Jul 24, 2021

Even with many people turning to e-readers and new electronics when they want to read a new book, independent bookstores are still alive and well, especially in and around the Fargo area. If you enjoy browsing through stacks of new and used books looking for something new to read, make sure to take a look at some of the best independent bookstores in or near Fargo. You never know what you might find.

1. Ferguson Books & More

Ferguson Books & More is the West Fargo part of the Ferguson Books family. This locally owned, independent book store has one of the largest selections of used books in the region, along with new books from all different genres. 

Dale and Elizabeth Ferguson share a love for all kinds of books, art, and film and wanted to share their passion with the people of North Dakota. Their first store opened in Grand Forks, and they now have three locations. 

Ferguson Books will buy your used books if you want to sell them. Depending on the books, you might get a cash offer or a credit that works toward 25% off new products or 50% off used products. They will take any book, DVD/Bluray, or CD that you bring in legally, meaning that it is yours and not the property of someone else. 

You’ll find the Fargo location on Sheyenne Street, and the inventory also includes toys, new and used media, and books from local authors.

2. B.D.S Books

Wooden store sign saying "Books" in red
Image via Flickr by helicopterspy via CC BY 2.0

B.D.S. Books is the go-to bookstore in the Fargo/Moorehead area for used books. This independent bookstore has thousands of paperbacks and good-quality hardcover books in stock, with titles for adults and children. The staff keeps the store organized, making it easy to find what you need, or you can just enjoy browsing through all the sections.

You’ll also find the staff at B.D.S friendly and helpful, and they are willing to go out of their way to help you find what you need. If they don’t have something you want, they all have the knowledge to recommend something similar. 

Stop by this bookstore for first editions from well-known authors such as Stephen King, Joe Hill, and more. You can also find some signed books if you like to collect them from your favorite authors.

You’ll find B.D.S. Books at 120 1st Ave. N in Fargo.

3. Books At a Fifth

Stop by Books At a Fifth to find used books at 80% off the publisher’s prices. This is one of Fargo’s newest bookstores, and it’s independently owned and operated. This small bookstore packs a lot into a small space, but everything is well organized by category and then by author’s last name. If an author has several titles, then you can find their books organized by title as well. This system makes it very easy to find specific titles and browse your favorite authors. 

The name of this store comes from the book prices. Most are priced at one-fifth of the publisher’s price. If you have books you want to bring in, you can either donate them or trade them for a store credit. The store will take interesting books that are in good condition. 

You’ll find Books At a Fifth on 13th Ave. South, just north of the West Acres Mall in the Village West Shopping Center. 

4. Zandbroz Variety

Zandbroz Variety is an independent bookstore owned by brothers Jeff and Greg Danz, but it also has much more than just books. The Fargo location is the second store they opened, with the first in Sioux Falls, which opened in 1988. This unique store is a great place to browse. There are tons of books from all different genres, and it also has kitchen items, lotions, candles, and food items. There’s even a great cafe tucked in the back called Dakota Soda.

Spend time exploring the store, and if you need some suggestions, the staff will help you out, or you can check the Zandbroz website and their recommended reading list before you go in. It includes new and anticipated releases, along with some suggestions for kids, young adults, fiction, and nonfiction. You can also shop for items on the Zandboz website or use it to get an idea of what they have for merchandise. 

This store is worth the trip if you have the time to browse. It has fun and funky items such as the Amuseable stuffed toy cauliflower, a selection of games, and lots of fashion items such as purses, scarves, and reusable shopping bags.

You’ll find Zandbroz Variety at 420 Broadway in Fargo, and they are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

5. Eagles Nest Book Store

Eagles Nest Book Store is about 35 miles from Fargo, but well worth the drive. This charming bookstore and gift shop sells new and used books, along with gift baskets, toys, candy, and more. You can find new releases from popular authors at Eagles Nest, including titles from local authors and others born and raised in North Dakota.

Make sure to stop by this bookstore when you need a gift for someone. You can find unique baskets made with a variety of candies and treats or find games and puzzles that anyone will love. You can even grab a sweatshirt on a cool day or get a Bandi Belt if you need a convenient place to store your phone, keys, and cash when you don’t want to carry a purse.

Eagles Nest also buys and sells used books. If you have some to bring in, you can contact the store and find out more about the program. You can also follow Eagles Nest on Facebook to find out about new book titles coming and see new merchandise. The owner, Bev, frequently updates the page and will announce sales, too.

Whether you live in Fargo or nearby, you’ll need reliable wheels to get you to any of these great independent book stores. Give us a call at Rydell Outlet Center, and we can help you find a used car or SUV you can trust to get you where you want to go.