85 years ago, the humble paperback book as we know it today was invented. (Is it just us or doesn’t it feel like paperback books should be way older than that?) In honor of the day Penguin Books published their first 10 paperback novels in 1935, every July 30 is marked as Paperback Book Day.

We at The Biscuit love celebrating books each and every day, but we thought today would be the perfect day to shout it loud and proud. WE LOVE BOOKS! And we love Charlotte’s independent bookstores, too! To help you properly celebrate Paperback Book Day, we compiled a list of 8 Charlotte bookstores that are perfect for filling up your bookshelf at home.

We all have the tendency to head to Barnes & Noble or Amazon when we think of a book we want, but let’s go the extra mile today (and every day) to support these local small businesses. Happy reading to all the bookworms out there!

Book Buyers

Directions: 1306 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: (704) 344-8611
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

This Plaza Midwood used bookstore has paperbacks aplenty. If you’re looking for something specific, chances are that Book Buyers has it somewhere on their numerous shelves. Or you can go in with no goal in mind and let the book chose you! And, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the bookstore’s cats roaming the aisles.

Park Road Books

Directions: 4139 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: (704) 525-9239
Website: www.parkroadbooks.com
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Two of our favorite things of all time happened at Park Road Shopping Center in 1977: Star Wars released at Park Terrace and Park Road Books opened their doors for business. This independent bookstore has been a staple of Charlotte for over 40 years and we hope that doesn’t change anytime soon as there are plenty more stories to tell!

Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find

Address: 417 Pecan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: (704) 375-7462
Website: www.heroesonline.com
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Yes, comic books are books. Yes, graphic novels are books. Yes, our compendium of every Spider-Man story ever told is a book… lots of books actually. Do yourself a favor and dive into the world of comics at Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find (if you haven’t already). There’s a story, hero, or art style out there for everyone. And, trust us, they aren’t hard to find. *wink*

Julia’s Cafe & Books

Directions: 1133 N Wendover Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 295-4585
Website: www.juliascafe.org
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Attached to Habitat for Humanity’s Restore, Julia’s is a used bookstore chockful of donated books that are in fantastic condition. After you finish up selecting some furnishings for your apartment, swing by this cozy little bookstore and pick up some paperbacks to go with your new reading nook. Looking to get rid of some books to make room for all the novels you’re going to buy from stores on the list? Consider donating to Julia’s Cafe & Books and helping support Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte’s mission to combat the affordable housing crisis.

The Book Rack

Directions: 10110 Johnston Rd #5, Charlotte, NC 28210
Phone: (704) 544-8006
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

With over 50,000 books to choose from and an average price of $5, you’ll have no problem filling out your bookcase at The Book Rack. The bookshop has shelves upon shelves of used paperbacks for you to pursue and we guarantee you’ll find something new (but still used) every time you visit. And for the Fabio fans out there, they have the largest collection of romance novels we have ever seen. Time to find some summer lovin’ in book form!

Paper Skyscraper

Directions: 330 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: (704) 333-7130
Website: www.paperskyscraper.com
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Widely known for its fun knick-knacks and unique gifts, Paper Skyscraper also has a nice selection of books that are perfect for any bibliophile. Our favorite section is a bookshelf loaded with books on art, design, and how to pull out your inner creativity. We believe that everyone is creative but it doesn’t hurt to have a book to help jump-start your creative juices.

That’s Novel Books

PHOTO CREDIT: That’s Novel Books

Directions: 330 Camp Rd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28206
Website: www.thatsnovelbooks.com
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Charlotte’s most novel used bookstore is the appropriately named, That’s Novel Books. Located in Camp North End, That’s Novel is housed by Queen City coworking favorite, Hygge Coworking. The shop opened in late February, so they didn’t have much time to get the wind under their wings before COVID struck. But, That’s Novel owners, Alyssa Pressler and Garrett Tichy, aren’t going to let that stop them from bringing their A-game. The duo recently launched their new podcast, Open Book. Listen here.

Shelves Bookstore

PHOTO CREDIT: Shelves Bookstore

Website: www.shelvesbookstore.com
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Shelves Bookstore is a pop-up bookshop that, under normal circumstances, would be popping up all across the Queen City at various local businesses. Due to COVID, the pop-ups have been shelved for now but that doesn’t mean you can’t get books! Abby Glen, the owner of Shelves, has set up an online shop on the bookstore’s website to ensure that you can still get the books you want to read. Shop online here.