9 Must-Visit Independent Bookstores in Nashville
Whether you’re in the market for used, rare, or new books, here are some of our favorite Nashville bookstores. Image: Facebook / Landmark Booksellers
Though Nashville is best known for its music scene, it has also been home to a booming printing and publishing industry for over 100 years. In fact, the well-known Printer’s Alley was once the headquarters of The Tennessean, the Nashville Banner, 13 publishers, and 10 printers. While the city has undoubtedly changed since then, Nashville still boasts a charming collection of local bookstores. Whether you’re in the market for used, rare, or new books, here are some of our favorite independent bookstores in and around Nashville.
*Listed in alphabetical order
The Bookshop
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: thebookshopnashville.com
Described as “a nook for people who love beautiful books,” The Bookshop is a cozy 500-square-foot shop in East Nashville. Owned by Joelle Harr, who has 20+ years of experience as a book editor, The Bookshop offers a well-researched and carefully curated selection of books. Topics include everything from science to literary fiction, cooking, history, memoirs, and more. The store also offers an annual reading challenge that encourages people to read more books and explore new genres. To participate, simply purchase a book from the assigned category each month to receive fun prizes.
Defunct Books
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: defunctbooks.com
Located in East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood, Defunct Books is an independent bookstore selling used, out-of-print, and rare books. The shop has been around since 2003, but moved from Iowa City, IA, to Music City in 2015. Shoppers can find books in all subjects and genres — from mythology to graphic novels, biographies, and more. If you’re looking to peruse unique books and don’t have a specific title in mind, this is the perfect spot to do so. And, if you have your own collection of rare books, Defunct Books offers top dollar for those that they can use and re-sell.
Fairytales Bookstore
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: fairytalesnashville.com
East Nashville’s Fairytales Bookstore is known for its vast collection of children’s books, educational toys, crafts, and art supplies. The colorful, child-friendly interior is the perfect spot to find young adult titles as well as books for those who are just learning to read. (SB Tip: Fairytales Bookstore is just a few feet from the aforementioned Defunct Books.)
Harper’s Books
Neighborhood: Lebanon
More Info: harpersbookstore.square.site
Just a brief drive from Nashville, this Lebanon bookstore is known for its frequent sales, weekly specials, and personalized picks from staff members. The store sells titles in various genres, including young adult, romance, non-fiction, and more. Harper’s Books also offers a cozy section for children to read and explore books, complete with a small sitting area. The store also accepts used books, movies, and miscellaneous items for store credit.
Landmark Booksellers
Neighborhood: Franklin
More Info: landmarkbooksellers.com
Located on Main Street in Franklin, Landmark Booksellers was started in 2005 by Joel and Carol Tomlin after promising one another they would find a life calling they could enjoy together once their children were grown. Today, the bookstore specializes in classic novels, Southern Americana, local authors, and rare books. Even if you’re not a fan of reading or books, we recommend visiting the store for its history and architecture. Not only is the building the oldest commercial building in Downtown Franklin, but the white columns out front are made from solid poplar tree trunks.
McKay’s Nashville
Neighborhood: Bellevue
More Info: mckaybooks.com
McKay’s Nashville is a two-story wonderland for both book and music lovers. Recently reorganized, the store’s first floor offers countless rows of titles covering topics like cooking, self-help, true crime, and more. If you get lost (because, trust us, you might!) or can’t find the specific genre you’re looking for, check out the maps at the end of each aisle for guidance. In addition to books, be sure to peruse the store’s selection of vinyl, CDs, movies, games, instruments, and electronics. Shoppers can also sell books, music, and more for cash or store credit.
Novelette Booksellers
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: novelettebooksellers.com
Open since June 2022, this female-owned-and-operated store offers a colorful and cozy environment. The East Nashville bookstore is also known for providing an inclusive and safe environment for all types of book lovers and offers genres like fiction, graphic novels, non-fiction, romance, and more. The store also hosts monthly book clubs, where you can purchase a specific title and automatically be enrolled in that month’s book club.
Parnassus Books
Neighborhood: Green Hills
More Info: parnassusbooks.net
To say Parnassus Books is a Nashville staple would be an understatement. Co-owned by novelist Ann Patchett and her business partner Karen Hayes, the store offers an extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. You can also find a thoughtfully curated selection of books written by local Nashville authors as well as signed books by Ann Patchett herself. The store is also known for its author events, book club, subscription boxes, and surprise book bundles.
Rhino Booksellers
Neighborhood: Sylvan Park
More Info: rhinoboksellers.com
Another great option for used and rare books is Rhino Booksellers. The store is owned by songwriter Fred Koller, who is known for collaborating with author Shel Silverstein on songs like “Goodnight Little Houseplant” and “Yes Mr. Rogers.” Fred opened Rhino Booksellers in 2001 to provide thoughtfully curated books to the Nashville community, emphasizing genres like the arts, photography, music, and film. The shop is filled with rows of floor-to-ceiling shelves that you could get lost in for hours.
Happy reading, Nashville!
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Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.