Reviewed by: Patience Itson
5 charming bookstores in Alabama + their book clubs
Reading time: 4 minutes
Reading is one pastime that’s always in season. For all your summer reading lists and cozy hot-chocolate-and-a-book sessions, these Alabama bookstores have you covered.
1. Snail on the Wall
Snail on the Wall is known in Huntsville as the “bookstore without a store” as they deliver book straight to readers’ doorsteps. However, they’re having a pop-up shop in Huntsville’s historic Constitution Village until August 19 that you don’t want to miss. After the event ends, you can still grab their books online, of course.
BONUS: As a “bookstore without a store,” Snail on the Wall provides book clubs with their top picks, plus special deals on book club bundles.
- Location: The Clay Building at Constitution Park, 513 Eustis Ave, Huntsville, AL, 35801
- Hours: Now through August 19, Thursdays and Fridays 4PM-8PM, Saturdays 10AM-5PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Ernest & Hadley Booksellers
Ernest & Hadley in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a whimsical spot that takes a “village approach” to bookselling, which means they foster community connections and encourage input from local reading enthusiasts.
BONUS: Ernest & Hadley provides space for several book clubs, including the E&H Open Book Club, The Page Turners and more. Plus, they offer a monthly subscription service called the Bumby Club.
- Location: 1928 7th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30AM-5:30PM | Saturday 9:30AM-4:30PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Mobile Bookseller
If you’re looking for good books on a budget, Mobile Bookseller is the perfect spot. With thousands of used, discounted books, the avid reader can grab plenty of new reads without breaking the bank. In addition, Mobile Bookseller offers trade-in services and new books.
BONUS: Mobile Bookseller offers selections from from many local authors and hosts book signing events.
- Location: 3990 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL 36693
- Hours: Wednesday-Friday 10AM-6PM | Saturday 10AM-2PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Thank You Books
A Birmingham go-to, Thank You Books is a woman-owned indie bookstore. Offering a wide variety of genres and age-appropriate picks, there’s something for everyone.
BONUS: Thank You Books has a lively book club scene, with groups like the OG Book Club, Sci-FiDelity and more. Plus, they offer a monthly subscription service, the Signed First Editions Club.
- Location: 5502B Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10AM-6PM | Sunday 12:30PM-5PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers
Auburn Oil Co. wasn’t always a bookstore. True to its name, it was a service station owned by Mike Armor. Armor’s son, Murphy, turned Auburn Oil Co. into a bookstore in 2019, keeping the name the community had come to love.
When you walk into this bookstore, you can still see an old Phillips 66 service pump.
BONUS: Auburn Oil Co. has multiple “eclectic and lively” book clubs. Plus, they always have fun events on their calendar.
- Location: 149 E Magnolia Ave Ste A, Auburn, AL 36830
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30AM-7PM, Friday 7:30AM-9PM, Saturday 9AM-9PM, Sunday 9AM-7PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
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