Blue Bicycle Books

Blue Bicycle Books is a fun independent bookstore in the heart of downtown Charleston. After walking by many times, I visited for the Beto O'Rourke "We've Got to Try" talk and book signing in March 2024. The store is quite small, with a long hallway and a couple of rooms to the side, including a children's room. Thankfully the talk was held outside in a courtyard beside the bookstore, and I was glad it didn't rain. Local bookstores host authors and have experiences that you can't get online or from big box stores. Blue Bicycle frequently has authors sign and speak about their books. I'm not sure how the prices run for used and rare books, but the ticket for a book plus the talk was very reasonably priced. Parking is much easier in the local garages- I recommend the Charleston Visitor's Center garage or the Francis Marion hotel's garage.

One of my favorite bookstores that I've been to and that's saying a lot! They seem to be very involved with the community and book festivals. You can see pictures of the owner and employees with various authors throughout the store. The bookstore itself has a very unique layout with little rooms, including a kids room with toys. A lot of local authors and books as well. Highly recommend checking them out!

I highly recommend visiting this independent bookstore just north of Marion Square - a great mix of new, used, and rare books.

Excellent bookstore on upper King. The layout is super long and narrow, with several "rooms" on the right side where you can sit and browse (one room is even designed for kids). It ends up being a cozy and comfortable space, with a huge selection of books of all types.

Delightful little ( not so) bookstore. Used options, rare options, autographed options.

This bookstore is such a charming and unexpected jewel in Charleston. It's small and cozy, and the staff is very helpful. I am an ongoing, endless student of Dutch and a dictionary lover to boot, so when I saw a Dutch-English dictionary from the 1890s here I almost collapsed. Totally unexpected in South Carolina! This store is one of the special things that makes Charleston such an attractive and unique city. Any bibliophile must definitely make it part of their itinerary here!

Blue Bicycle Books is by far the best local bookstore. As they state in their tagline, they have new, used, and rare books available for purchase. Their local section and YA section are my favorites. All the stacks are organized well and clearly marked. I wish they'd be a bit more competitive on list price of new books with other sellers, but I understand you can't be that competitive if you'd a locally-owned business. (Generally, online sellers seem to price new books I buy at about 50% off list, while BBB is at list.) In addition to the day-to-day operations, Blue Bicycle operates YALLFest, Charleston's stupendous YA lit festival on Upper King Street the second November annually. Their writing camp for kids has an excellent reputation. It can be a hassle to find parking in this area, but it's worth a trip to BBB.

Most overrated bookstore I've ever been to. Poor selection, cold staff member didn't make us feel invited AND pretentious vibe for a bookstore. Place is small too. No idea why this place is so hyped up.

Total rip-off. The beauty of Ebay is that you can find out the real market value of any used item just by searching and filtering "items sold". Any idiot can ask for a lot of money for anything, but filtering sold items tells you what people are actually paying for something. This store sells used books. These books can be found on Ebay. This store has RIDICULOUSLY high prices. A Book Of The Month copy of To Kill A Mockingbird? Sold for $20 in March 2020 on Ebay. Asking price today at Blue Bicycle? North of $100. A 1st/1st copy of 2010? $5 on Ebay all day. Here? $20! On and on and on. Do your due diligence before you shop here. They are marking their books up WAY over real market value. Just search on Ebay and filter for "sold". Or better yet just buy off Ebay. Even with shipping you'll save a ton of money versus shopping here. Shame on you you greedy bookmongers. Shame, shame, shame.

Very kind staff and an interesting collection of books. The staff was very kind and helpful.

Wonderful selection of local authors and delightful staff! Am so glad we stopped here.

BBB is a great bookstore in downtown Charleston on King Street. When I stopped in here, the store was pretty busy as it's the heart of Y'all Fest in Charleston. The bookstore is decent sized with a long hallway to different rooms in the back. The booksellers were nice and the selection was good with a lot of great YA books, local authors, and some swag. While we were here, my friend and I waited for the bathroom in the back with some teens who were volunteering at the festival. While the girls were using the bathroom one of them stood outside the door and counted how long they were in there. At first I thought it was a joke, but then the girl kept counting and counting and counting. Finally, the counting teen used the restroom and she was in there the longest. When the next person went in, they said she left a floater. This doesn't really reflect on the bookstore at all, but it was so weird I will always remember this incident in my mind.

