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On the hunt for independent bookstores around Kansas City? We’ve got you covered.

Cori Smith owns BLK + BRWN, one of the independent bookstores in KC.
Cori Smith owns BLK + BRWN, one of the independent bookstores in KC. rslezak@kcstar.com

The new Flagship Books recently opened its doors in Strawberry Hill, making it the only independent bookstore in Kansas City, Kansas. Owned by brothers Joel and Ty Melgren, this small shop features titles in English and Spanish by a wide variety of authors.

But Flagship isn’t the only place to shop local for books around Kansas City: Other indie sellers offer an eclectic mix of old, new and obscure titles. And vinyl lovers are in luck: Some of these shops feature records and other media as well.

Here’s a map of independent bookstores in the Kansas City area. Click on each purple book icon to see the shop’s name, address, website and more. Did we miss your favorite indie bookshop? Let us know at kcq@kcstar.com.

Do you have more questions about places to visit in Kansas City? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com or fill out the form below.

Natalie Wallington
The Kansas City Star
Natalie Wallington was a reporter on The Star’s service journalism team with a focus on policy, labor, sustainability and local utilities from fall 2021 until early 2025. Her coverage of the region’s recycling system won a 2024 Feature Writing award from the Kansas Press Association.
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