I really loved their selection of things. It seemed pretty organized. They take the time to give labeled employee recommendations. I loved that. Service was good & there if you needed it but they let you browse in peace. I appreciated that. I got a few books & happy I decided to stop in. They seemed to have normal price ranges. read more

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Love a indie bookstore!!! They have a STACKED election of books, and can order something if they don't have it readily available. They host multiple books clubs and are always having author chats. Couldn't recommend this place enough. read more

What a fantastic indie bookstore! I'm so glad my friend group made a point to stop here while we were in town for a long weekend. They have a great selection of books - from different genres, to local authors and stories, to nonfiction works - and fun shirts, bags and other trinkets you'd find at a bookstore. Also...look at those blind dates with a book? Those covers are stunning and whoever's handwriting that is? Stunning. read more

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We stopped in this fun bookstore and spent a while in there! It's super cute and they have a lot of other things - not just books! I could have spent a few hours poking around in there, but unfortunately, I didn't have the time to do so. I'd love to go back sometime! read more

Carmichael's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Small local bookshops are my favorite spots to check out when traveling and Carmichael's was such treat. Wide selection of hardback, soft covers, and gifts. read more

Carmichael's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Vast and well varied. Carmichael's saves the American bookstore. Engaging topics, Browser friendly. read more

Carmichael's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

What a charming locally owned bookstore. Carmichael's was located across the street from my hotel and naturally as a reader I had to stumble in. Walking in were shelves on shelves of books organized by genre, they had a fun staff recs section too. Going further into the store there's a back room with tons of fun gifts and knick knacks. I also grabbed a Louisville tote bag that was designed and maxed locally which was so fun! From rom com novels, to history and trinkets. Carmichael's had it all in one shop! I highly recommend stopping by to look around, you'll never know what you may find! read more

Carmichael's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Fabulous book store! Cute little nooks, tall shelves, and a whole room of beautiful gift items. Friendly staff ready to talk about their favorite books. Loved stopping by on our visit to Louisville! read more

Love private bookstores. This is really a great place to browse as they have so many choices. The staff was helpful as I always like to find books from local authors when I travel. They found me two along w a Stephen king book I had been looking for a while. Super friendly and I really like the way the inside looks and is set up. Great place!!!! read more

Carmichael's Bookstore - Great place - Bookstores Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Best local bookstore ever! Love this place :) Staff were amazing and extremely professional, and the vibes were great. I'd definitely recommend coming here to buy books. A hundred percent worth my money. read more

If I had a bookstore, I'd set it up exactly like this. Beautiful store, amazing selection, perfect ambiance.

Very cool bookstore in a very cool location with very cool looking people. I rolled in on a Monday afternoon, the first hot spring day south of the Mason-Dixon Line. I was in town for the day and found this place on Yelp. Had some time to kill so I hopped on in. Love to patron a local independent bookstore. The fiction selection was quite impressive. The nonfiction was less impressive. From the street I believed the place to be a bit bigger. The novel I wanted to purchase was reasonably priced. Got some Knick knack souvenirs and they were also reasonably priced. Service was friendly and offered with a smile. Street parking. read more

In the growing days of corporations I try my best to go out of my way and support local businesses. It isn't always applicable, but that's why I love Carmichael's. I've shopped in person & online from them and love the ease of it. In person has the cozy small local bookshop vibes. It sports all your usual genre sections but also boasts plenty of reading related goodies. On my most recent trip they had candles, some labeled after books or authors. In addition to the goodies for us readers there is lots of paper products (paper? In a book store? Unthinkable, I know) including post cards, cards, journals, stationary, etc. I've brought a few out of town friends here and even if they don't like reading they're usually able to find a magnet or enjoy looking around. Online- online ordering is quiet simple, your standard of adding to cart, checking out etc. The thing I enjoyed was the email updates along the way. I had ordered a much smaller indie book and Carmichaels let me know how long their estimate was and kept me updated along the way. Overall- love Carmichaels and love how they interact with the community. Will continue coming & bringing friends. read more

Carmichael's Bookstore - Exterior- side - Bookstores Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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This is a gem of a bookstore. Small but so well curated that I easily found two books, one I was searching for and another just browsing. Lots of staff recommendations on the shelves, and service was very friendly. The science fiction and fantasy section was a standout. read more

