Chattanooga, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga’s indie bookstore, The Book & Cover, gains recognition as one of the South’s friendliest places by Southern Living magazine. Opened in a restored bungalow, it combines a cozy café and vibrant community engagement through book clubs and events. Founded by local graduates, the store has quickly become a beloved spot for book lovers and offers various activities for all ages.
Chattanooga has gained recognition for one of its independent bookstores, The Book & Cover, which was named one of the South’s friendliest places by Southern Living magazine. Located at 1310 Hanover St., the bookstore opened its doors in November 2021 in a beautifully restored 1920s bungalow in the Northshore neighborhood.
The Book & Cover is a unique independent bookstore that blends a cozy atmosphere with a café serving coffee and croissants. It features inviting reading nooks, making it a perfect spot for book lovers to relax and enjoy their favorite reads. The bookstore is known for its vibrant community engagement, with multiple book clubs available that cater to diverse genres, including classics, fantasy, romance, and horror.
This recognition from Southern Living is significant as The Book & Cover is the sole bookstore featured in a list that also includes various restaurants and retailers categorized as the “20 friendliest places in the South.” The only other Tennessee entry on this list is T.B. Sutton General Store located in Granville.
The bookstore was founded by three Chattanooga natives—Sarah Jackson, Blaes Green, and Emily Lilley—who are also graduates of Girls Preparatory School. Their passion for literature and community inspired them to create a space that fosters connection. They successfully raised $100,000 through a crowdfunding campaign to launch The Book & Cover, which has since grown in popularity.
In addition to its impressive selection of books and cozy corners, The Book & Cover cultivates community through various events. It hosts free Saturday morning story times for children in an area known as The Storybook Forest. The bookstore also organizes events throughout the year, including author readings and community activities. Their book clubs are particularly popular, with some clubs having waitlists due to their intimate, engaging discussions.
In the surrounding Chattanooga area, the bookstore is part of a vibrant literary scene that includes other noteworthy establishments. Winder Binder, established in 1994, is a local favorite known for its wide array of new and used books, vinyl records, art, and pottery. Another bookstore, Rêve Coffee and Books, located at 1948 Northpoint Blvd., is celebrated for its selection of literature by local authors, along with an impressive menu of house-made coffee and tea. Additionally, Ringgold’s Book & Barrel, located just across the state line, serves as the region’s first independent bookstore and wine bar, adding further to the community’s literary experience.
The Book & Cover takes pride in fostering a connection among readers and storytelling enthusiasts in Chattanooga. It participates in events such as a fall festival, Bookstore Romance Day, and hosts their signature event called Ink Drink, which includes a delightful group walk and a variety of literary activities designed to celebrate books and community.
With a popular book-themed Instagram account boasting over 23,400 followers, The Book & Cover has successfully created a lively platform for local book lovers and is actively engaging with the community through literature.
FAQ
What is The Book & Cover?
The Book & Cover is an independent bookstore located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, known for its friendly atmosphere and community engagement.
Where is The Book & Cover located?
The Book & Cover is situated at 1310 Hanover St., Chattanooga, in a restored 1920s bungalow near the Northshore.
When did The Book & Cover open?
The bookstore opened its doors in November 2021.
What types of events does The Book & Cover host?
The store organizes various events including book clubs, author readings, free Saturday morning story times for children, and special community activities.
What recognition has The Book & Cover received?
The Book & Cover was named one of the South’s friendliest places by Southern Living magazine, standing out as the only bookstore on the list.
Key Features of The Book & Cover
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 1310 Hanover St., Chattanooga, TN |
| Opening Date | November 2021 |
| Founders | Sarah Jackson, Blaes Green, and Emily Lilley |
| Crowdfunding Raised | $100,000 |
| Community Engagement | Book clubs, author events, story times, and more. |
| Social Media Presence | 23,400+ followers on Instagram |
| Recognition | Featured in Southern Living’s “20 Friendliest Places in the South.” |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga’s The Book & Cover Named a Friendliest Place
- Southern Living: The Book & Cover
- Local 3 News: Cozy Chattanooga Bookstore Featured in National Magazine
- Chattanooga Pulse: Best of Both Worlds – The Reading Room
- Nooga Today: Five Things to Check Out at the Library Besides Books
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
