Literary and Bookish Places in Atlanta

Atlanta might not seem like a literary city, but the home of Margaret Mitchell and a slew of independent bookstores offers many attractions, events and activities for bibliophiles. Georgia State University and Emory University both have highly regarded English programs, growing the city’s bookish population each year. On any given week, established authors can be found discussing books and reading their works at various venues. Even our breweries host literary events now.

Here’s a guide to the highlights of what Atlanta has to offer its book-loving community and visitors:

A Cappella Books

Located in Atlanta’s Little Five Points district, this bookstore has a solid history of providing shoppers with contemporary and classic reads across a range of genres. A Cappella regularly holds book signings and author events.

208 Haralson Ave NE, Atlanta

Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party

This tea house is a favorite among locals, with its whimsical decor and delicious offerings. It made this list because the walls are lined with bookshelves. Make a reservation for high tea and leisurely peruse one of the many books.

1645 McLendon Ave., Atlanta

Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking

Georgia Tech features this rare and unique museum, where you can find more than 2,000 books along with the tools and machines for papermaking. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions along with permanent galleries that illustrate the history and evolution of papermaking.

500 10th St NW, Atlanta

Margaret Mitchell House

Margaret Mitchell wrote her famous novel Gone with the Wind in her first floor apartment in a building that is now a museum and historic site. Owned and curated by the Atlanta History Center, the Margaret Mitchell House offers tours and regularly hosts Atlanta History Center’s author series for signings and discussions. If you want to take your Margaret Mitchell experience a step further, you can also visit her grave at Oakland Cemetery.

Margaret Mitchell House: 979 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta

The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse

The Atlanta Shakespeare Company brings some of the Bard’s most famous plays to Atlanta theater-goers at this playhouse as well as other period performances, like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol during the holiday season. The tavern has a rotating menu and Irish ales. Get ready to shout “huzzah”!

499 West Peachtree Street Northwest, Atlanta

Lit: Books, Booze & Beats

Lit Atlanta is a book club and free monthly social event held at Monday Night Garage. Come for drinks and music and listen to participants read excerpts from their favorite books, usually centering around a pre-selected theme.

Monday Night Garage: 933 Lee St SW, Atlanta

AJC Decatur Book Festival

Held annually over Labor Day weekend in Atlanta’s neighboring suburb of Decatur near Emory University, this literary festival brings in established and emerging writers to discuss their works and give readings, including a children’s stage, young adult stage and poetry stage. A long list of exhibitors also attend from publishers to schools to literary organizations.

Downtown Decatur, GA

Twain’s Brewpub & Billiards

Named after the American literary icon who wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, this establishment in Decatur has many tasty offerings on the menu, it’s also a great place to grab a beer. Pages from Mark Twain’s books can be found stuck to the walls.

211 E Trinity Pl, Decatur

Atlanta Vintage Books

For the rare book collector, this shop has got you covered, touting one of the largest collections of rare children’s books in the southeast. Stop by and find a vintage treasure for your bookshelf.

3660 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta

Oxford Comics & Games

Atlanta has a number of comic book shops, but this one is probably the most highly regarded. Find your favorite new and vintage comics, graphic novels, collectibles and more.

2855 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta

 

Can you think of a bookish place or event in Atlanta that should have made the list? Leave a comment!