Do you like to read? Do you like to support local businesses? Then today is for you.
One of the benefits of living near the college town of Charlottesville, we have many indie bookstores to chose from. Some specialize in new books, others specialize in second hand books and memorabilia.
New Dominion Book Store on the historic Downtown Mall bills itself as the “oldest independent bookseller in Virginia” since it has been in continuous operation under a variety of owners since 1924.. Right now it is open for limited browsing, local delivery, and curbside pickup. Normally it is a hive of local literary activity with author readings, new book releases, and panel discussions like the Charlottesville Reading series. Although most of these have been cancelled, the store does have a few virtual events like the monthly UVA Club of Charlottesville Book Club and a virtual book launch. New Dominion is also a sponsor in the annual March, Virginia Festival of the Book.
Blue Whale Books, also on the Downtown Mall, specializes in antiquarian books in good or better condition, and antique maps and prints.
From the Facebook page:
We have about 20,000 used books, and hundreds of antiquarian / rare books. We also have 1,000 original prints, especially chromolithographs from the 1800s. Our maps are 18th and 19th century, with the occasional early Virginia map from the early or mid-1600s. The owner also performs appraisals on a regular basis.
There’s an indie book store sort of near us called Givens Books. They have incredible educational toys, too. It’s a great place to go to find birthday presents for all ages!
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Sounds like a nice one. Because of COVID, we lost a nearby Indie book store in Crozet called Over the Moon Bookstore and Artisan Gallery. They were a great local resource with author talks, poetry readings, Second Saturday events. They also had educational toys and some local crafts.
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