5 Birmingham bookstores share their recommendations for National Poetry Day, Oct. 3
Reading time: 3 minutes
Nothing beats cuddling up on a chilly autumn day with a good book. If you’re searching for a new read, check out these 5 local bookstores and their poetry recommendations for National Poetry Day.
1. Thank You Books
Thank You Books is a newer addition to the list of Birmingham bookstores. Located in Crestwood Village, they have reopened, allowing six customers at a time in the shop—with masks on, of course. You can also order for curbside pickup during store hours, or get a new read shipped to your home.
- Poetry Recs: Magic City Gospel by local poet Ashley Jones, The Uses of the Body by Deborah Landau, The Cipher by Molly Brodak, Night Sky With Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong, Every Riven Thing by Christian Wiman, & Dune by Mary Ruefle
- Address: 5502B Crestwood Blvd Birmingham, AL 35212
- Hours: Tues-Fri, 11AM-5PM | Sat 10AM-3PM
- Call | Website | Instagram | Facebook
2. Little Professor
Little Professor in Homewood is Birmingham’s oldest independent bookstore. The shop recently came under new ownership, but its charm remains the same. They’re currently offering curbside pickup, free local delivery and nationwide shipping.
- Poetry Rec: Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver
- Address: 2844 18th St S. Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM | Sat-Sun, 8AM-5PM
- Call | Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. Burdock Book Collective
Burdock Book Collective is an intersectional feminist bookstore
and community space in Avondale. Their collection is full of diverse + inspiring reads. You can shop their entire selection online here.
- Poetry Rec: Nepantla: An Anthology for Queer Poets of Color edited by Christopher Soto
- Address: 4413 5th Avenue South Birmingham, Alabama
- Hours: Offering curbside pick up on Sunday’s from 4-6PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Alabama Booksmith
Alabama Booksmith is one of Birmingham’s most unique bookstores—Every book on their shelves is signed by the author! Due to the virus, their showroom is closed. But you can shop their entire selection of signed books online.
- Poetry Rec: Make Me Rain by Nikki Giovanni—and signed copies will be available at Alabama Booksmith later this month!
- Address: 2626 19th Place South Birmingham, AL 35209
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. Church Street Coffee + Books
A cup of coffee and a good read—name a better duo. We’ll wait. At Church Street Coffee + Books, that’s exactly what you’ll get. (Plus, one of their iconic Break-Up Cookies if you’re craving a sweet treat.)
- Poetry Rec: This Day by Wendell Berry
- Address: 81 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
- Hours: Daily, 6AM-6PM
- Call | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Looking for more ways to celebrate National Poetry Day? Check out this story highlighting 7 local poets you need to be following.
