I grew up exploring Printer’s Alley and local bookstores across Nashville, where the lively music scene blends with a rich publishing industry. For over 100 years, dedicated printers and printing firms, including 10 printers and 13 publishers, helped shape the market and the city itself. Historic papers like The Tennessean and the Nashville Banner guided readers toward discovering new books and ideas. Today, independent bookstores and independent sellers keep that legacy alive, offering used, rare, and new titles in a charming collection that feels both timeless and personal. My favorite stops feel like home—places where I guide readers through the city to discover Nashville bookstores, uncover hidden gems, find the best piece, and choose their next favorite to enjoy by the fire or in bed with a page-turner pulled straight from the fiction shelves.
Where to Find hidden Bookstores in Nashville?
Visit local bookstores and Printer’s Alley because the city boasts independent shops that help you read new, used, and rare titles and quickly point to your next favorite.
Insider Guide to Finding, Navigating, and Shopping at Nashville’s Best Bookstores
| Bookstore | Location | Type | Best For | Hours | Unique Features | Price | Contact |
| Parnassus Books | Green Hills | New | Literary fiction, author events, families | M-Th: 9-8, F-Sa: 9-9, Su: 10-6 | Co-owned by Ann Patchett, bookstore dogs | $$ | (615) 953-2243 |
| McKay’s Books | West Nashville | Used/Media | Book hunting, budget finds, rare books | M-Sa: 9-10, Su: 10-7 | 2 miles of shelves, buy/sell/trade | $ | (615) 353-2665 |
| Rhino Booksellers | Charlotte Ave | Rare/Used | Collectors, first editions, academics | Variable | Rare book specialists, literary focus | −- −$ | Contact store |
| Half Price Books | Multiple | Used/Media | Budget shopping, general reading | M-Sa: 9-10, Su: 10-9 | Chain store, regular sales | $ | Various |
| Novelette | East Nashville | New | Literary fiction, book clubs | Variable | Neighborhood gem, community events | $ | Check website |
| Elder’s Bookstore | White Bridge | Historical | Nashville history, research | Variable | Owner is Nashville native historian | −- −$ | Contact store |
| Fairytales | East Nashville | Children’s | Families, teachers, young readers | Variable | Children’s specialist since 2008 | $ | (615) 292-2113 |
| Landmark | Franklin | General | Day trips, Southern literature | Variable | Charming downtown location | $ | Contact store |
| The Bookshop | Pop-up/Various | Local Focus | Supporting local authors | Variable | Independent, curated selections | $ | Check website |
Check out Detailed best bookstore finds in Nashville below 
The Bookshop
📍East Nashville The Bookshop in East Nashville is a 500-square-foot nook for people who love beautiful books. Owned by Joelle Harr, a book editor with 20+ years of experience, it is often described as a cozy, adorable space with a carefully curated selection of books. The shelves highlight literary fiction, history, science, cooking, and more. The shop encourages people to read more books with its annual reading challenge, where readers purchase a book from the assigned category each month. What I find here is a mix of trending bestsellers, well-researched titles, and chances to explore new genres. Shoppers can participate in the challenge for fun prizes and discover topics that go beyond the ordinary. The atmosphere feels both fierce and inviting, always updating with a little something fresh. Whether for discovery or collection, this shop remains one of the true Nashville gems. Visit thebookshopnashville.com for More Info. 
Defunct Books
📍 East Nashville Defunct Books is a perfect spot in East Nashville’s Five Points, a shop located in the Five Points neighborhood. An independent bookstore opened since 2003 and moved in 2015, it is a nook for people who love beautiful books where visitors peruse unique books and start own collection or collection of rare books, collectible and used titles. The shop specializes in mythology, graphic novels, biographies, local history, and out-of-print finds. Visitors find loads of unusual and rare books, from Iowa City IA acquisitions to Music City ephemera. The shop offers to re-sell or buy when someone is looking for a specific title and often pays top dollar when selling collectible items. Topics include science, all subjects and genres, and more. For more details visit defunctbooks.com or go delve into Nashville’s past and other things around this bookstore.
