
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.