“Take a look, it’s in a book!” Reading Rainbow theme song, performed by Tina Fabrique, 1983
As January rolls around each year, I ponder making resolutions. I think about all the usual ones; exercising more, eating healthier, and working on decluttering. I typically don’t end up even following through on the resolution making. BUT…this year is different. I have resolved to scroll through cute puppy videos LESS and read books MORE. So, I am going to make a goal to read one book per month.
How should I start? One of the best ways I can think of is to check out local bookstores. Not only do I love to browse the shelves of our Columbia-area bookstores, but I also enjoy the smell of books in the bookstores. We have several bookstores to explore in the area. Here are a few of my favorites (and a couple I heard were pretty awesome as well:)
- GG’s Library, 146 South Main Street, Prosperity, SC- A children’s bookstore with a great variety of books for kids aged birth to high school. The owner, Gina, is a retired educator who has years of experience in children’s literature. She offers books, toys, puzzles, and games; all in an inviting atmosphere for kids. Frequent author visits are a big draw for her store. Follow her on Facebook at GG’s Library!
- Flutters and Flowers, 1000 Marina Road, Suite H, Irmo, SC- located directly to the left of Carolina Wings and Ribhouse in Ballentine, this adorable bookstore hosts all the hottest titles in romance and “romantasy.” Aimed at young adults through adults, the owner has lots of cute merchandise for the book lover in all of us. She is going to begin offering bouquets, hence the “flowers” part of her shop’s name, very soon.
- 2nd and Charles, 275-1 Harbison Boulevard, Columbia, SC- This “used” bookstore does have a huge selection of books that have been previously loved….but…they also have new books as well. It’s a large space full of books, toys, bags (Loungefly!) movies, and music. My favorite thing there is the 20% off discount they give me when I flash my teacher ID!!!
- Barnes and Noble, Columbiana Mall, Columbia, SC- it’s been a hot minute since I was able to enjoy a bookstore in a mall. Think Waldenbooks back in the good old days at Dutch Square, you know, when the monkeys were playing in the windows at Cromer’s and JB White still had the best sales in town. I love the space that B and N created at the mall and the fact that so many people still go in to browse. It makes my teacher librarian heart happy!
If you are like me and resolve to READ MORE in 2026, these spots are a great place to start. Comment and let me know of any other bookstores in the Columbia area that I should check out. (Check out…get it, a little librarian humor for ya!)
That's So Fletch 
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