At CLiF, our love for books runs deep, as does our appreciation for the incredible independent bookstores across New Hampshire and Vermont. Each one adds something unique to its community, and all of them are fantastic places to find meaningful gifts for the readers in your life.

We want to offer special gratitude to the bookstores hosting book drives for CLiF this holiday season. Their generosity, and that of their patrons, helps us put beautiful, high-quality books into the hands of the children we serve. To all who purchase books for donation to CLiF at any of the sites listed below: we thank you. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of young readers.

If you are an individual or business interested in hosting a book drive for CLiF, please click here, or contact CLiF project specialist Mary Edith Leichliter for more information.

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Bartleby’s Books, Wilmington, VT

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Bartleby’s has been the area’s independent bookseller since 1989. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the store offers a wide range of titles across most genres, as well as a carefully chosen selection of cards, gifts and games, and artwork by local artists. 

Bear Pond Books, Montpelier, VT

A mainstay of downtown Montpelier’s shopping district since 1973, Bear Pond Books is a destination for readers of all ages. A wide selection of both new and used books is expertly curated by the dedicated staff. An inviting children’s room on the second floor houses both an impressive assortment of books for young readers, and a resident Russian tortoise named Veruca. (You can follow Veruca on Instagram.)

Bookery, Manchester, NH

Bookery aims to be more than just an independent bookstore within its community; it’s also “a hub for book-lovers, artists, politicians, workers, dreamers, and those with extraordinary imaginations.” With a balance of mainstream and lesser-known titles on offer, Bookery stocks something for every type of reader. (Note: Bookery’s CLiF drive will be held Feb. 1-Mar. 31, 2026.)

The Bookstore, Brandon, VT

When Brandon’s last remaining bookstore was slated to close in 2019, a group of like-minded individuals with a shared passion for books and community came together to make a plan. The result was The Bookstore, a community-supported, independent bookseller that offers “as diverse and whimsical a selection of titles and miscellany” as can fit in the 1000-square-foot space it occupies in the historic Briggs Carriage House. 

Bridgeside Books, Waterbury, VT

Serving as Waterbury’s independent bookstore since 2009, Bridgeside is in the business of keeping brains engaged. With over 3,000 books in stock, as well as art supplies, puzzles, games and other unique treasures, there’s no excuse for boredom within these store walls!

The Eloquent Page, Saint Albans, VT

This traditional brick-and-mortar bookstore in downtown Saint Albans houses 35,000 books, both new and used. From Vermont history tomes and rare first editions, to recent teen fiction and board books for the youngest readers, there is something for everyone to explore. The store also hosts regular events featuring local authors. 

Everyone’s Books, Brattleboro, VT

Located in downtown Brattleboro, Everyone’s Books is committed to providing a friendly, personal space for folks to gather. The store specializes in books on social change and the environment, as well as multicultural children’s books.

Gibson’s Bookstore, Concord, NH

Founded in 1898, Gibson’s is the oldest continuously operating retailer in the Concord area, and the largest independent bookstore in northern New England. On a mission to “reflect and enhance its community with the best in intelligent entertainment,” Gibson’s stocks a generous inventory of books across all genres, as well as a thoughtfully curated collection of used books. For shoppers looking for items in the non-book category, the store also sells an assortment of toys, socks, art supplies and tote bags.

Inklings Children’s Books, Waitsfield, VT

Dubbed “a playground for imaginations,” Inklings is a family-owned bookstore founded by children’s author Brian Wray. The shop specializes in a diverse collection of children’s literature—from beloved classics to fresh new releases—and offers weekly story times in a whimsical setting. Inklings also hosts regular author events and features a dedicated arts-and-crafts area open to all.

Little Village Toy & Book Shop, Littleton, NH

With a motto of “Play…Laugh…Learn,” the self-proclaimed “quirky and knowledgable” staff at Little Village Toy & Book Shop is dedicated to offering kids of all ages alternatives to screen time. To that end, the shelves are kept stocked with educational books and toys, suited for every age range, skill set and fun factor. The store prides itself in sourcing unique items, with a focus on quality and value.

Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

Serving readers in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire since 1994, the Norwich Bookstore strives to “embody the spirit of cooperation and diversity found in the Vermont State Motto: Freedom and Unity!” Fans of all genres can expect personalized recommendations from an invested staff. The children’s section is bright and well-stocked; perfectly designed to capture the interest of young readers. Norwich Bookstore maintains an active calendar of events, including community programming and author talks.

Phoenix Books, Burlington, Essex and Rutland, VT

Community-minded and passionate about the power of shopping local, the Phoenix stores offer books for all interests and budgets, and take pride in serving as gathering spaces for their customers. Phoenix also operates its own publishing imprint, Onion River Press, with the intent of giving local authors a self-publishing alternative to Amazon.

Still North Books and Bar, Hanover, NH

Still North opened its doors in downtown Hanover at the end of 2019 as a combo bookstore-bar-cafe. In addition to a curated book collection, craft beers, wine, light bites and brag-worthy coffee are on offer. The store–which takes its name from a line in the Dartmouth College school song, “Alma Mater”–carries a generous selection of everything from kids’ books and new releases to books by Dartmouth faculty and local authors. 

Toadstool Bookshop, Keene and Peterborough, NH

Toadstool Bookshop’s original location, in Peterborough, opened in 1972, followed by the Keene location in 1983. After 50 years of operation by the Williams family, The Toadstool changed hands in early 2023, and is now owned by Emerson Sistare, a former history teacher with fond memories of browsing the Peterborough location as a child. As “a bookstore for bookstore lovers,” per Sistare, each location carries 70,000 titles, and prides itself on being reflective of the community it serves. 

The Yankee Bookshop, Woodstock, VT

Vermont’s oldest continuously operating bookstore has been serving the literary needs of Woodstock and the surrounding towns since 1935. Visitors who pass beneath the bright yellow awning and into the store will find a wide selection of general interest books, as well a unique assortment of vinyl, stationery, bookish gifts, puzzles and more!