5 NoCo Bookstores to Visit During Your Next Shopping Spree
Books are not a dying breed despite what you may have heard. In fact, there is still a strong and ever-growing community of booklovers that it’s harder to find any city without a bookstore somewhere in its borders.
If you find yourself in the Northern Colorado region and are in need of another book to add to your “To-Be-Read” list, here are five suggestions of places to visit:
1. Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Barnes & Noble is not a small bookstore by any degree, but it is a staple in the book industry with its own atmosphere that keeps people coming back. In Northern Colorado, it has two primary locations. One is located at 4045 S. College Ave. in Fort Collins, Colorado, and the other is in Loveland, Colorado at 5835 Sky Pond Drive within The Promenade Shops at Centerra.
In Fort Collins, it is open Sundays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Loveland’s location is open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
But whether it’s the Fort Collins or Loveland location you visit, both are surrounded by a variety of other stores to further fuel your shopping craze.
With over 600 stores nationwide, it’s not the small business you’re looking for. But the atmosphere, café, and range of books and Knick-knacks make up for it. You’ll find suggestions from workers who are fellow book lovers, unique collections, and can rest assured that that bestselling novel that’s been out of stock everywhere else is more than likely within reach.
2. Old Firehouse Books
Old Firehouse Books is Northern Colorado’s largest independent bookstore located at 232 Walnut St. in Fort Collins, Colorado. Its hours are Sunday through Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In a historic firehouse, the store hosts author signings, events, and book club meetings aside from just housing books and gifts for all your readerly delights. Plus, being in Old Town gives you a perfect chance to try out other small stores, find a pub to read in, or get some ice cream at the Old Town Churn.
3. Bizarre Bazaar LLC.
The Bizarre Bazaar is located in Fort Collins, Colorado across the street from Colorado State University at 1014 S. College Ave. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, the store is open and boasts a range of books, music, ephemera, videos, action figures, and home audio and stereo gear. With its “browser’s paradise” philosophy, the store buys, sells, and trades with those in the community to grow its various selections.
Just as you’re leaving the store, you’ll note a bookshelf and multiple cardboard boxes filled with books by one of the outdoor walls. These items are free for the public to take or donate. The store website estimates that, “Our free wall saves about two pallets full of books per month from the landfill. That’s 24 pallets per year in little old Fort Collins!”
If you’re in the mood to browse everything from vinyl to comics to books and old prints, the Bizarre Bazaar offers you a judgement free space to do so. Plus, it’s cheap!
4. The Midnight Oil
The Midnight Oil is a new and used bookstore located at 827 10 St. in Greeley, Colorado. It is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and Friday, excluding Thursday which is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It recently expanded into this new location in 2022 and offers not only books both old and new, but also niche corners of the store to tuck away with your new read.
Offering discounts for book clubs and teachers, allowing you to trade in or donate old books, or the chance to special order the book you’re looking for, The Midnight Oil is able to accommodate! Maybe you’re wanting to catch a movie at the Kress Cinema & Lounge, grab a beer at WeldWerks Brewing Co., or go on a Greeley Ghost Tour. All of these options are within walking distance of The Midnight Oil.
5. Dickens Alley
Dickens Alley is a quaint shop in downtown Loveland, Colorado at 238 E. 4 St. that sells books, art, and antiques. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Aside from offering shelves full of old novels and interesting artwork, Dickens Alley also hosts events in the community for local artists and residents to gather. The store boasts a unique combination of art, antiques, and vintage books for your perusal. Surrounded by other boutiques, restaurants, cafés, bars, and even an axe throwing venue, once you’re done wandering the aisles, you can continue to explore downtown Loveland further.
The Reality
Northern Colorado offers an array of stores to explore outside of your typical big chains. From Greeley, Loveland, to Fort Collins, there are places big and small for your shopping experience.
Wherever you end up going, rest assured you’ll experience a new atmosphere open for all your readerly delights. Best yet, all these stores are surrounded by other small shops for you to explore. Just be prepared if your half-hour venture turns into a two or even three-hour-long experience.
