Best Bookstores in Nashville (By a Local)
Last updated – 4/24/24
Nashville is more known for its music scene than its literary scene. In 2011, most of Nashville’s bookstores closed, and it seemed like Nashville would be left without any bookstores…until author Ann Patchett and her business partner Karen Hayes opened Parnassus Books. In the years since then, more independent bookstores have opened up in the city, and today there are plenty of great choices for book lovers in the city.
As one of the book lovers living in Nashville, I have lots of opinions when it comes to bookstores. I haven’t made it to all of the bookstores in Nashville quite yet because it turns out that having a baby means it’s a bit more difficult to go places, but I can tell you about my favorite bookstores I’ve been to so far.
The Bookshop
The Bookshop is an adorable little bookstore in East Nashville. While the store is small, the selection of books is curated so well. It’s always dangerous for me to go inside because I’m going to find books I’ve never even heard of that I want as soon as I see them.
If you enjoy discovering new books, The Bookshop is definitely the place to go. Their Lit Clique is a monthly blind book selection where you’ll get a surprise paperback selected by the owner that’s usually from an indie press. I also like that the store’s annual reading challenge which helps you explore new genres and try out books you might overlook otherwise. If you’re passionate about books, The Bookshop will definitely become one of your favorite bookstores.
Parnassus Books
Obviously, Parnassus Books is one of the best independent bookstores in Nashville. They have one of the largest selections of new books in the city, and the children’s section is adorable and magical. One of the best parts of the store is the way it enhances the literary community in Nashville. It seems like there’s always some event happening there–book club meetings, book signings, and visits from guest authors happen pretty frequently.
You’re also likely to be greeted by one of the canine members of the shop’s staff while at Parnassus Books, which is always fun.
Rhino Booksellers
In Sylvan Park, you’ll find a unique used bookstore called Rhino Booksellers. The entire atmosphere is a book lover’s dream–the shelves are crammed with books in all conditions, the layout winds around through several rooms, and you might stumble upon a sleeping cat while browsing.
Since this is Nashville, you’ll also find a couple crates of vinyl records to glance through as well. When you go into Rhino Booksellers, you don’t go in with a particular book in mind, you make your way through the store, and wait for the shelves to show you what you came there for. Combined with a trip to Headquarters for coffee afterward, browsing through Rhino’s is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Fairytales Bookstore
If you’re searching for children’s books, Fairytales Bookstore is the place to go! The store is one of the Five Points Alley Shops in East Nashville. While the space is tiny, the selection is very good. Every time I’ve been, I’ve also found that the staff is so helpful when it comes to picking out the perfect book.
Besides books, you’ll also find other toys, games, and art supplies for children here. (One thing to be aware of is that there’s not really a bunch of room inside for strollers, so keep that in mind when visiting.)
McKay’s
McKay’s first started in Knoxville, so it’s not technically one of Nashville’s independent bookstores, but it would be impossible to leave it off this list. McKay’s Nashville location is a two-story building filled with used books, music, games, and electronics. There are shelves upon shelves filled with books, and you could spend hours just looking at all the books available.
I love being able to get books for the low prices that McKay’s offers, but I will be honest, sometimes I get overwhelmed by the sheer number of books on the shelves here. If you want to walk out with a stack of books as large as you can carry, this is definitely the place to go.
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Novelette Booksellers and Defunct Books are both on my list to visit next, so check back for my reviews of those (hopefully soon).
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