The 5 Best Book Stores Around Martinsburg

In an age of screens and scrolls, there’s still something special about the weight of a book in your hands. Bookstores — whether big or small, new or used — remain sanctuaries for discovery and imagination. Across Martinsburg and the Eastern Panhandle, local booksellers are keeping that magic alive, offering spaces where stories are shared, ideas exchanged, and readers feel at home. The Best of the Best contest turned a well-deserved page to celebrate these champions of the written word.

Bank Books

Bank Books in downtown Martinsburg is as unique as its name suggests. Housed in a beautifully restored former bank, the independent bookstore blends local character with literary charm. Inside, the original vault still stands — now filled not with money, but with stories. The shop carries a curated selection of new and used titles, along with gifts, stationery, and community spirit. Bank Books isn’t just a place to buy novels; it’s a space to slow down, explore, and reconnect with the joy of reading.

Books-A-Million

For readers who love variety, Books-A-Million delivers shelves upon shelves of possibility. From the latest bestsellers and children’s classics to collectibles and coffee-table favorites, the national retailer’s Martinsburg location is a paradise for book lovers of all ages. The in-store café adds to the experience — the perfect spot to sip, browse, and escape into another world. Big in scale but still personal in feel, Books-A-Million brings the joy of reading to life every day.

Fuzzy Dog Books & Music

A short drive to Charles Town leads to a literary treasure: Fuzzy Dog Books & Music. This indie shop is known for its cozy vibe, eclectic selection, and shelves packed with personality. Beyond books, it offers vinyl records, CDs, and locally made goods — a blend that keeps both readers and music lovers coming back. The staff’s passion for storytelling and art makes every visit a reminder that small-town bookstores still have big hearts.

2nd & Charles

For those who love the thrill of discovery, 2nd & Charles in Hagerstown is a browser’s paradise. The store buys, sells, and trades books, movies, music, and games, creating a constantly changing inventory that rewards repeat visits. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and novelty — a place where rare finds and childhood favorites share the same shelf. For readers who believe one story is never enough, 2nd & Charles keeps the pages turning.

Two Crows Antique Mall LLC

Better known for its vintage treasures, Two Crows Antique Mall in Ranson also doubles as a haven for book lovers. Amid the antique furniture and collectibles, shoppers can discover shelves of well-loved volumes and rare editions waiting to be rediscovered. It’s proof that great stories — like great antiques — only get better with age.

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