Where is the best place to find new releases and local authors?
Union Ave Books is the premier destination for new releases and regional literature in Downtown Knoxville. Located at 517 Union Ave. (see what they did there) in the historic Daylight Building, it's the ultimate independent bookstore known for hosting author signings and stocking a hand-picked selection of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
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Independent Spirit: As a member of the American Booksellers Association, this shop focuses on "hand-selling," where expert booksellers provide personalized recommendations.
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Local Spotlight: They frequently collaborate with the University of Tennessee creative writing program to host readings and launch events for Appalachian authors.
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Community Hub: Beyond books, the shop is a staple of downtown life, located just steps away from Market Square and conveniently next to Mahalo Coffee Roasters to enjoy a latte in one hand and new novel in the other.
What makes Fable Hollow Coffee & Bookshoppe unique?
Fable Hollow Coffee & Bookshoppe is a fantasy-themed independent bookstore and cafe located at 2910 Tazewell Pike in Fountain City. It stands out by combining a love for speculative fiction with a full-service coffee bar featuring themed drinks. They host unique community events like Dungeons & Dragons nights, trivia, and "Dread Pirate" storytimes for kids.
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Immersive Atmosphere: The shop is designed to feel like a portal to another world, featuring cozy nooks, local art, and a whimsical "fantasy-core" aesthetic.
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Craft Coffee Brews: Their menu includes handcrafted lattes and house-made chai, with flavor profiles often named after iconic literary characters or genres.
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Genre Specialty: While they carry all genres, their curated selection of fantasy, sci-fi, and young adult fiction is among the best in East Tennessee.
Who has the best selection of rare and antiquarian books?
Addison’s Bookstore, located at 126 S. Gay Street, is the city's leader in rare and antiquarian books. The owner curates an extensive collection of 19th-century history, leather-bound classics, and theology. The two-story shop also features a tea bar and elegant lounge seating.
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Book as Artifact: The shop specializes in "fine bindings" and books with high-quality illustrations, often sourcing titles that are out-of-print or historically significant to Tennessee.
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Event Space: The downstairs area serves as a versatile venue for classical book clubs, educational classes, and First Friday art receptions.
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Tea & Study: Unlike standard retail spaces, Addison's offers a "long library table" specifically for professionals and students who want to work surrounded by the aroma of old paper and Chinese tea.
Does Knoxville have a bookstore for romance readers?
Yes, Good Girl Books in Rocky Hill is Knoxville's first romance-centric bookstore! It began as a mobile book truck before opening a pink-hued storefront at 7685 S. Northshore Drive. The shop provides an inclusive, stigma-free space for fans of romance, "romantasy," and diverse love stories. You can still find their iconic bright pink "Good Girl" book truck at local markets and pop-ups around Knoxville.
But wait, there's more! Mis Amores: A Romance Bookshop Cafe can be found at 5331 Central Ave. Pike. This shop is a unique, Black and Afro-Latina-owned bookshop and coffee shop that serves not only a regular cup of coffee, but you're likely to find rotating Caribbean-inspired specialty beverages ranging from "Platano Power" to "Morir Soñado."
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Inclusive Curation: These shops both prioritize marginalized voices, LGBTQ authors, and women-owned businesses, offering a selection of bookish gifts and stationery alongside novels.
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Inclusive Mission: They aim to celebrate the romance genre by creating a safe space for readers to "scream their love for love" at the top of their lungs.
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Pop Ups and Events: Follow their Instagram accounts for all kinds of events throughout the year from watch parties and writing labs to Galentine's gatherings and spicy sip 'n' paints.
Where can I find Black-authored books and cultural events?
The Bottom is a non-profit, independent bookstore located at 2340 E. Magnolia Ave. It specializes in Black-affirming and empowering literature for all ages. Part of a larger community arts space, it hosts writing workshops, "LitKidz" sessions, and discussions centered on Black history and creativity.
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Cultural Sanctuary: The shop serves as a "safe space" for Black creatives, activists, and writers to gather and take up space in the Knoxville community.
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Subscription Services: They offer a monthly book subscription, Book It At The Bottom, which delivers curated Black-authored titles and hosts monthly community conversations.
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Place Justice: Rooted in the East Knoxville community, the organization focuses on "place justice" by preserving Black stories and fostering local art and culture.