I absolutely love books and even more so, being surrounded by timeless treasures of stories old and new. In my previous adventures along Bardstown Road there was a particular bookstore that always caught my eye and on this day I decided to stop by and check out Louisville's oldest independent bookstore not only our of curiosity, but just to see what books may find their way into my own collection. Carmichael's Bookstore does a great job of making sure it's customers are safe an socially distanced during the pandemic by only limiting 10 customers at a time as well as ensuring all employees and customers are wearing a mask. Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by the staff and to my delight, found more books than I had hoped for, which is not at all a bad thing. Culture plays a significant role here at Carmichael's and you'll find every book and story that will tickle your fancy. I immediately spotted a little shelf that invited me to "go on a blind date with a book" of which the books were wrapped in brown paper with a genre as well as what to expect from the mystery book within. I made a purchase of a book featuring transgender and non-binary heroes as it was written on this paper featuring science fiction short stories of which I found very exciting and intriguing. Carmichael's Bookstore does an excellent job of making everything very easy to find as well as being in a very proper order, so you shouldn't have too hard of a time finding that next adventure or reading about an important figure in history. Off to the right side of their shop is a section with cookbooks, thank you notes and notecards all tucked away with various other literature items of all different varieties. Carmichael's Bookstore is one bookstore in Louisville that I absolutely recommend any Bibliophile checks out whether you're a local or just happen to be passing through and one that I most certainly will be coming back to again and again. read more

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So happy we stopped into this bookstore! Great mix of popular and lesser known titles. Fun horror section that isn't just a wall of Stephen King! Highly recommend stopping in. read more

This shop was the highlight of our trip to Louisville, a small local bookstore with such a wide selection that took the cake. The staff was friendly and welcoming, giving great recommendations for books, surprise grab bags for the book lover that can't pick, queer books galore we could have stayed for hours. If you are in Louisville take the time and check this place out, it won't disappoint read more

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Cute & ideal local bookshop. The kind of small business every neighborhood should be lucky to have. Great selection of books and even a fun "blind date with a book" mystery book shelf where the books are wrapped up with a loosely detailed description of what type of read you'd be enjoying. Very fun and innovative. read more

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Like far too many people, I am guilty of often opting for convenience when I buy a book. But we really shouldn't do that, because places like this are a dying breed. I love the store, and I always discover some book that I never knew who even existed on its wonderful shelves. Long live the independent bookstore! read more

Cute and cozy bookstore with nice selection and variety of genres. Will always support independent bookstores so the two times I've stopped by have always left with a book! Service was fine, the space is a bit on the smaller side and would benefit from a coffee shop and reading spots (in my opinion) so not a full 5 stars. read more

Cute little bookstore on bardstown road. They sell other fun novelty items, including Louisville souvenirs. Friendly staff. read more

Carmichael's Bookstore - Books - Bookstores Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Carmichael's is a hometown locally owned bookstore. There are several in Louisville, I usually end up in at least one when I'm passing through the city. The prices are usually list-price, though bestsellers and new releases have a percentage off and there are some discount/on sell items. Though you won't get a book as cheaply as you might on Amazon, you are supporting a much better company. Browsing here will likely expose you to books you'd never think to buy in the hunt and click world of online shopping as well, particularly since the staff recommendations (both listed and in conversation) are usually so detailed and intriguing. Brightly lit and friendly, a good place to support. read more

As a Louisvillian, I honestly don't know what took me so long to come to Carmichael's. I'm kind of a "once-in-a-while" reader, so I don't find myself in bookstores all the time. But I was in a curious mood while in the Highlands, so I finally decided to explore this little shop. So, just like everyone else says it is, Carmichael's is pretty great. Although small, they have a section for just about any kind of book you could want, and have a large selection to choose from. I wasn't really looking for anything in particular, but had a lot of fun seeing all of the cool and interesting books they had on their shelves. They also have fun gifts, as most book shops do. Puzzles, cards, T shirts, socks....Especially a lot of fun gifts pertaining to Kentucky! One of my favorite sections I found were their 'Kentucky' section; all kinds of books about our beautiful state, restaurant guides, trivia....you name it, they had it. If there is a book you have been wanting, I highly recommend to take the time to get it from Carmichael's. read more

Carmichael's Bookstore - This photo is made from the words out of the book! - Bookstores Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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I have been to Carmichael's many times and it is a great bookstore in the Louisville area. This holiday season I have used Carmichael's to get many gifts on my holiday list. I have shopped in store and online. I have found their website easy to use. They communicate when the order is processed and when it arrives in store. When I've gone to pick up my order the staff is helpful. I asked about a purchase I was still waiting on and they were able to update me on its progress. They do have street parking available gor customers. There is also a litttle parking lot available a little further down the street that is free. read more

