This article will come as a joy to all the reading fanatics in Columbia. The top Columbia bookstores are combined in this article, making your search for a good bookstore a little easier.
Columbia, a city in South Carolina, also referred to as ‘Soda City,’ has many historical stories.
From Congaree National Park to many famous Universities and Colleges, Columbia is a truly happening South Carolina city.
Reading books for everyone is not the same. Some do it because they have to do it to complete assignments and projects, make presentations, and do much more work.
But many people enjoy reading books, get excited when their favorite author announces a new book, and get saddened that their favorite character died in the book. Anyhow, books play an important part in everyone’s life.
Even when the world is going digital, books will never lose their value and importance.
Some are contemporary literature fans, while others like to delve into a fictitious world when reading fictional books.
Every person has a different taste in books, and a perfect bookstore should have books following everyone’s taste.
Finding a perfect book can be tedious, but finding a perfect bookstore can be more difficult. This article will make it easier for Columbia people to find the best bookstore as per their preferences.
Top 8 bookstores in Columbia
Below is a list of the Top 8 Columbia bookstores that you can visit for your next reading venture.
1. The Book Dispensary
Established in 1975 and running for over forty years, The Book Dispensary is the oldestunning Columbia bookstore.
This bookstore in Columbia gives one of the best trading options for books; you can trade in any book, provided that they are in good condition.
They must be clean, and obviously, no part of the books should be missing. Once these conditions are satisfied, you can trade your books and avail yourself of the benefits accordingly.
With the tagline of ‘If You Love Books, You’ll Love Our Book Store!’, The Book Dispensary takes pride in having books that are hard to find in other bookstores, with impressive discounts.
Along with this, the rebinding and repairing of books are also available at this Columbia Bookstore.
If you have a book that has become so worn out and difficult to read, take it to The Book Dispensary, and the book will become as good as new.
The Book Dispensary is located at 710-C Gracern Road, Columbia, South Carolina 2921. They are open from Monday-Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM, and From Noon to 6 PM on Sunday.
This Columbia Bookstore’s highlight is that it closes for only four days in a year: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year.
2. ED’s Editions
With over forty thousand books in-store, ED’s Edition started in 2001 and has never looked back.
The only bookstore in South Carolina is ABAA, The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America. This association aims to provide readers with rare and antiquarian books and increase the reader’s interest.
An online inventory of the books is also available on the website of ED’s Edition. Browse through the inventory and find your book, and if it is not there, don’t worry, as all the books are not available in the inventory, but you will surely find them at the bookstore.
Book signing events are also held at this Columbia Bookstore. It is located at 406 Meeting St., West Columbia, South Carolina 29169.
The timings at which the bookstore is open are Tuesday to Friday, from 10:30 AM-5:30 PM, and from 10:30 AM-4:30 PM on Saturday.
3. Barnes & Noble
Everyone has been to a Barnes & Noble store at least once in their life, and if you have not, it is better late than never!
The Barnes & Noble bookstore started in 1886 and has become the company with the largest number of retail outlets spread through many United States cities.
Barnes & Noble bookstore outlet in Columbia is located at Richland Fashion Mall, 3400 Forest Drive. This Columbia bookstore opens from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, and from 11:00 AM-6:00 PM on Sunday.
Events by authors for book signings and various book clubs are frequently organized in the bookstore. Offering over one million books on their online website, finding your choice of book will be very likely.
Barnes & Noble not only offers books, but it is also famous for providing DVD and Blu-Ray of movies and a music store is also a total lookout for.
There is a separate section called Barnes & Nobles Kids, dedicated to children, which contains books, videos, and music solely for the kids.
4. Seven Rays
This Columbia bookstore is a little different from the bookstores mentioned in this article. Seven Rays is a spiritual bookstore.
The bookstore is filled with spiritual products that will calm your heart and make you relaxed.
Essential oils, gemstones, spiritual bath salts, scented candles, and, most importantly, self-help books. This place is a must-visit for everyone looking forward to taking part in spirituality.
In today’s time, only a few people truly understand spirituality and take part in it. Seven Rays houses all the books that can provide knowledge to follow spirituality.
The Seven Rays store is located at 701 North Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29203, United States.
It is open for two days in the week, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, on Friday and Saturday.
5. BAM: Books a Million!
BAM: Books a Million is the second-largest book retailer in the United States, following Barnes & Noble, which occupies the number one position.
It was founded in 1917 and has gained immense popularity in the South-Eastern United States; 260 stores in over 32 states are currently operational.
BAM: Books a Million in Columbia is located at 164 Forum Dr, Columbia, South Carolina 29229, United States.
The store is functional all week from 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, while on Sunday, the timings are 11:00 AM-7:00 PM.
This Columbia bookstore has a diverse collection of books, bargain books, magazines, toys, school supplies, technology, and gift departments.
The bookstore provides the perfect environment for reading as it is well-constructed to provide suitable space for everyone.
6. 2nd & Charles
With an innovative and impressive idea of recycling or what they call ‘we-cycling,’ 2nd & Charles is a bookstore and a place where people come together to make the world a better place.
Recycling is a process where people can buy or sell books, games, and toys. A simple process that serves a greater motive, which is waste reduction along with usage of less money.
Working on the line, ‘One’s person waste is another man’s treasure,’ 2nd & Charles is surely a must-visit place where you will not only find books but many more things, some of which are games, music CDs, movies, toys and many more.
With the tagline of, ‘2nd Chance. 2nd Chapter. 2nd & Charles’ the bookstore aims to reuse the goods as many times as it is possible.
You can turn the ‘we-cycled’ products into cash or store credit. 2nd & Charles is a true example of sustainable development, which is the need of the hour.
This Columbia bookstore is located at 275-1 Harbison Blvd, Columbia, South Carolina 29212, United States.
The store is open throughout the week from 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, while on Sunday, the timings change to 11:00 AM-7:00 PM.
7. Odd Bird Books
Odd Bird Books, located at 1332 Main St #105, Columbia, South Carolina 29201, United States, is every reader’s desired destination.
This Columbia bookstore is cozy and comfortable and has a varied selection of books.
Affordability is also not an issue as this Columbia Bookstore has a separate section of used books that you can buy at reasonable prices.
A local bookstore that has recently opened, Odd Bird Books, has rapidly become famous among the crowds for its friendly service and book choices.
If the book a customer wants is not available, they make sure that it is made available as soon as possible. What more can you ask from a bookstore?
8. Yellow Dog Bookshop
Another local Columbia Bookstore is located at 8 South 9th Street, Columbia, MO 65201, United States, run by a husband and wife.
The bookstore gets its name from the dog that the owners adopted; it is run by providing everyone with the books they are looking for and giving them something they would have never thought they would find in the bookstore.
The store also organizes many fun events like Author Readings and Signings, Children’s Story Time, Poetry Nights, and much more.
The store is super comfortable and allows the reader to relax and soak in the perfect ambiance.
The Columbia bookstore owners firmly believe that books are compelling and that everyone should try to read them once.
The bookstore specializes in selling fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. Along with buying, you can sell or trade your books.
The bookstore is open from Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM– 6:00 PM, Friday & Saturday: 10 AM-8 PM, and Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM.
Closing Thoughts
Reading books requires a good environment, and the listed Columbia Bookstores will surely provide you with the best. All these bookstores in Columbia are a must-visit for sure!
