Tattered Cover Book Store

The Tattered Cover is not just Denver's bookstore; it is one of the defining independent bookstores of America, a multi-level literary institution that has been setting the standard for community bookselling since 1971. The Colfax Avenue location offers a browsing experience of remarkable depth and comfort, with overstuffed armchairs scattered throughout the floors inviting customers to sit and read for as long as they like. The collection feels almost impossibly comprehensive, with sections in every conceivable subject curated by staff whose expertise has been honed over decades. The Western history section is naturally outstanding, reflecting Colorado's rich frontier heritage, while the politics section draws legislators and policy wonks from the nearby state capitol. The children's department is a Denver family tradition, and the events calendar has hosted virtually every major author of the modern era. The in-store cafe adds sustenance to what is often a full-day browsing experience. The Tattered Cover has survived challenges and changes while remaining true to its core mission: being the kind of bookstore that makes a city proud.