Very very cool bookstore a few blocks from the hotel we stayed at during our day in Knoxville. It's not a huge space but I found some really amazing stuff here, including some signed books by authors they've recently had in store, and some really talented local writers I hadn't previously been aware of, a few gift-y things like art prints, journals, stationary, etc, and more. Support indie bookstores! You'll find tons of curated treasures by fellow book lovers and locals! read more

Great selection of books for sale! I specifically love the Locals Section in the back of the store. I've been trying to get my book - a "real estate murder mystery" in there for a year - goals! The staff members are always pleasant and it's a wonderful location - an easy walk from Market Square next to one of the finest restaurants in the South - JC Holdway. read more

I love a good independent bookstore and really enjoy visiting them in other cities. They often have great souvenirs and stickers, which Union Ave Books did. I didn't end up buying anything but I did spend some time browsing - I really appreciated their Pride month display at the front of the store. They seem to be inclusive and welcoming, which is nice to see. While the space is not super huge, it was full of great books, gifts, and plenty to look at. I heard some friendly employees helping customers and I'm sure they would be willing to special order books if they don't have what you're looking for. I'm a huge supporter of local bookstores and Knoxville is lucky to have this gem. read more

Union Ave Books - Union Ave Books - Bookstores Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Once I knew I was going to have a half day in Knoxville while traveling, the first thing I did was research indie bookstores in the area - and I'm so glad I stumbled upon Union Ave. Books! This quaint store has a small selection - but it is so diverse. It really felt like it had a variety of authors and genres represented. I would have happily browsed for hours. Beyond books, they also stock quite a few gift items - totes, stickers, mugs, etc. They were also so cute and, if I had more room in my suitcase, I definitely would have grabbed more. Also, the staff were pleasant and helpful, and they had a great playlist going! read more

Union Ave Books - Bookstores Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I love a good indie bookstore! This spot is perfect, right next to Mahalo Coffee. Grab a book, a puzzle, or another goodie from Union and settle in for a caffeine rush next door. There are well-stocked and well-labeled sections and shelves with every book imaginable and helpful staff ready to swoop in and assist. Non-book items sprinkled throughout, like stuffed animals, games, stickers, t-shirts, Dolly Parton items, local memorabilia and souvenirs, mugs, bookmarks galore, etc. This would be a great spot to snag a personalized gift or to treat yo self. Can't wait to come back soon. read more

See all

Interesting collection of new books. The owner was very knowledgeable about the books she sold and valued feedback from customers.

Every time I come to Knoxville (which isn't often, but maybe once every year or two), I make sure to pay a visit to Union Ave Books. I can't resist a local independent bookstore, and I like that they have lots of other cute things besides just books (think postcards, magnets, socks, puzzles, bags, etc.). Not only is it fun to peruse, but I also had a great experience with them from afar. When my father was in the hospital last year, I wanted to create a care package for him, but he lives in Tennessee and I live in Germany. So, I messaged with Union Ave Books on Instagram and they sent me pictures of various things in the store and gave me recommendations of things based on my dad's interests. Through our back and forth, we were able to create a package that included a book, some socks, and figurine, and a stuffed animal. I called them up to give payment information, and my sister-in-law picked it up in person a couple hours later and brought it to my dad. How cool! Anyway, if you're in downtown Knoxville and looking for a great gift or a new book, check this place out! read more

I came to Union Ave on a quick weekend trip to Knoxville. It was a Saturday and the store was lively. The bookshop is pretty spacious and has two large, adjoining spaces. The main space is filled with books on several different topics. The other space houses some of their specialty and knick knack type items - candles, socks, puzzles, cards, calendars, etc. I ended up getting some artist playing cards, oracle cards, and a cute pair of socks for about $50 total. It's downtown so your best bet for parking is a parking garage. We ended up in a lot that was pretty close and it was free on the weekend but also packed which was to be expected. It's definitely worth a visit, and I'd come back if I'm in the area again. read more

See all

One thing about me is that I'm ALWAYS going to find a bookstore when venturing around a new area. Think of me as a book blood hound if you will...I really enjoyed the layout and wide selection of this bookstore. They had pretty much every genre available and even had a rather large kid's section. Not only do they have books, but they had so many cute things like mugs, tote bags, stationary supplies. Honestly, it was like the perfect little bookish escape from the heat. The staff seemed friendly enough, but I honestly just wandered around and didn't interact much with them besides when checking out. If I'm ever in the Knoxville area again, I'll definitely be stopping by. read more

Horrible experience, they would not let my daughter return a book light that she had just bought. It was cheaply made and was expensive, we didn't realize the kind of battery's it came with have a short lifespan (22 hours). The girls behind the counter were unexperienced and didn't know how to handle the conversation with the return. They denied us the return. Definitely would not spend my money there. read more

Union Ave Books - Bookstores Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I love Union Ave books! Everyone is so nice, they can order any books that they don't carry in the store, and you can bring your dog inside!

