Greenville loves books. We’re a college-packed county, and the combined presence of Furman, BJU, Greenville Tech, North Greenville University and ECPI has created a culture of book lovers. And while our area has plenty of Barnes & Nobles, nothing can beat the experience of stepping into a small, locally owned and operated bookshop. Next time you’re looking for a good book, check out a Greenville independent bookstore. (And if you’re looking for a place to curl up and read, check our list of Greenville area coffee shops.)
Mr. K’s Used Books, Music and More
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00–6:00 p.m.
Website: mrksusedbooks.com
Mr. K’s Used Books is one of four locations in the South. With thousands of secondhand books, plus CDs, DVDs, audiobooks and even comic books, this book store is more of an emporium. If there’s a book you’ve been wanting to read, but the cost of buying new is prohibitive, Mr. K’s probably has it. Plus, you can get a store credit if you drop off some of your own books.
As the Page Turns
Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Website: asthepageturnsbooks.com
Drive to Travelers Rest to visit this massive used and new book emporium! As the Page Turns has tons of books from every genre. This Greenville independent bookstore sells used paperbacks alongside antique books, new hardbacks and new paperbacks. They house a hefty Christian fiction and religion section. They’ve also got plenty of sci-fi, history, children’s books and mystery—and that’s not a complete genre list. The new books they keep in stock are popular and recent bestsellers of every genre. They’ve even got a display of books they’re clearing out for free.
Angel’s BookShoppe
Wednesday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Website: angelsbookshoppe.com
Angel’s BookShoppe is a book lover’s paradise. This local book store houses the owners’ personal collection of rare used books that they’re selling off to new readers. The books stack wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling and are all in excellent condition. You’ll find first or early editions of popular titles — some of them signed by the author. This isn’t the store for picking up a cheaper copy of a book you found in Barnes and Noble — Angel’s collection is of the quality that appreciates in value, not depreciates. But you will find books you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
M. Judson Booksellers
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Website: mjudsonbooks.com
M. Judson is downtown Greenville’s Main Street bookseller. This shop is a cornerstone of the reading (and writing) community in Greenville. Named after one of the founding faculty members of the school that became Furman University, M. Judson Booksellers takes up the building that used to be the county courthouse. They showcase local authors and stock their shelves with literature by Southern authors. And of course, they carry national and international classics and bestsellers. They share a space with Chocolate Moose Bakery so you can pick up a cupcake or cookie to eat while reading your new book.
Fiction Addiction
Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Website: fiction-addiction.com
Fiction Addiction is close to the Haywood Mall. This Greenville independent bookstore offers new books with a premium on books by local authors. They also sell great gifts for readers, like notebooks and nerdy novelty items. This shop is the smallest on our list but offers a lot for reading and writing groups, author meet-and-greet events, book signings, and local author support. They even offer self-publishing services, if you’d like to see your own book on their shelves. If they don’t have the book you want in stock, don’t worry — they’re happy to order the book or books you’re looking for.
