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    Buxton Books

    4.8 (64 reviews)
    InexpensiveBookstores
    Closed 10:00 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Buxton Books Storefront
    Kris G.

    A wonderfully amazing couple owns this bookstore. And every year for their anniversary they celebrate with their customers and have a festive party complete with carolers, nog and noshes! From the moment you pass over the threshold you feel like family and are greeted with service and a smile helping you to find whatever you might be looking for. With their fantastic selection of even signed editions of books, you can't go wrong here. Support local as they give back to the community constantly! If they don't have it they can get it for you. Love the options of local vendors and authors and what a gem in the heart of Downtown Charleston!

    Margot L.

    Was THRILLED to stumble into this beautiful bookstore when most other places were closed at night. The staff were knowledgeable, had great recommendations, and offered wonderful customer service. I also appreciate how their inventory really captured interests that appeal to everyone (local history, children's lit, new and trending books, as well as a comprehensive collection of classics to name a few!) If I were local I would be very happy to attend some of their author events. If you are visiting, please stop by and support this gem of a place.

    It's spooky season.
    Amy Lauren S.

    Buxton Books is an independent bookstore in the heart of downtown Charleston. If you go on a ghost or Black history tour, many of them start and end here. That gives you a chance to buy a book to learn more about the subject of your tour. While it is not a large store, they have a good selection of local books- including signed editions. I believe they do custom orders, so if you want to shop local, it's a much better option than a big box retailer. Along with books, Buxton books also sells cute gifts. I visited over the holidays and loved how the store was decorated with plushies around the books and Christmas trees. All of the ornaments were for sale, and I bought a 1920s suffragette ornament that benefits women around the world. It took me a few years to discover this gem, but I will return to support independent, small bookstores and local authors.

    Robbyn K.

    I don't know why I've never been here, as I'm an avid reader... but my mom asked me to go to a "Murder Mystery Party" there with authors Rick Acker + Colleen Coble and even tho that isn't my jam, I jumped at the opportunity. First arriving, they were finishing up painting the outside, and wow it was gorgeous and bright, fresh looking white. When we got inside, I was in love. I have forgotten how much I LOVE tangible books. May sound silly, but in the era of eBooks and audible books (I drive like 1k miles per month minimum, so listen to audible books a lot), I haven't been in a small, independent bookstore in forever and it felt like home the moment I stepped over the threshold. Not only do they have a GREAT selection, they have such cute book-inspired art! So cute, and I'm still curious as to the stories behind the pieces (we didn't have time to ask, so definitely going back when there isn't an event to ask). The event was SO FUN. If you ever have a chance to participate in something like that, I'd strongly recommend it! I laughed so hard the entire time, which was nice. And the staff had it set up so sweet for everyone, with bevies available for the event too, and it was mobility accessible for my mom (we all know that not everywhere in Charleston is easily navigated for those with mobility issues). Loved it and can't wait to go by on a normal, non-event day too.

    Author event
    Emily V.

    A great local bookstore with a wide selection. Parking is easy with a city garage right next door. The staff are super friendly. Their events are so fun and reasonably priced - there's always wine too!

    J David H.

    Love me a local bookstore and it's rightfully off the main drag of King street by the city library. A small shop, but packs a punch! It's quaint and homey with a warm cozy feel. My librarian wife had no trouble finding a local book of haunted Charleston. Staff was friendly at checkout. Would return.

    Inside
    Lauren H.

    The cutest little bookshop! The people are so sweet and helpful. Highly recommend going.

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    5 years ago

    Went on a ghost tour with Greg. 10/10 would recommend--Greg is the BEST. Spooky vibes for sure

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Buxton Books

    Review Highlights - Buxton Books

    We really enjoyed this little shop and it's excellent location but we loved most of all our ghost tour with Mr.

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    Blue Bicycle Books

    Blue Bicycle Books

    4.2(86 reviews)
    0.7 miRadcliffborough
    $$

    I went to this bookstore on a recommendation from a friend and my experience could've been much…read morebetter. Like other reviewers have mentioned, I was not greeted upon entering. While that wouldn't necessarily affect my overall experience, the fact that the staff never stopped to ask me (or any of the other browsing patrons) if we needed help with anything was disappointing. The selection of items was okay, though books marked as "new" that had clear damage to them (most likely done in shipping, such as bent corners, red marks on the tops of paperbacks, etc) were still marked at resale value. I understand local bookstores need all the support they can get, and while I didn't end up purchasing a book, I did buy one of their heavy duty canvas totes. I didn't look at the price of the used titles except for a copy of Gone with the Wind, so I can't attest to how those prices are in conjunction with other used book stores. Would I go back? Yes, and hopefully the visit will be better. I would also like to see more diverse fiction titles as well.