I always prefer to visit a local bookstore when traveling and Union Ave did not disappoint! Nice selection of Tennessee history books.

In this day and age, it's getting rarer and rarer to have a quality, local bookstore. We're very fortunate to have a mainstay right in the heart of downtown. Union Ave Books has been around for a while, and I love that they seem to be thriving. They even expanded recently. Their selections are vast, all things considered, and heavily curated. I love, love, love that aspect of it. I loved going to bookstores and record shops, having recommendations from the staff. It's great that they are continuing that much needed tradition. Possibly one of the best aspects of having a local bookshop is all the events they throw. Book releases, signings, talks. It's great that they're keeping the community active, instead of just being a retail outlet. read more

Union Ave Books - Love the custom signage out front! - Bookstores Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Wide selection of books in a cozy location neighboring a coffee shop. They have well marked sections for different genres.

Stumbled on the most fabulous bookstore in Knoxville - it occupied two storefronts and was so well laid out. Tall bookshelves displayed all the genres with the cutest gifts too. All book lovers definitely need to stop when they're in town. read more

Union Ave Books - Bookstores Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

See all

Ok selection of interesting material, but curated from an NPR sensibility. Don't expect to see a wide range of topics or perspectives, sadly. Staff was friendly, though. read more

Okay, so I'm biased. I love books. I love bookstores. I especially love local, independent bookstores. We decided to spend a few hours in Knoxville on our way back to Nashville from the Smokies, and we just happened upon Union Ave Books as we were wandering towards Market Square. And I fell in love. Me in a bookstore = kid in a candy store. I walked into Union Ave, and I wanted everything! "I want that! I want that! Oh, I just heard an NPR review about that one! Oh - I just read that, it was great!" You get the picture. The staff were really nice. The shop is small, charming, well laid out. And I wanted EVERYTHING. I would so be a regular here if I lived in Knoxville! read more

See all

This is a wonderfully charming independent book shop that ended up having more of the books I was looking for than Barnes and Noble. Book prices are definitely reasonable, and there is a wonderful bookshelf when you come in that displays each of the employee's top book picks if you're not quite sure what you want to read. The employees were also all very welcoming and helpful and super willing to give you a good book recommendation if you ask. Most books they don't have they can order for you and have them shipped quickly. There are also a lot of fun book lover trinkets/gifts all over the store. Overall, I loved the entire atmosphere of the shop and there are plenty of local coffee shops to take your purchases to and enjoy over a good latte or with a snack. I will definitely be frequenting this shop again in the very, very near future. read more

Bright modern bookshop with many unusual current titles. Notable absence of cozy chairs to linger, but that may be to make sure there is plenty of room for the herds or strollers that descend to take over the children's book section on the weekends. Very on trend titles that are not afraid to drop the F bomb or promote current hot button political and societal issues read more

See all

Love this book store! Has a great local vibe for sure. The kids corner is amazing and not only has awesome books (and most popular for children) but also great gifts for all ages. The staff is super helpful and a wealth of knowledge if you just need a good read. read more

Union Ave Books - Bookstores Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

See all

My all time favorite place to go to find a new book to read! The atmosphere is very welcoming and cozy. They're super helpful ordering books for me if they don't have what I want, they're very supportive of local authors and art, and even give a small discount for book clubs! Please support our local book store, it's so beautiful that we have it! :) read more

Stumbled upon this place my very first night in Knoxville by accident. I have mentioned before but there are two places that I love checking out when I first get into a new city and it is their 1) local coffee shops and 2) independent book stores. I ended up coming in here several times because I loved perusing. I bought several gifts for a book exchange here and then ended up getting my copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, as well. I loved the amount of knick-knacks they had that people tend to love as presents. I shared the website with my book club when I got back to Georgia and let them know it was worth the stop in when they were in Knoxville. read more

I love this store. Such a wonderful little gem in Downtown Knoxville! The staff is helpful and friendly. There is a good selection of books. The facility has recently been enlarged making additional space available for book clubs and other events. It is a great space! read more

This is my favorite book store. You will always wind up buying a book before you leave. So much better finding a book that fits you here than going to places like books a million where you can easily get lost and give up. read more

