Independent Bookstore in Charleston, West Virginia, US
 Taylor Books logo | |
| Address | 226 Capital Street Charleston, West Virginia US |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38°21′04″N 81°37′59″W / 38.350986°N 81.6329345°W / 38.350986; -81.6329345 |
| Public transit | Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority |
| Parking | On Street |
| Owner | Dan Carlisle (2021–present) |
| Type | bookstore, theater |
| Genre(s) | folk music, spoken word |
| Seating type | chairs, standing |
| Opened | 1995; 29 years ago (1995) |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Website | |
| taylorbooks | |
Taylor Books is an independent bookstore in Charleston, West Virginia. It specializes in Appalachian culture. It is credited with revitalizing downtown Charleston. It regarded as an institution for the state's artistic community.
History
Taylor Books was founded by Ann Saville in 1995. The Charleston Town Center mall opening in 1983 had wiped out many local businesses. Capitol Street was largely abandoned by the 1990s, when Ann Saville purchased the building. During the restoration, artist Paula Clendenin inspired the ceiling's iconic red.
Taylor Books is the last independent bookstore in the state capital city. Intrinsically, it became West Virginia's main venue for author talks. Past speakers include William Brewer, Tony Caridi, and Stephen King.
The bookstore includes an Annex Gallery, a café, and pottery studio in the basement. The small stage in the front of the shop is where young Appalachian singer-songwriters get their start. Taylor Books serves as the box office for national music radio show Mountain Stage. Saville also founded the city's first brewery, which the bookstore carries. The Art Annex is a major attraction during the Festivall citywide arts festival and monthly art walks.
In 2021, long time store clerk Dan Carlisle became the owner of Taylor Books.
Awards
People's Choice Awards 2022 – Favorite Retail Shop
References
- ^ Hamilton, Scott (February 10, 2021). "Charleston's Taylor Books begins a New Chapter as Former Clerk Turns Owner". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
- ^ Balfour, Amy (March 28, 2022). "The Ultimate Appalachian Road Trip through West Virginia". Lonely Planet. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
- ^ Browning, Lexi (July 24, 2015). "Taylor Books to Celebrate 20 Years". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
requested that the ceiling be painted its iconic red
- "Taylor Books Owner has Invigorated Downtown". Charleston Gazette-Mail. October 22, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
- ^ Kaplan, Melanie (July 5, 2017). "Things to Do in Charleston, WV". Washington Post. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
Taylor is an institution.
- ^ Matt, Browning (December 13, 2019). Bookstore Explorer: West Virginia. West Virginia. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-578-57793-7.
Taylor has indeed become a popular staple in downtown Charleston... it is a bustling community hub
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - "Monongalia County native William Brewer to Discuss His Debut Novel in Charleston". Times West Virginia. August 8, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
- Johnson, Shauna (December 7, 2016). "Author Tony Caridi draws a crowd at Charleston's Taylor Books". West Virginia MetroNews. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
- "Legendary author Stephen King to visit Charleston". WSAZ-TV. March 8, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
- Imbrogno, Douglas (January 1, 2015). "Taylor Books to Debut Used-Book Shop". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
- Campbell, Lauren (February 8, 2016). "Charleston's Live Music Venues for Teens". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
- Balow, Jim (May 5, 2012). "Taylor Books owner plans Charleston brew pub". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
- Morris, Jess (May 5, 2022). "People's Choice Awards winners announced by Charleston CVB". WCHS-TV. Retrieved August 23, 2022.