Bookworks

314 reviews

4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107

www.bkwrks.com

+15053448139

About

Bookworks is a Book store located at 4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107. It has received 314 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10AM-6PM
Tuesday10AM-6PM
Wednesday10AM-6PM
Thursday10AM-6PM
Friday10AM-6PM
Saturday10AM-6PM
Sunday10AM-6PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Bookworks: 4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107

  • Bookworks has 4.6 stars from 314 reviews

  • Book store

  • "I must admit, I have not been inside the store and so my five star review doesn’t really reflect what may happen once you get in those doors"

    "Bookworks in the kind of small modern bookstore that I really enjoy"

    "I called to see if they had some books for a friend of mine's daughters first birthday"

    "Best Bookstore in Albuquerque! First all its a bookstore so it is the same as heaven"

    "I always try to buy my books here first, and support a lovely local shop"

Reviews

  • Marlene O'Neill

I must admit, I have not been inside the store and so my five star review doesn’t really reflect what may happen once you get in those doors. However, I can attest that the staff and their kind hearts deserve more than five stars. I drove there today, as a new arrival to Albuquerque hoping to procure a few books to keep me company while I am here for the next three months. I am very new to Albuquerque so I googled “bookstores in Albuquerque” and Bookworks had great reviews. I was very excited to peruse their offerings, but was unfortunately unaware that they are closed for browsing at this time. I knocked on the door and a very nice gentleman answered and informed me of this. He asked if there was anything specific I was looking for and I told him that I was simply looking for some books to read as I just recently moved here. I thanked him for his time and returned to my car, sad and disappointed. To my surprise, as I was getting ready to leave, I saw the gentleman had walked out to my car with a handful of books. He told me that he had brought a few advance readers copies for me to have and said, “Welcome to Albuquerque.” I’m not exaggerating when I say I teared up a bit at the incredibly kind and unexpected gesture. So, please know that you cannot go into the store right now but they do offer online ordering with curbside pickup. Also know that by patroning this bookstore, you are supporting local, genuinely kind people. Thank you for the books and thank you for making my day!

  • Stewart Pierson

Bookworks in the kind of small modern bookstore that I really enjoy. It is comfy and nicely laid out and feels very homey when you walk in. I'll admit that some of the organization of genres and titles seems chaotic and different but it's done in a way that makes you explore a bit. There are several sections in the store with 'Indie's picks' of this and that. They are a nice introduction to interesting books but I have to admit that I was a bit confused at first, not realizing that Indie was probably someone's name, and assumed it was referring to independently published books. Before I figured this out I thought it was really odd to be seeing mostly best-sellers in 'Indie's picks'. Kind of confusing... but I suppose it isn't Indie's fault that she was named thus. Another nice thing about Bookworks is some of the most artsy-fartsy stuff they carry. Cool postcards and greeting cards, pins, etc. They also have a really nice section of signed books. My one real complaint is that none of the staff really made any effort to welcome me. It is a pretty small store and it wasn't busy yet the staff didn't even acknowledge me during the many times I walked by them. Shops like this can live or die by whether people feel like they belong there. I was willing to overlook it because otherwise it is a really cool store but I wish they'd have at least made an effort. Still, I recommend Bookworks for those who still like to hold the written word in their hands.

  • Mike Miller

I called to see if they had some books for a friend of mine's daughters first birthday. They had them . Went over the guy said he would have them wrapped up. Which I admit thought he meant they just have in the bag but it was completely wrapped a lot nicer job than I could have done. These people love books which is good the only bad thing I can say about is you can't go in and browse at the current time . Otherwise I would probably still be there. Your local bookstore and they ordered books for me that I wanted and always had them for me when they came in. Just remember we got to keep our power local by here. I cannot speak to the Malcolm x had about losing your power giving up your power . You just listen to the speech without any contacts pre-notions. And like they say a mind is something not to waste .You're like I remember a couple teachers in junior high Ernie Pyle in high school Rio grande. Don't believe us look it up yourself if it doesn't sound right

  • Jill Schneider

Best Bookstore in Albuquerque! First all its a bookstore so it is the same as heaven. Second it is staffed with kind genuine helpful people who smile at you. If they dont have what you want they will find it and order it for you. They are a tiny bit relentless about this. Then they usually have music in the background, comfy chairs and more. They have a great program where you can meet authors. They have a book club and children's books and children's toys and children's activities! And they have a marvelous selection of calendars and cards. So much more intriguing than online shopping! Go! Read! Revel!

