One thing I’ve really enjoyed about moving to Charlotte is the local indie book scene. There are a lot of independent bookstores across the Charlotte metro area- all of which are celebrated during the annual Greater Charlotte Book Crawl. There are also a bunch of fantastic used bookstores in Charlotte, too. And as someone who loves to shop secondhand, I love these shops just as much as the book shops that solely sell new books.
Just like thrifting, you never know what you’re going to find at a used bookstore…
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Now, I’ve been a reader since I was a little kid. I’m so lucky to have grown up in the era of Scholastic book fairs, the Pizza Hut Book It program, and the launch of Reading Rainbow. But admittedly, I let that habit fizzle out a few years ago. Thanks to moving to Charlotte and discovering their incredible book scene, I’m an avid reader once again.
And many of the books that I’ve included in my Reading List posts were sourced at various used bookstores around the city (and slightly beyond).
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Anyway, in tandem with my other secondhand travel posts, I wanted to put together a post detailing all the used bookstores here. For my fellow readers who live here or who are just passing through, hopefully this will serve as a guiding light towards your next great (used) read.
Used Bookstores in Charlotte
I’m sure it’s not the original used bookstore in Charlotte, but it certainly wears an OG feeling and reputation. Located in the Eastway Crossing shopping center, Book Buyers has that quintessential “I could spend hours here” feel to it. Long, quiet aisles invite you to cock your head to the side and scan title after title; fiction around the perimeter, sandwiching non-fiction in between. While you certainly can find contemporary and trendy authors throughout the store, I usually end up with something more off-beat or several years old.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Bonus points: Book Buyers has resident shop cats, so keep an eye out for them! And it’s in the same shopping center as Upcycle Arts, the Creative Reuse Center here in town. Park once, shop secondhand twice- for a crafty reader like myself, that’s a hard combo to beat.
That’s Novel Books is a shop I first got wind of through the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl. However, I would have stumbled upon it eventually because of its location in Camp North End- a repurposed industrial site that now boasts quirky shops, storied eats, and seasonal festivals. That’s Novel is an approachably-sized used bookshop that also sells a few smaller wares and some new books, as well.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A hat tip I give to That’s Novel is that they first introduced me to the concept of Silent Book Club; I’d never heard of such a thing before! But it’s such a cozy concept- strangers coming together to read in a quiet, comfortable setting…together. For an extroverted introvert like myself, that really scratches an itch I didn’t know I had.
Coffee and used books together under the same roof? AND it’s attached to one of the largest Habitat ReStores in the area? That’s what you get here at Julia’s; needless to say, it’s a frequent stop whenever I’m in the neighborhood.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Julia’s has also been a regular source of children’s books for my Charlotte Book Fairy initiative, as well; they always have a large, well-organized selection to choose from.
Ok, this one is technically located in Pineville, which is just to the south of Charlotte; but I’m counting it as Charlotte for now. Brightly lit and full of “book nooks” to lose yourself in, The Book Rack is a rambling shop that’s been slinging used books for 30 years. Clearly, they know what they’re doing- and local readers are all the better for it.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Used Bookstores Near Charlotte
My husband and I love to visit the Lake Norman towns just north of Charlotte, most notably Davidson. But before we get there, we often make a quick stop in Cornelius so we can peruse the offerings at Walls of Books. It’s a small but mighty used bookstore that holds more books than you might initially guess.
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The setup is a bit meandering, which keeps the used book hunt very interesting whenever we find ourselves there.
Mooresville Used Books & Media
Mooresville, another lake town further north from Charlotte, boasts one of our favorite indie bookstores, Fred & June’s Books. Luckily for us, they’ve opened up a companion store that solely sells used books (and media), just down the street.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I am a HUGE fan of this used bookstore, even though it’s a bit of a drive outside of Charlotte. However, I assure you, it’s worth every mile- even on on the dreaded I-77.
It’s easy to miss a smaller used bookshop in an unassuming strip mall- especially if it’s off in a corner, away from the anchors. But, if you find yourself in Harrisburg, NC (east-northeast of Charlotte), I hope you’ll pop in Second Look Books for a looksee.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Another benefit of Second Look Books? It’s in the same shopping center as one of our favorite soup & sandwich spots, Vortex Bottle Shop. As you can imagine, we’ve had many a Saturday lunch date here, because who can resist books and a nosh?
Not all used bookstores in Charlotte are in Charlotte…or even North Carolina, for that matter. Because the city is so close to the state line, a couple of them are actually in South Carolina- such as The Liberty Book Company, one of my favorites. It’s a veritable labyrinth of a shop and boasts some of the cheekiest decor of all the used bookshops on this list.
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Used Bookstores in Charlotte (and Beyond)
There are a couple of other pre-owned bookshops in the area worth noting. Perhaps furthest away is The Book Lady in Monroe, NC– a bit outside of Charlotte, but absolutely worth the drive if you want a sizable haul. I’m not sure it’s the largest used bookstore in this post, but it sure comes close.
A more niche spot- especially if you love Sci Fi and Fantasy- is Tall Stories Books & Art Gallery in Rock Hill, SC. Of the shops on this list, it is by far the most eclectic- but don’t shy away just because you aren’t a fan of Sci Fi or other famously “nerdy” genres.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There are also plenty of antiquarian and bookish curiosities to be found there, as well.
Whichever ones you visit, I hope this list of used bookstores in Charlotte helps you narrow down your search. I could truly go on and on about Charlotte’s book scene and how I wish the city would lean into it more- but sometimes, it’s just best to come visit us and see it for yourself.
And if you also need indie bookstore recommendations in Charlotte, you just let me know…I’ll make sure you hit up the best of the best.
Read on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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