Short Pump, VA – If you’re tired of scrolling through endless digital pages and craving the real thing, Book People at Gleneagles Shopping Center has been your answer since 1980. This isn’t some trendy pop-up that appeared last week. This is the real deal, a bookstore that’s been keeping Richmond readers happy for over 40 years.
Your Next Favorite Read Lives Here
Walk through the doors at 10464 Ridgefield Parkway and you’ll quickly realize this place doesn’t do things halfway. Book People stocks both new releases and used treasures, which means your wallet gets a break while your bookshelf gets a makeover. Whether you’re hunting for the latest bestseller everyone’s talking about or searching for that obscure title you’ve been chasing for months, the odds are pretty good you’ll find it here.
The staff actually knows their books, too. These are people who can point you toward your next obsession without making you feel like you’re bothering them. They get that sometimes you walk in knowing exactly what you want, and other times you just need someone to say, “Trust me on this one.”
Every Genre Under One Roof
Fiction lovers, nonfiction fanatics, mystery buffs, romance readers, sci-fi enthusiasts… everybody eats here. The children’s section keeps the little ones entertained. At the same time, you browse, and the young adult shelves are stocked with everything from fantasy epics to contemporary stories that actually get what it’s like to be a teenager.
History nerds, listen up. The Virginia section at Book People goes deep, with local and state historical records that date back to the 1700s. If you’re researching family history, writing a paper, or just curious about how Richmond became Richmond, this collection is a goldmine.
Events That Bring Readers Together
Book People doesn’t just sell books and wave goodbye. They host author events, book signings, and community gatherings throughout the year. Check their upcoming events page to see who’s stopping by next. There’s something special about hearing an author talk about their work in person, and this store makes it happen regularly.
Shop How You Want
Can’t make it to the store right now? No problem. Book People offers online ordering with free shipping on orders over $50. Browse from your couch, pick what you want, and have it delivered to your door. But honestly, if you can swing by in person, do it. No algorithm can replace the joy of discovering a book you didn’t know you needed.
The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM, giving you plenty of time to stop by after work or spend a Saturday afternoon getting lost in the stacks. They’re closed on Sundays, which honestly just gives you something to look forward to on Monday.
Supporting Local Matters
Every dollar you spend at Book People stays in the Richmond community. You’re not padding some corporate giant’s quarterly earnings. You’re supporting a local business that’s been part of the Short Pump and Henrico community for decades. The bookstore keeps its shelves stocked with what readers actually want, not just what some corporate office thinks should sell.
Give them a call at (804) 288-4346 if you’re looking for something specific. They’ll let you know if it’s in stock or help you track it down. Old school customer service still exists here, and it’s refreshing.
Book People proves that independent bookstores aren’t just surviving; they’re thriving because they offer something online retailers can’t: a real human connection, expert recommendations, and a space where readers feel at home. Stop by and see why Richmond has kept this place around for over four decades.
Sources: bookpeoplerichmond.com, Book People Richmond Facebook Page, Book People Instagram Page
Header Image Source: Min An
