For readers looking for the best bookstores in Royal Oak, MI, Sidetrack Bookshop pairs a new-book selection with personalized recommendations and a busy literary calendar. The independent shop at 325 S Washington Ave in downtown Royal Oak, MI has a 4.9 Google rating from 218 reviews. Its shelves emphasize new releases and staff favorites, while review excerpts highlight helpful staff, newer books, and extras such as stickers and knickknacks.
Sidetrack’s role extends beyond browsing. It supports local authors, hosts frequent author talks and book launches, and runs multiple book clubs. Partnerships with schools, libraries, and community organizations add to its literary programming. For young readers, its sister store, The Caboose: Sidetrack Bookshop for Kids, focuses on children’s books and events.
The practical details make planning straightforward: Sidetrack opens at 10 a.m. every day, closing at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday. Readers can shop in person or use in-store and curbside pickup. The women-owned and LGBTQ-owned business has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and accessible parking, and identifies itself as LGBTQ-welcoming and a transgender safe space.
4.9(218)· Google4.9 out of 5 from 218 reviews (Google rating)
Bookstore
Sidetrack Bookshop is an independent bookstore at 325 S Washington Ave in downtown Royal Oak, MI, serving readers across Metro Detroit. Its selection centers on new books, including new releases and staff favorites, with booksellers offering personalized recommendations. The women-owned and LGBTQ-owned small business also supports local authors and partners with schools, libraries, and community organizations.
Literary programming is a regular part of the shop’s work, with frequent author talks, book launches, and community events throughout the year. Sidetrack hosts multiple book clubs, while its sister store, The Caboose: Sidetrack Bookshop for Kids, focuses on books and events for young readers. Shoppers can browse in store or use in-store and curbside pickup. The shop lists a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking, welcomes LGBTQ visitors, and identifies as a transgender safe space.
