The Inlander’s readers know what’s up in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area. When we asked them to share their picks for the best places to browse the shelves for a great book, here’s what they told us. The bookstores listed below received the most votes in our poll of readers for the Inlander’s annual Best of the Inland Northwest issue.
AUNTIE’S BOOKSTORE
VOTED BEST BOOKSTORE IN 2025
A staple of the Spokane literary scene for nearing 50 years now, Auntie’s in downtown Spokane boasts a storied legacy. Founded by Chris O’Harra and Shannon Ahern in 1978, Auntie’s started out in the Flour Mill, but has called downtown’s historic Liberty Building home for the last several decades. In 2016, Auntie’s was purchased by Spokane businessman John Waite (he also owns Merlyn’s and Uncle’s Games), who’s maintained all the elements about it that locals have come to know and love: a well-read and friendly staff, a wide selection of books for all ages (including used copies) and tons of in-store events: kids’ storytimes, readings with local and national bestselling authors, open mics and more.
Downtown Spokane: 402 W. Main Ave., auntiesbooks.com
THE WELL-READ MOOSE
Owner Melissa DeMotte’s moose-themed bookstore has become a staple among North Idaho’s literature lovers, and is now entering its second decade in the Village at Riverstone. Head to the shop’s website for book pre-orders, special subscription box services, book club info, author events and readings and more.
Coeur d’Alene: 2048 N. Main St., wellreadmoose.com
JUPITER’S EYE BOOK CAFÉ
With plenty of comfortable seating options, natural light, jazz music and tucked-away spots to dive into a good book, Jupiter’s Eye Book Café in downtown Spokane is cozy, comfortable and a perfect place for a quiet day alone or with friends. The bookstore is meticulously curated, carrying books in specific genres like sci-fi, fantasy and mystery and boasting dark academia vibes with touches of ’70s kitsch. Owner Morgan Lynch sums up Jupiter’s Eye with a quote from one of her favorite books, A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers: “We’re all just trying to be comfortable and well-fed, and unafraid.”
Downtown Spokane: 411 W. First Ave., jupiterseyebookcafe.com
SECOND LOOK BOOKS
In Spokane’s Lincoln Heights neighborhood, Second Look Books has been a local institution for nearly four decades. While it specializes in curating a wide selection of gently used books now seeking another reader to turn the page, Second Look also stocks a diverse range of local authors publishing original work, from children’s books to regional history.
South Hill: 2829 E. 29th Ave., follow on Facebook
WISHING TREE BOOKS
Located in a sweet little pale purple house with a bright red door in the charming South Perry neighborhood, Janelle Smith’s bookstore is a great choice — especially if you’re looking for advice on great reads for your kids and teens. One fan, Beth C., told the Inlander: “Such a wonderful addition to the Perry District! Always helpful. If what you want isn’t in the store, they will order it for you.”
South Perry District: 1410 E. 11th Ave., wishingtreebookstore.com
KINDRED & CO.
Kindred’s Post Falls building was inspired by European architecture, with a curved glass facade and black metal contrasting the building’s red brick exterior, helping it stand out in an otherwise industrial area of Post Falls. Inside, the shop features a plethora of books — so many that perusing the dark-stained, wooden shelves could take up an entire afternoon. The store also has comfortable seating areas throughout, a lively bistro with a full kitchen and coffee bar, as well as a retail area of unique gifts.
Post Falls: 851 E. Fourth Ave., kindredandcompany.com
PAGE 42 BOOKSTORE
Page 42 Bookstore is rewriting the traditional role of a used bookstore. Beyond selling affordable books and creating an inviting space for bookworms to explore, Page 42 offers personalized, monthly book subscriptions, creative in-store events and free books to underserved groups. The bookstore, co-owned by a best friend duo, also holds annual events like a free book giveaway and a summer reading program for kids. Maggie P., a Page 42 customer, told the Inlander: “Page 42 is the best! They have a great selection and friendly staff! Page 42 also hosts free book fairs and 25 cent book sales, allowing all to access good reads regardless of income.”
Northeast Spokane: 3010 N. Crestline St., page42bookstore.com
