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N.J.'s Best Local & Independent Bookstores

Whether it's to pass the time on a long commute, learn a new hobby, or some relaxing entertainment, books are always good company. Recently, local book shops have evolved into modern book clubs, giving their patrons a chance to explore the many avenues of literature with events and activities sponsored by the store. Here are some of the best New Jersey Local Bookstores that will provide you with good reading - and then some. By Emily Tamburri.

The Well Read Bookstore

Well Read
(credit: The Well Read Bookstore)

425 Lafayette Avenue
Hawthorne, NJ 07506
973-949-3440
thewellreadbookstore.com

The Well Read Bookstore offers everything you could ask for from your cozy neighborhood bookstore! Greeted with complimentary cup of gourmet coffee or tea, you're free to browse the shelves at leisure or have one of their knowledgeable and super-friendly staff members recommend the perfect new or used book—with all previously loved books at 50 percent off! Well Read has a great trade-in policy for books in good condition, and features author appearances, signings, creative writing seminars, children's story time, magazines, greeting cards and cushy, overstuffed couches to relax and enjoy a great book the way it was meant to be.

Womrath's Book Store

Womraths
(credit: sungjwoo.com)

12 Washington Street
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-568-8857
womraths.com

In business since 1949, Womrath's has been a New Jersey gem for decades. With new and updated features, patrons can now purchase items online and have them shipped directly to their front door. Womrath's also is a hub for featured best selling author's and their novels, boasting select books for promotion on the Womrath's website and in their windows, with various discounts on each—just mention the name of the featured title at the register.

Watchung Booksellers


54 Fairfield Street
Watchung Plaza
Montclair, NJ 07042
973-744-7177
watchungbooksellers.com

With books hand chosen to reflect their diverse community of book readers, the staff at Watchung Booksellers certainly knows their audience. This book nook is a literary haven for all those that love the local arts, with over 60 of their authors stemming from the surrounding region right alongside the New York Times best sellers and well loved classics. Watchung Booksellers also offer a packed schedule of events including local author appearances, poetry readings and monthly literary based panel discussions.

Peace, Love and Serenity Bookshop


328 Kinderkamack Road
Westwood, NJ 07675
(201) 664-5188
peaceloveandserenitybookshop.com

Looking more for a guide? Peace, Love and Serenity has your answer, specializing in every spiritual, personal growth, or recovery book imaginable. Offering free guided meditation classes throughout the month as well as yoga apparel and fitness items, DVDs and candles, Peace, Love and Serenity Bookshop has every guided detail with an added touch of harmony to help you begin a journey towards a tranquil life—and who doesn't need some of that lately?

For more on where to shop and explore in the Tri-State area, follow us on Twitter!
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