Some of the best finds in Tennessee hide behind a plain storefront and a modest sign. You walk in planning to stay ten minutes, and suddenly an afternoon has slipped away between shelves of old hardbacks and forgotten stories.
This bookstore has been around since 1875, which means it has outlasted more trends than anyone can count. Keep reading to find out why locals guard it like a family treasure and why you should clear your schedule before you go.
A Cooper-Young Landmark Since 1875
Few shops in the South can claim a founding year that starts with 18. Burke’s Book Store opened in 1875, and today it sits at 936 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, in the heart of the Cooper-Young neighborhood.
The store sells new, used, and rare books, and it has built its reputation on stock that leans unusual rather than predictable. That mix keeps book lovers coming back year after year.
Memphis is famous for music and barbecue, so a 150-year-old bookstore can feel like a surprise discovery. Plenty of longtime residents treat it as a point of hometown pride, and newcomers often say they were amazed once they learned how far back its history goes.
For anyone driving in from Nashville, Little Rock, or north Mississippi, it makes an easy addition to a weekend in the city. Just plan for the visit to take longer than expected.
Roots in Memphis History
Long before streaming and smartphones, people in Memphis were buying books from this same name. That kind of staying power is rare for any small business, let alone an independent bookshop.
The store has become woven into the Memphis community over the decades. Even people who rarely visit bookstores describe it as a treat to stand inside a place with such deep local ties.
History also shows up in the merchandise. A signed and original copy section near the front gives collectors something special to hunt for, while the rare book stock adds a sense of discovery to every visit.
Locally owned and proudly independent, it has never tried to act like a chain. That choice is a big part of why people who have called Memphis home for years still talk about it with real affection.
Some places just feel like they belong exactly where they are.
Shelves That Swallow an Afternoon
Ten minutes is never enough here. The shop is smaller than many people expect, yet it holds enough books to keep a curious reader busy for an hour or two, sometimes more.
The collection covers a wide range. Shelves hold children’s books and adult titles, local and international authors, plenty of fiction, and a large and varied nonfiction selection.
Despite the volume, the space stays clean and well organized. Sections are clearly labeled, so browsing feels like a treasure hunt rather than a chore.
One honest note: some sections sit close together, and the bottom shelves can be tricky to see. Romance readers may also come up short, since that genre is not a focus.
Still, the sheer variety means you will likely leave with something you never knew you needed. Bring patience, comfortable shoes, and maybe an empty tote bag.
Memphis Authors and Hometown Reads
Want to read your way through the Bluff City? The store keeps a dedicated section of books about Memphis, plus another one devoted to Memphis authors.
That local focus is a big draw for residents and road-trippers alike. It is a simple way to learn more about the city’s past and present through the people who know it best.
Local authors get real shelf space here, not just a token corner. Shoppers often mention finding fresh non-fiction reads and new writers they had never heard of before.
For Tennessee readers, this section carries a bit of extra meaning. It celebrates the voices coming out of our own state instead of only the big national names.
Pick up a title from a Memphis writer, and you take home a souvenir with far more staying power than a fridge magnet.
Typewriters, Polaroids, and Hidden Sayings
Look up from the pages for a moment, because the decor deserves attention too. Old typewriters sit on display around the store, and they tend to spark plenty of memories for older shoppers.
Then there is the wall of Dog of the Day Polaroids. It is exactly what it sounds like, and it adds a cheerful, neighborly touch to the place.
Fun sayings are tucked into spots where you least expect them. Finding them becomes a small game while you browse.
Most of the decorations relate to books and writing, so the theme stays consistent from front to back. Flashback photos add another layer of personality.
The overall effect is eclectic without feeling cluttered. It is the kind of shop where the walls tell stories almost as well as the shelves do, and that charm is hard to copy.
Bargain Bins and Friendly Faces
Good news for anyone on a budget: prices here are known for being very reasonable, hardbacks included. Several $1 book sections are scattered around the store, which makes it easy to grab a stack without guilt.
Friendly staff come up again and again when people talk about this shop. The team knows its books and is happy to chat, whether you need a recommendation or just want to talk about a favorite author.
If a title is not on the shelf, staff can place an order for you. Online ordering with in-store pickup is also available.
Around the holidays, gift wrapping is offered, a small perk that regulars appreciate. The store accepts both cash and card.
Put all that together, and it is easy to see why so many folks treat their visit like stopping by to see old friends.
Comfy Chairs for Every Kind of Reader
Chairs are placed throughout the shop, and nobody seems to mind if you drag one from row to row. Some people use them to sit and read, while others stand on them to reach a treasure on the top shelf.
The vibe mixes calm with a little adventure. It suits quiet readers, serious collectors, and casual browsers who simply enjoy wandering.
Families will find a children’s section in the back. Grandparents often mention picking up good reads for young grandkids here.
Travelers like it too. Someone staying nearby can easily turn this into a favorite place to roam while getting to know Cooper-Young.
It also works for people who rarely set foot in bookstores at all. The history and friendly setting make it a welcoming first stop.
Bring a kid, bring a friend, or come solo with a free afternoon.
Hours, Parking, and a Gentle Nudge
Timing matters if you want plenty of browsing room. The store is open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday from noon to 5 PM.
Those later weekend hours make Friday or Saturday evenings a smart pick. Parking is available in a lot shared with several nearby shops and restaurants.
The surrounding district is full of small businesses, so it is easy to pair a book run with lunch or a stroll. During the Cooper Young Festival, expect crowds that can make focused browsing harder.
For Tennessee readers looking for an affordable escape, this one checks every box. It is historic, locally loved, and gentle on the wallet.
Give yourself a few unhurried hours. A shop that has welcomed readers for 150 years has earned at least that much of your time.
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