Chattanooga, Tennessee, September 13, 2025

News Summary

The Book & Cover, a local bookstore in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been recognized by Southern Living magazine as one of the 20 friendliest places in the South. This accolade highlights the store’s inviting atmosphere and community engagement since its opening in November 2021. As the only Chattanooga representative on the list, The Book & Cover has become a beloved destination for book lovers, hosting numerous book clubs and free story times, while fostering a strong social media presence.

Chattanooga Ranks Among South’s Friendliest Places with Local Bookstore Recognition

Chattanooga, Tennessee’s The Book & Cover, situated at 1310 Hanover St., has earned a distinguished spot as one of the 20 friendliest places in the South according to Southern Living magazine. This commendation spotlights the bookstore’s unique approach to creating a welcoming environment for its community.

Notably, The Book & Cover is the sole representative from Chattanooga on the list and stands as one of only two establishments from Tennessee recognized in this category. The accolade follows a previous feature in Southern Living earlier in July, which highlighted the bookstore’s charm and community spirit.

The bookstore opened its doors in November 2021, established by co-owners Sarah Jackson, Blaes Green, and Emily Lilley. It occupies a beautifully restored home from the 1920s, providing an inviting space for book enthusiasts and families alike.

Community Engagement and Activities

The founders’ vision included developing a community-friendly hub for book lovers, which spurred them to successfully raise $100,000 through a crowdfunding campaign. This financial support was crucial in establishing The Book & Cover as a community landmark.

Among its popular offerings, The Book & Cover hosts over 10 book clubs every month, catering to various genres, often with attendees on waitlists. The bookstore emphasizes inclusivity, aiming to be a space for readers from diverse backgrounds.

The Book & Cover also provides weekend entertainment for families with free story times for children in a charming area known as The Storybook Forest, which is creatively decorated to stimulate the imagination. The visual appeal of this section complements the store’s mission to foster a love for reading from an early age.

Additionally, the bookstore organizes events such as author talks and community gatherings, reinforcing the notion of bookstores as vital social hubs that connect people through stories and shared experiences.

Social Media Influence

The co-owners of The Book & Cover initially engaged potential customers through a book-themed Instagram page, which has flourished to amass 23,400 organic followers. This social media presence has played a significant role in building a passionate community around the bookstore.

Recognition and Other Friendly Places

Being recognized by Southern Living emphasizes the bookstore’s unique place in the local and regional literary scene. Alongside The Book & Cover, the only other Tennessee establishment featured in the Southern Living list is T.B. Sutton General Store in Granville. Other honored locations in the South include spots in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Tupelo, Mississippi, and St. Albans, West Virginia, although Southern Living does not rank these locations.

Conclusion

The success and recognition of The Book & Cover symbolize the vibrancy and friendliness of Chattanooga’s community and the importance of local businesses in creating welcoming spaces for all. Its innovative approaches to engagement, community involvement, and consistent dedication to fostering a love for literature serve as a hopeful model for local bookstores everywhere.

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Additional Resources

• Times Free Press: Chattanooga’s The Book & Cover Named a Friendliest Place
• Southern Living: The Book & Cover
• Times Free Press: Things to Do in Chattanooga
• NewsChannel 9: Crisis in the Classroom
• WDEF: David Beg Knows Chattanooga

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.