This local bookshop located on King Street is a little gem! It always has lots of local authors, staff suggestions, and nooks & crannies for browsing. Great place to pick up a gift to yourself or a fellow book lover!

This IS the book store I've been looking for. I walked by, driven by, ridden by, but never stopped in until I arrived to another event early and had some time to kill. I wish I had more time to kill. The bookstore keeps going further and further back, with more rooms and walls of books lining every nook and cranny. What I like about this store, aside from the atmosphere and smell, is that they have both new and old books, which many bookstores around here don't do. Lots of local authors are featured, and although I couldn't make it, there was a book signing by the author of Glimpses of Charleston, so I'm going to pay more attention to future events and hope to be a part of them. BBB also plays a big part in Y'all Fest, so it's fun to see their pictures on the walls with all of the authors and guest speakers who come to town.

What a find! I always visit local bookstores when I'm on vacation and this one is so good! Don't be deceived by the small storefront as this place is deep and has multiple rooms to discover. I felt like I was on a treasure hunt as the used and new books are mingled together. You could spend quite some time combing the shelves. I ended up with 3 great books to add to my collection!

This is an awesome new and used bookstore in downtown Charleston! I've been twice now and both times left with a great mix of books. They have some signed books, employee recommendations, a great local/regional section, a kids room and lots of author events if you live close by the area. I recommend street parking which occasionally is hard to find depending on the time of day. The street is a great area to walk and shop along so don't be afraid to park a few (or several) blocks away. If you like bookstores, I highly recommend visiting this one! There's really something for everyone, especially if you take the time to look around.

Quaint bookstore in the middle of it all. Selection is somewhat limited in regards to titles, but there is plenty to choose from. I loved that there was a room set aside for kiddos. Staff were friendly and I liked to see local writers/topics highlighted in the front of the store.

Blue Bicycle Books on King Street in Charleston is a great book store that seems like more than just a book store with the book buying experience that they are able to offer and the different events that they host. Whether you know the book that you are searching for or just browsing to find something good to read you will find it here. The staff here is wonderful and accommodating and will make sure that you are helped and find what you need. I have had a really good experience every time I have been here and it is well worth the visit and time to come here.

This is a book store with something for everyone. New books, inexpensive used books, collectible books, 1st editions, and more. Whether you are into fiction, travel, cook books, children's books, historical books, or anything in between I believe you can find it here in this easygoing well thought out shop. Helpful staff are on hand to suggest and support your search or your wandering. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon away from the hustle of the streets.

A cute bookshop with an interesting selection and layout. This place seems to have a little bit of everything including decorative books, rare books, and used books. If you look closely you can find some good deals on used books.

What a lovely little place this is, not the biggest selection but an excellent selection pertaining to the area. The layout begs you to browse, sit, read and view - I really, really liked this bookshop. Those who say books are dying, come here, renew your soul.

Loved this bookstore! Super great selection of books and a cool, meandering shop. I do wish it had a little seating area somewhere though. The kids book section was the best!!

Awesome book store filled with all types of books both old and new. Walking around the store was like going to a school reunion where I once again came face to face with old friends. Books that I had read and thoroughly enjoyed years ago were recognized sitting on the shelves. Even the old Smith Corona typewriter took me way back. Come on by and enjoy yourself.

Support independent book sellers! This is a lovely book store and they deserve your business. New books, old books, kids books... very cool location. Stop by and buy something. Do it.

Found this spot while I was visiting Charleston. This bookstore is small and super charming. Great selection! Definitely recommend popping in here and shopping local!

