A bookstore in Tennessee has been selling books since 1875. That means it opened before the light bulb hit the market.
The shelves hold new, used, and rare books side by side. Old typewriters sit on display between the stacks. Chairs wait in the aisles for anyone who needs a sit-down.
I like how the place feels built for wandering. Rows lead to more rows, and every corner seems to hold a different topic. I can’t imagine walking out without at least one book you never planned to buy.
I believe the best shops reward curious people. This one has had more than 150 years to practice that skill. So what could be waiting on the bottom shelf of a store that old?
A Bookstore Older Than Most Of The Books On Its Shelves
Back in 1875, Burke’s Book Store opened its doors in Memphis. That gives it more than 150 years in the book business.
Very few shops anywhere can claim that kind of staying power. Plenty of stores open and close within a decade, so this run is seriously impressive.
The store’s own description calls it a seller of new, used, and rare books. That mix has been a big part of its identity for a long time.
Old shops can sometimes feel dusty and stuck in the past. This one keeps moving, though, with fresh titles arriving alongside older finds.
I love that a place this old still feels like a working, living shop. It isn’t a museum where you only look and leave.
You can actually take the history home with you, one paperback at a time. That’s a pretty great deal for a souvenir.
Tennessee has plenty of historic spots to visit. Few of them let you browse, sit down, and buy something to read once you get home.
Keep that history in mind as you shop. Every book you pick up joins a story that started generations ago.
Get Lost In The Rows On Purpose
Tall shelves and tight rows turn a quick stop into a small adventure. You’ll want to give yourself extra time here.
The store isn’t huge, but it packs a lot into its space. Sections sit close together, and the shelves stretch from floor to near ceiling.
That layout is the fun part. Turn one corner and you’re in history, then another corner drops you into fiction or local titles.
The bottom shelves can be tricky to see, so bend those knees. Some of the best surprises live down low where hurried shoppers skip.
Top shelves bring their own challenge. Luckily, chairs sit throughout the shop, and they come in handy for a closer look.
Plan for at least an hour if you love to browse. Two hours is not a crazy idea for serious book hunters.
A slow pace works best in a place built like this. Rushing through the rows means missing the oddball titles tucked between bestsellers.
Treat it like a treasure map without the map. Wander, pause, pull out a spine that looks interesting, and see where it leads.
Used, New, And Rare All Share The Same Shelves
Variety is the whole personality of this shop. Burke’s Book Store sells new, used, and rare books under one roof.
That combination changes how you shop. A brand-new release might sit a few steps away from a well-loved hardcover with decades behind it.
Used books make up a huge part of the stock. They’re perfect for readers who want more books without stretching their budget too thin.
New titles are here too, so you aren’t limited to whatever happened to come in that week. Fresh releases keep the shelves current.
Rare books add a little thrill to the hunt. Signed copies have also had their own spot near the front of the store.
Nonfiction gets a lot of room, covering a wide range of subjects. Fiction has its sections too, along with books for younger readers.
Can’t find a certain title? The staff can help you place an order, which saves a lot of guesswork.
Online ordering with in-store pickup is another handy option. Reserve your book first, then swing by and grab it without the search.
Memphis Readers Get Their Own Corner
Hometown pride shows up right on the shelves. The store keeps a section of books about Memphis plus one featuring Memphis authors.
That’s a big win for curious visitors. You can learn about the city’s music, food, and history from writers who know it best.
Locals benefit too. Supporting authors from your own community feels good, and you might discover a neighbor writing something fantastic.
Memphis has a deep story, and a bookstore with roots back to 1875 makes a fitting place to explore it. The connection feels natural.
Travelers often search for a souvenir that isn’t a magnet or a keychain. A book about the city lasts longer and says a lot more.
Gift shoppers should take note as well. A Memphis-themed title makes a thoughtful present for anyone who has lived in or loved this Tennessee city.
Start here if you’re new in town. Reading up on your surroundings can make the rest of your trip feel richer.
Then branch out into the other sections. Once you’ve got Memphis covered, the rest of the store is ready to take you anywhere.
Old Typewriters Steal A Little Of The Spotlight
Clackety old typewriters sit on display around the store. They add a fun, old-school touch that fits a shop full of stories.
