McKay’s Knoxville isn’t your average bookstore—it’s a massive warehouse filled with endless rows of used books, movies, music, games, and collectibles that make every visit feel like a treasure hunt.
Located on Papermill Place Way, this beloved spot has earned a loyal following among locals and travelers alike who come searching for rare finds and unbeatable deals. Whether you’re a serious book collector, a casual reader, or just someone who loves discovering unexpected gems, McKay’s offers an experience that keeps people coming back for more.
A Book Lover’s Paradise in Knoxville
Walking into McKay’s feels like stepping into a reader’s dream come true. This warehouse-style bookstore has become one of Knoxville’s most cherished destinations for anyone who loves the written word.
The sheer size of the place is breathtaking—rows upon rows of shelves stretch as far as you can see, packed with everything from classic literature to obscure titles you won’t find anywhere else. The Christian books section alone draws visitors from across the region, offering both popular devotionals and lesser-known spiritual reads.
What makes McKay’s truly special is its commitment to variety and affordability. Unlike typical chain bookstores, this place thrives on the unexpected, where every shelf holds the possibility of discovering your next favorite author or stumbling upon a book you’d forgotten existed. People drive over 100 miles just to spend an afternoon here, and once you visit, you’ll understand why.
More Than Just Books: What You’ll Find Inside
Sure, books are the main attraction, but calling McKay’s just a bookstore would be selling it way short. This place is practically a pop culture museum where you can find entertainment from every era imaginable.
The DVD collection is enormous, featuring everything from current releases to classic films and complete TV series box sets in excellent condition. Music lovers can flip through thousands of CDs and vinyl records, all sorted by genre to make browsing easier. Gamers will lose their minds over the video game selection that spans from brand-new titles all the way back to Atari cartridges—yes, actual Atari games!
Beyond media, McKay’s stocks an impressive array of collectibles, including aisles of Funko Pops, vintage toys, board games, puzzles, Legos, and even Squishmallows. You’ll also find musical instruments, cameras and camera attachments, computer parts, and game systems.
It’s like a combination of a bookstore, record shop, toy store, and electronics outlet all rolled into one unforgettable browsing experience.
The Thrill of the Hunt
There’s something magical about not knowing what you’ll discover next. Unlike shopping online where algorithms predict your every move, McKay’s brings back the genuine excitement of hunting for hidden treasures.
Because everything in the store comes from secondhand donations and trade-ins, the inventory constantly changes. You might find a first edition of a beloved novel tucked between newer paperbacks, or stumble across a rare concert T-shirt you thought was lost to time. One customer’s trash truly becomes another’s treasure here.
The unpredictability is part of the charm. You can’t simply look up whether McKay’s has a specific item in stock—you have to show up and explore. Some visitors spend entire mornings or afternoons wandering the aisles, and many consider the search itself as enjoyable as the finds.
Regular customers know that patience pays off. The person who visits weekly might eventually spot that elusive manga volume or vintage board game they’ve been seeking. It’s this element of surprise and discovery that transforms a simple shopping trip into an adventure worth repeating.
How McKay’s Buy-Sell-Trade System Works
McKay’s operates on a brilliant system that keeps the inventory fresh and gives customers incredible value. Bring in your gently used books, movies, music, games, or collectibles, and they’ll evaluate them right at the trade-in counter.
The staff uses a computerized system to calculate what they’ll offer based on the item’s condition, current demand, and how well it might sell. You can choose between receiving cash on the spot or opting for store credit, which typically gives you more buying power. Many regulars use their trade credit to continuously refresh their collections without spending additional money.
Fair warning though—the trade-in counter can get busy, especially on weekends. The staff works as quickly as possible, but evaluating large collections takes time.
The beauty of this system is its sustainability. Your finished books get a second life with new readers, and you walk away with credit toward your next discovery. It’s recycling that actually benefits your wallet and keeps the literary ecosystem thriving.
A Knoxville Staple With a Loyal Following
For many Knoxville residents, McKay’s isn’t just a store—it’s a beloved community institution. Open since the store first welcomed customers, it has become a regular destination for families, students, collectors, and anyone seeking affordable entertainment.
Even visitors from out of state make McKay’s a must-stop destination. Tourists from Ohio, Florida, and beyond specifically plan their Tennessee trips around visiting this Knoxville location. Some folks drive over 100 miles regularly just to browse the ever-changing selection.
The store operates seven days a week with generous hours—9 AM to 9 PM most weekdays, staying open until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and opening at 10 AM on Sundays. This accessibility makes it easy for working people, families, and night owls alike to enjoy the experience.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to McKay’s? Here’s what seasoned visitors recommend. First, allow yourself plenty of time—this isn’t a quick in-and-out errand. Most people easily spend two to four hours browsing, and some make entire afternoons of it.
Weekday mornings offer the best experience if you prefer smaller crowds and want to trade items without long waits. Weekends get busier, though never uncomfortably packed. The store is well-organized despite its warehouse size, with clear signage marking different sections and genres.
Don’t feel pressured to buy everything you see. The beauty of McKay’s is that new treasures arrive constantly, so there’s always next time. However, if you spot something rare or unusual, grab it—those items disappear fast.
Check out the free book bins outside near closing time for additional treasures people can take home without charge. Finally, download the McKay’s app or check their website before visiting to confirm current hours and any special events.
Why McKay’s Knoxville Is Worth the Trip
McKay’s transcends the typical retail experience and becomes something more meaningful—a place where memories are made and passions are rekindled. It’s where parents introduce their children to the joy of physical books, where college students furnish their dorm rooms with affordable entertainment, and where collectors find those elusive missing pieces.
The prices strike a balance between bargain-hunting dreams and realistic sustainability. While some items occasionally approach new-item pricing, most offer genuine savings that make building your collection financially feasible. You’re supporting a local business that employs friendly, knowledgeable staff who genuinely care about helping you find what you need.
Beyond the merchandise, McKay’s offers something increasingly rare in our digital age—the tactile pleasure of browsing physical shelves, the serendipity of unexpected discoveries, and the satisfaction of holding your treasures in your hands before buying.
Whether you’re a serious bibliophile, a casual browser, a bargain hunter, or simply someone seeking a unique Knoxville experience, McKay’s delivers. It’s not just shopping—it’s an adventure that rewards curiosity and patience with genuine treasures.