Fairytales Bookstore
📍East Nashville East Nashville’s Fairytales Bookstore is an independent children’s bookstore that feels like stepping into a little wonderland. This interior space is bright and wonderfully colorful, beautifully filled with creative art supplies, handmade crafts, and engaging educational toys. It is a perfect spot for families, offering children’s books, picture books, chapter books, young adult titles, and graphic novels. This child-friendly space supports every stage, from those just learning to read to older kids who want a vast collection of stories. When I walk in, I can find toys, books, and more, all arranged within a few feet so browsing feels simple. I love that it is known for free local delivery and the way it blends service with care. For me, the aforementioned books and playful extras make it more than a shop. Fairytalesnashville.com is where I go when I want to read and keep the magic mine. 
Harper’s Books
📍Lebanon Harper’s Books is a Lebanon bookstore just a short drive from Nashville, known for its welcoming store and cozy section that makes it easy to settle in and read. This shop sells a wide range of titles across genres, from young adult and romance to non-fiction, movies, and kid’s books. The store also accepts used books, providing store credit and keeping shelves filled with fresh stories and more. Inside, I explore books in a small sitting area, enjoy frequent sales, and check out weekly specials on miscellaneous items. The staff members are known for offering personalized picks and guiding customers toward hidden gems. Whether browsing for children’s favorites, searching through SB Tip recommendations, or shopping online at harpersbookstore.square.site, this spot makes discovering new reads complete and brief without losing charm.
Landmark Booksellers
📍Franklin Landmark Booksellers is located in a historic commercial building on Main Street in Downtown Franklin, often recognized as the oldest commercial site in town. With its white columns, solid architecture, and poplar tree trunks, this antebellum landmark sets the stage for a true paradise for book lovers. Since 2005, Joel and Carol Tomlin have made this bookstore their life calling, curating rare books, classic novels, and works by local authors in a space steeped in Southern Americana. Here, visitors can peruse Southern history, local authors’ literature, and loads of stories to enjoy together. You may discover a curated book surprise, try a mystery box, or pick up online at landmarkbooksellers.com. Whether you are a lifelong reader or not a fan of reading, the Tomlins created a promising place to order treasures, explore history, and connect with Franklin’s bookstore culture that began when they started this venture once their children were grown. Recommend visiting if you love timeless charm and meaningful stories. 
Duck River Books
📍12 Public Square Duck River Books is a wonderful book store nestled in Columbia’s historic town square at 12 Public Square, often considered among the top bookstores Nashville has to offer. The cozy atmosphere makes it a place where bibliophiles can browse and stroll through shelves filled with young adult fiction, audio book selection, and books for all ages. The store offers a great selection in a relaxed style, inviting visitors to stay forever and enjoy informative books and titles that appeal to any bibliophile. Here, you can walking through numerous choices, shop online, or find something awesome to want and treasure. Whether today you are looking for a new book, a gift, or just a cozy place to recommend to friends, Duck River Books provides a great selection for all ages and style preferences, making books the perfect companion on any visit.
McKay’s Nashville
📍Bellevue McKay’s Nashville in Bellevue is a two-story wonderland for shoppers who love books, music, and movies. The store’s first floor features countless rows of used books, CDs, vinyl, electronics, instruments, games, and more. With a recently reorganized selection spanning literary classics, true crime, self-help, cooking, and specific genre titles, visitors can peruse and get lost for hours browsing. The store offers cash or store credit for items you sell, and trust us, you will find new favorites throughout the HUGE space. Here, you can track maps, explore the end of each aisle, and discover full bookshelves stacked with cheap or collectible books. Time flies as company and visitors make discoveries, leave with titles that inspire, or explore more of what McKay’s really offers. This store is one of the best independent bookstores in Nashville Tennessee, perfect for music lovers, book collectors, and anyone wanting guidance in finding treasures.
Novelette Booksellers
📍East Nashville Novelette Booksellers is an East Nashville bookstore that has been opened since June 2022 and is female-owned-and-operated. The shop provides a safe environment and cozy environment for book lovers of all ages, featuring fiction, non-fiction books, romance, graphic novels, and diverse authors. Its highly curated selection boasts more than just types of books; the colorful interior invites readers to automatically feel included and enrolled in a community that celebrates literature. Inside, visitors can purchase specific title picks, attend monthly book clubs, and join book club events that make exploring stories fun. The store hosts programs for inclusive participation and offers Best book shops Nashville recommendations. With a vibey, welcoming atmosphere, this Novelette location is perfect for discovering new favorites and connecting with fellow book lovers. Visit novelettebooksellers.com for more information. 
