A friend told me about this place. I checked out their Instagram and knew immediately—Book Buyers Used Books had to be the very first spotlight for Explore Charlotte.
When I walked in, it confirmed everything I felt.
You might ask, why this one first?
Because it had to be.
Knowledge is power. And as someone who believes in leading with knowledge and kindness, the history, values, and story behind Book Buyers pulled me in. This felt like the right way to begin—grounded, meaningful, and human.
In a world full of digital noise and constant distraction, books slow us down. They help us focus. They give us space to think, learn, and step away from the chaos around us.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in was a cat sitting in the long aisle of books.
That felt like a sign, like everything about this bookstore was there long before algorithms decided what we should read next. Something about the space already made me feel comfortable.
That’s when I met Lee Rathers.
She was welcoming in that quiet, genuine way that doesn’t feel rehearsed.
There was no sense of urgency. Just a calm hello, space to look around, and the feeling that you were welcome to stay as long as you liked. It was definitely a place where time moves a little slower—and on purpose.
When I learned that Book Buyers has been part of Charlotte for 26 years, that alone said something. In a world where businesses come and go overnight, staying put for more than two decades isn’t luck. It’s care. It’s intention. It’s love for the work.
And yes—Lee will be the first to tell you, and she did so casually during the video recording.
“We’re picky” That line stuck with me.
Because it explains everything about Book Buyers.
A Store That Chooses Its Books Carefully
This isn’t a place where books pile up randomly.
Book Buyers has around 30,000 books on the shelves, spanning nearly every category you can imagine—fiction, non-fiction, mystery, art, philosophy, children’s books, rare finds, and titles you didn’t know you were looking for until you spotted them.
Every book earns its spot.
They buy used books, but they’re selective. Not because they want to exclude—but because they care about what stays in circulation. The result is a collection that feels curated without feeling pretentious.
You don’t feel overwhelmed here. I noticed people wandering and lingering. It felt like the kind of experience they wanted readers to have.
A Family Story Still Being Written
Lee Rathers runs the business today, but Book Buyers is very much a family story.
Her father, Richard Rathers, started it—and he’s still there. Quietly working in the back room. Not on display. Not front and center. Just doing what he’s always done.
There’s something deeply grounding about that. A reminder that this place didn’t come from a branding exercise or a growth hack. It came from years of showing up, one book at a time.
Lee talks about how fun it’s working alongside her dad with genuine warmth.
“We’re still around. We love doing it. It’s fun working with him.”
That joy shows. Not loudly—but clearly.
Why Book Buyers Still Matters
Book Buyers isn’t trying to compete with online retailers. It doesn’t need to.
What it offers can’t be replicated by a search bar.
Here, books have lived lives before they reach you. They’ve been held, underlined, gifted, donated, rediscovered. And now they’re waiting again—for the next reader.
This is the kind of place that reminds you why physical spaces matter. Why small local businesses matter. Why Charlotte is more than just neighborhoods and new construction.
It’s places like this that quietly hold the city together.
A Regular Rhythm at Book Buyers
Along with daily foot traffic, Book Buyers hosts monthly readings and open mic nights that bring in writers, readers, and neighbors from across Charlotte. These evenings are simple and low-key — a few voices, a few chairs, and a room full of attention. Events are announced through their newsletter and in-store notices, and they’ve become a quiet tradition for people who enjoy hearing stories out loud, not on a screen.
A Familiar Face in the Aisles
By coincidence, I also met Brenna Johnson, the store’s Customer of the Month, during my visit. She’s a longtime regular and happened to be browsing with a book in hand when we crossed paths. There was nothing staged about it — just someone comfortable in a place she clearly knows well. I captured her photo in that moment, and it felt like a natural snapshot of the kind of relationship people build with Book Buyers over time.
A Spontaneous Story Worth Sharing
While I was there, I filmed a spontaneous reel and short interview—nothing polished, nothing forced. Just Lee sharing who they are and why they’ve lasted this long.
Click Here To Watch YouTube Video – Don’t forget to subscribe
Book Buyers is also home to three resident cats, a detail Lee highlighted—and it says a lot about the place. They move quietly through the store, curl up between shelves, and somehow make the space feel even more lived in. They’re just part of the rhythm here. Like the books, they belong. And for anyone who’s ever loved bookstores, cats, or both, it feels exactly right.
That video is now live on YouTube, and it captures something hard to script: authenticity.
You can feel it.
The pride.
The calm.
The confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are—and not needing to be anything else.
A Few Questions People Might Want to Ask
How big is the store?
Big enough to explore. Cozy enough to feel personal.
Is it just for serious readers?
Not at all. This is for anyone who loves stories, curiosity, or simply getting lost in a place for a while.
Is it family-run?
Yes. And that shows in the best way.
Do you only sell used books?
Yes—and that’s the point. Every book already has a life before it arrives here.
Can I sell my books?
Yes. Book Buyers buys books directly from people, helping keep the collection fresh and community-driven. No two visits are ever the same.
Are the books in good condition?
Yes. Books are selected carefully. You won’t find random clutter—everything on the shelves has been chosen to be readable, useful, and worth passing on.
What kind of events does Book Buyers host?
Mostly poetry readings, fiction readings, and open mic nights, often featuring local writers and readers.
How often are the events held?
Events are typically held once a month, with details shared in-store and through their newsletter.
Do I need to be a writer to attend?
Not at all. You can come just to listen, browse, or soak in the atmosphere.
Is there a cost to attend?
Most events are free or very low-cost, focused on community rather than profit.
Can anyone participate in open mic nights?
Yes. Open mic portions are usually open to anyone who wants to share poetry or short fiction.
Where can I find event details?
In-store flyers, Book Buyers’ newsletter, and their social channels are the best places to stay updated.
One City. One Story at a Time.
As Charlotte grows, spaces like Book Buyers become even more important.
They remind us that not everything needs to be fast, digital, or disposable. That small, family-run businesses can still thrive by doing one thing well. And that stories—both written and lived—deserve a place to stay visible.
Book Buyers isn’t trying to be loud.
It’s trying to be lasting.
And after 26 years, it clearly is.
This is exactly why Explore Charlotte exists.
To notice places like this.
To share stories like this.
And to make sure they don’t get lost.
If you enjoyed this story:
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Because stories like these deserve to be passed on—just like the books themselves.