Welcome to one of Virginia's most literary-rich regions! The Fredericksburg and Stafford County area offers a wonderful collection of bookstores, each with its own unique character and charm. Whether you're hunting for rare first editions, seeking the perfect children's book, or simply looking for a cozy place to browse, this guide will lead you to the area's best book destinations.

We know you have your reading goals set for 2026, so let’s get started!

805 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Phone: (540) 373-6148

Hours: Monday- Saturday 10 am- 6 pm; Sunday 11 am- 5 pm

Social Media: @riverbybooksfxbg

Riverby Books boasts an impressive collection, claiming to have "more than twice as many books as two bookstores less than half its size.” In addition to its witty staff, this downtown Fredericksburg treasure is a true bibliophile's paradise, spreading across multiple floors in a charming historic building. And if history is your jam, you’ll be sure to find some unique titles or perhaps a vintage collection of volumes.

The store features comfortable reading nooks and armchairs throughout, inviting visitors to settle in and browse at leisure. The basement houses the children's section along with art books and miscellaneous topics, while the top floor contains fiction, biographies, poetry, graphic novels, and comic books. The first floor showcases local and world history, with featured selections near the entrance.

What makes Riverby special is not just its vast selection of used and collectible books, but its active role in the literary community. The store buys books daily, accepting literary fiction, serious non-fiction, children's books, cookbooks, field guides, poetry, and more. They even purchase entire libraries and offer both cash and store credit. Notably, they also buy gift cards after the holidays so that you can exchange that well-intentioned gift for a literary gem.

Located between Sammy T's and Soup and Taco on Caroline Street, Riverby is perfectly positioned for a day exploring historic downtown Fredericksburg. The store's ever-changing displays reflect seasonal themes and current trends, ensuring each visit offers something new.

212 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Phone: (540) 200-8224

*Hours: Monday- Closed; Tuesday- Thursday- 11am- 6pm; Friday- Saturday- 11am- 7pm; Sunday- 11am- 5pm

*Subject to change

Social Media: @novelfxbg

Novel is a community-focused bookstore passionate about books and committed to fostering a love of reading while building connections through events, gifts, and support for other small businesses. Novel opened its doors last year (2025) and is owned and operated by Andie Ayers, offering a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction titles, unique gifts, and a quiet space designed for connection and conversation.

The store uniquely shares its space with Green Eyed Vines, a local plant nursery run by husband-and-wife team Regan and Donnie Woolford, creating an enchanting atmosphere where literature and nature intertwine.

Novel offers a curated selection of books, including new releases and popular book club picks, as well as personalized recommendations, book club kits, and subscription boxes. The store also hosts engaging events, such as book clubs, and features book-themed gifts, greeting cards, and stationery. Andie Ayers, who co-founded the Fairy Godmother Project (a local organization serving families facing pediatric cancer), has poured her love for reading, gift selection, community building, and Fredericksburg into this venture.

And, if you’re looking to join a book club that gives back to the community, look no further than Novel’s Cause Clubs: unique book clubs that combine reading novels with social purpose. Each month, Andie chooses a novel that pulls readers into a story about a topic complex to discuss or understand. A local nonprofit that serves the cause addressed in the novel is selected and receives a donation from the proceeds of the book’s sales.

1010 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Phone: (540) 870-7605 

Hours: Monday- Closed; Tuesday- Thursday- 9am- 6pm; Friday- 9am- 7pm; Saturday- 8am- 7pm; Sunday- 9am- 5pm

Social Media: @talesandtailsfxbg

Tales & Tails is a one-of-a-kind bookstore offering thousands of new book titles alongside charming dog-themed merchandise. This warm, rustic space truly embodies its motto: "Read, Sip, Wag, Repeat."

The shop is run by a husband-and-wife team, Christine (a book-loving doctor) and Hunter (a coffee-fueled teacher), along with their two pups, Buster and Ruth. Their mission is simple: to provide a welcoming space where every member of the family—including four-legged ones—feels at home.

The store features fiction and nonfiction titles across all genres, a cozy children's reading room, and a unique retail section stocked with everything from dog toys and treats to games and puzzles. Upstairs, you'll find three meeting rooms with charming dog themes that can be booked free of charge, which is perfect for your next book club meeting or community gathering.

