Really impressed with this bookstore. They have everything! They have a coffee shop inside. There is section that is dedicated to used books. Lots of toys for children as well. Plenty of new books and a lot of unique ones that you would not find at a Barnes and Noble or similar bookstore! I was unable to leave empty handed after a visit to Givens Books. read more

See all

Really love this book store. They have a huge selection of both used and new books, and they have a cafe coming soon. There's also a section with gifts, and a toy section for kids. The entire store is nicely decorated, including down to the book shelf labels. Everything is also well organized. It's clear that a lot of time and effort has gone into making this store a book lover's dream come true. read more

This place is a wonderland! It's bigger than it looks, so you walk into the new books and toys section, but then it just keeps going and going and going... I loved the variety of brand-new books or used books or rare books or discounted sections. It felt like there was something for everyone. And the staff was so helpful and friendly. I've worked in bookstores before, and this one is a treasure. read more

Awesome store awesome staff. Definitely worth stopping in even if it's just for a coffee.

What a wonderful find! We were visiting the area to see Jefferson's Poplar Forest, and just happened to discover that there was an independent bookstore nearby. The selection of new and used books as well as toys was excellent. The service was friendly and speedy. We wound up going back again just to enjoy the cafe. read more

What a charming place! The exterior is like a cross between an 1800s London storefront and a circus tent, and the interior is quiet, relaxing, welcoming, well-organized, well-lit, and well-staffed. I absolutely wanted to just move in here. The interior decor is eclectic but beautiful- a medieval section, an Alice in Wonderland section, and in the back a typical used books mélange. There's even a sweet little cafe! And they sell educational toys as well as gifts and collectibles. I ended up chatting with an employee about the book club (which sounds ideal, honestly) and the entire vibe of the place. I've known and loved many book stores in my life, but this is the first that felt like I could spend a full day in here, happily. I could also buy half the store, if I had the money (and I wish I did!). I'll be coming back as many times as I can, even though I have no more space for books. read more

Givens Books is a true gem. They have EVERYTHING you could imagine wanting from a bookstore - new books, used books (including many out of print and vintage books), inexpensive clearance sections, beautiful notebooks, planners, calendars, and stationary. There is a very nice coffee shop inside, as well as a teacher/school supply store and a marvelous toy section. You have to go! read more

See all

If this place ever closes I will cry! It is the coolest mix of a place for kids and adults in the area.

If you have small children this bookstore is not for you. Toys are wayyy overpriced and kids aren't allowed to play or touch them. We were kicked out for lightly playing with stuffed animals. My toddler was quiet and not stepping on them at all. Just lining them up on the ground. The employee came over scolding us on $100 stuffed animals arent to be touched and instantly made my son cry. No apology just attitude. I wish i could say this was my only bad encounter. Its a shame employees can make an otherwise great local store into a hostile place for children. Stop selling toys and just be a bookstore? Ive worked retail and understand stressful days but its not hard to be professional and offer good customer service. Not going there anymore unfortunately. read more

Honestly, this place is my idea of heaven. Truly. Walking in, you immediately get the feel of an old-school bookstore, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Staff recommendations that aren't influenced by a corporate sponsorship, and book ends filled with options I'm actually interested in. There's also a used-book section, which is fantastic. A small but sufficient cafe and coffee area and a toy shop area make this the perfect place to stop in when you're looking for gifts of any kind. Lots of unique options as well as the trendy and popular toys. There's also a good amount of space if you want to just sit down and read. I think I could live here contentedly for quite a while. I don't live in the area, but every time I visit, this is one place on my must list! read more

The toy store: so fun. They carry every kind of ridiculous toy you can think of. There are lots of "educational" items that are actually super cool too. There are also lots of teacher/classroom items to choose from, like giant popsicles to put up on a wall. I guess you don't really need to limit that to a classroom, though! The new books: great selection. Most everything is retail priced, so you may find better deals online, but they do carry a nice selection to check out. The used books: SO AWESOME. The used book section is my favorite thing about this place. There are tons and tons and tons to choose from, from any category. I've been by here twice recently, and still have not had time to actually get upstairs to check out all THOSE used books, because I always get stuck and spend all my time downstairs! Drowsy Poet: As expected, delicious coffee and yummy sandwiches at reasonable prices. Love it! read more

We really liked this book store! They have an awesome selection of both used and new books, and an amazing amount of leather bound and classic books. A whole wall of first edition types! We don't have our own kids but there's a large selection for them and a small place to play outside. We were also amazed at the number of Home school and educational books. It was a beautiful find while we were in town. The used books were all very reasonably priced, and the new ones were certainly comparable to other stores. The staff were quite nice as well, we had a good conversation at checkout. All and all it was a wonderful place and we wish we lived nearby so we could go back! read more

Great family book and gift store. Coffee shop lends itself to the dad's while waiting for the others to finish shopping. Good experience, would stop again. read more

One of my favorite shops in the 'Burg. Staff is always friendly, but never pushy. Any time I've needed something or had a question, they immediately drop what they were doing to help me. There's a great variety books for any reader. Their antique section is a must see! My best friend even found a limited edition Harry Potter classic. read more

My favorite place to buy birthday & Christmas presents--crafts, toys, & games--for kids! Unlike the non-existent sales staff at large bookstore chains, there is ALWAYS staff waiting and willing to help you. (Danny is the best!) It is like having a personal shopping assistant if I want one. I say, "I need a $15 gift for a __-year-old boy" and someone leads me to several options, giving me feedback from national reviewers & educators. They WRAP IT FOR FREE (and I don't have to wait 20 mins. for someone to be paged to do it), and they give a 3% credit to my children's school! So easy. So fast. Then I get to buy something delicious at Drowsy Poet for myself while I flip through a book or two. AND, thank you to Given's for having offered inexpensive, used books for over 20 years. I have wonderful childhood memories of visiting for hours with my mom to sell a big box of books and then fill it up again with purchases. Mrs. Givens would chat & recommend novels to my mom while I started on my next Nancy Drew in the corner. You can still get great recommendations from the staff who are obviously hired because they love books and reading too! read more

What a fabulous local book and toy store. Super spot. When I'm in town visiting my parents, I stop in.

Nice bookstore with a good selection of used books. I liked coming here just to see what had come in. Their new books were kind of expensive, but overall a great shop. read more

Excellent toy store with an incredible, hand-selected array of toys and gifts. The staff know their products and can make great recommendations. The toy selection includes products like Magna-tiles, plus-plus, playmobil, bruder, games by Peaceable Kingdom, and so much more. read more

Even though it is tempting to head off to Barnes and Noble, I would prefer to patronize an independent book store. This is a family business with a great love of creative (and yes, pricey) toys of all kinds. There is a large section devoted to educational materials for teachers, homeschoolers and those who want to supplement their children's education. Friendly service and Drowsy Poet in the back! Great place to hang out with friends or spouse and enjoy coffee and a relaxed atmosphere without the college crowd that you find at B & N. read more