Jim Reed Books – A Popular Site in Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham is full of history, beautiful architecture, and local shops and restaurants. It is continuously growing and welcoming new businesses every year. A popular site in Birmingham, AL, Jim Reed Books, has called Third Avenue North home for 41 years. This bookstore is often called The Museum of Fond Memories and as you walk through the door, you will see why.

The store is home to thousands of books, collectibles, and more. The owner, Jim Reed, opened the store to provide visitors with a unique experience. He encourages guests to walk in and let the books speak to them. He has everything from Tarzan to The Fall of Rome. My husband and I visited recently and were amazed at how friendly Mr. Reed was and how knowledgeable he seemed about the inventory held throughout the store. While we were browsing through the many aisles of books, Mr. Reed was helping customers find certain novels and authors. He knew exactly which books he had and which he didn’t. Every time he would answer a question, we would think “there is no way he actually knows if he has that book or not.” You can tell just by the atmosphere that he is proud of his establishment and truly loves what he does.

If you plan on visiting Jim Reed Books in Birmingham, make sure to carve out some time. Don’t just walk in on the hunt for one book. Give yourself an hour or so to browse through the different genres and peruse different authors. You will discover books you may not have known existed or find one that reminds you of your childhood.

The museum characteristic of this bookstore is fascinating. There are books that are old and worn and there are copies that are brand new. Collectibles range from Santa statues to traditional postcards. It is considered a museum where you can take a piece of history home with you.

Mr. Reed continues to grow his following through his podcast, Jim Reed’s Red Clay Diaries. Listen and get to know the owner of this Birmingham museum as he tells stories about growing up in the deep south. He shares his passion for reading and the story of how discovered his love for teaching others about books.

Jim Reed Books is considered a hidden gem throughout all of Alabama. It is a joyful place that will leave you wanting to return week after week to pick up a new read. If you haven’t, make sure to check out this popular site in Birmingham!

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