a literary renaissance is blooming in our communities. Pop-up bookstores are temporary, mobile spaces that enrich culture and build community. These ventures are changing how we engage with books and challenging where literature belongs.
The Rise of Pop-up Bookstores: A New Chapter in Literary Access
Pop-up bookstores have gained momentum in recent years. They turn empty stores, cafes, and outdoor spots into temporary homes for book lovers. These shops are different from traditional stores. They pop up for a short time, like one afternoon or several months. Then, they either move or shut down.
The American Booksellers Association reports that since 2020, independent bookstores have grown from 1,916 to 3,218—a 70% increase. This revival is surprising. Many predicted that online retailers would make physical bookstores obsolete. In 2025, around 100 new independent bookstores are expected to open. Many of these bookstores will use the pop-up model to test markets. This approach helps cut costs.
“People were cashing in retirement to open bookstores during the pandemic. That shows passion,” says Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association.
Community Impact: Beyond Mere Retail
Pop-up bookstores do more than sell books. They connect neighbors through shared reading experiences.
Sara Gillis, owner of “What Sara Reads,” a mobile pop-up bookstore in Sioux Falls, embodies this community spirit. She works from a renovated trailer. She brings curated book collections to coffee shops, boutiques, and local events.
“If I could have bookish conversations with people all day, that would be a success,” Gillis says. “I want to build connections locally and get involved.”
During the pandemic, many pop-up bookstores shifted to meet community needs. Hill notes, “We saw tremendous rallying from communities that showed up to support local businesses. Many acted as community centers, hosting food banks, COVID-19 testing, and offering resources.”
In economically challenged areas, pop-up bookstores can revitalize commercial spaces. According to the BBC, shops on High Streets in the UK have struggled with foot traffic and many units are empty. Pop-up shops, including bookstores, are helping these areas recover.
Curating for Diversity: The Literature They Feature
Pop-up bookstores showcase specialized, diverse collections that larger chains often overlook.
Rachel Crawford of Akimbo Books in Rochester, NY, exemplifies this approach. At a pop-up in a local Tex-Mex restaurant, she showcased a small collection of poetry. It featured translations from Arabic and pieces by underrepresented authors.
“I want it to have a radical nature to it,” Crawford says of her shop. “But I want it to have everything.”
Gillis of “What Sara Reads” focuses on romance, fantasy, and thrillers, noting their popularity with women. She emphasizes inclusivity: “Reading is reading. I fully believe in owning whatever you want to read and being proud of it.”
Pop-up bookstores focus on niche genres and underrepresented voices. This helps fill literary gaps in communities that lack diverse perspectives.
Innovative Strategies: Attracting New Readers
Pop-up bookstores use fun strategies to draw in different crowds. They create unique experiences that make shopping for books special.
1. Unexpected Locations
Pop-up bookstores surprise readers by showing up in unexpected places. They can be found in taco shops and coffee houses. This makes it easier for people to connect with books.
“People want spaces to linger, connect, and explore, not just buy a book,” says Chelsea Tresp, owner of Bibliobar in Plano, Texas.
2. Social Media Integration
Many pop-up bookstores use digital platforms to build excitement for in-person events. Instagram-worthy displays and TikTok videos featuring booksellers have become effective marketing tools.
“It’s been huge for business,” says one owner, noting that many customers found them through social media.
3. Events and Workshops
Pop-up bookstores often host events that encourage active engagement. Author signings, book clubs, and themed readings create experiences that are unique to in-person visits.
“Next year, I’ll begin hosting a virtual book club,” Gillis shares, adding plans for private rentals and book club parties.
4. Complementary Merchandise and Services
To create sustainable business models, many pop-up bookstores offer more than just books. Bookish merchandise and food enhance the experience and boost profits.
“The merch has taken on a life of itself,” says one owner. “It’s almost half of our sales.”
5. Mobility as Strategy
Pop-up bookstores can move easily to match seasonal traffic. They also test different markets without needing long-term leases.
“Pop-ups allow brands without a permanent retail space to bring their products to the public,” reports RetailWire.
Case Studies: Success Stories in Unexpected Places
Several pop-up bookstore initiatives show the potential of this model:
Akimbo Books (Rochester, NY)
Crawford started Akimbo Books in 2016 but fully launched after losing her job during the pandemic. The name reflects defiance against market forces—“arms ‘akimbo’ means to stand with hands on hips, a pose of female empowerment.”
Akimbo Books has gained a loyal following by hosting pop-ups in restaurants and community spaces. This way, they avoid the costs of having a permanent location.
A Good Used Book (Los Angeles)
This pop-up specializes in vintage paperbacks, which make up about 80-85% of their stock. Their success comes from the appeal of pocket paperbacks and strategic placement at markets and coffee shops.
“When we had the same book in a vintage paperback, people would say, ‘Wow! I read this when I was in middle school!’” notes the owner.
Bibliobar (Plano, TX)
Opened in April 2025, Bibliobar has quickly become “a refuge for local readers and authors.” By creating an inviting space with coffee and seating, owner Chelsea Tresp has turned her bookstore into a community hub.
What Sara Reads (Sioux Falls)
Operating from a trailer, Gillis brings curated book collections to various events. She focuses on romance and fantasy. Her “bookish” merchandise creates a unique shopping experience in the community.
The Future of Pop-up Bookstores
As the pop-up bookstore movement grows, several trends are likely to shape its future:
- Integration with tech: Many love physical books, but they also use digital tools for inventory and building community.
- Collaborative spaces: Pop-up bookstores team up with other businesses. This makes the experience better for everyone.
- Specialization: Many pop-ups succeed by focusing on specific genres or themes.
- Hybrid models: Some temporary pop-ups are becoming permanent fixtures, combining stability with novelty.
I’m not sure that a 70% growth rate can be maintained indefinitely, but the overall trend appears to be here to stay.
Literary Revival in Motion
Pop-up bookstores are not just a retail trend. They spark a grassroots literary revival. This movement emphasizes connection, accessibility, and diversity in the community. By bringing books to unexpected places, these ventures enrich our literary landscape.