During my day trip to Charleston, this is where I spent most of my day... I was searching for a good beach read. This is not your typical book store with all of the NY Best Sellers and a rack of teenage dramatic fiction in your face. It is a place where you go without a book in mind. Which is exactly how I began my book shopping journey. The sections are marked clearly and things are organized nicely. The placement of the sections are quirky as the layout of the bookstore is interesting. I was looking for something along the lines of a cheesy Nicholas Sparks novel or even something like Twilight. Just an easy (guilty) read for a mindless day on the beach. I read the backs of books I have never seen for hours and was fully sucked in to the calm of the store. I ended up with 2 books that I had never heard of. Both of which were completely different but I couldn't choose just one. I love supporting local business and they were both resale books so, this was a guilt free purchase. I have never spent so much time in a bookstore because generally, I know what I am getting or the merchandizing tricks me into buying something I wouldn't have normally picked up. Any time you are in Charleston I highly suggest checking this place out!

This is a nice place and just about the only book store in downtown Charleston. I think they could utilize their space at the back a little better and have more general mysteries and paperbacks and would draw in a few more people. Prices for used non collectible books are very reasonable. I got several books that I wouldn't be able to find elsewhere and their selection of local authors is great.

Don't miss this indie gem! Great selection of local stuff, and they are really good about events for young adult readers and writers. Good gear, too, if you want souvenirs other than books...but you are guaranteed to find a pile you'll want to bring home!

Very nice bookstore! Probably one of the coziest I've ever been in. Nice selection, really organized, soft music, decent quality prices. They also have rooms available for kids and those looking for a nice place to read. Although I'm not sure if this is the best place to read because of the music, it's not loud but it is distracting. Definitely still recommend!

Surprisingly, Charleston doesn't have too many bookstores. This is the cutest one I spotted during my visit. It carries both new and used books and is beautifully designed. I got there when the store was about to close so I didn't get a chance to browse much. Would love to come back. I did have enough time to film the bookstore for The Book Lovers Series. If you want to check the bookstore out, the movie is on my YouTube channel: Episode 12 of The Book Lovers Series (searchable on YouTube)! Definitely recommend this pretty bookshop!! Especiallly if you're looking for books set or about the South and Charleston in particular! Located on North King Street near many amazing restaurants!

Very friendly staff. Such a cozy and relaxing interior, I like how they have the books organized. If you're a small used bookstore kind of person, make sure to stop by when in town!

Just attended an event last night and was reminded of how much I appreciate this local bookstore. Thank you for all the ways you support our community!!

A great change of pace from the usual hustle and bustle of King Street. Check this place out to peruse some good books, local authors, and take an air conditioned break from shopping. Since the renovation, Blue Bicycle has lost a bit of the "cozy" atmosphere so sought after in a small bookstore, and the lack of seating is kinda a bummer. The book selection is small so if you are looking for something specific, you might not be able to find it here. They have regular book signings by local authors which is neat.

It's small and in a good way. When you're inside it doesn't seem like there's a busy downtown street on the other side of the door. Loved meeting the shy doggie that hangs out by the counter

Ehh, this place wasn't what I wanted it to be. I thought it'd be bigger. I walked around for a few minutes today, and I found a coffee book I was interested in. List price? $35. Their price? $35. I thought it was all used books, but I guess not. Cute place, I guess, but they didn't win me over.

Visited Blue Bicycle for YALL Fest and the shop is just not large enough to handle that many people. I definitely want to go back and check out the shop when it's not swarmed with people.

Love this gem! It's small and quiet. The only downside is the section is low but you may get lucky in your findings. I found a book I had been wanting for a while for $10 while right now on the shelf at Barns & Noble it's $20!

Great store with lots of selection to choose from. Went here the past three years for YallFest and it's just not made for that many people. Cramped and awkward, but also quaint and pleasant.

Blue Bicycle is a must when visiting Charleston. It's the perfect quiet space directly off of King Street!

Blue Bicycle Books is a quite haven and escape from reality. You can drop a needle in that store and hear it bounce. The staff is extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. They are well informed and will help with any question you have. Also, this unique bookstore is very supportive of local authors. If you are looking for local talent that you won't find anywhere else or just want to browse a large and unique selection, this is the store for you.