Kids may never have seen one in person. Grown-ups might feel a wave of memories from school papers and carbon copies.
The decor leans hard into the book theme. Fun sayings pop up in unexpected spots, so keep your eyes open between shelves.
There’s also a wall of Dog of the Day Polaroids. It’s exactly as cute as it sounds, and it gives the place a friendly, neighborhood feel.
I love details like these because they show personality. A chain store rarely bothers with a photo wall of pups.
Little touches make the browsing feel playful instead of serious. You’re shopping, sure, but you’re also spotting fun surprises along the way.
Take a moment to read the signs and look at the displays. They’re part of the experience, not just background.
And if you’re bringing a four-legged friend for errands nearby, that photo wall might just inspire a new goal. Fame awaits.
Bargain Hunters Should Head Straight For The Dollar Books
Good news for anyone with a long reading list and a short wallet. The store has several bargain sections with very low-priced books scattered around.
Those spots are a reader’s playground. You can grab a stack, try new authors, and not stress if one doesn’t click.
Used books throughout the store are reasonably priced too. Hardcovers included, which makes building a home library much easier.
Here’s a smart strategy. Check the bargain sections first, then move to the main shelves with whatever budget you have left.
Bargain books are also great for kids learning to love reading. Let them pick a few without worrying about the cost.
Teachers and parents can stock classroom or bedroom shelves on the cheap. That’s a practical perk with a big payoff.
Bring a tote bag if you can. Once you start pulling cheap finds off the shelf, carrying them gets tricky fast.
The store accepts both cash and card, so payment won’t slow you down. Your only real problem will be stopping at a reasonable number of books.
Pull Up A Chair And Stay Awhile
Chairs are spread throughout Burke’s Book Store, and they aren’t just decoration. Sitting down to flip through a book is part of the plan here.
That small detail makes a big difference. You can read a few pages before deciding, instead of guessing based on the cover.
The chairs can be moved from row to row as well. Move one nearby to browse comfortably, but ask a staff member for help with books on high shelves.
Kids also get a spot of their own. The children’s section sits toward the back of the store, away from the front door bustle.
Calm vibes make this a nice break from a busy day. It’s a peaceful pause between errands, meals, or neighborhood strolls.
Take your time with that first chapter. A good opening can tell you a lot about whether a book deserves a spot at home.
Families can split up and meet back later, each with a favorite find. Everyone gets a comfy perch.
Just be warned that sitting leads to reading, and reading leads to buying. Consider that your friendly heads-up.
The Neighborhood Makes It Easy To Turn One Stop Into A Whole Afternoon
Location is a big bonus here. You’ll find the store at 936 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, in the lively Cooper-Young area.
Shops and restaurants surround the bookstore. That makes it simple to grab a meal before or after browsing.
Parking is handy too. A lot is shared by several shops and restaurants in the area.
Cooper-Young also hosts its well-known festival. It’s a fun time to visit, though browsing gets busier when crowds fill the district.
Quieter days may suit you better if you want to explore every shelf. Pick your adventure based on your mood.
Memphis offers plenty of big attractions, but this neighborhood has a cozy, walkable charm. It feels like a place where locals actually spend their weekends.
Plan a loop that starts with books, moves to lunch, then wanders past more storefronts. That’s an easy recipe for a great Tennessee afternoon.
Bring comfortable shoes and a little patience. Between the shelves and the street, you’ll likely want to linger longer than expected.
Know The Hours Before You Hit The Stacks
Timing matters at a place this easy to get lost in. Burke’s Book Store opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
Weekdays from Monday to Thursday run until 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday stretch later, all the way to 9 p.m.
Sunday hours are shorter, from noon to 5 p.m. Plan accordingly if you want a lazy weekend browse.
Those late Friday and Saturday hours are a treat. An evening book hunt beats scrolling on your phone any day.
The staff deserves a shout too. They know their books, and they’re happy to chat about what you like to read.
Holiday shoppers get an extra perk. The store has offered gift wrapping during the holidays, which saves you a battle with tape.
Need a gift for a tough-to-shop-for friend? Ask for a recommendation and let the experts point you somewhere good.
After 150 years, this Memphis shop still makes readers feel welcome. Go early, stay late, and leave with a bag heavier than you planned.
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