Taylor Books

Last updated

Taylor Books
Taylor Books logo.jpg
Taylor Books logo
Taylor Books
Address226 Capital Street
Charleston, West Virginia
US
Coordinates 38°21′04″N81°37′59″W / 38.350986°N 81.6329345°W / 38.350986; -81.6329345
Public transit Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority
ParkingOn Street
OwnerDan Carlisle (2021–present)
Typebookstore, theater
Event(s)folk music, spoken word
Seating typechairs, standing
Opened1995;30 years ago (1995)
Years active1995–present
Website
taylorbooks.com

Taylor Books is an independent bookstore in Charleston, West Virginia. [1] It specializes in Appalachian culture. [2] It is credited with revitalizing downtown Charleston. [3] [4] It regarded as an institution for the state's artistic community. [5]

Contents

History

Taylor Books was founded by Ann Saville in 1995. The Charleston Town Center mall opening in 1983 had wiped out many local businesses. [3] Capitol Street was largely abandoned by the 1990s, when Ann Saville purchased the building. During the restoration, artist Paula Clendenin inspired the ceiling's iconic red. [6] [2]

Taylor Books is the last independent bookstore in the state capital city. Intrinsically, it became West Virginia's main venue for author talks. Past speakers include William Brewer, [7] Tony Caridi, [8] and Stephen King. [9]

The bookstore includes an Annex Gallery, a café, and pottery studio in the basement. [10] The small stage in the front of the shop is where young Appalachian singer-songwriters get their start. [5] [11] Taylor Books serves as the box office for national music radio show Mountain Stage. Saville also founded the city's first brewery, which the bookstore carries. [12] The Art Annex is a major attraction during the Festivall citywide arts festival and monthly art walks. [6]

In 2021, long time store clerk Dan Carlisle became the owner of Taylor Books. [1]

In September 2025, Ann Saville died at 90, and a memorial service was held inside Taylor Books. [13] [14]

Awards

WCHS People's Choice Awards 2022 – Favorite Retail Shop [15]

References

  1. 1 2 Hamilton, Scott (February 10, 2021). "Charleston's Taylor Books begins a New Chapter as Former Clerk Turns Owner". Charleston Gazette-Mail . Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  2. 1 2 Balfour, Amy (March 28, 2022). "The Ultimate Appalachian Road Trip through West Virginia". Lonely Planet . Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  3. 1 2 Browning, Lexi (July 24, 2015). "Taylor Books to Celebrate 20 Years". Charleston Gazette-Mail . Retrieved August 29, 2022. requested that the ceiling be painted its iconic red
  4. ↑ "Taylor Books Owner has Invigorated Downtown". Charleston Gazette-Mail . October 22, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  5. 1 2 Kaplan, Melanie (July 5, 2017). "Things to Do in Charleston, WV". Washington Post . Retrieved August 23, 2022. Taylor is an institution.
  6. 1 2 Matt, Browning (December 13, 2019). Bookstore Explorer: West Virginia. West Virginia. p. 123. ISBN   978-0-578-57793-7. Taylor has indeed become a popular staple in downtown Charleston... it is a bustling community hub{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  7. ↑ "Monongalia County native William Brewer to Discuss His Debut Novel in Charleston". Times West Virginia. August 8, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  8. ↑ Johnson, Shauna (December 7, 2016). "Author Tony Caridi draws a crowd at Charleston's Taylor Books". West Virginia MetroNews . Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  9. ↑ "Legendary author Stephen King to visit Charleston". WSAZ-TV . March 8, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  10. ↑ Imbrogno, Douglas (January 1, 2015). "Taylor Books to Debut Used-Book Shop". Charleston Gazette-Mail . Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  11. ↑ Campbell, Lauren (February 8, 2016). "Charleston's Live Music Venues for Teens". Charleston Gazette-Mail . Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  12. ↑ Balow, Jim (May 5, 2012). "Taylor Books owner plans Charleston brew pub". Charleston Gazette-Mail . Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  13. ↑ smarling@hdmediallc.com, Sierra Marling (September 8, 2025). "Ann Saville, who made Taylor Books 'the heart of the city,' dies at 90". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Ann Saville, founder of Taylor Books, dies at 90". WCHS Network | News • Sports • Business | Charleston, WV. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
  15. ↑ Morris, Jess (May 5, 2022). "People's Choice Awards winners announced by Charleston CVB". WCHS-TV . Retrieved August 23, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.