Saturday, April 26 is Independent Bookstore Day! While my fellow book nerds hardly need a reason to add to their towering piles of unread books, this is a great day to go out and support local businesses and meet fellow Nashville readers. Here are my favorite local independent bookstores, from used extravaganzas to neighborhood hubs and children’s book nooks.
This Green Hills haven hardly needs an introduction. Award-winning local author Ann Patchett’s bookstore has become a much-needed hub of our literary community. Opened in 2011, Parnassus fills the space Davis-Kidd’s closure left behind.
- For IBD, Parnassus has exclusive merch, author signings, and giveaways. Find Libro.fm’s golden ticket in the store to win 12 audiobooks!
I think of The Bookshop as East Nashville’s Parnassus, but it has its own unique vibe! It’s not as spacious as Parnassus, but the book selection is perfection, and it feels so cozy and welcoming. It also hosts numerous author events and book clubs.
- For IBD, spin the Wheel of Bookishness for giveaways, find Libro.fm’s golden ticket, and get an exclusive canvas tote!
Novelette is an adorable, LGBTQ+-run bookstore with bright pink bookshelves and the best murals! Located in East Nashville, the owners carefully curate their selection to focus on diverse perspectives. I especially love their graphic novel section.
Full confession: I worked here for 12 years and helped open the Nashville store, so I can’t be unbiased about my McKAY’s love! This Bellevue used gem is home to millions of books in addition to toys, records, movies, and much more. Bring in the books you don’t want anymore for store credit!
Fairytales Bookstore is such a charming children’s bookstore. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
As the name implies, this tiny little bookstore is a magical place for kids. Located in East Nashville’s Five Points Alley Shops, Fairytales’ compact space is packed with a wonderful selection of diverse children’s books, as well as unique toys.
Also located in the Five Points Alley Shops, this is the place to go for rare used books you won’t find anywhere else.
Located on North Nashville’s famed Jefferson Street, this is Nashville’s only Black-owned bookstore! Their books specifically focus on Black history and culture, and their nonfiction section is especially excellent. You can also shop for art, beauty products, and apparel.
Located in West Nashville on Charlotte Avenue, this is a classic used bookstore, full of random stacks, meandering shelves, that musty used book smell, and, best of all, a bookstore cat. Don’t go here looking for a specific book; instead, be prepared to find some treasures.
