*** This store closed in 2017 and the post is being left up as an archive ***
Books Etc. is the latest addition to our chronicling Birmingham-area bookstores. The shop is going on three-years-old and let me tell you, this is my kind of used-bookstore. It’s one of those places that is crammed with books to the point that you just have to meander about, letting serendipity do its thing. But you can also tell that a true book-person is over seeing the store. Most everything is shelved under category signs, which helps when you’re in a hurry.
Books, Beans and Candles MS is in an old Birmingham house going up 20th on your way to Vulcan. It’s on the righthand side, just after you pass the “Y-split”. Owners Mitchell and Darby Hagood have been at this location since August 2008, though they’ve been in business for two and a half years. Ever since seeing the sign out front (it starts with the word books!) I’d been trying to find time to stop in and see what it’s all about and finally was able to make it in and get some photos.
The view from the street.
Mitchell Hagood sums up the shop with one word… “metaphysical”. (photos after the jump)
Milestone Books
Vestavia Hills City Center
700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 106
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
(205) 824-2223
**THIS STORE CLOSED IN FEB 2010. This post will remain up for archiving purposes.**
This is a great locally owned shop. The small storefront is misleading as the shop meanders back a good bit, making room for tons of new books and t-shirts. This general interest bookstore covers all of the major subject area and has a neat children’s area in the back. All with big comfy chairs to sit in and peruse some pages. The owners also do a good job of booking interesting local and regional authors that other stores might not make the time to host.
This small independent shopis located in Mountain Brook, just off Highway 280. Their store web presence seems to always be in flux but they do seem to do a better job of keeping their MySpace presence more up-to-date. They have a full coffee bar and the bookstore staff always seems very knowledgeable and helpful. It’s popular with a handful of book clubs and local folks.
It’s a nice small bookstore to peruse. They do a good job of keeping the most recent titles in stock, but nothing too far back.You’ll have to call about the hours, as they don’t keep them posted.
