Buy local: your guide to Atlanta bookstores

Atlanta has tons of great bookshops to find everything on your summer reading list. (Pixabay Images)

Whether you’re looking for specific genres, a new challenging read or just a solid bookstore vibe to kill some time in — here are some of our favorite Atlanta bookshops. Don’t see your favorite independent shop listed? Tweet us at @wabenews, and we’ll add it in.

And be sure to check out our official 2024 Summer Reading List and the WABE Staff Picks before you go to compile the perfect summer reading shopping list.

“A town isn’t a town without a bookstore. It may call itself a town, but unless it’s got a bookstore, it knows it’s not foolin’ a soul.”

Neil Gaiman, author or “American Gods” and “Coraline”

44th & 3rd Booksellers

Located in Atlanta’s historic West End next to Morehouse College, 44th & 3rd Booksellers offers an incredible inventory of Black history, expression and genius. The brick-and-mortar space has only been open for a few years and is already taking its rightful place as one of the most representative and beloved bookshops in Atlanta.

A Capella Books

A staff favorite  — A Capella Books is one of those special, cozy bookstores that is distinctly Atlanta. They offer a ton of titles for purchase online, but we highly recommend a visit to chat with booksellers — like Matt Nixon — about their favorites.

Interview with Matt Nixon

Atlanta Vintage Books

Books and cats ⁠— what’s not to love? Atlanta Vintage Books is a family-owned shop that has been around for over three decades and has more than 80,000 new, used, collectible and vintage books.

Bookish

East Atlanta Village’s indie bookstore. The spirit and mission at Bookish are reflected in the titles they carry. They also have a great sale section!

Bookmiser

Located in East Cobb, Bookmiser has been around since 1998 and offers more than 40,000 new and used titles.

The Book Bird

The Book Bird opened in 2023 and is Avondale Estates’ first indie bookstore. Located right next to Banjo Coffee, this shop is the perfect stop on your summer Sunday.

Brave and Kind Books

An absolute Atlanta gem, Brave and Kind Books specializes in the titles to help youngsters grow up with positive representation. But they also have some important works for adults too. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke to owner Bunnie Hilliard in 2020 about her mission.

Interview with Bunnie Hilliard

Charis Books & More

The South’s oldest independent feminist bookstore! Located in Decatur and a partner of Agnes Scott College, Charis Books specializes in diverse children’s books, feminist, cultural studies, anti-racism and LGBTQ fiction and non-fiction.

Eagle Eye Book Shop

With over 5,000 square feet of new and used books, we’re certain you can find a new favorite at Eagle Eye. Independently owned and located in Decatur.

For Keeps Books

Opened in 2018, For Keeps Books is as much a community space as it is a store. Owner Rosa Duffy spoke with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott about her mission in 2019.

Interview with Rosa Duffy

Hills & Hamlets Bookshop

Located in the Serenbe development of Chattahoochee Hills, Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a quaint little shop that celebrates and explores the values of this unique community.

Little Shop of Stories

Another fabulous Decatur bookshop, this time located right in Decatur Square. Little Shop of Stories specializes in Children’s and Young Adult literature but offers selections for adults as well.

Medu Bookstore

Located in Greenbriar Mall, Medu Bookstore is the second-largest African-American-owned bookstore in Atlanta and has hosted the likes of John Lewis, Andrew Young and many more.

My Parents’ Basement

Yeah, yeah, we know — My Parents’ Basement isn’t technically a bookstore. But any place you can get a burger, play some pinball AND sift through one of the best collections of comics in the city deserves a spot in our hearts and on this list!

Posman Books

Located in Ponce City Market and Alpharetta, Posman Books has all the newest titles and a ton of cute Atlanta-themed gift options.

Read Shop by The Merchant

A match made in heaven, Read Shop by The Merchant proudly serves Stumptown Coffee alongside some of the best new titles available. Located in Vinings Square.

Virginia Highland Books

One of our favorite bookstores in Atlanta — Virginia Highland Books, has an impressive display of old and new favorites and staff recommendations.