This is exactly what makes one miss real books and real book stores. A perfect store front that entices you with lovely, colorful books- for all ages. A well curated collection of much more than the current best sellers. I found the layout attractive and it encourages browsing. I found gifts for myself and others, and I truly hope Union Ave will stick around. Downtown Knoxville needs more than just clothing shops, bars and restaurants! read more

In my effort to shop local I have been passively browsing at Union Avenue Books for months. They have a decent collection of best sellers, classics, and niche/local books. I went in looking for "Sarah's Key", but they had recently sold out,. So, I reserved a copy. Both cashiers read the book and were very knowledgeable. I ended up buying another book while I was inside. You may not be able to just pop in and buy the book you need on a whim, but you will probably find something else you like while inside. They also have a great mailing list with upcoming events, deals, and author signings. This place takes lightly used books as well. read more

I really, really want to support local, independent bookshops, and this is, to the best of my knowledge, the only one selling mostly new books. The salesfolks are very nice and helpful, but the owners seem a bit indifferent to input from customers; they seem to feel they can do things as they please, and, of course, they're right. One complaint is that I cannot, as I just attempted to do, call them and ask if they have a book in stock. Their phone is set up not to accept calls from phones with private numbers. That, too, is their choice; I then called Barnes and Noble who DOES have the book I was seeking. read more

We visited this store today and I feel bad just giving three stars, but I'm comparing it to the humongous number of other bookstores I've visited. There's a pretty good selection of regional books and children's books, but otherwise I felt it was just "o.k." read more

I was so excited when a small independent bookstore opened downtown. I have gone into the store to browse several times and not once has anyone acknowledged my presence, smiled or bother to say hello. Today, I took a friend in just to show him the store for future reference, as I had to be back at work in a matter of minutes. Once again, unresponsive clerks -- who seemed to find it quite amusing as I gave him the quick little tour of a quaint little store - only to snicker as we walked out. News Flash -- people go to small independently owned bookstores because they want to support the local community, they want their neighborhoods to have some character and charm. Perhaps the people that work here could benefit in some customer service training -- in the meantime, I think I will just shop at Amazon. I can always find what I need (even those oh, so hard to find books) without a pretentious attitude and my mailman delivers them with a smile! read more

I first came into this bookstore looking for a gift for my sister and have since come back regularly. They are small yet use their space well, keeping the place from feeling cramped. The building as well as the staff give the place a calm, charming, and welcoming feel. They have an eye catching selection of books (and a few trinkets too) but will order a book for you, should you need something not in stock. I am a part of a book club and come by once a month at least to order my next read for the group. This place truly encapsulates why people love local businesses. read more

I love this little bookstore. I love that you can walk around downtown and pop into a bookstore. If you are used to shopping at a big box bookstore, undoubtedly, Union Ave Books is relatively small. But what this shop lacks in space, they make up for in personality, quality, and service. I defy you to find a bookstore in Knoxville where the staff is as friendly and knowledgeable. Having a small inventory does mean that you may not find the book that you are looking for on the shelf, but the staff is happy to order it for you. I know, I know. You can do that from Amazon. But 'shop local', friends! Union Ave Books also offers a great selection of used books. Pop in! I guarantee you'll find something you won't be able to put down! read more

Visiting from MI; what a nice independent bookstore. Yes, small, but good selection of books and gifts. Cute "greeter dog." The only downside was feeling like an annoyance, as a customer, to the employees. One woman was chunking boxes around the store- it is a small footprint- she would not move out of the way to let me pass, although she could obviously see me standing there. No one greeted, no one asked if I needed anything. One expects more from such a small store filled with at least three people working. read more

Great local bookstore. I like keeping my dollars local and this place has everything you need. This is an incarnation of Carpe Librum. The have a nice stock and keep all the new releases and best sellers pretty well in stock. If they don't have the exact book you're looking for they'll gladly order it. They have random book readings, gatherings, and events throughout the week to keep things fresh. The location just adds to its charm. read more

I always forget about this place until I see it. They are a small with several surprising titles. There's always someone there to help you or ask you. The people are very friendly! I like coming here in case I can't find a book I want at Target or because I'm trying to support a local store. read more

Quiet little local bookstore. Helpful and pleasant staff and a fairly decent collection of both popular and indie/unique books to choose from. I was disappointed that the used section wasn't very large or varied, but I still left happy with my purchase. read more

Union Ave. Books is just what I'm looking for in a bookstore--great selection, pleasant atmosphere for browsing & helpful staff. I know they do book signings and those kind of events, too. Great location downtown just around the corner from easy parking. read more