Best Local Bookstores In Charlotte

The Daily Meal Staff|June 23, 2014 7:00 am EST

Entering and remaining in the business of selling books is a great challenge these days. Sadly, one can browse the internet for bookstores that had a great run in Charlotte, but are no more, what with the emergence of ebooks and digital audiobooks. Holding a book in two hands, thumbing through its pages, enjoying the pictures or curling up under the covers with a good read that you can't put down are experiences that are giving way to modern technology. Bookstores that extend their services beyond just selling literature seem to have the right idea on how to survive in the 21st Century market. An article on Charlotte's most community-centered bookstores referenced some whose success is based in giving back and providing an arena for performances, readings and special interests and hobbies. This article continues along those lines with some more of Charlotte's best.

Audio Books of the Carolinas
7868 Read Road, Suite F
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 910-1625
www.audiobooknc.rent-manager.com

Audio Books of the Carolinas is ready to serve those who need to listen or prefer listening to their books. Visit the website, set up your account, compile your wish list, decide how long you want to rent them, pay and pick up your rentals. You have a choice of several Charlotte locations – Rea Road, the Queen City Tennis Shop at the Stonecrest shopping mall, Post Right at Carmel Commons or the Book Rack at the Johnston Road Plaza. If necessary, they will even meet you with your selections. Just give them a call to set something up.

The Bag Lady
1710 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 338-9778
www.the-bag-lady.biz

The Bag Lady store describes its mission as "to celebrate, nurture and affirm all regardless of age, size, sex, shape, color, astrological sign, political preference or economic status." The shop's offerings are meant to uplift customers and bring out their "bodaciousness." Aside from fiction, other book categories include art, self-help, spirituality, healthy living, creativity and a selection of children's books. The Bag Lady also supports local authors, artists and woman-owned or operated enterprises. This business gives back to the community.

The Book Rack
10110 Johnston Road
Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 544-8006
www.thebookrack.com

The Book Rack is a great place to go whether you prefer e-books or the traditional type. Note that this is one of the pick-up points for Audio Books of the Carolinas, mentioned earlier. Book lovers can benefit from price cuts when shopping here. Used books may be exchanged for a credit on your purchase. Books cost about half off the publisher's list price, and receipts will include a discount coupon that can be applied to the next purchase.

Paper Skyscraper
330 East Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 333-7130
www.paperskyscraper.com

This Dilworth-area establishment offers high-end gifts, cards, wrapping paper and gift bags. It may come as a surprise that it also caries books. Little servings of humor are offered in small books. Paper Skyscraper literary specialties revolve around coffee table collectibles. The emphasis is on home and design and an ample assortment of Southern cookbooks.

Poor Richard's Book Shoppe
135 Brevard Court
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 271-4644
www.prbshoppe.mybooksandmore.com

The upper level of the Latta Arcade in Uptown is the location for Poor Richard's Book Shoppe. There is never a dull moment as this family-owned bookstore offers a forum for artists as well as books. Its spoken word, open mic, jazz and "Naked Arts" events (not about nudity) provide an opportunity to witness writers and other creative people perform their works. Bring a friend or two and enjoy a cold beer while hearing poetry.

Jacquelin Celeste Peters has produced award winning radio programs at WPFW Pacifica-Washington. She is a Culture and Events Examiner in Charlotte, North Carolina, which she calls home. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.