  • Farah Council

I always try to buy my books here first, and support a lovely local shop. Today, however, I wanted to offer some feedback about an experience. I went online to order a book, and it showed that you had the book in stock. That was important because I needed the book today, so I purchased it and came down several hours later, and was told that the book was not actually in stock. I was then told that this happens quite often. An update to your system might be necessary, to avoid customers making unnecessary drives to the store based on the information they receive in their orders.

  • Nick C

In the digital age of the book buying experience, the hometown bookstore has all but disappeared. While they may not have the vast stock of the online retailer or the big name megastores, what they lack in size, they make up for in passion and knowledge. They have always been helpful tracking down books or finding new stories that I might not have otherwise found. They other point of note is the sheer number of Author talks they have at their store and other locations. So go grab a book, check out an author talk and support your local establishments!

  • Alexis Butterfield

I love supporting small local bookstores and we like the kids area of this one. Great location with nice layout and the selection of kids books here is excellent. We were greeted and pointed to the kids area. But once we checked out (and bought a good amount of books) we were simply handed our receipt with a "here you go." No bag was offered, no "thank you," no "appreciate your business." I really hope this was an anomaly and they appreciate their customers better than this, but it sure does put a bad taste in your mouth.

  • Ann Darnell

In the spirit of keeping independent bookstores alive I feel that the staff at Bookworks needs to greet their customers as they come in the door and say thank you when they leave. I always feel like there's an important meeting or agenda among the staff and the customers are of secondary concern/interest and left to fend for themselves. In general, I just feel like it's not a very friendly atmosphere. However, I do shop there and I do appreciate their selection and that they will order any book for you.

  • Gert

Great little locally owned book store, with definitely a new/pop themed book selection. Great ambience and atmosphere, they even have the ladders that slide along the wall! The ladders make it the most complete book store experience I've had in a while. I think it was missing the old dusty tomes vibe, but this isn't a used book store, so that's perfectly ok. Overall I'm glad I found something in the area and I'm glad someone went through the trouble of setting this up. Seems really crisp and new.

  • William mcCabe

I love to support the local bookstores. But I have gone in multiple times, and the workers have not been helpful. Last time, my wife asked for a child's book she didn't see on the shelves. She wad told that they probably have it in the back, "just not unpacked yet. " no offer to look, noir to leery het know when the boxes were unpacked. She had to ask when they might be available and was told .. sometime this week or next. We ended up going to a larger chain bookstore and getting the book there.

  • Natalie Conejo

So many things to love about Bookworks: it's independently owned; great selection; friendly, knowledgeable staff; next door to Flying Star restaurant and other fun shops; and its bucolic, North Valley location. Bookworks will special order any book they don't have in stock and they give teachers a 20% discount. I love all the special events they have, especially when they bring in author's both local and world famous ones. Say NO to Bezos and buy your books from this local gem.

  • Yvette S

Very disappointed with our visit. We were enjoying a girls day out and chose to visit Bookworks. The two ladies at the country were very rude and inconsiderate. My mother inquired about a second book and the ladies continued to talk to each other. My mother even walked away from the counter. We could not believe how arrogant and disrespectful they were and when confronted about it they denied everything. The whole experience was borderline racist. Will never return.

  • Emma Vawter

I am stuck in Colorado unable to join my family in Albuquerque for the holidays due to the pandemic. I've never even been to this bookstore, but they went above and beyond in fulfilling the order for my mom's birthday present in November and were so responsive and communicative. It couldn't have been easier to work with them, and I just placed another order for Christmas presents for my ABQ family because I was so happy with their customer service.

  • Jacquie Sullivan

In all likelihood a regular customer may have an easy time navigating the selection, but as a first time shopper I had perused their website and it had indicated that several children's books were in stock in the store. When I went in, the Children's books had seemingly no categorical order (such as by age group, subject, etc). I wasn't able to find any of my interests at the time and left without making a purchase.

  • Nathan Nolte

Awesome store with a great vibe. The only staff member I met was quite knowledgeable and she even recommended other local book stores to check out. I ended up having a really cool conversation with another customer about touristy things to do in New Mexico too! 100% recommend if you want new books. They do not appear to handle used sales. The restaurant next door smelled amazing but I haven't been there yet.

