The Grumpy Book Peddler
📍 610 West College Street St. 110 Murfreesboro, TN | 🔗 thegrumpybookpeddler.com
Guaranteed to cure “the grumpiest,” Murfreesboro’s only locally-owned book shop is a hub of secondhand treasures, from comics to children’s literature. Plan a long peruse through the 500,000 and more titles and stay longer for a chat with owner Alan Wollard (who is not grumpy at all!).
Friends of Linebaugh Library Book Store
📍 105 West Vine St. Murfreesboro, TN | 🔗 facebook.com/follintheboro
Members of the Friends of Linebaugh Library association know the benefits of loving books. The organization, which raises funds for the library system, organizes a dizzying array of secondhand donation for monthly sales. While used books are always for purchase inside the Linebaugh Library branch, the FOLL bookstore is the real treasure trove with some 15,000 titles –including homeschool curriculum, travel collections, and children’s books-- selling for 50 cents to $1 a piece. Check their Facebook page for member sales (and you can always join on the spot to shop).
La Vergne Public Library
📍 5063 Murfreesboro Rd. La Vergne, TN | 🔗 lavergnetn.gov
The Battle of Murfreesboro was critical to the Union’s success during the Civil War. The Museum and Visitors Center features interpretive exhibits including artifacts and examples of life for soldiers and civilians during the war. Watch a movie about the battle in the theater, and then visit the wonderful bookstore which houses for fascinating written works on the battle and its personalities, as well as intriguing period games and replicas, art work, posters, and National Parks merch.
Christian Publisher's Outlet
📍 2033 Old Fort Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN | 🔗 christianpublishersoutlet.com
Get inspired by this graceful shop filled with new faith-themed books for all ages along with eye-catching gifts, journals, and art. Relaxing chairs invites children and caretakers to share a story together, and the prices mean you’ll probably leave with a few more things than you planned on.
Barnes and Noble Murfreesboro
📍 2615 Medical Center Pkwy. Murfreesboro, TN | 🔗 stores.barnesandnoble.com
This anchor store at The Avenue Murfreesboro is a haven for coffee and book lovers. Order something comforting and delicious from the café, and then tour the shop’s expansive aisles of classics and new releases. Busy littles will love the train table and interactive children’s book area, and of course, a stop by the classic toy section is necessary, too.
Books-A-Million
📍 1720 Old Fort Pkwy. Murfreesboro, TN | 🔗 facebook.com/booksamillionstore
From hands-on sensory toys for littles to just the right sarcastic gift for that friends, Murfreesboro’s Books-A-Million Store at Stones River Mall has it all, including hundreds of magazines and top fiction sellers alongside the newest print releases.
Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama and Murfreesboro native who lives in the Blackman community with her husband and two children. Follow her at @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram for more family fun in and around the city!