Rare, Used, and Antiquarian Books in Downtown Knoxville
Addison’s is a two-story independent bookstore on Gay Street, filled with old books, rare finds, literary conversations, and shelves worth lingering over.
A bookstore built for people who love the life of books
Addison’s is an independent bookstore and event space in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Inside, you’ll find rare books, used books, antiquarian titles, collectible editions, literary curiosities, and old favorites waiting for their next reader.
Our shelves are meant for slow browsing. You may come in looking for one book and leave having discovered something entirely unexpected. That is part of the pleasure of Addison’s.
What Makes Addison’s Different
Old books, thoughtful gatherings, and a place to stay awhile
Addison’s is more than a place to buy books. It is a warm, two-story bookstore where readers, collectors, writers, neighbors, and curious wanderers can spend unhurried time among books with history and character.
Here, the books carry stories before you ever open them. Some are signed. Some are beautifully bound. Some are strange, scholarly, beloved, or hard to find again. All are part of the quiet magic that makes an old bookstore worth returning to.
What you’ll find at Addison’s
Rare, Used, & Antiquarian Books
Browse shelves filled with rare books, used books, old editions, collectible titles, and literary works chosen with care.
Join Addison’s for monthly book club gatherings, classes, presentations, workshops, and thoughtful conversations around books.
Addison's Book Club
See a rotating selection of notable books chosen for their condition, character, scarcity, authorship, or literary interest.
Books of Note
Host your gathering in a downtown Knoxville bookstore surrounded by shelves, stories, and a setting that already feels meaningful.
Event Rental Space
Browse rare, old, and collectible books
Our inventory changes often, and every visit offers something different. Addison’s carries used books, rare books, antiquarian books, signed editions, first editions, literary classics, regional works, collectible volumes, and unusual finds for readers and collectors alike.
Looking for a specific author, subject, edition, or gift? Reach out or stop by the store. We are always glad to help point you toward the right shelf.
Literary events in downtown Knoxville
Addison’s hosts book club gatherings, classes, workshops, presentations, First Friday events, and community-centered literary programming inside the bookstore.
Some events are made for discussion. Some are made for learning. Some are simply a reason to gather among books and good company.
A bookstore setting for private events and gatherings
Addison’s offers event rental space in downtown Knoxville for gatherings that deserve a warm, memorable setting. The bookstore is a natural fit for literary events, private celebrations, workshops, meetings, showers, small receptions, creative gatherings, and community conversations.
If you want a space with character, shelves, and a sense of story already built in, Addison’s may be the right place.
Visit Addison’s on Gay Street
Addison’s is located in downtown Knoxville at:
126 S Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Come browse the books, attend an event, ask about a title, or spend a little time among the shelves.
Bookstore Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 12 pm - 5 pm
For readers, collectors, and the bookishly curious
Addison’s exists for people who still believe a bookstore should be experienced, not rushed through. It is for the person who notices a beautiful binding, pauses over an inscription, asks about an author, or wants to hold a book before deciding it belongs on their shelf.
Whether you are building a collection, searching for a gift, joining a conversation, or simply wandering through downtown Knoxville, we look forward to welcoming you.
Your Questions, Answered
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Addison’s is an independent bookstore in downtown Knoxville specializing in rare, used, old, and antiquarian books. The store also hosts literary events, book club gatherings, classes, workshops, and private rentals.
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Addison’s is located at 126 S Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Yes. Addison’s carries rare books, collectible books, signed editions, first editions, antiquarian titles, literary works, and other notable books that change as inventory changes.
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Yes. Addison’s has a current inventory page online, though inventory may change. For specific questions about a book, edition, author, or subject, contact the store directly.
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Yes. Addison’s hosts book club gatherings, classes, workshops, presentations, First Friday events, and other literary or community gatherings.
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Yes. Addison’s offers event rental space in downtown Knoxville for private gatherings, literary events, meetings, workshops, celebrations, and other small events.
Come browse the books
Addison’s is open for readers, collectors, neighbors, visitors, and anyone who still loves the quiet joy of finding a book they did not expect.
We look forward to seeing you on Gay Street.