Best Bookstores & Libraries in Boise, Idaho, United States
1. Boise Public Library - Main Branch
Centrally located public library offering a vast collection of books, audiobooks, DVDs, and free Wi-Fi.
- Unique Collection: Features Idaho-focused collections, including local history and fiction.
- Community Engagement: Hosts regular events, workshops, and programs for all ages.
- Accessibility: Offers multiple locations throughout Boise for easy access.
2. The Cabin - A Place for the Arts
Non-profit literary center featuring author readings, writing workshops, and a robust lending library.
- Local Authors Spotlight: Highlights Idaho authors through events and book sales.
- Writing Workshops: Provides opportunities for writers to improve their craft.
- Community Connection: Builds community connections through events and collaboration with local schools and organizations.
3. Rediscovered Books
Independent bookstore offering a wide selection of new, used, and best-seller books.
- Unique Selection: Specializes in hard-to-find titles and limited editions.
- Community Events: Hosts author readings, workshops, and book clubs.
- Support Local: Supports local authors and artists by featuring their works.
4. Boise State University Library
A large academic library offering extensive research resources and a quiet study environment.
- Research Resources: Features databases, archives, and rare books.
- Quiet Study Spaces: Offers individual and group study rooms.
- Tech Resources: Provides access to computers, scanners, and printing facilities.
5. Boise State University Special Collections & Archives
Houses unique historical and cultural materials related to Idaho and the Northwest region.
- Rare Resources: Preserves rare books, manuscripts, and photographs.
- Local History: Features collections on Idaho history, politics, and culture.
- Public Access: Offers public access to its resources through research appointments and online materials.
6. The Big Library
A charming independent bookstore featuring a curated selection of new releases, classics, and children's books.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Provides a warm and inviting space to browse and read.
- Community Events: Hosts author events, book clubs, and story times for children.
- Friendly Staff: Knowledgeable staff members are happy to make recommendations.
7. BookPeople of Boise
Independent bookstore offering a wide selection of books, audiobooks, and gifts.
- Community Engagement: Hosts author events, book clubs, and story times for children.
- Used Books Selection: Boasts an extensive selection of used books at affordable prices.
- Personalized Service: Offers recommendations and custom orders.
8. Boise State University Libraries - Kelley Writers House
A writers' studio offering workshops, readings, and a lending library for writers.
- Writing Workshops: Provides opportunities for writers to improve their craft.
- Author Readings: Features established and emerging authors through readings and Q&A sessions.
- Resource Center: Offers resources, including a lending library and writing software.
9. Boise State University Libraries - Special Collections & Archives Reading Room
A research center offering access to unique materials related to Idaho history and culture.
- Rare Materials: Preserves and provides access to rare books, manuscripts, and photographs.
- Idaho-focused Collections: Features collections on Idaho history, politics, and culture.
- Public Access: Offers appointments for research in the reading room.
10. The Bookstore at the Grove
An independent bookstore located in The Village at Meridian offering a wide selection of books and gifts.
- Community Events: Hosts author events, book clubs, and story times for children.
- Book Recommendations: Knowledgeable staff members offer personalized recommendations.
- Coffee Shop: Adjoins a coffee shop for a relaxing reading atmosphere.
11. Treasure Valley Library System
A consortium of public libraries serving Boise and surrounding areas, offering books, audiobooks, DVDs, and more.
- Extensive Collection: Provides access to a vast collection of materials.
- Free Wi-Fi & Computers: Offers free internet access and computers for public use.
- Multiple Locations: Features multiple locations throughout the Treasure Valley for easy access.
12. Boise State University Libraries - The Alexis Coe Law Library
A research library specializing in law, government, and politics, offering resources for students and researchers.
- Legal Resources: Provides access to legal materials, including case law, statutes, and legislation.
- Research Assistance: Offers research assistance and guidance from librarians and staff members.
- Public Access: Open to the public for research purposes, with some restrictions.
13. Boise State University Libraries - The Special Collections Research Center
A research center focusing on materials related to the Northwest region, offering unique resources for researchers.
- Rare Materials: Preserves and provides access to rare books, manuscripts, and photographs.
- Idaho-focused Collections: Features collections on Idaho history, politics, and culture.
- Public Access: Offers appointments for research in the reading room.
14. The Library!
An independent bookstore offering new and used books, as well as a cafe serving coffee and tea.
- Wide Selection: Boasts a wide selection of books in various genres.
- Coffee Shop: Adjoins a coffee shop for a relaxing reading atmosphere.
- Community Engagement: Hosts author events, book clubs, and story times for children.
15. Boise State University Libraries - The Idaho & Genealogy Center
A research center focusing on materials related to Idaho and genealogy, offering resources for family historians.
- Genealogical Resources: Provides access to genealogical resources, including birth, death, and marriage records.
- Research Assistance: Offers research assistance from librarians and staff members.
- Public Access: Open to the public for research purposes, with some restrictions.