Only the Tip of the Iceberg...

And these, listed below, are indeed just a few of the many specialty bookstores around Austin. This doesn't include the myriad used bookstores like Asylum Books, the secrets of Mysteries & More, gaming paradises like Dragon's Lair, or neighborhood shops like Deep Eddy Books. Hopefully, you will be inspired to seek out the unusual and varied offerings of these stores; after all, you never really know what's between the pages of a book until you've opened it.

* Austin Books, 5002 N. Lamar. A little bit of everything -- Star Wars collectibles, new and used SF and mysteries, Seventies movie posters, and tons o'comics. Pleasantly cluttered, like rummaging through your really cool Aunt Myrtle's attic. Can get tickets to the next X-Files convention $2-3 cheaper than regular price.

* Three of Cups, 1805 South First. The store's name comes from the card in the Tarot deck that signifies "Happy conclusion; success and the beginning of a new lifestyle are yours." I wish that I could write more about it, but I don't have the space. Ceremonial candles, essential oils, books on Wicca, herbs, one-on-one Tarot lessons at very good prices, fantastic atmosphere -- small book selection as yet, but owner Anthea Kagan is waiting to hear what Austin pagans like to read.

* Unity Metaphysical Books, 2806 Del Curto. Small selection, but located on lovely, naturally landscaped grounds -- a wonderful place to browse and they'll even open up the store for you. Associated with Unity Church, which sponsors study and discussion classes.

* Logos, 5416 Parkcrest Drive. Stocks over 15,000 titles. Owner Randall Trainer says, "I wanted the store to be `alternative religious' -- a place where almost anyone could walk in and find something of interest." The selection includes Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox writers, a section of literary classics, and even a small selection of Judaica. Sponsors booksignings, speakers, Christian concerts, and conferences in the adjoining auditorium.

* New Age Books and Tapes, 1006 S. Lamar. Owned and operated by Ted and Sharon Lanier, New Age Books and Tapes began out of an impulse to create a store that would provide "every single positive approach to spirituality available," Ted says. With over 30,000 titles in stock, on subjects from the pragmatic to the philosophical, New Age Books pretty well fills that bill. A big store with a comfortable, small-store feel. Psychic readings provided for a fee by members of the Central Texas Parapsychology Association.

* Europa, 2716 Guadalupe. The rumors of this Austin landmark's demise are happily unfounded. Europa has recently changed management and is now switching to a foreign-language-only format to go with its new location.

* Mitchie's Fine Black Arts, 5312 Airport. Since 1992, Mitchie's has been selling art by local and national Afro-American artists. Her recently opened book division stocks about 500-600 titles, from historical to fiction to black romance. Children's story hour on Saturdays with local authors.

* LOBO books, 3204-A Guadalupe. Since Liberty Books closed, LOBO carries the torch for the Austin gay and lesbian community. 700-800 titles, plus cards, video, and t-shirts. Very friendly atmosphere.

* The Baobab Tree, 3640 Bee Caves. One of three equally wonderful stores in the Austin area devoted to kids and the parents who love them (the other stores are Toad Hall and Terra Toys). Nancy Podio stocks 15,000 titles for preschool through adolescence, and sponsors classes and discussion groups, led by degreed educational experts, for children and parents.

* The Bookgarage, 5304 Evans Avenue. From her garage (where else?) Sue Lloyd sells used hardbacks and paperbacks for unreasonably low prices (paperbacks a dollar or 50 cents with a book for trade). Dripping with eccentric character.
-- Barbara Strickland