Picture this: Fall weather arrives, but you’re curled up inside reading a good book. This doesn’t have to be a work a fiction, because you can head to one of these seven independent bookstores in the Knoxville area to stock your shelf with new and new-to-you titles.
Union Ave Books
Located in the Daylight Building near Market Square, this woman-owned store has been open since 2011. You can find titles across many genres, and the staff will help you find the perfect book, or you can explore the events calendar for more local happenings.
Addison’s Books
This bookstore may be two stories tall, but you’ll find thousands of books on the shelves. It specializes in used, rare, and old books, but you can also partake in other offerings like its monthly book club.
We feel the romance in the air — and on the shelves.
Photo via @explorewithmekatie
Good Girl Books
It started as a book truck, but it ended as a brick + mortar store. That’s the true story of this romance-focused bookstore that debuted this June, and the pink walls are lined with titles that could inspire your own meet cute.
Fable Hollow Coffee & Bookshoppe
This store is the real deal when it comes to the fantasy genre. You’ll find shelves filled with otherworldly tales and coffee drinks that will give you enough energy to read a long page-turner.
Bookshop at the Bottom
Named for the first Black community in Knoxville, this store focuses on making Black-affirming books accessible for the community. The space is designed to celebrate and engage Black artists through its book offerings and community programming.
Southland Books and Cafe, Maryville
Become part of the next chapter in a book’s life. This Blount County shop has been open since 1992, selling used + new books. You’ll also be able to get an energy boost at the cafe or through one of its community events.
Neighborly Books, Maryville
You’ll find new titles and classic books lining the shelves of this store. The shop features a selection of children’s books + toys, helping the next generation become lifelong readers.
