Is there anything cozier than stepping into a bookstore on a chilly winter day? When the weather is cold and dreary, it’s the perfect place to escape and explore other worlds as you wander down aisles and thumb through pages. Independent bookstores are particularly magical — from their smell, ambiance, and selections to the like-minded souls they bring together. Fortunately, there are a few remarkable independent Memphis bookstores with interesting backstories and a strong sense of community and purpose. Check out these gems!
Novel
Neighborhood: East Memphis
More info: novelmemphis.com
Located in Laurelwood Shopping Center in East Memphis, Novel opened its doors in 2017. This was only six months after a longtime bookstore at the same site shuttered, and bibliophiles across Memphis rallied to bring in another independent bookstore. Inside you’ll find a plethora of magazines and books, including bestsellers, new releases, local history, literary collections, and a huge section for early and young adult readers. Customers can expect a personalized shopping experience thanks to Novel’s seasoned staff of “book people,” who love making recommendations and helping shoppers discover their next favorite read. The store also carries unique cards, stationery, gift wrap, journals, cookbooks, puzzles, and games, along with a curated selection of gifts made by local and regional artists.
Novel hosts events throughout the year, including chats with local, regional, and nationally recognized authors. It even has its own cafe, Libro (Italian for book), operated by restaurateur Sabine Bachmann, whose dishes are influenced by her European upbringing and love of fresh, seasonal fare. Meet friends for Sunday brunch followed by some book browsing, or enjoy an early dinner for two with your best conversation partner. If you would rather shop online and pick up your purchases curbside, Novel can accommodate that, too!
Burke’s Books Store
Neighborhood: Cooper-Young
More info: burkesbooks.com
One of the oldest independently owned and operated bookstores in the country, Burke’s Book Store has been providing Memphians with a superior selection of reading material for nearly 150 years. Its rich heritage began shortly after the Civil War, when Walter Burke Sr. opened the first Burke’s location in 1875, selling books, newspapers, slates, and tin toys at its Main Street storefront. In 1958, his grandson Bill Burke began carrying used and antique books. Though the store changed ownership and locations several times, its loyal following never wavered. Current owners Corey and Cheryl Mesler met at the store and moved Burke’s to its current (and fourth) location, which is nestled in the heart of the Cooper-Young neighborhood in midtown Memphis.
Burke’s today has the feel of a Parisian bookshop, with intimate nooks that invite browsing and rows upon rows of new, used, and rare books across all genres — from new fiction and thrillers to Southern literature and memoirs. Searching for an esoteric photography anthology, a signed first edition, or a paperback classic? This is your place! Burke’s is also known for its display of vintage typewriters, support of local authors, and the slew of famous writers it has hosted, including John Grisham, who drops by on occasion. Customers are welcome to bring their canine friends (provided they behave!) and also have the option of purchasing books online via Burke’s website.
South Main Book Juggler
Neighborhood: South Main Arts District
More info: southmainbookjuggler.com
A Downtown Memphis staple, South Main Book Juggler, located in the South Main Arts District, beckons local book lovers and tourists alike with its cheery turquoise storefront and whimsical motto: “Somewhere between serious and silly.” Started in 2013 by Jean Williams Andrus and her husband, Clayton, the cozy shop offers an ever-changing stock of new and used books in a variety of genres, from the latest releases to best-loved classics.
The shop also features a robust Memphis section with an impressive mix of local and regional authors as well as books about the Bluff City. Customers can also find locally sourced gifts, art, and greeting cards. Can’t find the book you’re looking for? Andrus is happy to special order it! Best of all, she’s passionate about giving back to the community. Recently, the shop partnered with Give901 to provide more than 300 books to a local elementary school.
DeMoir Books & Things
More info: demoir-books.square.site
Local English teacher, author, and filmmaker Jay DeMoir was inspired to launch DeMoir Books & Things after noticing the lack of accessibility to books in predominantly Black and Brown schools across the city. A longtime book lover himself, he also hoped to bridge the gap in how minority characters were represented in reading material available locally.
Since closing his storefront in 2023, DeMoir has been operating the bookstore virtually, selling new and used books for children and adults, with an emphasis on diversity in the storylines. Shoppers can browse by category and also purchase graphic novels, comics, and book-related apparel through DeMoir’s website.
Happy reading, Memphis!
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