  • Michael Miller

A great bookstore and staff. Every book that I've requested that they try to get for me they have. Can't say enough about them the only thing is they need to be bigger and have more books on hand so I can go in there and be lost for it a day just looking at books. We all need to read more and make up our own mind. Help keep these guys in business don't buy an ebook buy a real one

  • Kathanya

Only discovered this book store back in March. Excellent experiences with shopping online a few times during the pandemic. Great selection available and received orders promptly. I wanted to support a local bookstore rather than buy from Amazon and so glad I found this place! I hope to come and visit the store in person in the near future. Keep up the great work guys! :)

  • Madalena Salazar

We drove all the way across town not realizing that they were open for online orders only. The employee let us know and while we were window shopping went in and found several books and stickers for my kids for free. She then let us buy books we saw in the window. This is not the first great experience I've had here, they are always wonderful, but it really made our day!

  • marisa russell

Every experience with this store is wonderful. Not only are the employees kind and helpful, they are knowledgeable in a non judgmental way. In particular Wyatt. He’s gone above and beyond helping me when I’m not sure what I needed. When the store doesn’t have what I want on hand, the ordering process is quick and easy. All of my book business goes to Bookworks.

  • Joe Cardillo

Great bookstore that stocks an array of both talented local writers and nationally recognized folks, too. They're good at locating stuff online that isn't already on the shelves, staff are super friendly, selection is excellent, and they host regular author readings and discussions. An amazing resource and just exactly the kind of bookstore every city needs.

  • Chelin Jamie Hu

I love this cozy and locally owned independent bookstore. It may not be huge in physical footprint but it is heavily involved in the community reading scene: book clubs, weekly book/author appearance events are there to be found by any book lovers. Not to mention it is dog friendly- perfectly located right next to the flying star cafe... What's not to love!

  • Madison Bullock

This is such a cute local bookstore. Visiting new towns, I always try to go support local bookstores and I was able to purchase a signed book from a local author. The whole vibe of the store feels very cozy & authentic to what it is. Lots of kids books and options for hand selected books from the workers. Will be back next time I am in town!

  • Matthew “Blue” Anderson

It's been a while since I've been here but I saw an author speak here about the dog rescue he created. Very nice place, I'm one of those weird people that still reads actual books. Love the smell. I worry about our culture, we need places like this to gather and share ideas. Hope it stays open forever.

  • waterdog

This is an excellent used book store. We have found so many great books here and the staff is always very helpful. It's also perfectly located next to a Flying Star so that you can enjoy a nice place to read your new book with a fresh cup of coffee. This is our favorite book store in ABQ.

  • Andy Scholand

Fabulous curation means this bookstore is a great place to holiday shop. Very knowledgeable staff have lots of recommendations for the readers in your life. I love the extensive collection of holiday cards here too - I got some lovely English countryside cards for my family. Recommended.

  • Joe Page

When I arrived here in 2014, this bookstore carried many new releases, signed books and had an amazing childrens section. I went tonight, and I was disappointed. The childrens section had shrunk, and there were more used books on the shelf...stuff that you'd find in an estate sale.

  • Terri McCaslin

My very favorite book store in Albuquerque for the past twenty something years. The staff is so helpful and another wonderful thing about Bookworks is presentations by authors and Poetry readings. Check it out and while you're at it, grab a bite at Flying Star next door.

  • Tracy Lassiter

Nice selection of new and gently used books for kids through adult readers. They even have Manga and graphic narratives, a sticker wall (!) and related items like cool totes. Best of all, though, was the very personable and friendly staff!

  • Melodie Jones

This is a book store from the movie YOU HAVE MAIL. Such a fun book store it have the heart and soul what READING is all about. Love it. The whole area is so enchanting. The time of year to go get a real book. Curl up and enjoy.

  • My Rodriguez

An adorable, progressive and very cozy bookstore with a nice playlist to boot! A great place to stop if you're looking for a diverse selection of books, want some nerdy enamel pins or need a bookmark that makes you smile ❤️

  • Bonnie Zuckerman

Such a fun store! Not only do they have a wonderful selection of books, particularly unusual craft books, but they also carry a wide variety of gifts. I could browse here for hours! Always find something fun to buy here.

