Discover Your New Favorite Bookstores in Westchester

Independent Bookstore Day, taking place Saturday, April 25, 2026, is a chance to shop local and support bookstores across Westchester County. Many of these spaces go beyond books, incorporating cafés, events and thoughtfully designed environments that invite people to browse, gather and stay awhile.

ArtsNews rounded up a list of independent bookstores in Westchester for its readers to check out – and maybe even discover a new favorite along the way.

Newly Opened Bookstores (since 2024)

In the past couple of years, several new independent bookstores have opened in Westchester, each with a strong emphasis on curation and in-person experience rather than scale.

Vanishing Ink Books (Hastings-on-Hudson)
Vanishing Ink Books centers its selection around contemporary arts, music and cultural titles, with a layout and inventory that reflect those interests. The store also hosts readings and events that bring authors and audiences together around creative work.

Bedford Books (Bedford)
Bedford Books operates as a general-interest bookstore with a curated, staff-driven selection. Its scale and layout are designed for browsing, with an emphasis on serving the surrounding community rather than high-volume inventory. On Independent Bookstore Day, the store will offer prizes, mimosas and cookies, bibliotherapy and more.

Libri (Yorktown Heights)
Libri combines a bookstore with a coffee shop and floral studio, creating a space where visitors can browse, sit and spend time beyond a quick retail visit. The mix of books, coffee and flowers gives it a different rhythm from a traditional bookstore.

Specialty Bookstores

These stores distinguish themselves by what they choose to center, whether that’s illustration, children’s literature or specific thematic collections.

Make Believe Books (Armonk)
Make Believe Books focuses on children’s literature, particularly picture books and early readers. Programming such as storytime and family events makes it a regular destination for local families.

Picture Book (Dobbs Ferry)
Picture Book is a nook inside HudCo that is dedicated entirely to illustrated picture books, including titles for both children and adults, making visuals a central part of the browsing experience.

Sleepy Hollow Bookshop (Sleepy Hollow)
Sleepy Hollow Bookshop focuses on children’s and young adult titles, with shelves and programming tailored to younger readers – and the coffee-and-treats counter is an added perk for the adults who accompany them. Storytimes, school connections and author visits make it a consistent gathering place for families.

Used Bookstore

These stores are built around secondhand inventory. These spaces tend to reward time and attention with inventory that shifts constantly and invites browsing.

Bruised Apple Books & Music (Peekskill)
Bruised Apple Books & Music offers a large selection of used books alongside records and other media. Its layout and inventory encourage extended browsing, with a mix that changes frequently.

Neighborhood Bookstores

These bookstores offer general-interest selections shaped by their communities, with an emphasis on browsing and repeat visits. 

J Anderson’s Books (Larchmont)
J Anderson’s Books is a long-established neighborhood bookstore with a curated selection for local readers. Its scale and consistency make it a regular stop for nearby residents. 

Arcade Booksellers (Rye)
Arcade Booksellers has been part of the Rye community for over 30 years, operating as a traditional independent bookstore with a general-interest selection.

Booksy Galore (Pound Ridge)
Booksy Galore offers a mix of new, used and vintage titles in a small-format space, in addition to a selection of vinyls. The store is oriented toward browsing, with a selection that reflects a range of interests. Their Independent Bookstore Day offers include 50% off select new books, BOGO used books in the garden, giveaways and $1 records. 

Curio Room (Mount Kisco)
Founded by artists and writers, Curio Room carries a curated mix of books, art objects and design-focused goods with an emphasis on storytelling through visual and creative work. 

Transom Bookshop (Tarrytown)
Transom Bookshop houses more than 4,000 books in a 500-square-foot space that is occupied in a mid 19th century building. It also offers stationery and gifts.

The Village Bookstore (Pleasantville)
The Village Bookstore is a family-owned bookstore with curated selections and regular author events and community programming. On Independent Bookstore Day, customers who spend at least $25 will receive a free tote bag.

Bronx River Books (Scarsdale)
Bronx River Books serves Scarsdale and its visitors with a wide selection of titles for readers of all ages and is closely connected to the local community.

Bookstores With Regular Events

These bookstores pair curated selections with consistent programming, including author talks, book clubs and community gatherings.  However, be sure to check this full article for more stores with events (some of them just fit other categories better!).

Hudson Valley Books for Humanity (Ossining)
Hudson Valley Books for Humanity (HCBH) hosts regular events and discussions centered on social justice and community-focused topics. Its programming brings together readers, authors, and local voices, extending the store’s role beyond retail. On Independent Bookstore Day, HVBH will offer triple punches on frequent shopper cards and more. 

Scattered Books (Chappaqua)
Scattered Books carries curated books for all ages and doubles as a party venue, including everything from author signings to slime parties. Don’t forget to say hi to the resident bunnies. 

Katonah Reading Room (Katonah)
Katonah Reading Room is a bookstore and café that regularly hosts readings, book clubs, and conversations. Its programming is a central part of how the space is used, bringing people together around books.

Independent Bookstore Day is a chance to explore bookstores across Westchester County—and maybe discover a new favorite along the way.

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_{Photos (top to bottom): Curio Room; Libri; Make Believe Books; Bruised Apple; Arcade Booksellers; Katonah Reading Room}