7 must–visit bookstores in metro Atlanta

There’s something special about browsing your local neighborhood bookstore and uncovering a literary gem. Atlanta has several independent bookstores throughout the city; every single one is different in its own way and each offers a unique experience.

These bookstores are an important part of our community and next time you’re on the hunt for a good book, visit and support an independently-owned bookshop. We’ve highlighted seven local bookstores that are a must to visit.

A Cappella Books

For more than 30 years, A Cappella Books has been serving Atlanta’s local community with some of the finest new, used and rare books around. They offer an extensive list of signed books perfect for a thoughtful gift or just to collect for yourself. Frequent shoppers can join the A Capella Choir and enjoy great member perks. Offering multiple book clubs (currently in high demand) and some great upcoming events, you’ll see why this independent bookstore is a true ATL gem.

Location: East Atlanta - 208 Haralson Ave. NE; Website: acappellabooks.com; Contact: 404-681-5128

Eagle Eye Book Shop

Located less than a mile from Emory University, Eagle Eye Book Shop has been around since 2003 and has an assortment of books everyone will love. Its mission is to provide a cozy and welcoming space that inspires a love of reading, connects the community with new and used books and enriches the lives of its customers in a variety of ways. For their “Cookin’ the Books” events, they have installed a brand new kitchen demo station that’s the perfect spot to host cookbook author signings where attendees will get to see dishes being prepared and sample them, making it an extra fun and unique experience.

Location: Decatur - 2076 N Decatur Rd.; Website: eagleeyebooks.com; Contact: 404-486-0307

Little Shop of Stories

Know a little bookworm? Take them to Little Shop of Stories right in the heart of Decatur. This charming children’s bookstore is a must to check out with plenty of books for children of all ages and even features an adult/young-adult section too. Take a look at their events calendar for any upcoming author events and browse some of their indie literature selections ahead of time. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m, they have storytime at the Decatur Square gazebo!

Location: Decatur - 133 E Court Square #A; Website: littleshopofstories.com; Contact: 404-373-6300

For Keeps Bookstore

Opened in 2018 on Atlanta’s historic Auburn Avenue in Downtown, For Keeps is a bookstore filled with Black rare and classic books curated by owner Rosa Duffy. Duffy founded this bookstore fueled by her passion to provide an environment where Black literature is accessible to all. With a focus on Black history, customers are encouraged to browse, take a seat and dive into a book as they explore a collection of literature that they couldn’t find in a mainstream bookstore. Check out this GQ feature from 2020 to learn more about this unique spot and make sure to visit it for yourself.

Location: Downtown - 171 Auburn Ave. NE; Website: forkeepsbooks.com; Contact: 404-231-4201

Atlanta Vintage Books

If you’re cruising down Buford Hwy., you have to make a stop at Atlanta Vintage Books. This independent bookshop has been serving the local community for over three decades with an impressively large book selection. We’re talking over 80,000 books in their collection including used, vintage and collectible books. Just about any and every category/genre, you can think of, you will surely find it here.

Location: Brookhaven - 3660 Clairmont Rd.; Website: atlantavintagebooks.com; Contact: 770-457-2919

Bookish

“Every story matters” is the motto of an indie bookstore over in EAV called Bookish, which sells both new and used books. Bookish owner, Kendra Lee, ensures that her bookstore is an inclusive neighborhood gathering spot for all where customers can come together and connect over books by diverse authors. Are you an avid reader and want to claim the official title of book nerd? If the answer is yes, then check out Bookish’s 2022 Reading Challenge, where the goal is to read 12 books this year (each from a different category) and you could win the title of Book Nerd.

Location: East Atlanta - 1287 Glenwood Ave. SE; Website: bookishatl.com; Contact: 404-496-8722

Virginia Highland Books

Just over one year old, Virginia Highland Books is the new kid on the local indie bookstore block. They opened in June 2021 and are already a staple in the neighborhood. With staff recommendation notes scattered throughout, this inviting two-story bookstore has a great selection of books for every reader. They offer an in-store book club and a VaHiKids Storytime every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. led by author, Sherri Dillard.

Location: East Atlanta - 1034 North Highland Ave. NE; Website: vahibooks.com; Contact: 470-819-4705