Contributor: Jamie Richardson
📍 4519 School House Commons, Suite 230, Harrisburg, NC 28075 (Lowes’ Foods Shopping Center)
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Online Store
As a self-proclaimed book aficionado, my love for books is evident in the stacks found throughout my home. One of my favorite vacation activities is to explore local bookstores, so imagine my delight when I learned I didn’t have to wait for my next trip out of town to discover a new bookstore.
- Right here in Cabarrus County, we have our very own local shop to explore: Second Look Books.
Located in the Lowes’ Foods Shopping Center at the corner of Highway 49 and Roberta Road, Second Look Books is a small, family-owned business run by lifelong book lovers Ashley and Grant. Ashley began working at the store in 2011 during her college years. The previous owner decided to sell the bookstore in the fall of 2016, and Ashley, along with her husband Grant, took a leap of faith and became the new owners.
“My husband and I are avid readers, and owning a bookstore was a dream come true for us,” says Ashley.
Photo Credits: Second Looks Books
They offer thousands of gently used books across various genres, from literary fiction and non-fiction to romance, mystery, and inspirational titles. For the younger crowd, there’s an extensive collection of books for children and teens.
- In addition to their selection of used books, Second Look Books also keeps up with the latest bestsellers, offering them at a 20% discount, ensuring there’s something for every reader and budget.
You can also shop online at https://bookshop.org/shop/SecondLookBooks.
One of the standout features of Second Look Books is their trade credit program. Customers can trade in their gently used books in exchange for credit, which can be used to get up to 50% off all used books and an additional 15% off new titles, including special orders. You can call (704) 455 8407 to schedule a trade-in appointment!
Books that can’t be accepted or have been on the shelves for over six months are donated to local charities, primarily Promising Pages, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating book deserts. This partnership reflects the bookstore’s ethos of “Reduce, Re-read, Recycle.”
- They also offer additional savings for college students, senior citizens, homeschooling parents, and educators. Ashley believes in the importance of access to books for everyone.
Ashley and Grant aim to foster connections not only between people and books but also within the community. Ashley proudly notes that Cabarrus County has a thriving literary community and emphasizes their commitment to supporting it through events such as book signings with local authors and participation in the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl each year. You can also join their Book Club, whose meeting dates and times are posted on their Facebook page.
Second Look Books is excited to host local author Susan Brooks Shaw for a book signing and meet & greet event featuring her debut work, *Journey of Faith* on Aug 31st from 2-4 pm. Learn more about Susan and her inspiring journey on her website. Stay tuned to their social media for more details!
Beyond books, Second Look Books promotes other locally-owned small businesses in their store, such as The Mundane Magician, The Golden Flamingo, Creations by LMA, Studio Wild Man, Knot Another Project, and Craft My Fandom. You’ll find a variety of unique merchandise waiting to be discovered
Ashley and Grant invite you to visit Second Look Books and rediscover the joy of reading. “Come share in our passion for books and become a part of our vibrant Harrisburg community.”
Whether you’re looking to trade in old favorites for new adventures or simply want to lose yourself among the shelves, this bookstore offers a welcoming space for all book lovers.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