Talking atmosphere, this is my favorite independent used bookstore in the world. There is a pretty cool selection layed out in the frontmost room, and I especially like that there is a whole "Charleston" section with books about the area and vintage photos, postcards, and tourism pamphlets. I think that whenever Pat Conroy is in town, he comes to sign books here. The owner is a writer himself and has been running the place since '98. He has a very cute kitty living in the shop who is worth searching the stacks for. I like to walk through the labyrinthine halls and just smell the old binding..... Also I think they have the #1 logo in town!

Walk in to hip music softly playing, 25 cent books and a tray of little cookies. Ask for help, owner is super friendly and knows alot about his trade, as he should as a book writer himself! Walk back and find the place packed with amazing little books, and a store cat. Every perfect bookstore needs a cat. Stay long enough and catch a glimpse of his beautiful daughter. If you are cool you will love it.

My fiance and I stopped in after our lunch at Virginia's. I always like to check out local book shops in hopes to find something interesting. When we entered, the young man at the desk did not greet us, which made us feel unwelcome. Nevertheless, we took our time browsing the store. There are lots of used books, so you won't really find a specific book at a given time. However, I was able to find a few interesting books that I ultimately purchased. That being said, be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time here to find something to your liking. I actually don't mind that :) There was a very rare, old book about Roentgenology (radiology) that I wanted, but I felt that their asking price was a little steep. During our perusing, a cat strolled under my feet, which I thought was funny. I suppose he is the resident loss prevention specialist :D When we checked out with our books, the young man seemed to warm up and thanked us for stopping by. Just wish he did the same when we entered. I will definitely return on our next trip to Charleston!

I wish I had about 5 hours to wander through this fabulous independent bookstore and soak it all in. The layout is so unusual and wonderful, it just draws you right in. The "front of the house" is bright and inviting featuring newer releases and colorful illustrated books. Pass the checkout counter and follow the long hallway that extends the length of the shop. Along the way, there are small "themed" rooms off to the right... the history room, the children's room, the fiction room. All of them with tables and chairs to sit awhile and browse. At the very back of the store, you'll find the bottom-of-the-barrel thrift store discount type of books - super cheap, some super cheesy, but all very interesting. Plus, I'm just a sucker for a bookstore with a cat! Gotta love it.

Great, local bookstore with friendly staff. Make sure to keep going toward the back to see more!!

At first I thought it was a cute little book shop with just a couple local options. Then I realized that the shop kept going! I found some pretty interesting reads, plus some pretty cool older books. The atmosphere was calm with great music. The kids room was so inviting. Really enjoyed it.

For once we went into a shop and the wife took a chair while I shopped around. Not that she doesn't like books or used books, but she was tired from our walking and walking! They had a nice signed copy of an Andrew Wyeth book. Great selection. Way in the back you can hear the ladies at the salon next door washing and drying and gabbing through the wall.

Lovely logo and facade which drew me in. Normally a sucker for bookstores anyway. Arrived just after opening and two bicycles were in the doorway making it difficult to enter and maneuver around other browsers. Selection was okay. Typical sections like: Charleston writers, southern writers, etc. The mix of used and new always puts me off in a bookstore. Make up your mind. It's rare that a used book doesn't off-gas its decaying stink onto new ones, so why the mix? Cute kids room. No cat in sight. Found the narrow walk along the bookshelves weird especially when the other customers and I were trying to look at books on opposite shelves. Person working there was busy talking to someone about invoices. So I didn't feel particularly welcomed or endeared to browse very long. Didn't see seating which is a must for bookstores. Perhaps it was obscured by the leaning mounds of bicycles?

Great bookstore. It is a hipster worthy book store. It has used, new, and local books. The place has an odd feel to it but it was fun perusing the shelves. They have clearance shelves and a few old books for sale. This was worth a 15-20 minute stop in if you like books, bookstores, and eclectic ideas

This is the beamst book store I have been to yet. Great selection of used books and local authors. Great atmosphere. Definitely stopping in here more often.