The Modern Depot

Black and white photo of an old train station with a brick building and a curved platform, with luggage carts on the platform and people waiting.

At one point the post office, general store, and train depot were the crossroads of knowledge, wisdom, and new ideas. Today, we were promised that the internet and social media would be the same. Yet, the people got left out of the equation and became echo chambers somewhere along the way. There has always been a magical quality about bookstores, a place where the past and present, young and old, come together. A portal to the type of community we want. Even though the corporate bookstores and Amazon sterilized the human element, independent bookstores held on and made a resurgence once people knew that something truly special existed here and only here.

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.

A small library or bookstore corner with wooden bookshelves filled with various books, some labeled with handwritten signs. There are newspapers on the back wall, and the floor is covered with a small patterned rug. The ceiling has a fluorescent light and an air vent.

A red bookshelf on wheels with books for sale on a sidewalk outside a building. The top row has books with colorful spines, and the bottom row contains paperback books with various titles visible. The sign on the top of the bookshelf reads 'ONE DOLLAR BOOKS $$$' in white text.

Books & More

From your favorite classics to new up-and-coming authors, we have it all. If we don’t have it, we can quickly order it for you!

We specialize in local authors, local artists, and all things local. In addition to books, we have locally made artwork, music, and gifts.

We also LOVE hosting community events! If your event is a free public event, we charge a flat fee based on regularity. If your event is a ticketed event, we charge a per-ticket hosting fee. If you are interested in having your event at Johnson’s Literary Depot, please stop by and tell us more about your idea!

A woman sits in a chair reading a pink book titled 'Happy Place' by Emily Henry in a library or bookstore. The room has large windows with views of trees and street outside, and bookshelves filled with organized books.

Yes! We love our regulars and book clubbers. We offer regular offers and discounts to any Johnson’s Literary Depot customer, as well as special discounts and benefits for our book clubbers. Sign up for our regular loyalty program or sign up for our monthly book club subscription in-store.
Our Kids Read for Free program is our effort to increase literacy and instill a love for reading in the next generation. We operate off donations of money and gently used children’s books. Every child that walks through the door can either trade a book per book or if they don’t have any books to trade can walk away with one children’s book of their choice. *Adults may buy books at a $1 per book and may donate additional funds for our Kids Read for Free program.
YES! Johnson’s Literary Depot is more than just a bookstore, we are a community hub for ALL Johnson Citians. If the event is a free public event, we charge a flat fee based on the regularity of the event. If it is a ticketed event, we charge a per-ticket hosting fee. If it is a private event, you can inquire at in-store. For your event needs, please visit us in-store for more information and to tell us more about your wonderful idea!