Connect with fellow book lovers, stay updated on bookshop events, and discover new independent bookshops.
Middle Ground Books is an independent bookstore in Emporia, KS combining a bookstore and café. With a 5-star rating from 44 reviews, this bookstore serves the local reading community.
From Google. Shown as written by the reviewers.
Ren
October 2025
Wow! I was completely blown away by this book store. The selection of books and other goodies were well thought out with a great local interest section. The kids section is so cute with a goodnight moon set right now. As you go further into the store there's a coffee shop and a cool back area. We had a chance to talk to the owner and he is incredible and just putting his whole heart into this store. Definitely worth the stop if you are in the area or driving through.
Lisa Smith
September 2025
We were greeted with tea. It's a comfortable atmosphere with a diverse selection. The children's section was out of Goodnight Moon. There was an adult patron reading in the quiet room. It has a bar! The clerk and proprietor were friendly.
Meghan
February 2026
This was such a wonderful bookstore!!! A great kid’s selection and wonderful and attentive employees!
Adrina Beltran
April 2025
Amazingly cute and quaint bookstore in downtown Emporia. They offered free tea to “scare winter away and invite the spring days.” Staff offered me sweet or unsweet tea - as someone who was raised in Georgia this was a huge deal to me. 15 years in Kansas and this was the first sweet tea offering I’ve had. The Goodnight Moon replica bedroom was super nostalgic. Found two of my bucket list books. Staff was above and beyond friendly and attentive, could not recommend a stop in this place more. Support local!!
Jason Day
January 2026
What a delightful experience! The complimentary hot tea was the perfect pairing with book browsing. The fresh bread was yummy. I found a couple great books. Will come back when I have more time to sip coffee and read.