Parnassus Books
📍Green Hills Parnassus Books in Green Hills is a Nashville staple on Hillsboro Pike, co-owned by novelist Ann Patchett herself and Karen Hayes, her business partner. Parnassusbooks.net store offers a thoughtfully curated extensive collection where Nashville local authors shine through fiction titles, non-fiction works, and children’s books. Visitors can explore signed books, subscription boxes, and participate in author events or the book club, making it a true literary hub. This Nashville bookstore is a bookworm’s dream, providing a safe space with a great selection for every reader. It is known for boasting an extension collection, autograph copies, and surprise book bundles. From supporting local authors to honoring Tennessee roots, the shop covers everything from general bookstore searches to specific needs, blending charm and expertise into one inviting destination.
Bound Booksellers
📍158 Front St. Bound Booksellers at 158 Front St. is a perfect spot for book-lovers and family visits, often called a Franklin favorite. Co-owned and curated with care, the store boasts a selection of fresh fiction, children’s books, literature, cookbooks, and themed knick knacks. Whether you are searching for a gift or your next favorite read, this bookstore ensures that everyone can find something to enjoy in a welcoming, friendly environment. Here, visitors can find plenty of titles by local authors, explore children’s books, and enjoy a space designed to keep everyone engaged. It is recognized as the Best family-friendly bookstore in Nashville with children’s section and events, making it a place where book-lovers never leave disappointed. From written works to curated picks, this store is perfect for discovering new treasures. 
Rhino Booksellers
📍Sylvan Park Rhino Booksellers in Sylvan Park opened in 2001 and is owned by locals who created a music city bookstore with a cozy shop vibe. The store is known for rows of floor-to-ceiling shelves and thoughtfully curated books across genres including music, vinyls, instruments, and many literary selections. It began when an author and musicians collaborated and it features Goodnight Little Houseplant and Shel Silverstein alongside rare books. Visitors get lost browsing and feel part of the Nashville community today. Inside I find music gems and songs on vinyls and film soundtracks, plus photography and arts prints that feel cool. The shop is open long hours, a great option to find a favorite genre or search price. An adorable gray cat naps nearby. Staff sell used books, accept trades. Fred Koller has collaborated here. rhinoboksellers.com lists events. The atmosphere is emphasizing local voices like Mr. Rogers and another songwriter. This is true and good for a trip from Charlotte.
The Grumpy Bookpeddler
📍610 W College St The Grumpy Bookpeddler at 610 W College St is a Murfreesboro shop known for its largest selection of 50,000 used books. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of books, browse for hours, and enjoy the cozy sofa or take a break with free wifi. Grumpy’s friendly staff help you navigate the amount of titles, making it easy to enjoy discovering awesome reads. This store is considered among the Best book shops Nashville, perfect for relaxing while browsing. Here, visitors need nothing but time to enjoy the space and relax on a sofa, browsing through books in every genre. The shop is welcoming and friendly, helping anyone overwhelmed by the amount of choices. Whether taking a break from work, studying, or just stopping by to choose a few awesome titles, Grumpy’s provides a cozy, inviting experience for book lovers of all kinds. 
Grimey’s
📍1060 East Trinity Lane Grimey’s sits at 1060 East Trinity Lane, a locally owned record store in Nashville that music and reading fans adore. Voted Best Locally Owned Record Store in the Nashville Scene’s Best Of 2020, it is a devoted shop with a basement floor full of Records and Blu-Ray/DVDs. The selection includes magazines and books and supports both in-store browsing and online orders with curbside pickup, echoing family-oriented bookstores. Inside visitors discover rare collections and hidden pressings that reward patient perusal; staff recommend unexpected treasures and curated finds, making this one place where listening, lingering, and spontaneous conversation blend into long afternoons of discovery where neighbors share favorites and return visits reveal more.
Half Price Books
📍Belle Meade Half Price Books in West Nashville is an awesome book store offering a great selection of titles in Middle Eastern history, video game section, and affordable books typically in the $7-$15 range. This clean and organized shop is perfect for recirculation, buying or selling several books while running errands on the side. With a neat stuff layout, HPB feels like another place to explore beyond major retailers like McKay’s superstore. Someone else’s decluttered books can spark new finds, making this place truly fantastic. Inside, visitors usually discover handfuls of great books at reasonably priced values. The store lets you go through organized shelves, pop up on clean tables, or browse vinyl section and reference materials. Finally, a small number of hidden treasures tempt you to buy, enjoy, and take home. This awesome place ensures time spent browsing is rewarding, whether looking for major titles, fantastic finds, or more curated selections usually unseen in other book stores. 
