Best Bookstores & Libraries in Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Columbia, United States, Columbia, Culture & Entertainment, Best Bookstores & Libraries

Best Bookstores & Libraries in Columbia, South Carolina, United States

1. Books & Books at The Tavern, Columbia

A charming bookstore located in a historic tavern, offering a wide selection of books and gifts.
  • Historic Location: Located in an old tavern, it offers a unique, atmospheric setting.
  • Wide Selection: Offers a wide variety of books catering to diverse interests.
  • Gift Shop: Features a gift shop for unique finds related to literature and art.

2. Columbia Public Library

A spacious library offering books, audio-visual materials, and digital resources.
  • Digital Resources: Provides extensive digital resources for research and learning.
  • Community Events: Hosts regular community events, workshops, and classes.
  • Children's Corner: Features a dedicated children's corner with books, games, and activities.

3. SC Arts & Heritage Center

A cultural center offering books, art exhibits, and educational programs.
  • Art Exhibits: Hosts rotating art exhibitions showcasing local and international artists.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational programs, workshops, and classes related to arts and culture.
  • Bookstore: Features a bookstore selling books on art, history, and South Carolina's heritage.

4. Half Moon Outfitters

A unique bookstore specializing in outdoor adventure, travel, and nature books.
  • Outdoor Focus: Specializes in books about outdoor adventures, travel, and nature.
  • Expert Staff: Staffed by knowledgeable experts to assist with book recommendations.
  • Outdoor Gear: Sells outdoor gear and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for adventurers.

5. The Whistle Stop

A cozy bookstore offering new and used books, as well as coffee and pastries.
  • Coffee & Pastries: Serves coffee and pastries to enjoy while browsing the shelves.
  • New & Used Books: Sells new and used books, making it affordable for book enthusiasts.
  • Community Events: Hosts regular community events, author signings, and book clubs.

6. University of South Carolina (USC) Libraries

A network of libraries at the University of South Carolina providing extensive resources.
  • Extensive Resources: Offers a vast collection of books, journals, and other research materials.
  • Online Access: Provides online access to resources for remote research.
  • Rare Books Collection: Houses a rare books collection, including first editions and historical texts.

7. Midlands Technical College Library

A library serving the Midlands Technical College community, offering resources for students and the public.
  • Student Resources: Offers resources specifically tailored to meet the needs of college students.
  • Community Access: Open to the public for research and study purposes.
  • Online Resources: Provides online resources, databases, and e-books for remote access.

8. The Book House

A used bookstore offering a vast selection of books at affordable prices.
  • Affordable Prices: Sells used books at lower prices, making them more accessible to the public.
  • Vast Selection: Offers a wide variety of books from different genres and eras.
  • Book Clubs: Hosts regular book clubs for engaging discussions about popular reads.

9. The Happy Bookseller

A children's bookstore offering a carefully curated selection of books.
  • Carefully Curated Selection: Features a thoughtful selection of books for children, promoting literacy and imagination.
  • Storytime Sessions: Hosts storytime sessions for children, encouraging a love for reading.
  • Children's Events: Regularly hosts events related to children's literature and arts.

10. University of South Carolina Aiken Library

A library serving the University of South Carolina Aiken community, offering resources for students and the public.
  • Student Resources: Offers resources specifically tailored to meet the needs of college students.
  • Community Access: Open to the public for research and study purposes.
  • Online Resources: Provides online resources, databases, and e-books for remote access.

11. Barnes & Noble at Columbia Mall

A popular bookstore chain located in the Columbia Mall, offering new books, gifts, and cafes.
  • Popular Chain: Part of a nationally recognized bookstore chain.
  • New Books Selection: Offers the latest releases and bestsellers in various genres.
  • Cafe & Snacks: Features a cafe for coffee, snacks, and light meals while reading.

12. First Edition Books

A bookstore specializing in rare, out-of-print, and collectible books.
  • Rare & Collectible Books: Sells rare, out-of-print, and collectible books, making it a treasure trove for book enthusiasts.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Staffed by knowledgeable experts to assist with book recommendations and appraisals.
  • Vintage & Antiquarian Books: Features a selection of vintage and antiquarian books for the discerning collector.

13. The Blue Marionette

A used bookstore offering a unique collection of books and vintage items.
  • Unique Collection: Offers a carefully curated selection of books, records, and other collectibles.
  • Vintage Items: Features vintage items such as records, postcards, and trinkets for sale.
  • Book Clubs: Hosts regular book clubs for engaging discussions about popular reads.

14. SC State University Library

A library serving the South Carolina State University community, offering resources for students and the public.
  • Student Resources: Offers resources specifically tailored to meet the needs of college students.
  • Community Access: Open to the public for research and study purposes.
  • Online Resources: Provides online resources, databases, and e-books for remote access.

15. The Book Cellar at The Vault

A bookstore located in a former bank vault, offering books, music, and gifts.
  • Unique Location: Located in a former bank vault, it offers a distinctive atmosphere.
  • Books & Music: Sells books, CDs, and vinyl records, making it a haven for music lovers.
  • Gifts & Accessories: Offers gifts and accessories related to literature, music, and local art.