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Aug 4, 2023
A stack of old books lined up on a shelf

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Readers, you’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for bookstores around Knoxville, TN. Browse our four favorite places to shop for fiction and nonfiction books in Knoxville and nearby Alcoa, TN.

1. Addison’s Bookstore

This independent Knoxville bookshop spans two stories of titles, from rare books and older, out-of-print volumes to used paperback bestsellers and beyond. Addison’s Bookstore also serves as a community space with frequent events and meetings. It’s a great place to relax and page through your new purchases, with a long communal table and comfortable leather seating.

Addison’s Bookstore is located at 126 S Gay St. It’s open for shoppers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. You can also rent the space for private events or visit The Tea Bar, a tea-focused cafe inside the shop.

2. Lowercase Books

At this Knoxville bookstore, you can pick up used books in a wide range of genres including literary fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, children and young adult, art, gardening, cooking, and history. Lowercase Books also sells DVDs, CDs, and other media. It’s a popular space for neighborhood events like concerts, author readings, and short films.

You can find Lowercase Books at 1530 Washington Ave. It’s open from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. You can also make a special appointment to shop outside those hours.

3. Southland Books and Cafe

This Maryville institution, located just two miles from Alcoa, is the county’s largest bookstore and so much more. In addition to used books, Southland Books and Cafe features a movie and games store, a cafe, and a full restaurant, so it’s an awesome destination when you’re looking for somewhere to spend a few hours in the area.

Southland Books and Cafe is located at 1505 E Broadway Ave. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday (closed Tuesday and Sunday).

4. Bear Den Books

Knoxville natives started this hometown bookshop in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood in 2022. Bear Den Books wants to ​cater to local readers and ​introduce new people to the ​enjoyment found in books. They carry just about everything, but they specialize in children’s books and titles of local interest to ​other Knoxville residents.

​Bear Den Books is located at 1200 Kenesaw Ave. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 ​p.m.

When you take a ride to all the local bookshops in your Toyota RAV4, you’ll have plenty of room for tons of titles from your “to read” list. Visit Rick McGill’s Airport Toyota today to take your test drive.