As winter break approaches, students may be on the lookout for warm, cozy activities to do or somewhere to buy a holiday present, and what better gift to give than a book?
Technician has compiled a list of independent bookstores in Raleigh that are go-to spots whether you’re looking to buy a book or simply want to browse around some bookstacks.
Quail Ridge Books
Situated on Lassiter Mill Road in North Hills, Quail Ridge Books offers a wide selection of genres, including classics, foreign language study, romance, science fiction, young adult and children’s books.
As customers walk into the space, they are greeted with rows of wooden bookshelves and bright red walls, which should make members of the Pack feel right at home. Chairs are sprinkled throughout the store, inviting customers to cozy up with their favorite book.
On the second floor, an indoor balcony allows customers to look down onto the ground floor and browse the shelves from above.
My favorite spot inside the store is the picture gallery, which features authors who have visited in the past.
Reader’s Corner
Just a short walk from campus, Reader’s Corner is one of Hillsborough Street’s resident used bookstores. The shelves are packed with pre-owned books, CDs, DVDs and vinyl records. Customers are also invited to sell or donate their used or rare books.
Outdoor bookshelves with prices ranging from 10 to 25 cents draw customers in to get lost among the stacks and learn the history of each pre-loved book.
During one visit, I purchased a copy of “The Canterbury Tales”by Geoffrey Chaucer. When I opened the book, the past owner had written notes in the margin, commenting on the reading and writing notes back and forth to a friend.
Blackbird Books and Coffee
A recent addition to Raleigh, Blackbird Books and Coffee opened its doors earlier this year. This women-owned bookstore is located in Historic City Market in downtown Raleigh and sells many genres, focusing on works by female, queer and BIPOC authors.
Serving coffee and espresso from Black & White Roasters and tea from Arteo and Rishi Tea, Blackbird Books and Coffee allow customers to relax with a drink while looking at the bookshelves across from them. The warm lighting and dark blue accents add to the cozy, welcoming environment.
Liberation Station Bookstore
In the heart of downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville Street, Liberation Station Bookstore is a Black-owned children’s bookstore. Also family-owned, the bookstore was created to make representation and Black-centered stories more accessible, carrying books that amplify Black voices and experiences.
Bookshelves line the green walls, and behind the register, a large mural features a bright orange sun with the bookstore’s name at the very top. Nationally acclaimed, the bookstore has been featured on CNN, Oprah Magazine and Good Morning America.
One of my favorite things about this bookstore is The Liberation Station Black Lit Libraries. Since buying books can be expensive, the store partners with other organizations to set up mini permanent libraries with books that center children of color.
So & So Books
Located on North Person Street in downtown Raleigh, So & So Books mainly carries popular new releases. The owners carefully curate a selection of personal and widespread favorites.
If the store does not have a particular book in stock, customers can order from the website. During the pandemic, it even offered book delivery and curbside pickup.
So & So Books also offers an array of literary events, including poetry readings and book clubs. On Nov. 29, it will host its November Book Club where participants will discuss Jonathan Escoffery’s “If I Survive You.”
On Dec. 4, it will partner with Nice Price Books and Records for its monthly book club where participants will read a book from the “33 ⅓” series and listen to the corresponding record.
Nice Price Books and Records
Also on Hillsborough Street, Nice Price Books and Records sells many genres of fiction and nonfiction used books. It also carries new and used records, including rock, blues, hip-hop, electronic, experimental and jazz.
Much like records themselves, the store has a vintage vibe, with dark wood bookshelves and fluorescent lighting.
Employees and friends of the store also participate in a podcast called “The Nice Price,” in which they play songs and discuss new record releases.
