Don’t get me wrong, I love my Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million, but there’s something special about walking into a tiny bookshop locally owned. When I moved to Nashville I made it my mission to find a handful of small bookshops that I could support with my never-ending book shopping addiction. Here are five amazing bookstores I found when exploring the city of music.
1. Novelette Booksellers – 1101 Chapel Ave #108
Novelette Booksellers is located in East Nashville, a small hipster part of the city where coffee is never-ending. This funky and fun bookshop sells a variety of books as well as hosts events where you can meet your favorite authors. They host a book club with an interactive discussion every month and even allow a 15% discount for 30 minutes after the event ends. Novelette Booksellers captures the essence of the east part of Nashville and celebrates its diverse community through the shared love of books.
2. The Bookshop – 1043 W Eastland Ave
The Bookshop on Eastland Ave is also a popular staple in Nashville’s east side. This shop has a monthly blind date with a book subscription where Joelle, the owner, picks out a book for the subscribers. The Bookshop has a yearly book challenge, book launches, and a book club. This cute little nook of books is also connected to a coffee shop, Hanna Bee Coffee, for those who need caffeinated beverages from reading too late.
3. Rhino Booksellers – 4918 Charlotte Ave
Rhino Booksellers, a used bookstore, is located on the west side of Nashville. This store sells rare, vintage, and used books to its community and is a buy, sell, trade operation. This place is the epitome of mountains of books and also sells instruments and vinyls. This bookshop welcomes not only readers but musicians, writers, photographers, filmmakers, and more. While you’re there, be careful not to step on the tail of Rhino Bookseller’s cat, Charlotte.
4. Fairytales Bookstore – 1108 Woodland St Unit G
Fairytales Bookstore is specifically a kid’s book and toy store located just across the river on the east side. This charming family-owned small business is dedicated to inspiring kids to read and strives to provide books where every child can find themselves in the stories they read. Fairytales Bookstore also provides arts and crafts supplies and games to nourish the young minds of the future. The shop has story times for the children as well as teacher wishlists to fill their classroom’s bookshelves.
5. Taylor Street Art and Books – 100 Taylor St Suite B-11
Taylor Street Art and Books is located in Germantown, a small section of this large city. The owners, Danielle Taylor and Brian Kannard opened their shop with the intent for Danielle to paint and create art for sale and Brian to ghostwrite, freelance publications, and present author consulting. Brian also creates cool dioramas of media or scenes he finds important. This business often hosts multiple different events such as book clubs, an art market, and even an adult book fair! When asked what inspired them to open their shop, Brian stated “That would be my partner Dani. She’s an artist who has been at Taylor Street for years and loves books. I’m a ghostwriter and book publication specialist. A space opened up in the building, and we decided to share our love of books and our art with the community.”
These five bookshops are supported by their community which emphasizes the importance of backing our local and small businesses. I guarantee any one of these bookstores will give you a lasting experience and a tote full of books at the end of your visit.
For another article recommending bookstores click here!
Click here for Bookstr’s bookshelves for some book recommendations!
