The Cabarrus County independent bookstore scene is thriving! If you are still ordering your books online and having them delivered to your door, you are missing out on experiencing some of the coolest places in town.
- Three Cabarrus County bookstores were included in the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl last year which saw a lot of new people experiencing these hidden gems, so let’s commit to buying our books locally in 2023.
Don’t want to buy your books? Our Cabarrus County Public Library is offering reading challenges to keep you engaged all year long as well.
Here are just a few of the exciting activities that these bookstores offer:
📘 Reading Challenges 📙 Book Clubs 📕 Podcasts
📘 Author Events 📙 Trivia Nights 📕 Culinary Experiences
📘 Goldberry Books (Downtown Concord)
Buy from Goldberry Books Online at Bookshop.org
This husband and wife team (David & Bethany Kern) dreamed of opening a bookstore for more than a decade. In November 2020 they opened the doors, and Concord has supported them beyond their expectations!
- They have a great children’s area and so many fun “extras” to buy to show off your inner book nerd. Follow them on Instagram to see new arrivals and all things happening at Goldberry or sign up for their e-newsletter.
Curious about their name? Visit their website to learn more.
📚 2023 Reading Challenge: Each month, they have a different category to choose a book from. Whatever books you choose, we hope you have a great time reading along with us! For instance, the topic for January is “A 2022 Release You Missed” while February’s topic is “A Book About/Takes Place in a Place You Want to Visit”. Download the challenge PDF here.
🎙️ Podcasts: our local bookstore owners are putting out some great podcasts too. Goldberry does several including ones for adults and one for kids. Visit their podcasts page on their website:
- Bibliography features conversations with authors, artists, athletes, and other interesting people about the books that have made them who they are, that they have carried with them through all sorts of times, and that they turn to for solace or pleasure or companionship. This is a podcast about the way books make our lives richer.
- Withywindle is a whimsical interactive show for kids who love stories, words, and groan-worthy jokes and features your favorite authors and illustrators. Part book club, part game show it’s your weekly adventure through the wild world of wordplay.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
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📙 Editions Coffee & Bookstore (Downtown Kannapolis)
Buy from Editions Coffee & Bookstore Online at Bookshop.org
Editions is also a husband and wife team (Jay & Dawn Evans) that fell in love with the idea of turning a cozy Kannapolis millhouse into a gently used bookstore and coffee shop. They recognized the need for a gathering place where lovers of books and coffee drinkers could meet, stories could be shared, and good times could be had. Keep up with everything that is happening on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Here’s what’s happening this month:
🖋️ Book Signing with Sofia Bella Roma – Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11 am
North Carolina divorce attorney Sofia Bella Roma will be at Editions for a book signing of her debut novel, “Mother Knows Worst.”
🤫 Silent Book Club – Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 5 pm
Silent Book Club is a BYOB. Bring your own book, sit and read for a dedicated amount of time. Need to finish a book but can’t because of the kids, or the dogs, or your partner?? This is your chance. Afterward, you’ll be able to talk to other book lovers like yourself and get more book recommendations.
🥘 Cafe Morocco – Friday, January 20, 2023 at 7 pm
This is the first in their new “After Dark” Series in 2023! Tickets went on sale on January 2nd and are $35 per person. This event is for guests 18 years and older and the dress code is cocktail attire. Featuring family-style Mediterranean cuisine, you won’t want to miss this!
☕ Nothing pairs better with a book than a delicious cup of coffee! Editions has a large selection of coffee, espresso, frappes, smoothies, and even drinks for the kids. Ask about their signature drinks too!
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
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📕 Second Chance Books (Harrisburg)
Buy Online from Second Chance Books
Owners Grant Phillips and Ashley Allen are lifelong book lovers and enjoy being able to share their passion with the Harrisburg community. They have thousands of gently used books in a variety of genres for adults including literary fiction, non-fiction, romance, mystery, and inspirational titles as well as a huge collection of books for children and teens.
In addition to their used stock, they also carry a wide selection of the latest best-sellers all at a 20% discount! No matter your interests or your budget, they have a little something for everyone! Follow their Facebook page to stay up to date on new arrivals and events or visit their website for more info.
Want to trade in some of your old books for store credit? They accept books for trade credit by appointment only. Give them a call at (704) 455-8407 to schedule an appointment.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
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📕📙📘 Cabarrus County Library
With branches in every single one of our municipalities, the Public Library is still a great option for fueling your love of reading. But there is so much more happening at our libraries too! Follow the library on Instagram or Facebook to see all the events that are happening throughout the year.
- Sign up for Checking In – the Cabarrus County Public Library newsletter is jam-packed with things to do all month long including lots of fun things for kids and families. Click this link to download their January newsletter.
Join the Challenge!
This year, the library is offering the SweetBean Reading Challenge to read books, complete activities, and share the joy of reading all year long. Click here to sign up and then follow the prompts and get started on Beanstack today! Log reading, earn badges and get recommendations. The activity badge options are so much fun and will keep you engaged all year long. Log 90 hours and at least 6 activities to complete the challenge.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
