This is the age of the book mega-store, and we spend quite a bit of time in them (or in their online equivalents). But sometimes we're just in a mood to go someplace quirky and distinct, someplace where it smells like books, or where there's a sleepy cat in the window, or where there's something about the staff that makes you want to come back.
So We Want To Know: What are the best old-school, locally owned bookstores in the Lowcountry?
Leave your suggestions, impressions, links and arguments in the Comments section below. If we get good info here, a 5 List could be coming to a Friday section soon...
Boomers of course.
Posted by: Joan | March 06, 2007 at 09:20 PM
An added bonus to Boomers is that the store was recently purchased by a local writer, Jonathan Sanchez, and his wife. So you get to support local arts as well as a local business.
Posted by: jaz | March 07, 2007 at 07:04 AM
The sad thing is there are very few left. The good thing is there are still a few left.
Here's a local list to consider:
Litchfield Books, Pawley's Island
Indigo Books, John's Island
Edisto Bookstore, Edisto Island
Posted by: Lowcountry Foodie | March 07, 2007 at 09:31 PM
What's the name of that fantastic bookstore in Summerville? Side street downtown. Great atmosphere. I think there's even a cat.
Posted by: Daniel | March 08, 2007 at 05:16 PM
There's a new place on Folly Road--Ravenous Reader. I have yet to stop in, but I've heard it's a cool place and she's thinking about making it into a coffee shop as well!
Posted by: erin | March 23, 2007 at 09:04 AM
I like The Scoop in North Charleston down from the Ice Palace, basically in front of the La-Z-Boy store. It's not old, but they've got good variety of used books, a kids nook, and coffee/ice cream/wi-fi. I like the kooky people who work there, too.
Posted by: Tripster | March 23, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Boomers, yes, soon to be renamed.
In Summerville there's All Books, owned by Michelle List and located in a charming little house.
Posted by: BardOwl2 | March 23, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Boomers will definitely be on the list, and All Books, which I haven't seen since its move. Ravenous Reader I've heard about but haven't seen, and The Scoop is new to me, but I'll check it out. Same with Indigo and Edisto -- I'll just have to find them.
Whatever happened to Atlantic Books? And is there no independent bookseller left east of the Cooper?
Posted by: Daniel | March 23, 2007 at 11:01 AM
The Scoop is great! I really like spending time there. In addition to the large selection of used books there is coffee and treats. The people are really nice and the atmosphere is very inviting.
Posted by: Katie | March 23, 2007 at 11:45 AM
Indigo books in Freshfields village. Friendly, helpful, great book selection!
Posted by: mikesbsc | March 24, 2007 at 01:05 PM