Carmichael's Bookstore - Store front - Bookstores Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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It can be easy to slip into buying books online or buying e-books. But man oh man, the beauty of a bookstore comes flooding back when you actually go back into one and let your eyes wander from cover to cover, your hands picking up and leafing through books at random. That's the experience I recently had at Carmichael's. Instead book buying being a quick affair -- looking up the book in question and buying it in a matter of clicks -- you have to actually search for it, coming across dozens of other enticing books in the process. And Carmichael's knows how to make the most of the browsing, putting several books -- from bestsellers to local faves to classics -- on display, encouraging you to pick them up. On my most recent trip, I found a coffee table book of visual journalism. It was filled with interesting infographics and examples of visual storytelling. I'm sad that I would never have seen this book if I had just kept my book buying habits online. This bookshop is pretty small, but it's packed tight with so many great finds. It's also organized well so you can choose to find a book fast or spend more time looking if you're into a particular category. Some other reasons to love Carmichael's: * Staff members are bibliophiles who know books and this shop so well. At this bookshop, Carmichael's Kids nearby and the Carmichael's on Frankfort Avenue, employees are quick to offer suggestions when asked. And their recs have usually been spot on. They also know exactly where a book is in the store when asked. * Carmichael's hosts a book club at their Frankfort Avenue store, though the books are readily available to pick up at this location too. Another great reason to read! * Free gift wrapping! * They sell totes, bookmarks and other doodads that book lovers love. * Carmichael's is the place to go if you're looking for a book by a local author. Loving Louisville is a large part of their mission. * This shop is connected to a Heine Brothers Coffee. Grab a book or magazine, and go next door to enjoy it with a cup of java. Carmichael's is a Louisville institution -- one I hope is around for a very long time. read more

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What an awesome local independent bookstore! Went here with my college roommate to pick up the Sunday edition of the New York Times. It's such a large, beautifully curated bookstore and I loved all of their book related clothing. Picked up a cute "Bourbon and Books" t-shirt which I absolutely love. If you need to pick up a book, or a cute gift, I would head to Carmichael's Bookstore. read more

I gotta start out by saying that I'm an avid reader. I joke that I was "raised by books," but seriously, I spent collective weeks of my childhood getting lost in novels -- and all of my spare change went to Barnes & Noble, because in the small town of my youth, that was the place you went to Buy Books. If only we had had Carmichael's: The "cool record store" equivalent for the book world. You don't have to be a self-identified reader to enjoy this store; there's something for everyone, and the staff is always friendly. But, if you are a self-described book-nerd like some of us, welcome home. Carmichael's has it all -- and if they don't, they'll order it for you! I've placed a few orders at Carmichael's during COVID, and here's how it goes: 1) Go to their website and search for the book you want. 2) Pay for it, and select "Pickup" or "Delivery." 3) A real human will respond to your order, and a real human will deliver it to your doorstep (if you choose) within, like, a day. 4) Read your heart out. Seriously, it doesn't get much easier than that, and I haven't even mentioned the awesome book clubs and speaker events that they host in their various locations throughout Louisville. Carmichael's is like Powell's in Portland, before Powell's was cool to the rest of the world. Carmichael's is like Amazon, but they actually pay their employees and treat them like humans. Carmichael's is like Ear X-tacy, except they're keeping the written word alive. In the year of our Lord 2021, give your local bookstore some love. Start here. You won't regret it. read more

I've never actually been here, but now I can't wait to next time I'm in Louisville! I wanted to buy a book and see about getting it shipped just down the road to Elizabethtown, and the lady on the phone was able to help me and get me squared away really efficiently. I'm so happy I called, and I'm even more happy that I was able to give my business to an independent store, rather than a bigger corporation. Can't wait to patronize in person! read more

What a charming store! I can't believe I've never come across this store until now! Words can't accurately express how much I love reading. Thanks to the goodreads app, my to-read list is constantly growing. I found myself with a bit of time before dinner with a friend at The Eagle and decided to do a little browsing while waiting for her to arrive. This bookstore has a bit of everything. New releases, classic, comic books, young adult, stationary and more. While I love my Kindle, sometimes you just need the feel and smell of a book. After browsing for about 20 minutes, I (of course) walked out with a few books. The staff was friendly and quick, which I appreciate. I also liked that they actually walked you to whatever it was you were looking for instead of just pointing. The lady in front of me was looking for stationary and the gentleman working took the time to walk her to the selection and point out different offerings. I appreciate this level of service. I often shop at chain bookstores just because I often forget that there are other options. I will definitely be making more of an effort to shop here in the future. read more

Such a cute store! We came across this little gem while attending the Bardstown Rd Aglow event just before Christmas. If it's popular, retro, or trendy this shop probably has it! We found a book we struggled to find elsewhere and several trinkets we didn't know we needed. If you're in the area it's definitely worth a stop read more

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There are few things that give me as much pleasure as a charming, local, independent bookstore and Carmichael's is all of those! I have visited the Frankfort Rd location multiple times, but this was my first visit to the Highlands location and it didn't disappoint! The selection is very small, but they will order any book that you request. The staff are obvious bibliophiles and are super friendly and helpful. I could browse for hours through the books on display and packed tightly within the shelves. There are also plenty of other great items too, including puzzles, totes, book-themed socks and t-shirts, games and more. I continued to order books from them when in-store shopping was prohibited during the Covid pandemic quarantine, and they delivered my books to my home free of charge! They have now reopened, but are limiting the number of patrons in the store at a given time. The staff wear their masks and require that patrons wear masks too. I will always support local, independent bookstores rather than big-box bookstores, and Carmichael's is the place for me! read more

