Get inspired to write with these indie book and coffee pairings in Charlotte
.jpg "Write your novel in November with inspiration from local Charlotte bookstores.")
It’s November, which means aspiring novelists across the city — and the country — are taking part in National Novel Writing Month (lovingly known as NaNoWriMo).
Over the past few years, we’ve shared advice from Charlotte authors and tips on how to write your book in 30 days. This year, it’s time to revisit the reason you wanted to write in the first place: books.
Charlotte is a gold mine of bookstores, and most are located near cozy, local coffee shops, so you can curl up with your stacks of inspiration with a cup of coffee in hand. (And here are a few more ideas we’ve mentioned in the past — pre-COVID — for great places to read, too.)
Book Buyers
Location: 1306 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: Commonwealth
Nestled in Commonwealth near foodie staples like Soul Gastrolounge and Cilantro Noodle, Book Buyers buys, sells and trades used books. From unique finds with richly illustrated maps (perfect to assist in your story worldbuilding) to rare paperback copies and anniversary editions of popular works, this bookstore gives you the chance to uncover treasures close to home. Follow the store on Facebook to discover its latest finds.
Book condition: Used
Pair it with: Undercurrent Coffee
The Book Lady
Location: 3515 W Hwy 74 # D, Monroe, NC 28110
Neighborhood: Monroe
Aside from having the name I’d personally aspire to be called, The Book Lady offers cozy chairs from which to read new and used books. Check out this Monroe spot to find your next read or trade books for store credit, if there are any you can bear to part with.
Book condition: New and used
Pair it with: Hazel’s Coffee House
The Book Rack
Location: 10110 Johnston Rd #5, Charlotte, NC 28210
Neighborhood: Pineville
Dream of a space with 50,000+ books? The Book Rack in South Charlotte offers an extensive collection of used books, plus a limited selection of new books, including school reading list titles. Most books are $6 or less, including hardcovers, paperbacks, children’s books, fiction and nonfiction. If you have books you no longer want (probably not, but just in case), you can trade in your used books for store credit.
Book condition: Used, limited selection of new
Pair it with: Unwind Tea & Coffee
I’ve Read it in Books
Location: 2902 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: Plaza Hills
A recent addition to the Charlotte book scene, I’ve Read It in Books set up shop in the vacant end of Premium Sound, located inside the Tip Top Daily Market. Named after an Echo & the Bunnymen lyric, the progressive bookshop offers a carefully curated collection of books, including Black, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ titles, as well as selections from local authors.
Book condition: New and used
Pair it with: The Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters
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Julia’s Cafe & Books
Location: 1133 N Wendover Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Neighborhood: Echo Hills
To justify spending tons of money on books, head to Julia’s Cafe and Books to buy for a cause. This used bookstore supports the community by using proceeds from sales to fund Habitat for Humanity in the Charlotte region. Named for Julia Maulden, who worked on the first Habitat home in Charlotte, this bookstore offers a selection of rare and unique finds in a variety of genres. Browse titles in hobbies, gardening, art, fiction, history, social sciences and more — including a huge selection of children’s books.
Book condition: Used
Pair it with: Magnolia Coffee Co., offered at the bookstore
Main Street Books
Location: 126 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
Neighborhood: Davidson
If your optimal bookstore scene involves antique bookcases, original wood floors and cozy seating areas, head to Davidson for your next book haul. Tucked away on the town’s main street, the shop has inhabited an old general store since 1987. Expect bestsellers, signed books from local authors and staff picks. There are also virtual events and a monthly book subscription called The Matchbox, where you’ll be paired with recommended books based on what you enjoy reading.
Book condition: New
Pair it with: Summit Coffee
Paper Skyscraper
Location: 330 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Though more of a gift shop than a true bookstore, Paper Skyscraper sells an assortment of books and stationery worthy of a writers’ space. This whimsical shop drips in inspiration, and while you’ll find plenty of fiction, nonfiction, culinary, architecture, design and self-improvement books, you’ll also have your choice of writing supplies, including journals and notebooks.
Book condition: New
Pair it with: Sunflour Baking Company
Park Road Books
Location: 4139 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Neighborhood: Montford
Perhaps one of the area’s best known bookstores, Park Road Books lies amidst bakeries and boutiques in the Park Road Shopping Center. The team prides itself on finding the right book for each person that ventures inside. In addition to hosting author events and book clubs, the shop sells new books, including bestsellers from today’s biggest authors as well as local, North Carolina authors.
Book condition: New
Pair it with: Waterbean Coffee
Shelves
Location: Online, local pop-ups
With a quest to curate a collection of books with readers, writers and dreamers in mind, Shelves is an online and pop-up bookstore serving the Charlotte area and beyond. In addition to a selection of books and audiobooks, Shelves also offers a RIAL (Reading is a Lifestyle) book subscription with monthly store picks. Order your next novel online, attend a virtual event or look for the next pop-up at Enderly Coffee Co.
Book condition: New
Pair it with: Enderly Coffee Co.
That’s Novel Books
Location: 330 Camp Rd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28206
Neighborhood: Druid Hills South
Tucked away inside Hygge Coworking at Camp North End, That’s Novel Books is a used bookstore owned by Hygge founder Garrett Tichy and Hygge director of marketing Alyssa Pressler. Armed with a goal to create a gathering space centered around writing and literacy, the duo opened a spot with cozy seating, coffee and plenty of space to read and work (on your novel).
Book condition: Used
Pair it with: Hex Coffee Roasters
