The Willamette Valley loves its hometown bookstores. Salem, Silverton, and Independence all have outstanding, longtime local bookstores that specialize in both new and used books. When you’re looking for something new, a bargain, or maybe a copy of a classic you’ve never read, these bookstores will be the places to go.
Salem Bookstores
The Book Bin
450 Court Street, Salem
A beloved local business, The Book Bin sells a great selection of new and used books on two floors. The fiction sections for all ages are strong, but it also includes a rare book area, comedy titles, and tabletop gaming-related books. They’ve also recently started offering vinyl records, both new and used. If you’re ever looking for a gift for a book lover, you’re bound to find something good at The Book Bin.
When you’re browsing, be sure to keep an eye out for Rose, the shy store cat. If you’re interested in selling your used books, email for an appointment. The Book Bin hosts occasional author talks and offers monthly book clubs for various genres – check their website for more information. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Reader’s Guide New and Used Books
735 Edgewater Street NW, Salem
Open since 1983, Reader’s Guide New and Used Books primarily specializes in used books. They are robust in adult genre fiction, ranging from mystery to science fiction, and also have a sizable children’s section. They have a separate children’s shelf for Caldecott and Newbery Award winners, even those from decades ago, which can be useful when sourcing specific, well-loved older books.
The Reader’s Guide also features an extensive selection of greeting cards for any occasion. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Escape Fiction
3240 Triangle Drive SE, Salem
Escape Fiction is another great longtime local new and used bookstore. The store has some great prices – all new paperbacks are 15% off, and used paperbacks are half off the price listed on the back. Escape Fiction is an excellent place for deals, and they also offer educator and institutional discounts.
They have a strong selection of genre fiction, but it’s also just a fun place to browse. Open daily, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
Willamette Town Center
827 Lancaster Drive NE, Suite 110, Salem
The only new bookstore in Salem, this Barnes & Noble opened in 2023 and has become a popular stop. In addition to the latest bestsellers, the store offers a good selection of classic titles. The children’s and YA sections are probably the best in the Salem area.
In addition to the books, they have LEGO and craft sets, toys, book-related gifts, and a cafe. Because of its extensive new book selection, this is the place to go if you’re dying to read the latest bestselling books. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Marion County Bookstores
Books N Time
210 N Water Street, Silverton
A new and used bookstore in Silverton, Books N Time is a cozy stop if you’re in the mood for browsing. It has a good selection of genre paperbacks. Kids will also enjoy the robust children’s section. Trade-ins are also an option, great for fast readers who want to work their way through lots of paperbacks.
Books N Time also hosts local authors presenting new work. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Second Chance Books
307 S Main Street, Independence
As its name suggests, Second Chance Books specializes in selling used books. With its funky, hand-lettered signs for each genre of fiction, customers never really know what they’re going to find. If you’re looking for your next read, you are bound to find something appealing in the winding bookcases.
Located in the old Masonic Temple in Independence’s downtown, Second Chance Books is a must for any book lover visiting the area. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m.
For those who love books, just browsing in a bookstore is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Whether you are looking for a specific title, preferred genre, or just looking around, browsing bookstores in Salem and Marion County like these can bring you new ideas for your next reading journey.