    We popped into Blue Bicycle Books while exploring Charleston last Sunday, and it was charming! The…read morestore isn't large and a bulk of the store is contained within a hallway (so you'll be saying excuse me to a few people as you browse - it's impossible not to get in someone's way), but it has a very good selection of used books, good service, and a little seating where you can sit and read a bit of your maybe purchases. (They also have some rare books - like a signed Vonnegut for $2k!) It's a charming used bookstore, work checking out if you're exploring Charleston!

    Photos
    Blue Bicycle Books
    Blue Bicycle Books
    Blue Bicycle Books - Main hallway.

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    Main hallway.

    Philosophers & Fools - The selections from the shelves.

    Philosophers & Fools

    4.8(28 reviews)
    1.3 miCannonborough

    Absolutely love this place! The owners are both super kind and give great recommendations for books…read more& wine. I love that their wine menu rotates so there's always something new to try. Great selection of books and if they don't happen to have a book you want in stock, you can order it and they'll text you when it comes in. (Mine arrived super quickly & my preorder arrived the day the book was out) I need to get in there on a trivia or bingo night.

    Nestled in a quaint neighborhood, the one of a kind Philosophers & Fools is a total gem. Let me…read morestart by saying this is not a place where you need to whisper, like at a library... There's music and people socializing... The ambiance, especially at night completely transports you to a different place. A place that feels distant, but welcoming and cozy. Speaking of cozy, there's a nice lounge area in the back that's perfect for a small group, maybe even a book club. If the lounge is occupied, no worries, the bar is quite large too. And there's about 4 small tables near the entrance. The menu has the perfect amount of items. I personally love their entire wine list and their popcorn is out of this world! As for the books, their selection is quite impressive. There's truly something for everyone, even kids. Two of my favorite things are that they had a section to honor black history month. And the other cool thing is, even though I'm married, their "Blind date with a book" table was the cutest thing ever. I've never seen anything like that before. Lastly, this place is perfect for a date night, a pre dinner drink, book club, a first date, or to just have some alone time. There are a couple of similar places in Charleston, but Philosophers & Fools has perfected the concept and they're definitely in a league of their own. I also appreciate that it's woman owned.

    Photos
    Philosophers & Fools - Towards the back.

    Towards the back.

    Philosophers & Fools
    Philosophers & Fools

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    Trade-A-Book - Walking into Trade A Book is like stepping into a fairy tale.

    Trade-A-Book

    4.8(17 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $

    Trade A Book is Charleston's oldest bookstore. As of 2025 Beverley has been in business for 36…read moreyears. Her first store under the same name was located in Summerville on Trolly Rd which she later sold. (That new owner has since moved the location and kept the same name though they are not affiliated.) Trade A Book is a used bookstore where readers are able to bring in their books in exchange for store credit. There is a limit of 25 books per person per day that can be brought in. (Please don't be one of those that tries to sneak more in.) You May find new books on the shelves when someone trades them in but TAB does not order stock of new releases. What books should you expect to find? A little bit of everything. - general fiction - fantasy / sci fi - Upper YA - Lower YA - Children's books (grade school as well as picture books for the little kiddos) - Historical fiction - Classics - Romance (historical, contemporary, fantasy) - Mystery/ thriller - Horror - Religious / Christian - non fiction (this space is very small and limited) - Westerns - Local authors - and much more!! At this time operating hours are Thurs-Fri 11-4P. It is best to call the store ahead of time to confirm they are open as Beverley runs the store by herself and can take leave while she assists with family care. Beverly is one of the nicest store owners and is super knowledgeable about the books on her shelves. Readers are always welcome to request temporary holds if something comes in. There is a special charm to this place that you won't find anywhere else in the Charleston area. 10/10 recommend visiting yourself. There is a coffee shoonnex

    Tons of selection. I went to return a few days later and was bummed she wasn't open! I would returnread more

    Photos
    Trade-A-Book - Beverly, shop owner and book enthusiast, is always so helpful. She has all of the best recs! 33 years in business and still counting!

    Beverly, shop owner and book enthusiast, is always so helpful. She has all of the best recs! 33 years in business and still counting!

    Trade-A-Book - Beverly with her niece and social media manager/marketing director, Paige.

    Beverly with her niece and social media manager/marketing director, Paige.

    Trade-A-Book - It is always cool to see customers come in with swag.

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    It is always cool to see customers come in with swag.

    Buxton Books - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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