While the 80-degree temperatures outside may say otherwise, the official start of fall is just around the corner (mark your calendar for Thursday, September 22). As we wait for the leaves to change colors and the temps to dip, we’re getting in the autumn spirit by highlighting some of the South’s best independent bookstores. After all, nothing says the fall quite like spending the afternoon searching for the perfect book with a cup of local coffee in hand. From beautiful interiors to fascinating history, these independent bookstores showcase the magic and charm of each Southern town they sit in.
Alabama Booksmith
Location: Homewood, AL
More Info: alabamabooksmith.com
Countless factors set Alabama Booksmith apart from your typical bookstore, but the most fascinating of all is its business model. This local treasure sells nothing but signed books, and except for a few rare or out-of-print options, most copies are still sold at their regular retail price. It’s often debated when the store officially opened, but one thing is certain: everything changed one August night in 1995. After hosting an author event for Don Keith, the store’s original location on Highland Avenue could no longer host events due to increasing popularity. Today, the store sits in Homewood and hosts thousands of author events annually, including readings and signings.
BookPeople
Location: Austin, TX
More Info: bookpeople.com
Since 1970, BookPeople has served as Texas’s leading (and largest!) independent bookstore. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, BookPeople started as Grok Books in 1970. After the current owner Philip Sansone took over in 1984, the store moved to its present location and changed its name, inspired by Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. In addition to books, BookPeople also offers a selection of locally curated gifts and hosts various book club options for locals. Be sure to also visit the on-site café, CoffeePeople, to enjoy a tea or coffee while shopping for your next read.
Shelf Life Books
Location: Richmond, VA
More Info: shelflifebooksrva.com
Formerly known as Chop Suey Books, Shelf Life Books is the largest independent bookstore in Richmond, VA. Started in 2002 by Ward Teff, Chop Suey Books was recently sold to longtime customers Berkley and Chris McDaniel. However, the charm and quirkiness that initially put this store on the map still remain. Customers can still peruse an extensive selection of new and used books and attend a handful of author events.
Faulkner House Books
Location: New Orleans, LA
More Info: faulknerhousebooks.com
Described as “a sanctuary for fine literature,” Faulkner House Books sits in the former home of author William Faulkner. Located in New Orleans’ French Quarter, the store was founded in 1988 by attorney Joseph J. DeSalvo Jr. and his wife, Rosemary. The cozy two-room store is filled with beautiful antiques, mahogany bookcases, and, of course, plenty of books — ranging from classics to rare editions, used books, and more. If you’re unsure what to read next, customers are encouraged to ask the team member on duty for a recommendation!
Malaprop’s Bookstore
Location: Asheville, NC
More Info: malaprops.com
Malaprop’s Bookstore has been an Asheville, NC, staple since 1982. Founder Emöke B’Racz says the following about her store: “I wanted Malaprop’s to be a place where poetry mattered, where a woman’s words were as important as a man’s, where excellence was customary, where good writing had a home, where I could nurture my addiction to literature, and play, enjoy, and entertain people drawn to quality books.” Today, the store does just that and is known for its curated selection of books. Before heading out, be sure to also grab a tasty treat from the store’s café!
New Dominion Bookshop
Location: Charlottesville, VA
More Info: ndbookshop.com
As the oldest independent bookseller in Virginia, New Dominion Bookshop offers everything from fiction to nonfiction and children’s books. The store opened its doors in 1924 and has grown a reputation for providing personalized service and a specially curated selection of literature. In addition to selling books, the store also hosts a plethora of author events throughout the year. It even offers a home library curation service, which helps customers create their perfect at-home library. (SB Tip: Before leaving, wander out back to see the store’s rose garden!)
Parnassus Books
Location: Nashville, TN
More Info: parnassusbooks.net
Co-owned by author Ann Patchett and her business partner Karen Hayes, Parnassus Books has been one of Nashville’s go-to independent bookstores since 2011. The name ‘Parnassus Books’ comes from Greek mythology, as Mount Parnassus was the home of literature, learning, and music. By providing a wide array of genres, supporting local authors, and hosting author events, Ann and Karen strive to make their bookstore the Mount Parnassus of Nashville. And, for all of you Ann Patchett fans, every single one of her books is signed at Parnassus!
Square Books
Location: Oxford, MS
More Info: squarebooks.com
Made up of three separate buildings, you could spend all day perusing the shelves at Square Books. All the buildings are about 100 feet apart and located in the historic town square of Oxford, MS, a Southern town known for great writers like Barry Hannah, William Faulkner, Willie Morris, and more. The first building is where you’ll find the main bookstore, complete with a café and balcony. The second building includes a lifestyle section, and the third is home to the children’s section and Rare Square Books.
The Book Lady Bookstore
Location: Savannah, GA
More Info: thebookladybookstore.com
The Book Lady Bookstore is the only full-service independent bookstore in Savannah, GA. Offering new, used, rare, and even out-of-print books, the store was started in 1978 by the original book lady, Anita Raskin. Today, the store is owned and operated by Joni Saxon-Giusti, who worked at the store with Anita. The store is also known for hosting Savannah’s annual Local Author Day and other author events. In the past, the store has welcomed writers like Patricia Lockwood, Roxane Gay, Neil Gaiman, and many more.
Turnrow Book Co.
Location: Greenwood, MS
More Info: turnrowbooks.com
In addition to selling books, Turnrow Book Co. is known for hosting author book signings, live music, art exhibitions, and more. Not to mention it has also been named “the most beautiful bookstore in America” by The New York Times. The staff regularly rotates the store’s inventory, so you’re sure to find a new book almost every time you visit! Plus, the store shares a space with the Turnrow Café, which serves coffee, lunch, and craft beer.
Happy reading!
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