, KS
Ink & Page (formerly The Pretty Posey) is just around the corner from Monstera's in Downtown Overland Park. It's a very cute shop with a variety of new titles and gift items.
Prospero's Books
Westport (Kansas City, MO)
The Kansas City go-to for used, rare and collectible books. This 3-story indie shop also has records, CD's, and movies – and it's located on 39th street near several great bars and restaurants.
Also in the area:
If you're coming from out of town, check to see if these bookstores are on the route. They're a bit farther out of the city, but we promise you'll enjoy them:
Read & Rooted
Blue Springs, MO
Read & Rooted is a book and plant store that opened the same year as Monstera's. They have some great gift items, a solid plant selection, and lots of new books to choose from.
Local tip: Grab lunch at The Bean Counter in downtown Blue Springs. Delicious menu, breakfast all day, and a variety of options for anyone with dietary restrictions. (This was a rec from Cassie at Read & Rooted... it was delicious)
The Raven Book Store
Lawrence, KS
The Raven has been a favorite of Kansas folks for almost 40 years. It's on Massachusetts St. in downtown Lawrence – right in the mix of the best shopping and restaurants. They have a huge selection for adults, as well as a magical kids section in the back.
(Photo courtesy of The Raven Book Store)
Local tip: If you're in Lawrence, you HAVE to go to Wonder Fair. It's a stationery shop with notebooks, craft sets, pens, stickers, zines, greeting cards, and thousands of other little goodies. Every place you turn, you'll find something you want to take home with you.
The Dusty Bookshelf
Lawrence, KS
The dusty bookshelf is an all-used store just a block away from The Raven. They have a loyal following and something for everyone.
(Photo courtesy of The Dusty Bookshelf Lawrence)
The next time you're in the shop, let us know what you think of the list!
See you soon, neighbor!
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Justin is co-owner and "marketing guy" at Monstera's. Follow his work on Instagram at @justinwieners and @hotdogdesignstudio. You can usually find him dropping off packages, pricing old books, or chatting behind the counter with neighbors on Saturdays.
