Whether you are looking for a place to unwind from the bustling rhythm of city life or to find rare editions, here are 10 of the best used bookstores in North Carolina that offer everything you need.
1. 2nd & Charles
A delightful used bookstore in Charlotte where people come and trade their used books at very reasonable prices, 2nd & Charles is a popular destination to not only bibliophiles, but also film lovers and game lovers. Their collection offers a very good mix of fiction, textbooks, non-fiction, and even manga from time to time. If you are interested in CDs and video games, you can also find plenty of bargain deals here.
The store only allows in-store shopping for now. For more information about the books or CDs they have in stock, you can contact them here.
2. Julia’s Cafe & Books
A darling in the local Charlotte community, Julia’s Café & Books is a petite little corner where you can find used hardbacks and paperbacks while sipping fine coffee with your friends. The store offers a great selection of rare first editions, some of which date back to the 19th century. Occasionally, events and book clubs will be held here, and the store also provides catering services for these events.
You can order books on their Amazon storefront or buy books in-person at their store. To check if they have a specific title in stock, you can contact them here before leaving for the store.
3. Dog-Eared Books
A women-owned bookstore that is quite popular with bibliophiles in Raleigh, Dog-Eared Books features an exciting collection of young adult fiction and children’s books. Whether you need readers or non-fiction titles for your children, the store offers them all at very good price ranges. There is also a collection of adult fiction and non-fiction, with a focus on the author Stephen King.
The store allows both online and offline shopping. For more information about their stock, you can make direct inquiries here.
4. Quail Ridge Books
Boasting a beautiful location and an eclectic collection of curated books, Quail Ridge Books has been a mecca for bookworms in Raleigh since its establishment in 1984. The collection includes popular titles in genres such as architecture, art, economics, cooking, and much more. There is also a collection of rare out-of-print editions if you are into collecting antiquarian books. If you don’t know yet which title will be a good match for you, the store’s mystery box will certainly be a good option.
The store allows you to order books from their website as well as to buy them directly at their brick-and-mortar shop. For any inquiries or questions, reach out to the store through their website.
5. Mr. Mike’s Used Books
Established in 2003, Mr. Mike’s Used Books is a great spot to check out if you are on the hunt for cheap used books in various fiction and non-fiction genres. The store’s collection features a good mix of fiction and non-fiction, with genres such as romance, mystery, African American fiction, cookbooks, history books, etc. There is also a section of children’s books for the kids. Almost all of the books the store carries are available at very cheap price points, at least 50% of the publishers’ price.
The store only allows in-store shopping at the moment. You can reach out to the store here.
6. McKay’s Greensboro
McKay’s Greensboro belongs to the McKay’s chain, but don’t underestimate it just because it belongs to a chain! The store can still sometimes surprise you with rare out-of-print editions every now and then. It boasts an eclectic collection of books in genres such as general fiction, mystery, science fiction, history books, children’s books, and much more. There are also video games and old vinyl records at the store, so don’t hesitate to stroll around a bit more.
This store only allows in-store shopping only. If you want to ask for a specific title, it probably is a good idea to contact them here first.
7. Books Do Furnish a Room
Named after a famous novel by Anthony Powell, this little bookstore in Durham is where you could expect to find unexpected surprises! With a carefully curated collection of fiction, especially old pulp fiction, the store will certainly appeal to bookworms looking for vintage titles. There is also a good section on comic books, where you can find out-of-print issues that can bring you right back to your childhood. The store also offers CDs for interested music fans, so don’t hesitate to take your time browsing their stock.
You can buy books and CDs at their brick-and-mortar store as well as on their website. If you have any inquiries, get in touch directly using the contact details at this page.
8. Golden Fig Books
A petite and quaint bookstore in Durham, Golden Fig Books is a local favorite where you can find some of the latest titles alongside rare, out-of-print editions. The store offers a diverse collection with a focus on fiction, especially science fiction. The non-fiction section features books on Durham’s history and cultural life. There is also a good selection of comic books and readers for children to enjoy. The store is relatively new, having been established in 2019, but it has already garnered praise.
You can order books on their website or buy directly at their store. You can contact them here and ask any questions about their stock in advance.
9. Letters Bookshop
One of the best bookworm nests in Durham, Letters Bookshop features a carefully curated collection of used books at very reasonable prices. The store’s collection includes both fiction and non-fiction titles in genres such as mystery, history, art, biography, science fiction, and fantasy. There is also an expansive collection of children’s books, which includes the latest popular titles as well. The store plans to add event spaces and a drip coffee machine in the future for an even better experience.
The store offers both in-store shopping as well as online shopping. You can contact the store here.
10. The Eclectible Shop
Brimmed with rare and out-of-print editions, this is the bookstore you need to go to in Winston-Salem if you are on the hunt for hard-to-find books. With a collection of over 20,000 titles, the store offers a good selection of books in all genres, especially classics, fiction, poetry, military history, and much more. The store also trades in vintage vinyl records, and its stock is updated on a weekly basis, so be sure to check their website regularly for new arrivals.
You can buy their products both at their brick-and-mortar store and their website. For more information about their current stock and working hours, contact the store here.