I admit that I am “old-school,” and I still enjoy reading with a book in my hand. I really appreciate a good bookstore and we are fortunate to have local, independently owned stores here.
Chapel Hill has two independently owned bookstores: Flyleaf Books in Midtown Market, conveniently located next to Root Cellar for the best of both worlds, a great place to read and have a cup of coffee or lunch and Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews with a café inside.
Flyleaf Books: Flyleaf stocks new and used adult and children's titles, and welcomes orders for items not currently on their shelves. Flyleaf Books hosts author events most weeks; it’s also a great place to come in for new author signed books. Flyleaf is one of those welcoming bookstores that just invites you to come in, browse awhile and make yourself at home; there are plenty of clubs that Flyleaf offers that you can join, check out the latest employee recommendations and enjoy the variety of events and of course, the books!
Epilogue Books Chocolates Brews: The owners of Epilogue wanted this to be a community atmosphere where you can find a book while enjoying craft brews, a glass of wine, or churros and a cup of chocolate, come sit awhile and enjoy a great book in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. The store is conveniently located right in the heart of East Franklin. Come into Epilogue for the books, for upcoming events from conversations with local authors, trivia and games, or to hear some music. For rare & used books, check out Prologue Rare & Used Books next door.
Hillsborough is home to The Purple Crow right in the heart of downtown; with the wealth of local authors that live in Hillsborough this is a great place to stop in and pick up a signed copy of a local author’s work. The Purple Crow has a section devoted to locally written books and it’s not unheard of to stop in and meet the authors themselves. If you have children, the section of children’s books is extensive and comes complete with a small cast-iron child’s size tub with a cut out front and a cushion, perfect for a pint-size person to curl up in and read! The whole store has the vibe ‘Come in and browse awhile!
Carrboro has The Golden Fig, our newest bookstore in Orange County, which sells used and new books. You can find the Golden Fig in the iconic Carr Mill Mall. They have an eclectic selection of books nicely spaced out with clear subject labels. Not only does Golden Fig have new and used books in stock they also have an extensive list of books from both their Durham and Carrboro Stores that can be ordered and picked up or mailed.
Saturday April 27th is Independent Bookstore Day - check each store for special events!
Side note:
We have fabulous public libraries! The Orange County Public Library located on 137 West Margaret Lane in Hillsborough. The Cybrary in Downtown Carrboro on 100 North Greensboro Street with a new library being built now, completion is anticipated by Summer 2024 plus the Chapel Hill Public Library on 100 Library Drive in Chapel Hill. There are many activities held at all the libraries for children and adults from story times, crafts, games and information sessions plus wonderful summer reading programs.
(Top image: courtesy Epilogue Books, Chocolate & Brews)
