The Bookshop Nashville: A Literary Gem in Music City’s Heart

In a city famous for its honky-tonks and recording studios, you might not expect to find one of the most enchanting independent bookstores in the country. Yet tucked away in East Nashville’s vibrant Eastland Avenue, a 500-square-foot space has become a beacon for book lovers seeking something extraordinary. The Bookshop, owned by former book editor Joelle Herr, proves that sometimes the smallest spaces can hold the biggest dreams.

From Book Editor to Bookstore Owner

Joelle Herr’s journey to bookstore ownership reads like a love letter to literature itself. With nearly 20 years of experience as a book editor in the publishing industry, she brought an insider’s understanding of what makes a book truly special when she opened The Bookshop in 2016. But her passion for books began much earlier—growing up in Franklin, Tennessee, she has fond memories of frequently visiting Lori’s, an independent bookstore in town, with her mom, thinking even then how lucky Lori was to have her own bookstore.

That childhood dream became reality when Joelle decided to leave the publishing world behind and create something uniquely hers. Long before Joelle Herr took the leap and opened The Bookshop in East Nashville in 2016, she lived a life surrounded by books. Prior to going out on her own, she worked in book publishing as an editor for nearly 20 years.

Small Space, Big Impact

At just over 500 square feet, The Bookshop could easily be overlooked. But step inside, and you’ll discover why it’s been called “a nook for people who love beautiful books” by both customers and critics alike. Every inch of space is thoughtfully utilized, with books covering virtually every surface in an arrangement that feels both organized and organic.

The Bookshop is only about a 500-square foot shop, but there’s a lot packed inside. Owner Joelle Herr does an excellent job of selecting titles to carry. While the store might not have every single book on your to-read list, you’ll find plenty of books that look interesting. This careful curation is what sets The Bookshop apart from larger chain stores—it’s not about quantity, but about quality and discovery.

The Art of Curation

What makes The Bookshop truly special is Joelle’s approach to book selection. Drawing on her decades of experience in publishing, she handpicks every single title, creating a collection that spans literary fiction, children’s books, science, history, cooking, art and design, poetry, music, memoir, and more. Owner Joelle Herr draws upon her nearly 20 years as a book editor to research and select each and every book—and bookish gift—in the shop.

This isn’t just random selection—it’s editorial expertise applied to retail. Books that might get lost in the overwhelming selection of a big box store find their perfect audience here. I almost never go into The Bookshop with a plan to get a specific book because I always find more books I want than I could possibly buy in one trip. It’s a great place to discover new reads that weren’t on your radar.

Building Community Through Literature

The Bookshop isn’t just a place to buy books—it’s a community gathering space that brings Nashville’s literary scene together. The store hosts regular events including book clubs, Saturday morning storytimes for children, and special themed readings. One thing she’s really missed and looks forward to bringing back is hosting in-person events again, especially the regular Saturday storytime for children.

One of their most popular offerings is the “Lit Clique”—a monthly blind-date-with-a-book subscription service where each book is carefully selected by Joelle, often featuring titles from independent presses and emerging authors. This initiative perfectly embodies the store’s mission of introducing readers to books they might never have discovered otherwise.

Values-Driven Business

What makes The Bookshop even more remarkable is their commitment to their employees and community. Another thing to love about The Bookshop is that they are certified by Nashville Living Wage which means that they pay their employees a liveable wage for the area. Nashville is expensive so that’s a big deal for a store here. In an industry where small businesses often struggle to provide competitive wages, this commitment speaks to Joelle’s values and her dedication to creating a sustainable business model.

A Neighborhood Treasure

Located at 1043 W Eastland Ave in East Nashville, The Bookshop has become an integral part of the neighborhood’s character. The Bookshop is the most idyllic, neighborly book store I have ever visited. I’m a regular there, and Joelle always greets me and asks after my husband and daughter by name if they aren’t with me. She is always ready with relevant, knowledgeable recommendations.

The location itself is perfect for a literary adventure—sandwiched between Hannah Bee Coffee and Peninsula, you can grab a coffee before or after browsing, and there’s even a popular Nashville mural across the street for the perfect Instagram moment.

Surviving and Thriving

Like many small businesses, The Bookshop faced challenges during the pandemic. But the loyal customer base that Joelle had built over the years rallied to support their beloved bookstore. After the pandemic hit, her faithful customers showed their support by purchasing books for pickup through her newly built site. When she cautiously reopened the doors, they jumped at the chance to schedule browsing visits, which ultimately led to the purchases that helped her make it through the past 18 months.

This support speaks to something larger—when a small business truly serves its community, that community will fight to keep it alive.

The Personal Touch

What customers consistently praise about The Bookshop is the personal attention they receive. I’m admittedly an awkward introvert, so I was originally a little worried about the customer interaction day in and day out, but honestly, our customers are so very lovely and loyal and supportive. Some have even become friends. It’s been an unexpected gift.

This personal connection transforms a simple book purchase into a meaningful exchange between literature lovers. Customers don’t just buy books—they receive recommendations tailored to their tastes, discover new authors, and become part of a community that celebrates the written word.

Why The Bookshop Matters

In an age of online shopping and digital books, The Bookshop represents something irreplaceable—the serendipity of discovery, the joy of physical books, and the power of human connection over shared literary passions. What The Bookshop lacks in size it more than makes up for in beauty and quality, with a thoughtfully curated selection of books for every type of reader.

Visit The Bookshop:

Address: 1043 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Website: thebookshopnashville.com

The Bookshop proves that small businesses can compete not through size or convenience, but through passion, expertise, and genuine care for their customers. In Joelle Herr’s capable hands, this tiny East Nashville storefront has become a vital part of Music City’s cultural landscape—a place where books are celebrated, readers are nurtured, and the simple act of browsing becomes an adventure in discovery.

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