It looks like a nice store but it is very overwhelming…read more I left quickly after entering due to how overwhelming it was. Books stacked over your head with only minor order to them. A general genre sorting, but it is not always right.

Trade A Book is Charleston's oldest bookstore. As of 2025 Beverley has been in business for 36…read moreyears. Her first store under the same name was located in Summerville on Trolly Rd which she later sold. (That new owner has since moved the location and kept the same name though they are not affiliated.) Trade A Book is a used bookstore where readers are able to bring in their books in exchange for store credit. There is a limit of 25 books per person per day that can be brought in. (Please don't be one of those that tries to sneak more in.) You May find new books on the shelves when someone trades them in but TAB does not order stock of new releases. What books should you expect to find? A little bit of everything. - general fiction - fantasy / sci fi - Upper YA - Lower YA - Children's books (grade school as well as picture books for the little kiddos) - Historical fiction - Classics - Romance (historical, contemporary, fantasy) - Mystery/ thriller - Horror - Religious / Christian - non fiction (this space is very small and limited) - Westerns - Local authors - and much more!! At this time operating hours are Thurs-Fri 11-4P. It is best to call the store ahead of time to confirm they are open as Beverley runs the store by herself and can take leave while she assists with family care. Beverly is one of the nicest store owners and is super knowledgeable about the books on her shelves. Readers are always welcome to request temporary holds if something comes in. There is a special charm to this place that you won't find anywhere else in the Charleston area. 10/10 recommend visiting yourself. There is a coffee shoonnex

I'm here on a pretty regular basis with my kids, they like to read. Staff is always super friendly…read morehere. The selection is great if you want the current hot books, but much like B&N they have chosen the route of filling much of the available space with collectibles related to books rather than more books, and their selection isn't that great for things which are less popular. Which is fine I guess, but when I come here with my kids and they are wanting to explore something new, it would be nice if they had, say, the biography that my son was looking for rather than a zillion Funko Pops. All the same I recognize that a traditional bookstore is a tough play and has been so for nearly 20 years. J.Ja

Books-A-Million has changed quite a bit since the last time I visited, which was several years ago…read more Their sections definitely cater to a different crowd now, with more emphasis on BookTok and manga. The store is clean and organized, although I do question some of the arrangement. For example, the self-improvement section and true crime share the same aisle... Anywho, still a great bookstore, although I personally prefer Barnes and Noble for a slightly classier feel. I couldn't comment on the service and the price, since we were window shopping.

We popped into Blue Bicycle Books while exploring Charleston last Sunday, and it was charming! The…read morestore isn't large and a bulk of the store is contained within a hallway (so you'll be saying excuse me to a few people as you browse - it's impossible not to get in someone's way), but it has a very good selection of used books, good service, and a little seating where you can sit and read a bit of your maybe purchases. (They also have some rare books - like a signed Vonnegut for $2k!) It's a charming used bookstore, work checking out if you're exploring Charleston!

I went to this bookstore on a recommendation from a friend and my experience could've been much…read morebetter. Like other reviewers have mentioned, I was not greeted upon entering. While that wouldn't necessarily affect my overall experience, the fact that the staff never stopped to ask me (or any of the other browsing patrons) if we needed help with anything was disappointing. The selection of items was okay, though books marked as "new" that had clear damage to them (most likely done in shipping, such as bent corners, red marks on the tops of paperbacks, etc) were still marked at resale value. I understand local bookstores need all the support they can get, and while I didn't end up purchasing a book, I did buy one of their heavy duty canvas totes. I didn't look at the price of the used titles except for a copy of Gone with the Wind, so I can't attest to how those prices are in conjunction with other used book stores. Would I go back? Yes, and hopefully the visit will be better. I would also like to see more diverse fiction titles as well.

I went into Barnes and Noble today to return a book. Per the Barnes &. Noble website - returns…read morewithout a receipt will receive a store credit in the form of electronic gift card. It also states items purchased at a Barnes & Noble store must be returned to a Barnes & Noble store, but you are not required to return it to the same Barnes & Noble store where the purchase was originally made..... well this Barnes & Nobles refused to give me a store credit because it wasn't purchase at this store. They do not stand behind their own policies! So save your receipt and maybe they will give you a refund but possibly not since they do not honor their polices!

