Whether you prefer a pristine page over a well-loved one, Raleigh has many places for you to hunt through shelves to find the perfect read.
by Margaret Devitt
Sometimes a relaxing browse through some books is just what you need to unwind after a busy day exploring Raleigh. Whether you prefer fiction versus nonfiction or a pristine page over a well-loved one, our city has plenty of places for you to hunt through shelves to find just what you’re looking for (or simply wander around to see what they have to offer). Check out these 10 great places we found to get your reading fix right here in Raleigh.
Barnes & Noble at Village District
Yes, it’s a chain, but the Barnes & Noble in the Village District is a smaller, friendlier boutique-style version of the retailer, with a wide range of books for sale, as well as games, toys and electronics. Take advantage of their visits from published authors, events like book readings and signings, and book club picks in a variety of genres to discover something new. Consider swinging by Tin Roof Teas next door before or after for a warm herbal beverage.
436 Daniels Street | barnesandnoble.com
Blackbird Books & Coffee
Self-described as a place where “literature comes to life, coffee connects us with one another and creativity flourishes,” Blackbird Books and Coffee is nestled in City Market. Co-owners Hannah and Bre started Blackbird as a way to share their passions for, you guessed it, books and coffee with a well-curated selection to choose from on both ends. Their shelves hold a wide selection of books, with an emphasis on female, queer, BIPOC and indigenous authors, and frequent events — like their Silent Book Club — encourage folks to linger while sipping java from Black & White Roasters or tea from Arteao and Rishi Tea.
323 Blake Street | blackbirdbooksandcoffee.com
Dog-Eared Books
Whether you dog-ear your pages or use a good old bookmark, heading over to this women-owned and -operated bookstore gives you the chance to flip through tens of thousands of books. Thanks to generous donations from the Raleigh community, Dog-Eared Books is able to offer books at the price of $1-2. Check out a multitude of genres, including various types of fiction, non-fiction and children’s stories or donate your own to receive store credit (which can get you discounts and even free books!). They are only open on the weekends, so plan this trip ahead!
4027 Atlantic Avenue | wanderlustbooksnc.com
Downtown’s Express Library
Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, the tiny Express Library on Fayetteville Street is a great spot to grab a book for your lunch hour or to pick up something for the kids to read before you head home from work. (If you don’t have one already, signing up for a library card is quick and easy.) Look for curated monthly picks in the windows, shelves featuring new releases and popular picks, and a friendly staff. And take advantage of Wake County’s book hold program, which will deliver your picks to this library when they’re available to check out.
336 Fayetteville Street | wake.gov/departments-government
Oberlin Regional Library
The spacious Oberlin Regional Library has loads of loads of books, plus an area to lounge on comfy cushioned chairs while looking down on the Village District from its massive windows. With public computers and free wifi, it’s also a good spot to camp out and get some work done. While you’re there, check to see if they’re having any events like storytime sessions for multiple age groups or painting activities.
1930 Clark Avenue | wake.gov/departments-government
Quail Ridge Books
Opened by the late Nancy Olson in 1984, Quail Ridge Books has become a Raleigh staple. They offer a wide range of genres for adults and kids alike, as well as items besides books like tote bags, games, candles and notebooks. Attend a poetry reading or other hosted event and then pick up a blind date with a book (a paper-wrapped book with a description written by employees so you can’t judge by its cover!).
4209 Lassiter Mill Road, Suite 100 | quailridgebooks.com
Reader’s Corner
A locally owned shop since the 1970s, this friendly, casual used bookstore is a monument to Raleigh’s reading culture. (Some folks call it the “Outdoor Store,” since you can find books on sale for under $1 on the shelves that line the outside of the store — those proceeds go to NPR.) They offer various genres of books, as well as vinyl, CDs, DVDs and VHS tapes. If you have books of your own to pass on, hand them to the receptionists and you can earn a credit to buy a new round of used books for yourself.
3201 Hillsborough Street | facebook.com/Readers-Corner
Richard B. Harrison Community Library
A medium-sized public library close to downtown, the Richard B. Harrison Community Library is open throughout the week and offers all the same amenities you’d expect from a Wake County Library, including holding books, printing, public computers, wifi and events such as storytime, crafts and movies. This Sensory Inclusive library also offers KultureCity Sensory Bags and multiple quiet Headphone zones for visitors who are sensitive to noise.
1313 New Bern Avenue | wake.gov/departments-government
So & So Books
Head over to So & So Books on Person Street to peruse the carefully-curated but wide-ranging selection of books from friendly owners Charles and Chris. Take your pick from what they have to offer or order something specific for them to order it for you. They also offer events such as poetry nights, author readings and flash fiction readings. Aside from books, they also have a small collection of vinyls and jigsaw puzzles.
719 N. Person Street | soandsobooks.com
Wanderlust Books
Located next to NoRa Cafe (so you can look through used books with a drink in hand), is used bookstore Wanderlust Books. Since their books are well-read, they offer them for only $5 and accept donations to keep their stock growing (for which you receive store credit). Wanderlust is open every day but Monday for your perusing pleasure.
12333 Strickland Road, Suite 104 | wanderlustbooksnc.com
This article was originally published on September 5, 2024.
