Top 5 - Charlottesville bookstores

-By Lisa

The town of Charlottesville is an enabler of bibliophiles.

I prefer to skip past the big shiny chain bookstore, with its brand new best-sellers poised attractively on a well-marketed end caps, and hit up the smaller places instead. C'ville local and used bookshops are little havens to explore and enjoy -- and any hardcore booklover isn't scared of a few cracked spines.

5. Random Row - Part bookstore, part art gallery/performance space, I just love the vibe of this place. They offer a plethora of events and goings on as well as their collection of both new and used books. Become a Facebook fan to keep up to date. 

4. The UVA Bookstore - Yes, I am a Wahoo and I bleed the Orange & Blue, but that is not the only reason that I love the UVA bookstore. If you can get past all the stuff emblazoned with a V, you will find a great resource for Charlottesville authors. There is an extensive section of books written by UVA faculty, so it's yet another way to support our local talent. 

3. Read it Again, Sam - I’ll just admit it, I totally get sucked in by those carts out front on the Downtown Mall. I could stand there, head cocked awkwardly to the right reading all the spine titles until I get a neck cramp. Mystery books are their specialty but although that is not personally my thing, I have still found plenty of other interesting and rare books inside -- when I can get past the carts.

2. The Quest Bookshop - This store is just a happy, peaceful place with a wide selection of all things spiritual. They accept donated books for their “Books Behind Bars” program and host special events at the shop. The result is a lovely Quest community worth checking out.

1. Daedalus Bookshop  I’m embarrassed to admit how much time I have spent rummaging around in the basement of this place. It’s fun in a super spooky kind of way – I always think the librarian ghost from Ghostbusters might be just around the corner. It’s a book nerd's dream and the perfect way to spend a rainy day. Or a sunny day. Pretty much any day.

Happy reading, readers. 

For more from Lisa, check out www.justherejustnow.com

Comments

[Lisa]

I love books and reading. Most of what I read now is on audio, but your article tempts me to go visit the local library for a change.

[Simplifying the Simple Life]

All those alternative methods - like audio or Kindle - are wonderful and really convenient, but sometimes there is nothing like holding a great book in your hands!
-L