Adding to its appeal, Tales & Tails serves locally roasted coffee with a variety of pastries, making it an ideal spot to settle in with a new book and your favorite beverage. The combination of great books, quality coffee, and a dog-friendly atmosphere creates a truly unique bookstore experience in downtown Fredericksburg— you may even come home with a new furry friend if you attend one of their weekend adoption events.

810 Caroline Street, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Phone: (540) 371-5684

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday 12 pm-4 pm

Social Media: @jabberwocky_books

Since 1985, Jabberwocky has been a beloved staple of the Fredericksburg community and beyond, specializing in a wide range of captivating children's books, complemented by an array of toys, games, plushies, and gifts that inspire imagination and learning.

What sets Jabberwocky apart is its exceptional presentation and knowledgeable staff. The store excels at display, making it easy to find an assortment of books and academic activities, no matter a child's interest. From toddler board books to young adult novels, from classic picture books to educational games, Jabberwocky offers thoughtfully curated selections for every reading level.

The store carries popular brands like Jellycat plushies and offers everything from arts-and-crafts kits to science kits, puzzles to puppets. They keep pop-up books safely behind the counter to preserve these delicate treasures. Many families have been loyal customers for generations, with grandparents who brought their children years ago now bringing their grandchildren to share the magic of this special place.

The friendly, helpful staff are passionate about connecting young readers with books they'll love, and the store regularly hosts storytimes and other children's events. Located on historic Caroline Street, Jabberwocky is an essential stop for any family visiting downtown Fredericksburg.

The Book Market FXBG*

Social Media: @thebookmarketFXBG

Rolling to a location near you! Follow on social media for current pop-up locations.

The Book Market FXBG is a mobile bookstore housed in a custom-renovated 16-foot trailer that brings books directly to readers at their favorite local spots. Inspired by traveling bookshops across the country, Stafford County teacher Katie O'Mara launched this shop on wheels in 2025 with an inheritance from her grandmother—a woman who clearly knew the value of a good story.

This rolling bookstore specializes in the latest new releases alongside a carefully curated selection of book-related gifts, all sourced from local creators. You'll find custom tees and crewnecks, handcrafted clay jewelry, artisan candles, and their popular "blind date with a book" packages—each one keeping your dollars in the local community.

What makes The Book Market FXBG special is its commitment to collaboration. The trailer pops up at breweries, wineries, coffee shops, restaurants, markets, and local stores throughout Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania, creating opportunities for readers to discover new businesses while picking up their next great read. It's a bookstore that comes to you, connecting literature lovers with local entrepreneurs and hidden gems across the region.

Watch their social media to catch The Book Market at its following location—you might find your new favorite book while discovering your new favorite local spot.

1240 Stafford Market Place, Suite 101, Stafford, VA

Books-A-Million opened in North Stafford in November 2025, filling a long-missed gap in the community since the old Borders bookstore closed years ago. This national chain bookstore brings a wide selection of new releases, bestsellers, magazines, and gifts to the Stafford Marketplace shopping center. The store regularly hosts events and author signings and features a café for relaxing with a book and coffee.

And, while we mainly focus on the independent bookstores and love shopping small, we also recognize that not everyone can make it downtown. Books-A-Million also supports community organizations, such as the Stafford Education Foundation, throughout the year.

Various Locations

Don't forget the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) system, which serves Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania with multiple branches. The main Fredericksburg Branch, Stafford's Howell and Porter branches, and Spotsylvania's Towne Centre Branch all offer extensive collections, digital resources, and regular programming, including author talks, children's storytimes, and book clubs.

Our local librarians are, in a word, amazing, and continue to be stout supporters of various organizations throughout the community, and they offer a variety of local resources to community members.

In an age of online shopping and e-readers, these independent bookstores remind us of the irreplaceable pleasure of discovering books serendipitously, feeling the weight of a book in your hands, reading the first few pages while nestled in a comfortable chair, and connecting with fellow readers and knowledgeable staff who share your passion.

Whether you're searching for a specific title, hunting for hidden treasures, building a child's home library, or simply seeking a peaceful afternoon surrounded by stories, the bookstores of Fredericksburg and Stafford County welcome you. Each visit supports local businesses, sustains literary culture, and keeps the timeless tradition of bookstore browsing alive for future generations.

Happy reading, and good luck with that TBR (to be read) pile!