Downtown Johnson City’s

Local Independent Bookstore

333 E Main Street

Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm

We are more than just a place to buy books—we are a space where literature, art, and music come to life. Our cozy reading nooks and welcoming atmosphere make us the perfect spot to explore, discover, and connect.

  • Monthly Book Clubs – Join one of our four themed book clubs, led by passionate community members. Engage in lively discussions and expand your literary horizons.

  • Live Events — Experience the best of local music and comedy nights, which bring together creatives and book lovers alike.

  • Local Artwork & Stationery – Discover unique art pieces, journals, and handcrafted stationery from talented local makers.

Bookshelves filled with books inside a bookstore or library, with large windows showing trees and a building outside.

NEW

A small room filled with bookshelves on both sides, with books organized with labels. There are two rugs on the tiled floor, one towards the front and a smaller one at the back. The back wall has historical newspapers displayed on the wall and a poster of fireworks above the newspapers. The room appears to be a library or an archive room.

USED

Interior of a children's section in a library, featuring a wooden bookshelf filled with children's books, a mural of a waterfall and trees on the wall, and large windows letting in natural light.

KIDS

  • Buy your new books & ebooks on Bookshop.org

    When you select Johnson’s Literary Depot as your bookstore on Bookshop.org, you support us with 30% of every purchase. Plus, get your new books delivered directly to you in 2-3 days!

  • Get your audiobooks on Libro.fm!

    When selecting Johnson’s Literary Depot as your bookstore on Libro.fm, the profits from your favorite audiobooks will support your favorite local bookstore!

  • The Golden Ticket: Annual Book Pass

    Introducing The Golden Ticket: our annual book pass!

    Just $150!

    What you get:
    One free used book every month
    10% off every purchase
    Exclusive quarterly merch drops & pre-order access

    Perfect for treating yourself or gifting to the book-obsessed friend in your life. A year of reading, savings, and belonging.

  • MAKE THE SWITCH

    Dear billionaires,
    I no longer want to support your yachts and bottom lines. While your algorithms recommend slop and sell all of my data… I want community, encouragement, and a real human helping me find my next favorite read. Therefore, I am making the switch!

    With Love, Tired Folks

  • Buy E-Gift Cards for all your bookish friends!

    Need that last minute gift, our E-Gift Cards make the perfect gift for anyone!

Upcoming events

From our weekly events to our specialty community events or author signings, come join us at 333 E Main St for a good time!

Interested in hosting a free public event, ticketed event, or private event at Johnson’s Literary Depot? We have affordable options for any group and any regularity. Come down to the store and let us know more about your idea or event and we can talk about details!

Bookclub

Bookclub

A cozy reading corner with four brown leather armchairs arranged around a round wooden coffee table in front of large glass windows. Bookshelves and display shelves filled with books and artwork are visible, with pink flowering trees outside.

Find a bookclub that interests you! Every Thursday Night, you can join one of our bookclubs! When you’re in a club, you also get 15% off your bookclub reads! Bookclub membership is only $5/month!

Learn More
  • Support local voices and discover hidden literary treasures! The Local Authors & Indie Gems Club celebrates books written by Appalachia-based authors and standout indie reads. Connect with fellow book lovers and, occasionally, hear directly from authors about their work every first Thursday. A must-join for those who love discovering fresh perspectives and supporting the literary community!

  • Calling all fiction & romance readers! Whether you're into slow burns, second-chance love, or heart-racing chemistry, Love & Lit explores the best of modern romance novels. From bestselling rom-coms to emotionally rich love stories, we’ll swoon, sigh, and discuss it all every second Thursday. If you believe in the power of love stories, this club is for you!

  • Step into the literary past with Timeless Tales, where we read and discuss classic literature that has shaped storytelling through the ages. From the works of Austen and Dickens to Hemingway and Morrison, this club celebrates books that have stood the test of time every Third Thursday. Perfect for those who love diving deep into literary masterpieces!

  • Love a good whodunit? Our Mystery & Thriller Book Club delves into crime fiction, psychological thrillers, and suspenseful stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether it's a classic detective novel or a modern mystery, we dissect twists, turns, and theories together every fourth Thursday. If you love a page-turner, this club is for you!

We want your books.

Exchange your unwanted books or records for store credit. All store credit will be eligible for redemption for book purchases.

How it works:

  1. Drop your books off at our store.

  2. Fill out your information on the trade-in sheet and leave them with your books.

  3. Once we process your inventory, your store credit will be added to your account and you will receive an email confirmation.

Bookshelf filled with books in a library, with a sign above titled 'Johnson's Literary Depot,' and small potted plants on top of the bookshelf.

FAQs

Where should I drop off books?

Johnson's Literary Depot | 333 E Main St

All books and puzzles can be dropped off at Johnson’s Literary Depot from Monday to Saturday from 10am - 6pm.

What kind of books are you accepting?

We are currently accepting all types of books and genres, preferably in good condition. Each week on our social media profiles, we will share books we want and books we don’t need. We are currently not accepting records, textbooks, DVDS, CDs, or Audiobooks.

How do trade-ins and store credit work?

We will process any trade-ins while you are in store or within an hour of drop-off. Our store credit will be sent to you via e-gift card to the email provided. However, don’t stress about keeping up with the email, all store credit is stored in our system under your name, email, or phone number. Our store credit is applicable for New or Used Books and Special Orders.

Can I order books through you?

Yes, we can order new books from one of our multiple suppliers to ensure we get you the best price possible. To place a special order, please come to the store to place the order and provide payment. You may also place orders online through Bookshop.org or Libro.fm. We do not offer phone orders. Once the order arrives (usually within two weeks), it will be available for pick-up at the store.

Our Shelves, Our Values

We do not censor used books. They reflect the reading interests of our community over time. For new books, we curate intentionally, choosing titles we believe are enriching, relevant, or valuable to our readers.

We’re happy to special order any book, even if it’s one we don’t carry by choice. In some cases, we may donate proceeds from those sales to organizations doing meaningful work in our community.

Thanks for supporting a bookstore that believes in both access and accountability.

Exterior view of a bookstore with large glass windows and red brick walls. The word 'BOOKS' is painted in large white letters on the windows. There are modern red and black outdoor tables and chairs on a brick-paved sidewalk, with pink flowering tree branches hanging overhead.

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Four books displayed on a wooden table with a small brown paper bag in the center.
Wooden bookshelf with books on Appalachian Trail, Appalachia, and local history, with displays on top about Appalachian wildlife and landscapes, in a library.