Book Nook and Main Street Books

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Kelli Robinson

Kelli Robinson is a freelance writer who lives in Mooresville and has been contributing to Lake Norman Magazine since 2009. She juggles family and writing with humor and lots of chocolate, and enjoys experiencing all the Lake Norman area has to offer.

I knew the times were changing when my mother-in-law received a Kindle this past summer for her birthday. This is the woman who loves reading so much she remembers the first word she read on a page as a little girl (it was “right”). Forget the three-meal-a-day plan, my mother-in-law follows the three-books-a-day mantra. And she fought the Kindle’s arrival tooth and nail.

But now she loves it, telling me it only took a few hours to get accustomed to not turning pages. I definitely see its benefits: Easy to carry, easy to read, and when you need that sequel book after finishing book one at midnight, you download it in seconds.

But I’m holding on to the notion that Johannes Gutenberg’s invention – the printing press – is still one of the greatest innovations ever. I fear I’m among a silent minority of people who enjoy browsing books, reading their jacket covers and skimming paragraphs on a page.

Fortunately there are two book stores in the area where browsing is part of the adventure.

Downtown Davidson would be empty without Main Street Books, located on South Main Street in the heart of the college town’s shopping district. Google the store’s name, and you stumble across multiple customer reviews that consistently describe it as “an old fashioned book store.” You’ll find the New York Times bestsellers, but you’ll also find unique books and works by independent and local authors. Speaking of the New York Times, this is where you can pick up the newspaper’s morning edition, as well as other newspapers. They also sell greeting cards, gift items and Davidson tee shirts and sweatshirts.

Venture to Huntersville to recycle some books occupying your bookshelves or replace them with some new novels at half the price. The Book Nook of Lake Norman adopts an eco-friendly approach by selling used books. Many books sell for less than the used book price on Amazon, and you can get credit for books you bring in to purchase new ones. Imagine all of your friends – with their varying interests – stocking a bookstore. That’s the eclectic selection you get at the Book Nook.

So the bad news is that my mother-in-law and I can no longer exchange books, which means I actually have to purchase some on my own. The good news is that there are still some old fashioned retailers around to help me support my book addiction.

Want to go:

Main Street Books

126 South Main Street, Davidson; 704-892-6841

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon – 2 p.m.

The Book Nook of Lake Norman

9121 Sam Furr Road, #102, Huntersville; 704-892-1030

Hours: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon – 5 p.m.

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