  • Becca Lee

I love this little bookstore. Staff is always helpful when I don't know what I want, they have great suggestions. If they don't have it in stock they'll order it for you. Love supporting our small businesses.

  • Tim Dunklee

Great place to talk to somebody that truly knows books! I needed a couple books for my son's birthday and they had some great choices. They even wrapped them up very nicely for me which was a nice touch.

  • C Ray

Love browsing the books, and other items they offer from local artist greeting cards, cute grocery bags, lip balms, lotions, and even candies depends what day you go there's always something interesting.

  • Cindy Chapman

Recently renovated and all fresh as a daisy. Wonderful selection of books and easy to have them order for me what they don't have on hand. Love spending time in my favorite local, independent bookstore!

  • janet borel

Totally ignored for the 20 mins I was there... no greeting, no can we help you, no thanks for coming in. Extremely LIMITED selection of books in great condition but way overpriced for used books.

  • Shanna Jarrett

Amazing customer service and their Covid-19 pickup service is awesome. If the book you want isn't in stock they will get it for you. In normal times we really enjoy their author and book events.

  • Cat L

Great independent bookstore. You'll find interesting books here as well as cute gift items. They have interesting events here as well. Located in a small plaza next to a very good place to eat.

  • Chris Gusek

Wish I chose to come here first before walking into Treasure House Books and Gifts in Old Town. Much nicer staff at Bookworks! Thank you for the excellent customer service and the new book.

  • J D

Cute store. I've read 2 books off the staff recommended wall and I loved them. Really good collection in all genres. The employees are always kind and and seem to know their stuff.

  • Logan Carbin

Yery helpful staff. Helped me find my school books and recommended places to check for the ones they didn't have. Local businesses like this are what give Albuquerque a good name!

  • Justin Garoutte

Such a nice local bookstore for all your reading needs. I've had them order books for me in the past, and I've always received them pretty quick. Check them out and choose local!

  • Michelle Rains

One of the best independent bookstores Albuquerque has to offer. Incredibly helpful staff. Fun place for adults & kiddos. You never know what kind of treasure you will discover.

  • Leslie Gulley

I love this store! The owners are amazing folks who truly care about their community and the people that shop here. Their entire staff is amazing. Doesn't get better than this!

  • Maria Sherman

I love it because it's not like a Barnes and Nobles. They are a smaller business, they support local authors, and I can pick many other different books from their selection.

  • Victoria Reithoffer

Small but Good & more unique selection of children's books, great Halloween section for kids when I was there. Lots of options for Spanish readers. Staff not helpful.

  • Wrynn Twilley

All the employees were very nice I was at a book signing and things should have been hectic but the employee helped keep things organized and fun

  • stephen lyle

The staff was very helpful and incredibly nice. They have fast turnaround on ordering books and a great selection in store. A great local place.

  • felicia banuelos

It is a cute bookstore, however it is also not very organized. The sections are kind of just thrown around making it difficult to find anything.

  • Kathie Immordino

I love this bookstore! Friendly and knowledgeable staff, happily ordered the book I was looking for. Goodbye Amazon, local is definitely best.

  • Jessica Patterson-hill

Great selection, wonderful owners and staff, our favorite local bookstore If they don't have it on hand, they'll help find it for you! …

  • Rachel Maurer

Excellent independent bookstore. Lots of author events. Great childrens section. Free wrapping. Book club meetings. Great staff and service.

  • Monique Angelina

They are great people, extremely helpful. Enthusiastic, friendly, informative. You can't help but love the place, the books, and the people.

  • Cathryn Ana Glenday, MPH, MA, LPCC

Great local bookseller, one of few remaining in Albuquerque. Many local writers featured and many events. Great place for children's books.

  • Maria Norcia Santillanes

In the past, I would have given 5 stars but the new ownership has a different vibe, different tastes so now it's like any other bookstore.

  • Soren Olsen

I used to live in ABQ, and I specifically remember this store for its friendly vibe and helpful employees. I spent A LOT of time here.

  • Blue Raven

They had the books I needed. They also made an effort to look for certain books for me. They have cool stickers and discount books.

  • Aziz Mohamed

Knowledgeable people who are always friendly and ready to help; especially if you've got kids in school who need that certain book

  • David Mendoza

Great place to browse. Wide variety of books for kids and adults. Friendly and helpful staff. There is much more than just books.