Books and coffee. Can you think of a better combination? I have always loved Barnes and Noble. I…read morelove looking through the books to find the perfect late-night read. The staff is usually very helpful and nice. I enjoy browsing in a bookstore while I am still able to:)

Buxton Books on King Street is everything you want in an independent bookstore and more. From the…read moremoment you walk in, it's clear this place is thoughtfully curated and deeply rooted in the Charleston community. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely friendly--the kind of booksellers who actually listen to what you like and then point you to something you end up loving. Their recommendations are spot-on, whether you're looking for a well-reviewed new release, a literary classic, or something a little off the beaten path. The selection is excellent, with a standout focus on local authors and Southern voices. It's one of the best places in town to discover Lowcountry history, regional fiction, and signed copies you won't easily find elsewhere. You can tell real care goes into what makes it onto the shelves. What really elevates Buxton Books is their community involvement. They regularly host author events, readings, and conversations that make the store feel like a true cultural hub rather than just a retail space. If you're a reader--or even just book-curious--Buxton Books is absolutely worth a visit. A Charleston treasure and a reminder of how special a great independent bookstore can be.

Lovely indie bookshop on King Street!…read more Cozy, welcoming, nice staff, clean, well organized, great book selection, some are signed by the author, I could spend hours and hours in here. I didn't have lots of time, but my visit was enjoyable, although short. They were holding a Literary Festival in Charleston and Buxton Books was part of it! One of the best bookstores in town!

I LOVE this little bookstore! They always have updated copies of the newest books but also the…read moreclassics. Everything from smut to the Bible can be found here. The shop workers are always so friendly and they have a nice rewards program. Book clubs also happen here although I've never been to one. Give this place a browse

A small book store in the heart of down town Summerville. Clean and well kept with a few cozy…read morechairs to sit in. They didn't have many professional books or books that you might need for career development but there was a decent selection of other types of both non fiction and fiction. This location does not offer book consignment or book trade.

What a marvelous little bookstore! Exudes the love of reading culture in every corner!…read more Now this is a small bookstore with mostly newer releases but very well curated and the staff is very personable and are engaging in lovely literary conversations the whole time you are there. Ample kids books and basic collection of classics. They also have coffee and tea as well as it looks like book club programming. I left feeling very good!

I went straight in and asked for local fiction. She directed me right to the spot and I asked for…read moreher favorites and she gave them to me. I am through chapter one of her recommendation and it is perfect! A cute little local bookstore!

Thanks to Yelp, I found this super cute hole-in-the-wall book store! At first look it doesn't look…read morelike much, but don't let that fool you. This is the perfect spot for any major bookworm like myself to offer up trades and revive a decent store credit. Majority of their books are between $3-$5. They have a decent selection and lots of collections/sets available. The book tender is super helpful and a writer herself, how cool right? One thing I thought was pretty neat is they put out a monthly newsletter, full of the up and coming books, daily sales, prayer chains, local and community news! It reminded me of the College Daily News I used to check for each month, but set for all the book savvy readers. They also have an AMAZING sale on Wednesday's and Sundays, all books $5 and under for $1, score! I personably found three Jodi Picoult hardback books for roughly $9, all in excellent condition. They also have little nick knacks and random items available for sale (jewelry, bookmarks, etc.) My son was with me and of course he found four trucks that he wouldn't put down, but for .50 a truck, I couldn't pass them up! He's been playing with them non-stop for the past few hours, best $2 I spent in a long time, haha! For roughly $11 I have things to occupy myself and my son, win/win in my book!

Will I ever go E-book? Perhaps, but not for the foreseeable future. My many titles are a big part…read moreof my home, they give more soul than it already has, a source of conversation and comfort. Three hardcovers from the outside Sale Table for a dollar is not to be passed upon. Learning or enjoying from some words, costing just a few cents is music to my ears. Gradually graduating from hinged arm to basket, to box to cart, I had my fill --- for the day. And to think, I was that close to driving by and missing the posted sign reading BOOK SALE, clearly the reading gods were on my side once again. Now at the checkout desk, I spoke with the owner just for a few moments. The woman before me allowed me past, I believe she was asking for credit -- credit for books, immediately making me both happy and sad. I wanted so much to give her money but thought better of it for the possible embarrassment aspect. This store is a special place, a return to the good and simple things in life that I hold dear. Rows of books, writing implements, candles and a peaceful easy feeling you can not get just anywhere.