Below is a list of the top and leading Bookstores in Nashville. To help you find the best Bookstores located near you in Nashville, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Nashville’s Best Bookstores:
The top rated Bookstores in Nashville, TN are:
- The Bookshop – offers a carefully chosen collection of new books
- Defunct Books – is been selling secondhand, out-of-print, rare, and collectible books
- Elder’s Book Store – is Nashville’s and Tennessee’s oldest general bookshop
- McKay’s Nashville – was established in 1974
- St. Mary’s Bookstore and Church Supply – to remind their customers to retain their emphasis on Jesus Christ
The Bookshop
The Bookshop offers a carefully chosen collection of new books on a variety of topics and price ranges. The Bookshop, located in East Nashville, is a modest 500-square-foot enclave for those who appreciate beautiful books. Owner Joelle Herr uses her nearly 20 years of experience as a book editor to research and pick each book—and literary gift—in the shop. The well-thought-out selection covers a wide range of themes.
Products/Services:
Children’s, Literary Fiction, Poetry, Self-help, Music, Nature, Cooking
LOCATION:
Address: 1043 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: (615) 485-5420
Website: www.thebookshopnashville.com
REVIEWS:
“Super cute, curated store with style and a variety of genres, options and gifts.” – Alana S.
Defunct Books
Defunct Books is been selling secondhand, out-of-print, rare, and collectible books in all subjects since 2003. In 2015, they relocated from Iowa City, IA to the Five Points district of East Nashville, where they now work in the Idea Hatchery across from the Post Office. They purchase, sell, and exchange all types of used, out-of-print, rare, and collectible books.
Products/Services:
Antiquarian, Arts, Classics, Collectible, Military History, Buy, Sell, Trade Used
LOCATION:
Address: 1108 Woodland St A, Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: (615) 717-5852
Website: www.defunctbooks.com
REVIEWS:
“This bookstore is a rare gem and an eagerly anticipated stop whenever I visit Nashville. The owner is happy to share his knowledge, and I never leave empty-handed. You’ll be amazed at the unique treasures you can find here!”
Elder’s Book Store
Elder’s Book Store is Nashville’s and Tennessee’s oldest general bookshop in continuous business. Charles Elder, who retired at the age of 93, was the dean of Nashville bookstores. He opened their shop in the midst of the Great Depression. He was a nationally recognized expert on ephemera and manuscripts, as well as maps and early Tennessee history.
He received the Tennessee Library Association’s Frances Neel Cheney Award and was honored by the Tennessee Booksellers Convention in 1990 for his lifetime of dedication to the business. Randy Elder, his son, has taken over as owner and operator of the business since his father’s retirement.
Products/Services:
Archaeology, Arts, Cookbooks, Fashion & Design, Gardening, Business, Bibles, Children’s
LOCATION:
Address: 101 White Bridge Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 352-1562
Website: www.eldersbookstore.com
REVIEWS:
“Owners are kind and knowledgeable! Coolest bookstore I have ever been in! Spent a few hours in there just appreciated the historical and rare finds!” – Emily B.
McKay’s Nashville
McKay’s Nashville was established in 1974. The owners intended to establish an alternative university system because they believed that the traditional educational system stifled learning. Having determined that the heart of a university is its library, the concept of a free enterprise library was devised – a bookshop with a broad variety of books that an individual could obtain inexpensively, keep for as long as they desired, and return for credit on more books in the future.
Products/Services:
Books, Movies, Video Games, Music, Sell & Trade, Curbside, Gift Cards
LOCATION:
Address: 636 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209,
Phone: (615) 353-2595
Website: www.mckaybooks.com
REVIEWS:
“Love popping into makay’s for second hand books. They have pretty much any kind you want.” – Angel D.
St. Mary’s Bookstore and Church Supply
St. Mary’s Bookstore and Church Supply is a family business that is more than a bookstore, as its motto says. The multi-level store is stocked with items for every occasion, sacrament, and season. Customers are greeted by cheerful people eager to serve them as they enter the front doors.
St. Mary’s is brimming with hand-picked items that remind customers to retain their emphasis on Jesus Christ. They hope that by using this website to help their store reach more people, they will be able to stay in touch with consumers near and far while maintaining the friendly, welcome attitude that they share inside the store.
Products/Services:
Books & Media, Church Goods, Candles, Religious Gifts, Jewelry and Rosaries, Sacraments, Seasonal, Statues and Wall Decor
LOCATION:
Address: 1909 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 329-1835
Website: www.stmarysbookstore.com
REVIEWS:
“Anything and everything Catholic, with some Eastern Catholic selections too. Friendly staff, reasonable hours and fair pricing. Good place to find abutting you need for worship or gifts for friend and family. Good place to sit and lose yourself in reading.” – Ricardo R.
Sarah has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications online. As a business expert, Sarah reviews local and national businesses.