Posted in Arizona January 16, 2019 by

You’ll Fall In Love With This Quiet Arizona Town That Has More Books Than People

The small town of Benson, Arizona has a population of less than 5,000. Although that number seems small when we’re referring to people, it’s an astronomical amount when referring to books. Still, this little-known bookstore easily surpasses such a collection and is stacked floor-to-ceiling with long-forgotten novels whose dusty pages long to be caressed by the gentle hands of book lovers.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
At the end of this lonely dirt road in the rural San Pedro Valley is a working cattle ranch known as Singing Wind.
YouTube/Arizona Public Media
It's here that one of Arizona's oldest bookstores has been hiding for over 40 years.
Winifred Bundy and her husband acquired the ranch in 1956 and have owned it ever since.
YouTube/Arizona Public Media
Nearly 20 years and one Master's degree in Library Sciences later, the bookstore opened its doors.
An impressive collection of fiction and non-fiction novels pays homage to all aspects of the American Southwest.
YouTube/Arizona Public Media
Mrs. Bundy has cultivated connections with writers throughout the region, so many of the books are original signed copies.
None of the shelves are labeled, so prepare yourself for a treasure hunt - it’s part of the experience here at Singing Wind!
YouTube/Arizona Public Media
Staff members are more than happy to give tours, but sometimes searching for that one special book is half the fun.
Whether you're searching for a classic or something new and different, rest assured it has a place here.
YouTube/Arizona Public Media
In a world full of eBooks, nothing beats feeling the crisp turn of a page beneath your fingers.
You'll find the bookstore at 700 W Singing Wind Rd., Benson, AZ 85602.
Google/DMH
To reach the shop, take Interstate 10 past Tucson to Benson. Exit at mile marker 304, then head north on Octillo Road for about two miles. From there, turn right on Singing Wind Road and follow it for a half-mile to reach the parking lot. Singing Wind Bookshop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Check out this video shared by Arizona Public Media on YouTube for a virtual tour of the shop:

Have you ever been to Singing Wind Bookshop? Are there any other little-known bookstores in Arizona worth checking out? Let us know your favorites!

For another bookworm’s paradise, check out This Enormous Warehouse Of Used Books In Arizona Will Be Your New Favorite Destination.

Address: 700 W Singing Wind Rd., Benson, AZ 85602