The cold front makes now the perfect time to curl up next to a fire and read a good book. Independent book stores are popping up all over the place and are perfect places to find gifts for friends and family. Here are the best five that will release everyone’s inner book worm.

• Knihkupectví Artmap 
• Vojtěšská 196/18, Prague 1
• Monday to Friday 11:00 to 19:00, Saturday 12:00 to 6:00  

Rare is the word to describe Artmap Bookstore. The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, comfy chairs and location that stares at the river make it the coziest store. The shop curates one-of-a-kind finds with publications on art, catalogues, monographics, independent authors, art theory, magazines, books about music, film and theater, DVDs, comics and children’s literature. They support alternative titles and projects. The store even gives space to Czech illustrators for kids. They also offer books on their e-shop for fast online purchases. 

• PageFive
• Veverkova 1410/8, Prague 7
• Monday to Friday 10:00–19:00, Saturday to Sunday 11:00–16:00

Calling all artists and book enthusiasts! Head to PageFive for all art and reading purposes. The glass bookstore is chic and filled with paper from books in stacks to artwork on the wall. The décor is minimalistic, so it’s easy to find anything. Pieces on architecture, design, art, poetry and books from independent authors fill the store. It seeks to support young authors and cultural personalities who are involved in the development of the cultural environment here in Bohemia. Walk a few steps outside after purchase, and Letna Gardens are right there inviting customers to read their purchase inside the forested park.

• Book Therapy
• Římská 1199/35, Praha 2
• Monday to Friday 12:00–20:00, Saturday 11:00–17:00

People don’t just come here for books, but for the experience. It’s all in the name—Book Therapy. The shelves are minimally stocked but offer the coolest collection of coffee table books. The shelves are re-stocked with new books every two weeks, and they fulfill orders on demand in store if there’s something specific a customer is looking for. Located in Vinohrady, the shop offers publications from the field of design, fashion, art, architecture, typography, graphics, books about cooking, children’s book, and the list goes on. This place is the perfect place to look for special gifts.

• Kavka art books
• Krocínova 5, Prague 1
• Monday to Friday 13:00–19:00

This place is the Mecca for books. Featuring over 1,000 titles in the store, Kavka art books has something for everyone. In addition, they don’t just sell books, but they also publish books. They focus on publishing collections of architecture, design, photography and art. This helps with their mission to support smaller, independent authors. All books are offered on their online shop, as well. The central location and elegant design make it a sight-seeing destination of sorts in Prague. 

• NG knihkupectví – Koenig BOOKS
• Dukelských hrdinů 47, Prague 7
• Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–18:00

Located in the artsy area of Prague 7 right next to the National Gallery, NG knihkupectví – Koenig BOOKS adds to the hipster vibe. The all-white shop with books and posters displayed on art easels and a spiral staircase can make anyone feel like an artist. They have international titles of contemporary art, architecture and design, children’s literature, typography and photography. Warning: it’s hard to leave this store without a purchase. 

Author: Meredith Hessel