Over the years, the Valley has been home to a number of well-stocked used bookstores, among them this category’s beloved runner-up, Amber Unicorn. But the Writer’s Block arrived with more than a brilliantly curated selection of new titles and an “artificial bird sanctuary.” It has formed communities, hosted school field trips, created book clubs for every taste and brought a kind of wonderment to local Valley retail. 519 S. 6th Street #100, 702-550-6399.

Runner-up: Amber Unicorn Books