Along Bend’s downtown streets, basement staircases, and Old Mill storefronts, shelves of books and bins of records are a fixture. As a cornerstone of home entertainment, books and music have always been important to a community, and Bend has the shops to keep its artistic side engaged. Whether the goal is a book club’s next selection or the new release by a favorite artist, these bookstores and record shops have it covered.

Located in the heart of downtown, Dudley's Bookshop Café has been Bend's go-to independent bookseller since 2008, when it took over a Minnesota Avenue storefront that had housed a bookstore since 1973. The two-story bookshop stocks new and used books for the whole family. Visitors check out its Wall of Fiction upon entering, but regulars know to look both downstairs and upstairs for the classic finds. Its selection appeals to young and old alike through picture books, young adult series, and just about every fiction genre. There are plenty of seating options in the approximately 2,000-square-foot shop, along with a café serving drinks and treats to enjoy while deciding on the next book.

Its Trail and Field Guides section is popular among adventurous locals, and exploration tales await those who just want to read about adventure. If a title can’t be found, Dudley’s offers to special-order anything available. The shop also buys books to stock its used section. It even offers a consignment program for local authors. As a matter of distinction, Dudley’s was the first bookstore in the country to partner with 1% for the Planet, donating 1 percent of its sales to local and regional environmental nonprofits.

135 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend

Dudley’s opened a second location in the Old Mill District this summer. The 900-square-foot location expands its commitment to the community and its dedication to introducing more people to books.

655 SW Powerhouse Dr., Bend

Locally owned Roundabout Books & Cafe has served the community since Cassie Clemans opened its doors in 2016. The bright and airy bookstore features a cafe and tables, as well as cozy couches and chairs for guests to dive right into their new purchases. But where the 2,500-square-foot independent bookstore shines is in its connection to the neighborhood. Located in the middle of the NorthWest Crossing community, much of its space is dedicated to book clubs, local authors, and children’s books. Rounding out the store are tables of newly released books and shelves filled with a wide range of reading materials. To top it all off, Roundabout’s staff is always ready to offer up a staff pick or help locate books from a summer reading list.

The shop hosts weekly book clubs, author events, and other community groups, such as knitting circles. Parents, caregivers, and kids love its Hello Storytime! classes every second and fourth Wednesday. Geared toward kids five and under, the 30-minute get-together includes readings, songs, and movement activities. Adults look forward to its Ink and Insights speaker series, which brings together local community leaders to discuss global ideas.

900 NW Mt. Washington Dr., Suite 110, Bend

Tucked below the hustle and bustle of downtown’s busy restaurant scene and around the corner from craft breweries, the Underground Book Gallery stands out for its ability to be inconspicuous. Located on Oregon Avenue, sharing the basement with The Cellar, a pub serving English-style ales, this independent bookseller draws people in with its inviting atmosphere. The 600-square-foot space is packed with 20,000 used books of every genre, from sci-fi and poetry to the classics and antiquarian prizes.

Owner Justin Schlosberg has crafted a welcoming space for all who enjoy reading. The gallery hosts author signings and classes, such as Make Your Own Upcycled Book Journal. Downtown Bend First Fridays could see musicians sitting down at the piano tucked in the corner, or unconventional alcohol pours for the guests. This subterranean spot is truly another world.

206 NW Oregon Ave., Unit A, Bend

Standing tall on Greenwood Avenue, just east of downtown, Big Story Bookstore offers a curated selection of books, as well as vinyl records and movies. Owners Rian and Alyssa Heim spread the gospel of how books help shape the world and maintain a mission to share their love of reading with the community. The 25,000-strong selection of new and used books ranges from classic authors to contemporary writers and new releases.

Locals know the Big Story location by the huge mural on the side of the building asking people to “Expand Your Mind.” Book lovers know the bookshop as the spot to find a classic or discover a new author. Visitors to Bend appreciate its partnership with the Redmond Municipal Airport in creating the Flybrary kiosk. Books in the display are free for travelers passing through the airport.

228 NE Greenwood Ave., Bend

The big news out of Bend this year has been the opening of the new, 100,000-square-foot Central Library. The building itself is on track to become LEED Platinum certified and includes meeting rooms, co-working spaces, a children’s discovery area, creative zones, art installations, and even a Thump Coffee café. The focal point is an art installation by John Grade, titled “Juniper,” suspended by 1,440 cables and made with 8,456 individual pieces of Alaskan yellow cedar.

Inside, the three-story library offers everything a city the size of Bend needs. Level 1 has the coffee café, large meeting rooms, and the book drop-off and pick-up station. Level 2 is set aside for children and teens with exploration spaces, a storytime area, and quiet reading spots. Level 3 houses the adult library collection, meeting and DIY spaces, and a wide array of seating and study areas.

61956 SE Santorini St., Bend

Though streaming has taken over as the most popular way to listen to music, the resurgence of vinyl records has kept record stores in business and enabled new ones to open. Vinyl purists point to both the sound quality and the enhanced listening experience when discussing music, while downtown business associations concede the need for record stores to add culture to any downtown area. While some bookstores, such as Big Story and Barnes & Noble, offer records for sale, Bend has two record stores for all new and classic listening needs.

Smith Rock Records

In 2020, Patrick Smith took over Downtown Bend’s Ranch Records and renamed it Smith Rock Records. Since then, audiophiles and music lovers have flocked to the record store for all of their vinyl, CD, or memorabilia needs. Each Record Store Day sees people lining up early in the morning to get their hands on special releases.

This year, Smith Rock Records combined with Stereo Planet to sell both records and hi-fi stereo equipment — a natural pairing under one roof. The new location is warm and inviting to those looking to spend time perusing new and used records. Concert tickets to local shows are available on the way out.

1008 NW Bond St., Bend

VinylStop Records

VinylStop Records moved into its Greenwood location in 2025, providing Bend with another option for record shopping. The shop also sells Pokémon items, VHS tapes, and other memorabilia. Bargain hunters can grab a cheap mystery bag of vinyl records or something from the $2 bargain record sale. And for those who would rather not leave the couch, a Friday night livestream record sale and auction runs online.

155 NE Greenwood Ave., Bend