Looking for a place to unwind in Alabama? If you are the type that enjoys quietness and the companionship of books, these 10 top independent bookstores in Alabama are great establishments to visit.
1. Booklegger Books
Located in Huntsville, Booklegger Books is a quaint little corner where bibliophiles could lose themselves among stacks of books for hours. Featuring an eclectic collection of used and rare books, including some out-of-print editions, this bookstore is a hidden treasure trove for collectors of antiquarian books.
The store’s selection spans a wide range of genres, including science-fiction, literature, poetry, mystery, Americana, and illustrated books. If you are interested in trading books with others, be sure not to miss out the book fairs hosted by Booklegger Books!
This store allows both online shopping as well as offline shopping. You can contact the store here.
2. Bookshelf
For more than 30 years, Bookshelf has been the staple independent bookstore known and loved by bibliophiles from Huntsville. This petite store offers a delightful collection of both used and new books, ranging from the latest bestsellers to rare out-of-print classics.
Its collection includes genres such as fiction, young adult fiction, nonfiction, mystery, science fiction, and much more. You can request the store to help you find particularly hard-to-find titles if needed.
The store is open to both in-store shopping and online shopping. Their website is located here.
3. Jim Reed Books
Boasting a fascinatingly bizarre and gothic décor, Jim Reed Books, a favorite destination for bibliophiles in Birmingham, has plenty of interesting antique books in store for you. It offers over 150,000 titles in a wide range of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, mystery, magazines, and newspapers.
The store does put on sale some rare and antiquarian books from time to time, so make sure to ask the owner or the shop assistant for any specific title you have been looking for.
For the moment, in-store shopping is possible. Check out their website here.
4. Thank You Books
An exciting staple in the local Birmingham community since 2019, Thank You Books is a young bookstore that has gained a lot of attention thanks to its carefully curated collection of the latest hits as well as timeless classics.
At this store, you can find a wide range of genres, which focuses on young adult fiction and books for teens and art. For collectors, there is a small selection of antique and rare books that might interest you. There are also events hosted by Thank You Books themselves or their partners from time to time, so be sure to check out their event schedule.
Both in-store shopping and online shopping are possible. You can contact the store through the link here.
5. Burdock Book Collective
For those wishing to learn more about feminism as well as the impact of this movement, this bookstore in Birmingham is the perfect place to start. It boasts a carefully curated collection of both feminist fiction and non-fiction, allowing you to explore all the nuances of the topic.
There are also books about environmentalism and postcolonialism as well, so you will definitely have a busy day browsing the store. As it is also a community space, you can expect some events to be hosted by the store.
This store offers both in-store shopping and online shopping. You can reach out to them through the link here.
6. Read Herring
One of the rare independent bookstores in Montgomery, Read Herring offers an eclectic collection of books that will keep you busy for the whole day.
Its main collection features a carefully curated selection of fiction and books on civil rights, the Civil War, Southern interests, and much more. There is also an exceptional section of books by local authors, so if you are interested in the history and culture of Alabama, this bookstore might have what you need.
You can buy their products on their website as well as at their brick-and-mortar store. Try contacting the store here.
7. NewSouth Books
Famous for its eclectic collection and superb customer service, NewSouth Books is a petite corner in Montgomery that offers everything a bibliophile needs! The store specializes in topics such as fiction, non-fiction, Civil War, civil rights, and much more.
What is also special about the store is the fact that it features a special section dedicated to African American and Native American authors, so if you are interested in these authors, the there is a great window for you to dive into their world.
To buy their products, check out their website right here, or visit their brick-and-mortar store.
8. The Haunted Book Shop
While it probably does not have any haunted ghosts, The Haunted Book Shop, located in Mobile, is hauntingly beautiful with its amazing collection of rare and hard-to-find books. Since its re-establishment in 2018, the store has been offering a top-notch selection of not only the latest bestsellers but also books by local authors, which are harder to find.
It also hosts book clubs and events where you can meet local authors and share your thoughts, making this little corner a great meeting spot for bibliophiles.
This bookstore offers both online and offline shopping. Check out their collection and contact information here.
9. Ernest & Hadley Booksellers
Ernest & Hadley Booksellers is a new bookstore in Tuscaloosa, and it has already gathered a lot of great reviews from locals.
With a focus on offering hard-to-find books by local authors, the store boasts an eclectic collection of exciting new bestsellers as well as rare used editions. The store’s collection covers a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, arts, architecture, and much more. You might also find interesting events hosted by the store from time to time here, and the event calendar can easily be accessed from their website.
You can buy books from this store either through their online shop or their brick-and-mortar store. You can contact the store here.
10. Little Professor Bookshop
Located in Homewood, Little Professor Bookshop is a delightful local bookstore for not just bibliophiles but also little kids. Its collection is an eclectic mix of fiction and non-fiction, with a focus on topics such as art and architecture, biography, business, food & wine.
The store also features an expansive selection of books for children, ranging from readers to comics. The great thing about this place is that it categorizes children’s books by grades, making it easier for you to choose books for them.
This store offers both online and offline shopping. Check out their website here.