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As a bookworm, whenever I'm in the mood for a good read, I go to Carmichael's! Today I went into pick up a copy of Samantha Shannon's latest, A Day of Fallen Night, and was psyched to find out that they had signed copies available! If you want to get to know the heart and soul of Louisville, I recommend Carmichael's- it's the essence of this city distilled. read more

It's genuinely curious that I haven't written a review for Carmichael's until now. I figured this would have been one of the first Yelp reviews that I'd write. So the combo of Heine Brothers and Carmichael's is super tough to beat. Add to the fact that it's right next to Ramsi's and The Joy Luck, and right across the street from the Baxter Avenue Theatre... This little section of the Highlands can keep you entertained for an entire Friday night. Something to note about books - new books are expensive. So I do not hold that against Carmichael's. It is to be expected. It is a local bookstore. I'd rather buy a new book from Carmichael's than Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It is a smaller bookstore, so the selection isn't terribly large. I personally like to read spiritual interests and theology. For this, I have to go to another bookstore to get a larger selection and the specific authors that I like. And you'll find that is probably the case if you have a particular topic that you like to read. Carmichael's does have a neat selection of cards (birthday, etc.) that you won't find many other places. Kind of obscure, hipster type cards. I usually get one for my hipster friends. They always love them. Enjoy Carmichael's. read more

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There is no place I'd rather be than at the bookstore. I love Carmichael's because it is independent, has a Heine Brother's Coffee attached to it like a glorious barnacle, and the staff is helpful and snarky. I like supporting my local business and I love reading so it's a wonderful combination. They don't have a lot of the detritus that other bookstores have but I'd rather have literacy paraphernalia than have games and toys. They're also willing to order you books if they don't have the book in stock. I could go on and on about the dozens of times they've been super helpful but just know you won't find a better group of people or place to buy your books. read more

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So, first of all: Support your local independent bookstore! And if you're in Louisville, this is a fantastic option! We're on a cross-country road trip, stopped for food next door, and left town with a new book and a fun pair of socks. (Their gift section has lots of fun items as well!) On the larger side for an independent bookstore and really well curated. Plus: Super friendly staff! read more

I love the charm of Carmichael's Bookstore. They have been around a long time and have been successful in a market that is increasingly difficult to survive in. Carmichael's is a more artistic store, so you will see different things here than Barnes and Noble or Books A Million. That being said, not everyone will love this place. There is a noticeable political bias in the selection, which can be a turnoff if you're not expecting it. You must consider the location and the culture of the area to understand that. If you get past that, you can really enjoy this cute store. There are not many small, independent bookstores left, so I would really encourage people to patronize them as much as possible, even if that means paying just a little more for the same thing. read more

Called to order a book I saw featured on CBS Sunday Morning. I did think the hours were incorrect since it's Sunday and all. However, a very helpful associate helped me and answered all my questions. I ordered from here instead of Amazon since the price point ($60) made me want to go local. I also paid a better price here and got free shipping to Virginia. Support indie bookstores!!! read more

I make it a point to find and support local independent bookstores whenever I'm in a new city. I was in Louisville with a bibliophile friend of mine for a girls' weekend, and we decided to stop by both locations of Carmichael's. It's a charming, but very, very, very small, independent bookstore that had a decent selection (but is too small to have a great stock of books). If I lived in Louisville, I'm sure I'd be there all the time. I'm also sure I'd have to order books, because their selection on its own would need to be supplemented by direct orders. But a fun place to browse and shop. read more

Carmichael's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I love books. I love bookstores. And I've been known to drop hundreds of dollars on books at a time. So for me to walk into a bookstore ready to throw down my credit card and leave empty handed means that something has gone terribly wrong. So what is wrong with Carmichael's, a seemingly adorable local bookshop filled with the books that I would love to line my own bookshelves? Unfortunately, it's the staff. We've ventured in several times now (the last admittedly just to see if maybe this time would be different) and not a single staff person has acknowledged our presence, even when we were the only customers in the entire store. No "hello." No "Do you need any help today?" No "goodbye." And you guessed it, no "have a nice day." I have, however, learned a lot about the staff's personal lives and colorful word choices as they discuss plenty with each other behind the front counter. I'm honestly appalled by the horrible service here and will never return, which is a shame because I'd much rather spend my money at an independent seller than at a chain. But if I can get better prices and better service somewhere else, then I'd be stupid to further frustrate myself at Carmichael's. read more

Such a cute independent bookshop!! They have so many fun knick knacks, postcards, and books :) they are an independent bookstore so everything is a little pricey but they have a great selection. read more