If you’re looking for a bookstore that keeps both new and used books, we’re here to help. In this post, we’ve featured 10 top independent bookstores in West Virginia.
1. Paradox Bookstore
Opened in 1976 by Tom Stobart in Wheeling, WV, Paradox Bookstore is the oldest independent bookstore in West Virginia, carrying over 20,000 books in stock. Readers can find books from all categories including classic and contemporary literature, genre fiction, and popular nonfiction titles. Most notable about Paradox is the outdoor bookshelf sporting a sign offering a book to anyone who wants to read but can’t afford to pay.
Paradox Bookstore also offers an editing service to those aspiring authors who want to see their own stories get published, whether independently or with a big book publisher. They even offer tarot readings if you’re brave enough to hear your future! Contact them via their social media pages for more information.
2. Four Seasons Books
Family run and operated Four Seasons Books has been open in downtown Shepherstown, WV, since 1991. They have a large collection of new and used fiction and nonfiction, with a special attention given to local interest titles, including Affrilachian titles (or those specifically about the African American experience in Appalachia country.
Events at Four Seasons cover author book talks and signings, as well as a number of book clubs focusing on different themes and genres. Contact them to see when their next big event is taking place and how you can stop by to check it out.
3. A New Chapter
If you find yourself in downtown Lewisburg, WV, be sure to stop by A New Chapter, the independent bookstore opened in 2018. With popular books from all genres and topics, A New Chapter has something for everyone. A New Chapter even has a consignment agreement for local authors looking to get their books out to the public.
If you’re a teacher or military personnel, be sure to bring your work identification to get 10% your purchase! There’s even an in-store café for you to grab a coffee or tea to enjoy with your new book. Contact them for more information about what they have and how to stop by!
4. Wordplay
Nestled in Wardensville, WV, is Wordplay, the quaint independent bookstore opened by Marlene and Tom England in 2020 amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Wordplay caters to more local interest authors and stories with a selection of popular and bestseller newer fiction and nonfiction books.
Although opened during a time where events were not allowed, Wordplay has wasted no time in establishing a solid events line up consisting of author talks and book clubs. Contact them for more information on what’s new in shop or suggest a new event idea.
5. Vigilant Books
Located in a Victorian firehouse in Wheeling, WV, Vigilant Books was also opened in 2020 amidst the coronavirus pandemic to reestablish the community need for a special place devoted to reading and used books. They pride themselves on being below big-box stores (both online and brick-and-mortar). Their collection consists of every category imaginable, with a reputable selection of Ohio Valley books and authors. They are always taking in book donations as the bulk of their collection are used books that are in need of a new home.
Grab a coffee at their attached café while you wait to attend one of the many events hosted at Vigilant Books, including book talks, special interest clubs, and even writing groups for aspiring authors. Contact them to find out when their next event is and how you can host your own!
6. Taylor Books
Taylor Books was opened in downtown Charleston, WV, in 1995. The owner, Ann Saville, envisioned Taylor Books as a place where bibliophiles could come to discover their new favorite book and sit down to enjoy it with a cup of coffee and a bit of cake from their in-house café.
Taylor Books hosts a variety of events; from a Saturday Story Hour for the kids to book signings and even a book brunch, there’s an event that anyone can attend. With thousands of books on just about any topic, Taylor Books truly is a respite from the bustling digital world around us. Contact them to find out more!
7. Clayton Fine Books
Located in Shepherdstown, WV, Clayton Fine Books has been open since 2008 and specializes in used, rare, and out-of-print books. Their collection also focuses on more nonfiction topics such as Americana, Art History, and Biography.
Events at Clayton Fine are also historical in nature, often with two opposing views being discussed in open debate. Contact them to find out when the next event is or how to stop by to check out what books are available.
8. Cicada Books & Coffee
Opened in 2018 in the Central City district of Huntington, WV, Cicada Books & Coffee aims to be a modern, quirky independent bookstore in a modern, quirky world. The interior of the shop opens to a bright purple floor of the in-house café, which moves to the smaller bookstore out the back. Titles for the bookstore are carefully selected based on the owner’s and patrons’ interests.
Events of all kinds can be found at Cicada Books & Coffee. As part of their mission to be a place for anyone, they host board game nights, open mic nights, and comedy nights, as well as the average bookstore events such as author talks and book signings. Contact them via Instagram to find out more.
9. Bank Books
Bank Books, located in downtown Martinsburg, WV, is housed in the historical Bank Building of stone and marble. Bank Books specializes in used, rare, and out-of-print titles, shelved in one of their five numbered, labelled, and highly organized rooms.
Bank Books also hosts book signings and author discussions, as well as local pop up shops and community events. Contact them via their social media to find out when you can stop by and check out the books stacked to the brim on their floor to ceiling bookshelves and experience a little bit of Martinsburg while you’re at it.
10. Homeward Bound Books
In 2017, owner and founder Joe Solomon had a different idea for his independent bookstore; rather than keep it all in one single brick-and-mortar location, he could find ‘book nooks’ in other local shops to appeal to as many book lovers as he could. Such is the mission behind Homeward Bound Books, located in Charleston, WV. The main ‘base of operations’ is Sullivan’s Records but with at least eight other ‘book nooks’ in operation all around the local area.
Because Homeward Bound functions on a commission model for the businesses supporting them, all the books in these locations are used, purchased from book lovers in the community. This does not mean there are no events hosted by Homeward Bound: book signings and author talks happen all the time at the Sullivan’s Records location. Contact them to find out what Homeward Bound is up to next and how you can become a supporter of this ‘modern’ method of independent bookselling.