Emerald and Amethyst Books

Emerald & Amethyst, LLC is a small independent bookstore in Lexington, Illinois, located on historic Route 66. Opened in January 2025, the shop is owned by Jamie and Andy Hand, a married couple who met while studying English at Illinois State University. It brings together books, games, gifts, and a welcoming place to relax.

The bookstore carries titles across a wide range of genres, including science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery and thriller, horror, historical and literary fiction, poetry, history, true crime, memoir, personal development, and science. Shoppers can also find tabletop and board games, role-playing game materials, and gifts for readers and gamers. A café area offers seating, coffee drinks, soda, and gourmet baked goods from Common Grounds in Gridley, such as pie by the slice, cookies, and Scotcharoos.

Emerald & Amethyst hosts community activities, including free quiet reading club gatherings and author events. Customers can support the store in person or shop online through its Bookshop.org storefront, where purchases benefit the bookstore.