Johnson’s Literary Depot

Welcome to Johnson’s Literary Depot — a place where stories, community, and curiosity meet.


Once the crossroads of letters and conversation Johnson’s Depot was a post office, general store, and train depot. We carry that spirit forward here in Downtown Johnson City, where people still gather to read, discover, and connect.

A Modern Depot of Ideas

At one time, depots were where news, people, and possibility converged. Here, we’re reviving that tradition—not with whistles and steam, but with books, conversations, and community energy that’s real and unfiltered.

This is the feeling and community that Johnson’s Literary Depot is trying to build here in Johnson City, Tennessee. Don’t just scroll this website (we must admit it does have its purpose), come on down to 333 E Main Street and enter into our depot of all things good.

Black and white photo of an old steam train at Johnson City station, with a historical wooden platform canopy.
Exterior view of Johnson's Literary Depot bookstore with large glass windows and red chairs outside, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Our Bookshop

Our shelves hold a thoughtfully curated mix of new books, used books, classics, and contemporary voices alongside strong representation of Appalachian writers and regional history.

If we don’t have a title in stock, we’re happy to special order it. If you’re not sure what you want, we’ll help you find it. We believe good books should be accessible, affordable, and handled with care.

This is a shop built for readers not algorithms.

A Place for Gathering

From author talks and book clubs to music nights and literary events, the Depot serves as a gathering place for the community.

Some events are structured. Others are simple by design. All of them are meant to create connection between people, between ideas, and between generations of readers.

You don’t need to be an expert to belong here. Curiosity is enough.

A man with a guitar and a man with a paper, standing in front of an audience at a bookstore event. Audience seated, some taking notes, others listening or watching. Bookstore shelves in the background, sign reading 'Johnson's Literary Depot'.
Children and adults participating in a storytime reading session in a library. Kids are sitting on a rug with green cushions, some reading books. Two women are reading, one is kneeling and the other is holding a child while standing.

Kids Read for Free

Kids Read for Free is a core part of who we are.

Through this initiative, children are always welcome to take home a book, no purchase required. We believe early access to books shapes confidence, imagination, and opportunity, and we’re committed to removing barriers wherever we can.

This non-profit is sustained through community support, donations, and a shared belief that literacy is foundational—not optional.

Johnson’s Literary Depot was founded by Andrew and Ally McElroy, lifelong readers with a deep love for books, small towns, and building places that matter.

Andrew’s work centers on community development, storytelling, and creating spaces that bring people together. Ally’s passion lies in wellness, creativity, and nurturing environments where people feel supported and seen.

Together, they opened the Depot with a simple goal: to create a bookstore that feels timeless without being stuck in the past, and welcoming without trying too hard. The shop reflects their shared belief that independent bookstores still have an essential role to play in civic life.

Meet the Founders

A smiling man and woman taking a selfie outside Johnson's Literary Depot on a snowy day.
Group of women holding books inside Johnson's Literary Depot bookstore in Johnson City.

More than a Store

Johnson’s Literary Depot is meant to be used.

Read here. Meet here. Bring your kids. Bring your questions. Attend an event or pitch an idea. The Depot works best when it’s lived in - when it becomes part of your routine rather than a once-in-a-while stop.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to think or a lively place to connect, you’ll find both under this roof.

We are even better in person.

Johnson’s Literary Depot
333 E Main Street
Johnson City, TN 37601

Hours:
Monday–Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

We’re glad you found us. We hope you stay awhile.

Visit the Depot

view of the entrance to a small shop or cafe through glass doors with an illuminated open sign, a "Shop Small" sign on the door, and a doormat with the word "SHOP" written upside down.