Sadly this bookstore closed back in 2009. This post is being left up for archival purposes.
**My latest contribution to the Bham Terminal has been posted. So you can catch me over there or keep reading below.**
The newest kid on Birmingham’s book selling block is Malcolm’s Reading Room (404 17th St. North) which is the ground level of the historic Masonic Temple building. Malcolm’s Reading Room is billed as an African-American bookstore, which the banners, t-shirts and colors make obvious after stepping through the door. But after spending a few short minutes with co-owner Simone Snelling, one gets the feeling that the store is about something more…
Jim Reed’s Book Loft has moved from its historic loft space on 1st Avenue South over to 3rd Avenue North. Jim is cramming as much as he can into the first floor of the O’Neill building. It’s a smaller space, but I have to say that you can see more books now. The “shotgun” design of the shop allows for LOTS of bookshelves.
Some might miss the sense of adventure the old loft and all its nooks and crannies created, but those of us stopping by on our lunch breaks do appreciate the new found organization and space.