  • Jennifer Smith

Independent book seller with an impressive selection of new and used books covering many genres. They also host author events.

  • Terri Dorcas

Fabulous story that reminds me of my childhood. Wonderful collection of books. Excellent place for a gift or just to relax.

  • Diane Fentress

I love this place! One of the best bookstores I've ever seen. Lots new books and magazines. Very friendly atmosphere.

  • H Reilly

Great Independent book store. Book readings and signing frequently. Friendly and helpful staff are welcoming to all.

  • Daniel Fahl

Parking is difficult but the book store is charming with a great selection. Childrens books are in good supply.

  • Brother Francis E. Revels-Bey

Energy here is flowing, spacious. Just met owner Wyatt on 3/14/17...he's got great energy. Nice friendly staff.

  • Leslie Hobson

Terry had a great display of seasonal books and new books. I loved the staff picks and their book descriptions.

  • Pat Holman

Lovely location, informed staff -- a good space to find treasures bound to be enjoyed by readers of all ages!

  • Ryan Dyxon

This is my favorite bookstore. It's locally owned. The staff is always good with recommendations. I love it.

  • Gregory Wright

Best indy bookstore in town. Supports local authors, sponsors useful events, knows books inside and out.

  • Kimberly Leppots

Awesome bookstore with neat events. It's a perfect little stop off before grabbing a bite next door!!

  • Leah Jolene Jeffcoat

Large selection of NM authors, gifts and novelty items. Artsy knee high socks and funny magnets too!

  • chip babb

Just a very nice store, with papers, cards and invitation offerings. Very nice and helpful staff...

  • Trevina Martinez

It was a very active bookstore, and was very nice and inviting. I will absolutely come here again.

  • William Furby

Quaint little bookstore with a wide selection of genres. They also sell stationary and notebooks.

  • Morgan Sheridan

This is a great local book store with a nicely curated selection of books in a variety of genres.

  • Rodolfo Peña

Sweet little bookstore with a curated collection of great reads. A must stop for any book lover.

  • Janet Dominguez

Wyatt (I hope I got his name right) is the best! Always has recommendations that are spot on!

  • SV Smith

What a beautiful store! The staff is helpful & very very good selection of travel books.

  • Sam Tri

Great local bookstore with very knowledgeable employees. Will keep coming back for sure.

  • Chris Cordes

Great story time. A fair amount of unique books. Good customer service. Very impressed.

  • Russ Toth

Fabulous independent book store, usually has new releases books along with many others.

  • Kayla Patterson

Great local shop, always helpful and can quickly get books in that aren't on the shelf.

  • Varden Frias

Knowledgeable, friendly customer service and great selection of books and other items.

  • Meztlitonali Bennett-Perez

Great local bookstore. Host great events. I went to the Rick Riordan event very fun.

  • Katja Lauterstein

Awesome local bookstore! Been around forever. Will order you any book and used too.

  • Elysa Espinoza

Easy online ordering and great customer service. Love the vibe and selection here!

  • K Atencio

Great staff, always willing to order books not in stock, calls when books come in.

  • Meryl Williams

Great selection of books. Lots of books about New Mexico, which I really enjoy.

  • Lou Wagner

Nice looking store but selection is not to our taste. You may like it, though!

  • M Cl

Great staff and a great selection I would definitely recommend to my friends

  • Josh Gentry

One of the last remaining independent book stores. Great service from staff.

  • Jessi Hazard

Love this bookstore! Great curbside pick-up! Can't wait for them to reopen!

  • annamarie sekula

Got a nice Audubon engagement calendar at bookworks. Hard to find parking.

  • Jim Warner

Really like this little bookstore located right on the Plaza in Old Town.

  • Megan Cox

One of my favorite places in Albuquerque, such a great local bookstore.

  • Tenney Clark

A great little local bookstore had great atmosphere and friendly staff

  • aaron apodaca

Very cool place. Not ruined by big chain feel like other book stores.

  • Reneé Rodriguez

Loved visiting this bookshop! Great selection and great atmosphere!

  • germana fullman

Found just what I need, plus more! Excellent children's section

  • Jennifer Coe

Very welcoming and good selection with well displayed end caps.

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