Supply chain drama got you down? No need to worry! Stop stress-searching online retailers and take a step into one of Birmingham’s locally-owned bookstores. Not only are you sure to find something for everyone on your list, you’ll also be supporting local businesses right by your own apartment. Here are our picks for Birmingham’s best bookstores.
Text by Amy Haupt
Thank You Books
Located on Crestwood Boulevard, Thank You Books is a fantastic women-owned bookstore — and so much more. Thank You Books offers an excellent selection of new releases, bestsellers, classics, and some rare finds sure to become your new favorite books. They even have a holiday gift guide to help you find titles for everyone on your list. But Thank You Books is also a community. Be sure to check out their schedule of readings, launch parties, and author events. If you love reading, you’ll soon be calling Thank You Books your second home.
Church Street Coffee and Books
Church Street Coffee and Books is a wonderful find in Crestline Village. The smell of coffee and baked goods meets you when you open the door. Church Street offers a small selection of carefully picked books. And the baristas behind the counter can usually offer a few comments on them, too! From children’s books, popular teen fiction, biographies and how-tos, Church Street Books has something for everyone.
Jim Reed Books
If you have time to kill and you like perusing aisles of old books, Jim Reed Books is the place to go. Located in downtown Birmingham, author Jim Reed maintains this book loft and “Museum of Fond Memories.” It holds thousands of books, magazines, newspapers and more. And, if you’re looking for something rare or special, ask Jim Reed Books. They may just be able to find it!
Alabama Booksmith
The Alabama Booksmith, located near Homewood, offers a unique book-buying experience. Every book contains an original signature from its author. Since 1995, Alabama Booksmith, owned by a family full of booksellers, caters to rare book lovers and collectors. They hold thousands of signed copies from past presidents, basketball coaches, bestselling authors and more.
Little Professor Bookshop
Little Professor in Homewood provides the traditional bookstore experience. However, the store’s smaller structure makes it much easier to navigate than the larger chains. It offers most popular books you would be looking for and a helpful staff to locate what you need.