Whether you are looking for a specific book or a place to stroll around on a leisure day, these 10 best used bookstores in Tennessee might have just what you need!
1. The Grumpy Bookpeddler
A reputable local used bookstore in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, The Grumpy Bookpeddler offers an impressive collection of 50,000 volumes on pretty much all available genres. It has been in business since 2011, and it has recently moved to its current location. The most popular genres available at this store are books for kids, science fiction, autobiographies, etc.
What makes The Grumpy Bookpeddler stand out is its rather impressive collection of vintage editions. They house many out-of-print editions that are rare even among used bookstores, such as a Spanish Bible from 1830. This collection has made The Grumpy Bookpeddler a bit of a mecca for local collectors. You can buy books from them either through their website or at their store.
Check out their online stock here.
2. McKay’s Nashville
McKay’s is more a chain of used bookstores than a local used bookstore, but if you need to find not only books but also DVDs and video games, this store will be a better option. The Nashville store has been in operation since 2007, and it offers a huge collection of books on just about any topic, including rare ones such as the Civil War.
However, as books come and go rather quickly, the stock can be quite unstable, and you need to be quick if you want to grab a hidden gem! The store does not have an online selection, so you will have to drive to their brick-and-mortar store to buy books.
You can find more information about the bookstore here.
3. Second Editions Bookstore
A fixture for Memphis communities for years, Second Editions Bookstore offers a great collection of hardbacks and paperbacks that are available at bargain prices. Some books come with a price tag as low as $1! The available genres include the usual mysteries, fiction, science fiction, fantasies, but there is a good selection of graphic novels as well.
The bookstore also features used CDs as well as used audiobooks. Unfortunately, you cannot purchase their products on their website, as they only sell books at a brick-and-mortar store.
Contact the store here.
4. Burke’s Book Store
Since as early as 1875, Burke’s Book Store has been a staple in Memphis, providing a haven for bibliophiles in the community. The store currently offers 14,000 volumes of rare and used books that will appeal to collectors.
The main specialization of the store is Civil War books and books on the history of Memphis, but you can typically find a wide range of topics here. You can also find signed editions here, which is a reason why Burke’s is especially popular with collectors. Customers can order books from their website or buy books directly at their store.
Visit their online store here.
5. Union Ave Books
Opened in 2011, this locally-owned independent bookstore in Knoxville offers not just used textbooks for college students but a whole new way to shop for books. Through the store’s “Book Concierge Program”, you will be asked to fill out a form that includes your favorite genres, what you like and what you dislike. The store will send a personalized list of books that will fit your needs.
The general collection of the store includes genres such as science fiction, fantasy, mysteries, children’s books, journals. There are plans to bring more children’s books to the store. You can order books through their website or buy books directly at their store.
There online collection is available here.
6. Cedar Springs Christian Store
Located in Knoxville, TN, Cedar Springs Christian Store is a haven for bibliophiles who are looking for Christian books. With its impressive collection of books on religions, the bookstore, which has been open for over 43 years, will help you to find rare texts that might not be available in newer bookstores.
It also offers a good collection of Christian gift cards for interested customers. The store only sells books at their brick-and-mortar store at the moment.
You can find more information about the store as well as their latest updates here.
7. Winder Binder
Established in 1994 and located in Chattanooga, Winder Binder is a contemporary bookstore selling new books by local authors as well as used and antiquarian books. The store mostly offers books about the history of the city of Chattanooga as well as children’s books.
Other than books, the store also sells vinyl CDs and apparel. You can buy their products on their website as well as at their store.
Check out their collection of books and vinyl CDs here.
8. McKay’s Chattanooga
The McKay’s store in Chattanooga was first opened in 1990, and it has been offering a good selection of books on all genres since. The store has received plenty of praise for its vetting process, which makes sure that the books on sale are in very good condition or are in high demand.
However, if you want to hunt for rare and antiquarian books, this might not be the best choice for you. The store only offers its selection at its brick-and-mortar shop for now.
You can take a look at their website here for more information.
9. HUDUBAM Booktraders
A leading used bookstore in Clarksville, HUBUDAM Booktraders possesses an eclectic collection of both new books and old books. The main genres you can find here are fiction, especially stories written by female writers.
The store is quite small, but it does offer excellent services to the customers. There is also an ordering service if you need a specific title. The store allows you to place orders online as well as to buy books from their physical store.
You can order books from their online site here.
10. Books-A-Million
Though it is more of a chain than a local bookstore, the Books-A-Million store in Clarksville boasts a vast collection of books in various genres, including science-fiction, fantasy, children’s books, and more. There is also a good selection of bargain books that come with a less-than-$20 price tag, so be sure to check their offerings regularly!
As a chain, Books-A-Million also offers DVDs, magazines, and journals. You can purchase products on their website, or buy them directly at the store.
Contact them right away here.
