Bookworms will love these 8 great bookstores in Alabama

Now that it’s back-to-school season, you might be looking at learning something new yourself—even if you aren’t headed for the schoolyard. Or maybe with the dog days of summer upon us, you’re looking for a way to escape the heat but be thoroughly entertained indoors.

Either situation calls for a new book—and we’ve got eight places in Alabama for you to add books to your to-be-read list.

Page & Palette | Fairhope

Page & Palette is the Eastern Shore’s favorite coffee shop….and bookstore…oh, and bar! This triple-threat in the heart of downtown Fairhope is an icon in its own right, but it’s still surrounded by some of the most iconic shops and restaurants in the area.

• Address: 32 S Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532
• Hours: 10AM-5PM, daily
• More info

Thank You Books | Birmingham

Looking for a woman-owned, indie bookstore in the ‘Ham? Check out Thank You Books for bright, airy and welcoming vibes all rounded out with a truly fantastic selection of books for you to peruse.

• Address: 5502B Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212
• Hours: Tues-Sat, 10AM-6PM | Sun, 12:30-5PM | Closed Mon.
• More info

Earnest & Hadley Booksellers | Tuscaloosa

Marketed as “Tuscaloosa’s indie bookstore” Earnest & Hadley is your spot for those cozy, homey bookstore vibes that make you feel like you walked to a friend’s house to borrow a book. If you love an author event, their schedule stays packed with book signings, meet + greets and more.

• Address: 1928 7th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
• Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:30AM-5:30PM | Sat, 9:30AM-4:30PM | Closed Sun.
• More info

Court Street Books | Florence

Court Street Books is one of my favorites because it can turn your old books into new ones—no magic required. Simply bring in your gently-used books and they’ll give you some cash to go towards your next to-be-read stack.

• Address: 610 S Court St, Florence, AL 35630
• Hours: Mon-Sat, 10AM-7PM | Sun, 1-5PM
• More info

The NewSouth Bookstore | Montgomery

The NewSouth Bookstore specializes in honoring Montgomery’s rich history with the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement. The shop is “making the old South new again” by marrying narratives of yesteryear with new

• Address: 105 S Court St, Montgomery, AL 36104
• Hours: Mon-Fri, 10AM-6PM | Sat + Sun, 11AM-4PM
• More info

Little Professor | Birmingham

Looking for a more upscale vibe with exclusive membership deals and author appearances? Little Professor has two locations in the Bham metro area for you to get your bookworm on.

• Addresses
  • 2738 18th St S, Homewood, AL 35209
  • 2807 2nd Ave S Suite B, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Hours
  • Homewood: Mon-Sat, 8AM-6PM | Sun, 10AM-5PM
  • Pepper Place: Tues-Thurs, 9AM-5PM | Fri, 8-5PM | Sat, 8AM-4PM | Closed Sun. + Mon.
• More info

The Haunted Book Shop | Mobile

The Haunted Book Shop might just be one of my favorite bookstores ever. Between the shop cat, the priceless book recommendations and fantastic community events—there’s always a reason to hit the stacks.

• Address: 9 S Joachim St, Mobile, AL 36602
• Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs + Sun, 11AM-6PM | Fri + Sat, 11AM-8PM | Closed Weds.
• More info

Well Red | Auburn

Every good college-adjacent bookshop will serve coffee, too—and that’s just what our friends at Well Red serve up. The bright, cozy space with tons of seating is perfect for a study sesh or grabbing your next favorite book.

• Address: 223 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830
• Hours: Mon-Thurs, 7AM-9PM | Fri, 7AM-10PM | Sat, 8AM-10PM | Sun, 9AM-2PM
• More info

Which Alabama bookstore is your fave? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. BONUS: Subscribe to our FREE newsletter + we’ll bring more like this to your inbox.