8 local bookstores for every reader—hidden gems, local events + more

Reviewed by: Patience Itson

Reading time: 8 minutes

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Jim Reed Bookstore
Jim Reed Bookstore in Birmingham is a place for magical discoveries. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Hey, bookworms! Whether you’re into epic fantasy, historical fiction with a Birmingham twist or need some fresh recs, you’ve come to the right spot. Now’s the time to grab your favorite drink, settle into your coziest reading nook and dive into our guide to the best local shops where you can get lost in a book or two and keep your TBR list growing. 

But first: Indie Bookstore Day is Saturday, April 25. Keep reading for events happening across Birmingham, and a full list of local bookstores to visit.

First things first: Celebrate Indie Bookstore Day on April 25

We’re celebrating Indie Bookstore Day this weekend in the Magic City—here are a few events to mark on your calendar.

Enjoyer Books pop-up at Cala Coffee

The pop-up (and soon to be bookstore on a bus) Enjoyer Books is at Cala Coffee in Cahaba Heights this Saturday, April 25.

With a fun “golden ticket” hunt and lots of free goodies, this will be an all-day celebration of the local book community!

Indie Bookstore Day at Little Professor

Homewood’s local bookstore, Little Professor, is celebrating with promos like free tote bags for new members, kids book haul giveaways and more—you’re just going to have to see it for yourself.

Story time at Bookmarked Paperie

Bookmarked Paperie Trussville
Bookmarked Paperie in Trussville (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Trussville’s Bookmarked Paperie is hosting a story time with local children’s author Elizabeth Hubbard at 9:30AM, a book bedazzling event and a chance to win 20% from the store all year round.

Giveaways + happy hour at Thank You Books

Thank You Books in Crestwood is pulling out all the stops on this Indie Bookstore Day. Think: Story times, giveaways all day long, flash sales, golden ticket hunt and a happy hour.

What did we miss? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know where you’re celebrating Indie Bookstore Day.

8 local bookstores across Greater Birmingham

1. Alabama Booksmith—for the first-edition collector

Alabama Booksmith, owner Jake Reiss. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Alabama Booksmith in Homewood (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Alabama Booksmith is one of Homewood’s biggest gems, but don’t expect to browse trendy best sellers. This store specializes in selling first editions, each signed by the author—and nearly every signed copy is sold at the publisher’s regular retail price.

Fun fact: Alabama Booksmith was featured in The New Yorker this past February.

2. Church Street Coffee & Books—for the one who pairs every chapter with coffee

Church Street Coffee and Books Crestline
Church Street Coffee & Books in Mountain Brook is a must for coffee and good reads. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Do you believe no great book is complete without the perfect cup of coffee? Church Street Coffee & Books is your new happy place. You’ll find expertly brewed coffee, served by friendly baristas and carefully curated books—perfect for anyone who loves to sip and flip through pages.

3. DeDe’s Book Rack—for the pre-owned fan

DeDe's Book Rack Trussville
DeDe’s Book Rack in Trussville (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

I’ll admit it: I used to only want brand-new books to line my shelves. Now, used books are my obsession, and I fully embrace the “read it and pass it on” mindset.

For a treasure trove of used books, head to DeDe’s Book Rack in Trussville. You’ll find friendly services, shelves packed with every genre for all ages and a trade-in program that helps books find new homes again and again.

Tip: Stroll just a few steps down the sidewalk and you’ll be in the heart of the Trussville Entertainment District (aka “The TED”). It’s an excellent spot to eat, drink, hear live music and crack open your latest read.

4. Bookmarked Paperie—for the stationery nerd

Bookmarked Paperie Trussville
Bookmarked Paperie Trussville
Bookmarked Paperie Trussville

Bookmarked Paperie in Trussville (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Do you judge a book and a notebook by its cover? This Trussville shop will be your new favorite spot. It’s filled with beautifully curated books, journals, pens and other cute finds for those who can’t get enough of the written word.

Plus, it’s locally owned, which is always a win, and it’s around the corner from Maple Avenue Coffee House, another local favorite that pairs perfectly with your next chapter.

5. Jim Reed Books/The Museum of Fond Memories—for the memory keeper + story seeker

Jim Reed Bookstore
Jim Reed Books in Birmingham is filled with treasures. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

If you enjoy a good treasure hunt, Jim Reed Books is your ultimate destination. 

Owned and founded by local Jim Reed, the space has been a home for the unique and unusual.

What will you discover when you walk through the door? Your guess is as good as mine or any other patron who’s wandered inside. But that’s what makes it so magical: the thrill of the unknown waiting to be found.

The store is completely covered in books and memorabilia with collections dating as far back as the 1400s. The most interesting thing I’ve found? It’s hard to pick just one thing, but I think it may actually be Jim Reed himself because of his trove of interesting stories.

6. Little Professor—for the reader who brunches

Little Professor
Little Professor (Jacob Blankenship via Bham Now)

Nestled in the heart of Homewood, Little Professor Bookshop is a cozy haven for anyone who loves getting lost in a good book. The shelves are stacked with everything from best sellers to hidden gems, so expect to leave with a bag full of new reads. 

Tip: Homewood is a brunch lover’s paradise, so after you shop, stroll over to hot spots like Big Bad Breakfast or Soho Social for a mouthwatering menu.

7. Thank You Books—for the staff pick devotee

Thank You Books
Thank You Books hosts many Birmingham authors, book clubs and more. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

When you finish one book, do you immediately wonder “What do I read next?” Same here, which why I suggest a visit to Thank you Books in Crestwood. 

The shop may be small, but its selection is mighty, especially when it comes to staff picks. Whether you’re into timeless classics or the latest releases, they’ll lead you to new stories and future favorite characters. 

To take the guesswork out of finding your next read, you can join their Signed First Editions Club (aka “Firsties”) and get a signed first edition of each handpicked, must-read book. You can find more book clubs to join here.

8. The Burrow Bookstore—for the family seeking their weekend stack

The Burrow Bookstone Leeds
The Burrow Bookstore in Leeds, Alabama (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

The Burrow in Leeds is a welcoming place where you can find small-town charm and shelves packed with handpicked and highly rated picks (every book has a rating of 3.5 stars or more on Goodreads). 

You’ll find all kinds of fun items, from bookish candles and quirky pens to cute stuffed animals and clever tees—perfect for any true book nerd or little ones with book nerd potential. 

Don’t forget local libraries!

Chances are, any public library you find across the Greater Birmingham Area offers every book you could ever want or need, events for all ages and more. Visit the Birmingham Public Library website to find the branch nearest you.

We can’t forget our book club and book pop-up friends. Find more reading communites across Greater Birmingham:

Where is your favorite bookshop around Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know.

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Callie Morrison
Callie Morrison
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