Taylor Books is an independent bookstore in Charleston, West Virginia.[1] It specializes in Appalachian culture.[2] It is credited with revitalizing downtown Charleston.[3][4] It regarded as an institution for the state's artistic community.[5]
 Taylor Books logo | |
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| Address | 226 Capital Street Charleston, West Virginia US |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38°21′04″N 81°37′59″W / 38.350986°N 81.6329345°W |
| 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 |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Website | |
| taylorbooks | |
History
editTaylor Books was founded by Ann Saville in 1995. The Charleston Town Center mall opening in 1983 had wiped out many local businesses.[3] 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.[6][2]
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,[7] Tony Caridi,[8] and Stephen King.[9]
The bookstore includes an Annex Gallery, a café, and pottery studio in the basement.[10] The small stage in the front of the shop is where young Appalachian singer-songwriters get their start.[5][11] 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.[12] The Art Annex is a major attraction during the Festivall citywide arts festival and monthly art walks.[6]
In 2021, long time store clerk Dan Carlisle became the owner of Taylor Books.[1]
Awards
editPeople's Choice Awards 2022 – Favorite Retail Shop[13]
References
edit- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b Balfour, Amy (March 28, 2022). "The Ultimate Appalachian Road Trip through West Virginia". Lonely Planet. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b Kaplan, Melanie (July 5, 2017). "Things to Do in Charleston, WV". Washington Post. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
Taylor is an institution.
- ^ a b 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.