Whether you like science fiction, mystery, romance, thriller, or non-fiction books, there are great bookstores in Asheville that you can go to for that.
The bookstores in the city are very diverse in what they offer and what they look like. For example, there are both independent bookstores and chain bookstores. Also, there are bookstores where you can buy used books or new books. Furthermore, there are ones where you can have a drink besides shopping for a book.
I made this guide to help you find the best Asheville bookstores that you should not miss out on when you are in the city.
Bookstores in Asheville
Malaprop’s Bookstore
Malaprop’s Bookstore is a lovely independent bookstore that you can find at 55 Haywood Street.
This bookstore was established in the year 1982 in Asheville, NC.
At the bookstore, you can find a curated selection of books that are great for adults, young adults, and children.
What’s great is that the books that you can find here are very diverse. For example, you don’t only find books that are published by major publishers here, but there are also self-published books available.
Besides that, you can find a cafe at the bookstore where you can get delicious baked goods from local bakeries. Also, the coffee that you can get here is made with locally-roasted beans that have an amazing flavor.
So whether you want to buy a great book, have a delicious cup of coffee, or both, you can do it at Malaprop’s Bookstore.
Address: 55 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
Bagatelle Books
Bagatelle Books is another wonderful place to visit if you want to buy a good book.
This is a bookshop that you can find in West Asheville.
At Bagatelle Books, you can buy second-hand books and very rare books as well. You might discover a great book that you can’t find at any of the other places!
If you are looking to buy a book that is very unique, then this is the best place for that!
The bookstore has a very cozy atmosphere, which makes it a great place to visit as well.
Furthermore, there is a florist and a cafe next to the bookstore.
Address: 428 C, Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Firestorm Books & Coffee
Firestorm Books & Coffee is a lovely worker-owned bookstore in Asheville where you can find critical literature and alternative literature.
At the bookstore, you can find a lot of underground material, alternative books, and self-published books.
The books at this place can be very interesting to buy and read, and the books are a great way to explore new topics you might have never heard about before.
Also, there are all kinds of events that take place at Firestorm Books. For example, there are film screenings, workshops, and presentations at the bookstore.
But that’s not all!
You can also go to this place for delicious organic coffee and tea, and there are locally-made vegan pastries at this bookstore as well!
Address: 610 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar
The Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar is a wonderful place that combines books and drinks.
You can get delicious wines and champagnes here that you can enjoy while you browse the books of this place. Also, you can get delicious food at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar.
The bookstore has many shelves of books and you can also go upstairs to find even more books.
What’s great about this place as well is that there are many old books and that this place has a cozy atmosphere.
Address: 1 Page Ave #101, Asheville, NC 28801
The UNC Asheville Bookstore
The UNC Asheville Bookstore is a bookstore that you can find at the Highsmith University Union.
This is a bookstore that primarily sells textbooks, but you can also buy all kinds of other objects here.
For example, there are bestsellers, magazines, clothing, gifts, and there’s much more.
What’s great about this bookstore as well is that you can find it at the University of North Carolina Asheville, which is close to some o the best sights in the city.
For example, you can find the Botanical Gardens at Asheville here, which is a great place for a relaxing stroll with nature. And Kimmel Arena is also located very close to the bookstore, so you can check out the bookstore and go to an event at the Kimmel Arena. Also, if you are a student it is very easy to combine going here with attending classes.
Address: 1 University Heights #1210, Asheville, NC 28804
Mr. K’s Used Books, Music & More
Mr. K’s Used Books, Music & More is another bookstore that is worth checking out when you are in Asheville.
This is an independent used bookstore that is family-owned. It has four locations and one of the locations is located in the city of Asheville.
It is a wonderful place where you can find a huge number of books.
You can also find new books here, and there are books for both adults and children.
Besides books, you can also go to Mr. K’s for video games, toys, records, and many other items.
Address: 800 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Barnes & Noble
You can find a Barnes & Noble in Asheville at the Asheville Mall.
This is a wonderful chain bookstore where you can find a large selection of books that are great for everyone. For example, there are books for adults and kids, and the store is very large.
You can also find a variety of other items, such as records at the store.
Furthermore, you can get coffee at this location.
Besides that, there are sometimes events at the bookstore. For example, there are book signing events by authors.
What’s nice about the Barnes & Nobles at this location is that you can find it in the Asheville Mall. This means that you can combine visiting this place with shopping for other products at the mall. That way, you can have a more fun time.
Address: 3 S Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805
Sweeten Creek Antiques & Collectibles
Sweeten Creek Antiques & Collectibles is also great when looking for Asheville bookstores.
This is an antique market that you can find very close to Biltmore Village.
There are 125 vendors at this place that sell all kinds of antique and vintage objects. For example, you can go here to buy furniture, jewelry, and clothing. And there are many vendors that sell all sorts of books.
So if you are looking for old books, you can go to this place.
Besides that, you might stumble upon other objects that like as well!
What’s nice about this place as well is that it is dog-friendly. So you can bring your dog with you when you go shopping for books here.
Address: 115 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Downtown Books & News
Downtown Books & News is also one of the best bookstores in Asheville and it is a sister store to Malaprop’s.
You can find this bookstore at 67 North Lexington Avenue.
This is a used bookstore and newsstand where you can buy a large variety of books.
You can get rare and unique books here, and there are also great books for when you are on a budget.
If you buy a book here, you’ll definitely leave with a very unique piece. For example, you might leave this place with a beautiful leather-bound book.
Also, you can find a variety of local works of art and craft at the bookstore.
Address: 67 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Morgan’s Comics
Do you like comics? If so, then you can go to Morgan’s Comics when you are in Asheville.
At this place, you can buy a large selection of comics and graphic novels.
Also, you can buy all kinds of toys, vinyl, and games at this place.
It is also a great place to shop for gifts.
Besides that, you can also attend a variety of fun events at this bookstore, and what’s nice about this place is that it has a very all-inclusive and welcoming atmosphere!
Address: 600 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
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If you love books and bookstores a lot, I recommend checking out a few of the Asheville bookstores on this list. Each bookstore has its own charm and each one has different products on offer.
Also, I recommend checking out the calendar of the bookstores on this list to see if there’s an event that you might want to attend. Many of the bookstores have events, such as author events, that can be great to attend.
Bookstores in Asheville Map
Thanks for reading my guide to the best bookstores in Asheville, NC. I hope you found a bookstore you want to visit!