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.

At the end of this lonely dirt road in the rural San Pedro Valley is a working cattle ranch known as Singing Wind.

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 nearly 20 years and one Master's degree in Library Sciences later, the bookstore opened its doors.

Unfortunately Winn Bundy passed away in 2020, leaving shop operations up in the air as COVID precautions forced its closure for several months. Thankfully, it has reopened since, though customers are asked to call ahead and make an appointment before arrival.

An impressive collection of fiction and non-fiction novels pays homage to all aspects of the American Southwest.

Mrs. Bundy cultivated connections with writers throughout the region, so many of the books are original signed copies.

Few of the shelves are labeled, so prepare yourself for a treasure hunt - it’s part of the experience here at Singing Wind!

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.

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.

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 currently open by appointment only. Please call 520-586-2425 for details.

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.