The Writer’s Block: Where Literature Meets Community in Downtown Las Vegas
- Patrick Pineda
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
In a city famous for bright lights and endless entertainment, there exists a literary oasis that offers something entirely different: The Writer’s Block, downtown Las Vegas’s beloved independent bookstore and coffee shop. This unique establishment has not only survived but thrived in the digital age, proving that the love of physical books and community connection remains as strong as ever.
Writer's Block: Keeping Bookstores Alive
The Writer’s Block is an independent bookseller, publisher, and literacy educator in downtown Las Vegas. It is the first independent bookstore in Las Vegas and second in the state of Nevada. When founders Scott Seeley and Drew Cohen opened their doors in 2014, they were stepping into uncharted territory – Las Vegas had no other independent bookstores at the time.
The journey to The Writer’s Block began with Seeley’s rich background in New York’s literary scene, where he had co-founded the cultural non-profit organization 826NYC with writer Dave Eggers. This experience in community-based literacy programs would become the foundation for what The Writer’s Block would eventually become in Las Vegas.
A New Chapter in a New Location
The Writer’s Block Las Vegas moved to their downtown location: 519 S. Sixth Street. Its premises are inside a creative work and residential community space called Lucy, a project financed by the Rogers Foundation. This move in 2019 marked a significant milestone for the bookstore, transitioning from its original East Fremont Street location to a space that better reflects its mission and values.
The new location is nothing short of magical. The aim of the interiors of The Writer’s Block is to look like an artificial bird sanctuary. Plush birds of all kinds including pheasants, parrots, toucans, and penguins perch from the wooden branches and beams above. This whimsical design creates an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a literary fairy tale, where creativity and imagination are given physical form.
More Than Just Books: A Multi-Faceted Experience
The Bookstore
The book shop has more than 20,000 books to choose from along with its most requested addition: a coffee shop inside the store. What sets The Writer’s Block apart from chain bookstores is its carefully curated selection. Here, clients discover unexpected titles in a selection that decidedly does not follow the logic of algorithms. This human touch in book curation means visitors often stumble upon literary gems they might never have encountered otherwise.
The Coffee Experience
Enjoy your hot or cold crafted beverage with your favorite book. Whether you prefer a classic cappuccino, a rich espresso, or a sweet and indulgent flavored latte, the cafe offers a variety of options to suit every taste. The coffee shop isn’t just an add-on; it’s an integral part of the experience, creating a space where book lovers can linger, read, and connect with fellow bibliophiles.
A Hands-On Literary Experience
The Writer’s Block goes beyond selling books – it celebrates the entire process of book creation. Inside The Writer’s Block Las Vegas, there is even a section where you can make books by hand, complete with equipment on the workbench and a printing press. This unique feature allows visitors to experience the tactile joy of book creation, connecting them to the centuries-old tradition of bookmaking.
Surviving and Thriving in the Digital Age
The success of The Writer’s Block reflects a broader trend in the independent bookstore industry. While digital retailers dominate the market, independent bookstores are finding their niche by offering experiences that online shopping simply cannot replicate. “How do you survive as an independent bookstore? By creating a kind of themed environment and offering a product that is not a book”.
“We own things like a Kindle and we have lots of books in that way but we like the feel of a bookstore and we like to come into the space and be with other people.” This sentiment from a customer perfectly captures why physical bookstores remain relevant – they provide human connection and community that digital platforms cannot offer.
Part of Downtown’s Renaissance
The Writer’s Block’s success story is intertwined with downtown Las Vegas’s revitalization efforts. The bookstore was part of the Downtown Project, a $350 million investment spearheaded by former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh to transform downtown into a hub of creativity and entrepreneurship.
Celebrating a Decade of Success
Just last year in 2024, The Writer’s Block celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of fostering literary culture in Las Vegas. This milestone is particularly impressive given the challenges facing independent bookstores in the digital age. The educational dwelling has evolved into more than just a bookstore – it’s a community gathering place. The combination of books, coffee, educational programs, and community events creates a unique ecosystem that serves readers of all ages and interests.
Visitor Information
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Whether you’re a local looking for your next great read, a tourist seeking a break from the Strip’s intensity, or a parent wanting to nurture your child’s love of learning, The Writer’s Block offers a warm welcome and an experience that reminds us why independent bookstores remain essential to our communities.
In a city built on entertainment and spectacle, The Writer’s Block proves that sometimes the most profound experiences come from the simple pleasure of discovering a great book in the company of fellow book lovers. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature and the importance of spaces that celebrate the written word.