Elder’s Bookstore
📍West Meade Elder’s Bookstore at 101 White Bridge Pike is a wonderful store for bibliophiles and history buffs alike. With a historic presence of one hundred years, the store offers an extensive collection of rare books, first printings, Classics, Civil War stories, Southern literature, and Special Edition hardcovers. Owner Randy and the passionate owner team provide attention to detail, making it easy to find unique reads or expand your personal library. Visitors walked and browsing through hidden gems feel immersed in history and Nashville, everything carefully curated in this true historic asset. Guests inside can dig around browsing options, order online easily, or strike up engaging conversation with knowledgeable owners. Whether looking for signed editions, out of print titles, or simply a great store to visit and enjoyed hours of browsing, this place remains highly recommended. Its unique inventory and amazing inventory make it a lover’s haven and cannot pass for anyone serious about collecting books.
Book Categories & Where to Find Them
| Category | Best Bookstore | Why |
| New Fiction | Parnassus Books | Curated selection, staff picks, author events |
| Used Fiction | McKay’s Books | Massive selection, great prices, variety |
| Children’s Books | Fairytales Bookstore or Parnassus Books | Specialized children’s store vs. magical children’s section |
| History Books | Elder’s Bookstore | Specializes in historical works, local expertise |
| Rare Books | Rhino Booksellers | Specializes in rare and collectible books |
| Art Books | Taylor Street Art and Books | Art-focused selection |
| Local Authors | Parnassus Books or The Bookshop Nashville | Strong local author support |
| Academic Texts | McKay’s Books or Elder’s Bookstore | Large used academic section vs. historical focus |
| Budget Shopping | McKay’s Books or Half Price Books | Best prices for used books |
Pro Shopping Tips for Buying Books in Nashville
Ideal Times for Nashville Bookstore Visits
- Weekday early mornings: few crowd, better for browsing
- Saturday afternoons: Busiest time, best for community atmosphere
- Sunday: Good for leisurely browsing
Budget Considerations
- $ (Under $10 average): McKay’s, Half Price Books
- $$ ($10-25 average): Novelette, Fairytales, Landmark
- $$$ ($15-35+ average): Parnassus, Rhino, Taylor Street
Special Events
- Parnassus Books: Regular author readings and signings
- The Bookshop Nashville Celebrates Community with Pop-Up Events
- Novelette: Book clubs and literary events
Nashville’s Most Loved Books – Local Favorites & Recommendations
True Crime & Non-Fiction
- “A Murder in Music City” by Michael Bishop – Highly recommended by local readers, deep dive into Nashville crime
- “Dynamite Nashville: Unmasking the FBI, the KKK, and the Bombers Beyond Their Control” by Betsey Phillips – Recent release covering explosive Nashville history
- “The Last Ride” – Acclaimed as the best Nashville true crime book by locals
- “Hot, Hot Chicken” by Rachel Louise Martin – Traces hot chicken history through Nashville’s complex racial past
- “Strong Inside” – The Perry Wallace story, beloved Nashville sports biography
Fiction Set in Nashville
- “West End” by Crockett White – Fictionalized political scandals that caused a stir locally
- “It’s One of Us” by JT Ellison – Mystery series featuring local spots like 5 Daughters Bakery
- “The Fortunate Ones” by Ed Tarkington – Set in East Nashville and Belle Meade with historical accuracy
- “lofi” by Liz Riggs – YA novel set during Nashville’s historic floods
- “Goodbye Days” by Jeff Zentner (local author) – Popular YA fiction by Nashville writer
Mystery & Crime Series
- Harry James Denton Series by Steven Womack – Well-regarded crime novels set in Nashville
- Jack Reacher Series (specific Nashville book) – Lee Child’s character visits Music City venues
- JT Ellison Series – Multiple Nashville-set mysteries featuring MTSU and local landmarks
Music & Culture
- “The Music Lesson” by Victor Wooten – From Nashville’s renowned bassist
- “Night Train to Nashville” – Great story about Music City’s cultural scene
Local History & Memoirs
- “A City of Ghosts” by Betsy Phillips – Spooky Nashville stories mixing real history and geography
“The Secrets of the Hopewell Box” – Classic Old Nashville memoir, locally beloved

