The Best Independent Bookstores in Memphis

Since 1875, Burke’s Book Store has been servicing the Memphis area with its large selection of new and used books. Walter Burke Sr. opened the store shortly after the Civil War, selling books, newspapers, toys and textbooks. Today, the store sells a variety of reading material, which can be purchased in store or online via the Burke’s Book Store website. You’ll find paperback, classic, southern literature and books written by Memphis authors.

Burke’s Book Store, 936 Cooper St, Memphis, TN, USA, +1 901 278 7484

Since opening in 1993, Book Traders has been selling good condition used books at low prices. The store offers fiction, mystery, religion, cooking, sports and children’s books as well as coffee table and art books. The store even has a section of $2.00 books and offers customers in-store credit for trading-in their books (certain requirements must be met).

Book Traders, 6112 Quince Rd, Memphis, TN, USA, +1 901 683 2367

The only bookstore in Midtown Memphis to sell primarily sci-fi and fantasy books is Two Rivers Bookstore. You’ll find both new and used books as well as vintage pulp novels. The store also offers an online subscription service for vintage sci-fi and fantasy paperbacks. In addition to the books, Two Rivers carries unique gifts and items from artisans around the country, like handmade incense, jewelry and artwork.

Two Rivers Bookstore, 2172 Young Ave, Memphis, TN, USA, +1 901 630 8088

Located inside the lobby of Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis is The Bookmark, a non-profit Christian bookstore that sells bibles, books and gifts up to 20% off the cover price. The store opened in 1998 and currently has a large inventory of Christian books that include devotionals, marriage books, parenting books and children’s books. The store also carries faith-based gifts like art, home decor and jewelry.

The Bookmark, 4055 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, USA, +1 901 454 0034