Kathy from BermudaOnion shares this introduction to Hub City Books in Spartanburg – it’s love at first sight for me! The building, the neighborhood, the philanthropy and involvement with readers and writers … oh, yes, and the coffee roasters next door! I’ve started following HubCityBookshop on twitter, “friended” them on Facebook, and suggest you might want to do the same. While you’re there, follow BermudaOnion’s tweets, if you’re not already doing so – she’s got her finger on the pulse of all kinds of bookish happenings.
Upstate South Carolina’s newest indie bookstore is in downtown Spartanburg. This is an area that is in the middle of a re-vitalization, so Hub City Books is a welcome addition. Located at 186 West Main Street, in an old Masonic Temple, the bookstore is in a part of downtown Spartanburg that has been dubbed “the grain district,” since it contains a micro-brewery and will welcome a bakery/coffee shop (right next door to the bookstore) in the next few months.
One of the best, and most unique things, about Hub City Books is that it’s a non-profit bookstore. It’s operated by the Hub City Writer’s Project which sponsors writing workshops, writers in residence and college scholarships for aspiring authors, among other things. It’s one stop shopping – you can buy great books and support a wonderful cause all at the same time.
Most of the books in the bookstore are new, but there is a small section of value priced used books in the back. The store features staff picks and picks from some community leaders as well. They invite customers to write reviews for their blog – you receive a $1 discount for each review (up to 3 per month) they choose to publish. 
Hub City books just opened their doors for the first time on June 30th, and already sales have exceeded their expectations! They have plans to host authors and other fun events and will eventually sell books online. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to check them out.
This looks like a wonderful store. I love the nonprofit aspect too. I’ll definitely consider submitting reviews to their site.
Great ideas! I get excited when I see a bookstore that gets creative with their marketing. It was a sad say when Orlando lost its only indie store.
This definitely sounds like my husband’s type of book store. While I look at books, he can go over to the microbrewery!
Oh, this is such a neat idea for a bookstore! I really love that they give their proceeds back to the writing community, and the store looks really accommodating as well! So awesome that Kathy has this store in her neighborhood!
Sounds like a great little place.
every bookstore needs a coffee shop next to it…and every coffee shop needs a bookstore. It should be a law!
Also I see to chairs in that bookstore. extra points for some chairs.
I agree with Caite. It should be in the zoning rules that bookstores must have coffee shops with bakery and clean bathrooms!
Sounds like a great store! Love that they accept reviews on their site…that should be helpful to readers and patrons.
This looks like a great place and the non-profit aspect is a delightful surprise. I hope they do well.
Wow! Very exciting! Looks like a wonderful place.
I just flew into the Greenville-Spartanburg airport. I should have planned a visit.
Thanks for posting this, Dawn! I hope it helps put Hub City Books on the map!
Looks like a great book store!
Looks great and I love the concept! When August rolls around, I’ll have to check it out!
I’ve never heard of a non profit bookstore. Very cool.
I love the whole idea behind this store!
Sounds like a neat place! How cool that they offer discounts for reviews.
Even though I’m far away in Japan, I’m so happy about this store! So many indie book stores in South Carolina – and the rest of the U.S. – have closed over the past couple of years. It’s great to see a new business with faith in books!