Fountain Bookstore Inc

There’s a bookstore in Richmond that has stood the test of time, a place where the walls are lined with the fruits of human thought and imagination. For over forty years, this store has faced down giants and weathered storms of digital transformation, yet it remains steadfast and unyielding. It’s a small haven in a fast-paced world, a place where each book holds a promise of adventure, knowledge, or escape.

This bookstore began with a focus on technical texts, but as the years passed, it embraced the changing tides, from the digital whispers of audiobooks to the surge of young adult fantasy that captured hearts worldwide. Despite these changes, the store’s essence remains unchanged. It’s a community cornerstone, a place where book lovers gather, where discussions flow freely, and where the love of reading binds strangers together.

As a patron, the evolution of the store is evident not just in the titles that line the shelves but in the very atmosphere that greets you as you step through the door. It’s in the thoughtful layout, the sections that seem tailored to every conceivable interest, and the events that transform shopping from a transaction to an experience. Here, authors and readers meet, share stories, and leave enriched.

The resilience of this bookstore is not just a story of survival; it’s a testament to the power of community. In its most challenging times, it was the unwavering support of its patrons, the shared $20 bills, that kept the lights on and the doors open. This sense of community, belonging to something more splendid, makes shopping here a unique experience. It’s not just about buying a book; it’s about contributing to a story that spans decades, about being part of a family that grows with every visit.

To walk into this bookstore is to step into a narrative woven from the countless stories it houses. It’s a place where history and innovation meet, where every visit leaves you with a sense of having shared in something special. This bookstore is more than a place to buy books; it’s a sanctuary for those who love them, a beacon for those who seek knowledge and entertainment, and a clear proof of the enduring value of independent bookstores in enriching the cultural fabric of a community.

Tucked in on Cary St. is a neat bookstore. Friendly staff. Pretty good selection of books, gifts and other items. I found a newly released book I was looking for. I love walking in and finding what I need versus ordering online. Signed up for the rewards program so I have to go back. Great brick and mortar bookstore option for those of use in the East End, away from nearly everything.

Really great selection/ beautiful environment-love how it is jam packed with fantastic ness—most of all—great staff…so helpful.
Must be owned by someone(s) who really care about their customers.
Highly recommend ♥

My husband and I stopped in here while we were passing through Richmond and this is one of the best bookstores I’ve been to! The staff was incredibly friendly and kind. We loved the layout of the store, we felt like it guided you to books you might not normally find. You could tell the staff enjoys reading because signs were placed on pretty much every shelf in the store to tell you about books. If we lived closer I know we’d go to Fountain all the time!

This bookstore has the “The Shop Around the Corner” in you “You Got Mail” vibe. It is absolutely adorable and has an amazing, organized selection! They provided complimentary gift wrapping for the baby books I bought for my nephew. I will definitely be returning here for my next book purchase!

I order books online from Fountain Bookstore because they have sold signed copies from one of my favorite authors (Maggie Stiefvater). They have a great selection of books available (many are signed) and support local authors and small authors alike. I highly suggest that you check this place out if you are a lover of books, in person, or online!

Super cute little bookstore, some GREAT selections amongst other neat little gadgets, and modern and older books. Had a fantastic time, at the time being the shop is still requiring for individuals to be masked when inside.

This shop is dangerously close to my job, so I walked in during a lunch break one day, seeking a book that would tug at my heartstrings. I bashfully approached Amanda and Grace and they provided the loveliest experience for little ole me. They both took the time to give me curated recommendations and thoughtful synopses. Needless to say, I’ve wept my eyes out at both of their recommendations (in the best ways of course) and will be making this my go-to bookstore :)

AMAZING!! The staff are so friendly and are willing to help you with anything. Super cute shop, a must see in Richmond.

Such a lovely bookstore! The person working was very friendly and helpful! Would definitely recommend! I love how there are staff picks!

This is a great (and popular) little bookstore. Wonderful selection and a great part of the community.

One of Richmond's longest-standing locally-owned bookstores. They have a wide selection of everything, a staff who is passionate and gives excellent guidance, and they'll order anything for you.

I love buying books at Fountain. Feels like a step back in time, "think Sleepless in Seattle". Great selection, helpful staff and they will order any book you want. Please give them your business!

The absolute best book shop. With the absolute best staff. Everytime I'm in town, my dog Autumn and I stop in for a few books. The women working there are always so nice and so helpful. I read exclusively thrillers and while I find a book here and there that interests me to get, the women working always work their magic and are like "here, this book is the one for you" and I always love what they recommend! I get to go to RVA a couple times a year and it's my favorite city. My trip is always made better by stopping into the Fountain Bookstore!

Stumbled upon this little gem while visiting Richmond. What a delightful place! Something for every reader. Staff is VERY knowledgeable and helpful. Amazing inventory of relevant books. Of course I couldn’t leave empty handed.

We love this little indie bookstore in the older part of Richmond. Wander the waterfront, stop in, read the staff picks, chat with the great folks that work there, pet some dogs that come with their humans to pick to their online orders, and buy some books yourself!

Quaint, lovely book store.
Super sweet staff. Huge selection.

Helpful and knowledgeable staff. I love that they put personalized recommendations on the shelves. You can tell the employees really love their jobs and will go above and beyond to help you find your next book.

I just had the most pleasant experience shopping in my life! Grace and Akil offered such thoughtful (and spot on) recommendations to me and allowed me to browse comfortably. They instantly felt like friends raving about books rather than people trying to sell me things. While I was in there, they also helped a community member who came in, and they did it respectfully and discreetly when the person wanted a moment to ask for assistance. A very human experience that felt less like the capitalistic hell hole I've grown used to ! Thank you!

Adorable indie book store on a cobble stone street in one of the oldest cities in the country - if you go in the fall, maybe on like a post-rain, foggy afternoon, I guarantee you will look beautiful in this book store when the love of your life comes in out of the cold and you exchange glances over the staff picks and new releases. Idyllic. So effing idyllic.

Seriously though, we stayed in a hotel up the street on our first visit here and have wanted to visit the store ever since and we've just never hit it when it was open! The staff were all so nice and we spent a bunch of money AND they have a rewards system, which is v cool. We love Fountain Bookstore and we will definitely be back!