Columbia, Missouri's Village Books, the Peace Nook, and Rock Bottom Comics Are a Triumvirate of Independent Bookstore Brilliance

1808 Paris Road, Columbia, MO

http://villagebooks.org

If you're looking for a stack of paperbacks to enjoy, look no further than Village Books. Situated in the Hathman Village shopping center on Paris Road, is an independent used-and-new bookshop with a generous collection of science fiction, fantasy, and romance fiction, as well as literary fiction and classics.

Because they sell and trade, Village is a great place to save a bit of money when you shop. New books sell at a discount, and if you bring books in for trade, you can get a fair amount of credit for them (about 25% of cover price). While the selection isn't as broad (especially in new releases) as the large chain book shops, the staff at Village Books is always ready to try special orders if you ask.

More than anything, Village Books shines at building community. Their website is more than just a set of directions; the Village Books crew post news, reviews, and upcoming events like author signings. The staff is fun, friendly, and if you're a regular, can give great recommendations about new and used books alike. These they're in it for the love and it shows.

The Peace Nook

804 East Broadway

http://blog.midmopeaceworks.org/p/peace-nook.html

From the moment you descend the rickety stairs into the Peace Nook's incense-scented underground, you know you're somewhere unique. Fully two thirds of the Nook is lined with bookshelves and tables covered in books, magazines, and resource guides on sustainability, social justice, alternative spirituality, gender studies, GLBTQ interest, DIY, world cultures, and politics, as well as a small general fiction section and a children's' section. The other third of the shop offers a selection of stickers, post cards, jewelry, candles, incense, music, meditation supplies, pride gear, groceries, and more.

The Peace Nook is a non-profit shop that helps sustain Peaceworks, an organization focused on sustainability, social justice, and peace activism. Many items are less expensive at the Peace Nook than they might be at a typical retail shop (check out the staff picks in the book section for discounts!), and purchases made at the Nook aren't subject to sales tax. There's also a book club, which confers a discount after a certain number of purchases. Most of the staff are volunteers, so service can vary a little bit. In general, though, the people at the Peace Nook are knowledgeable, or at least know who to ask if you've got questions.

Rock Bottom Comics

1029 East Walnut Street

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbia-MO/Rock-Bottom-Comics/53748163315

Rock Bottom is a little smaller than it used to be since its move up Walnut toward Tenth Street, but it's still the best place in Columbia to find comic books, trade paperbacks, and the occasional odd collectible paperback. Nowhere else in town have I managed to find a copy of Catherynne Valente's The Grass-Cutting Sword, the first trade paperback for Warren Ellis' Transmetropolitan, and the Prism Comics guide to LGBT comics in one fell swoop.

Like most comic shops, Rock Bottom also stocks an assortment of collectibles - action figures, gift sets, and special editions - as well as a selection of collectible game cards, role-playing supplies, and decorative weaponry. Geeks like knives, and Rock Bottom has them in abundance. New comics are displayed in a nook at the front of the shop near the till, so it's easy to ask questions and chat while you shop. Back issues are in the adjoining room, as are some of the more exciting oddities - one-off indie trade paperbacks, hardcover art books, and other random goodness.

Rock Bottom is tiny, but it's fierce. Its downtown location makes it ideal for a quick visit either while waiting for the bus -- it's right around the corner from Columbia's Wabash Station -- or after lunch at Ernie's Café.