- Attraction: Underground Books
- Location: 102 Alabama St, Carrollton, GA 30117
- Industry: Bookstore
- Website: https://www.undergroundbooks.net
Behind a humble staircase in downtown Carrollton lies something extraordinary—a century-old basement transformed into a bibliophile’s paradise where book archways welcome you into a world of literary wonder.
Underground Books literally lives up to its name, operating several steps below street level in historic downtown Carrollton, Georgia, where a hundred-year-old basement holds an archway made of books and shelves full of stories ready to enchant you.
Founded in 2011 by co-owners Josh Niesse and Megan Bell, this charmingly eccentric bookshop has grown from a hobby of selling yard sale finds online into a beloved neighborhood treasure and professional antiquarian book business.
The couple’s love story began just 10 days after Josh opened the doors when Megan, then an English student at the University of West Georgia, walked in and never left—they later married under the book arch that now graces their shop.
A Bibliophile’s Dream Collection
Rare & Antiquarian Treasures: You’ll discover an exceptional selection of scholarly vintage and out-of-print books spanning classic literature, poetry, history, science, mathematics, philosophy, and religion.
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Keep Exploring →The shop specializes in these hard-to-find academic and scholarly works, making it a haven for serious book collectors and students alike. You’ll find antique first edition copies of classic and children’s books that make perfect gift ideas for friends and family.
Diverse Genre Selection: Beyond the rare finds, the bookstore offers an impressive range of contemporary titles across fantasy, romance, mystery, historical fiction, science fiction, horror, comics, graphic novels, and manga. The carefully curated collection ensures there’s something captivating for every reading taste, from bestsellers to hidden literary gems.
Special Collections: The shop specializes in unique categories including decorative bindings, fairy tales, mythology and folklore, natural history, publisher’s cloth bindings, science and nature titles, signed copies, and even occult literature. These specialized sections set Underground Books apart from typical bookstores, offering titles you won’t find elsewhere.
Literary Merchandise: Beyond books, you can browse Underground Books-branded literary candles, t-shirts, tote bags, and gift cards. These bookish accessories let you take a piece of the magic home or share your love of this special place with fellow book lovers.
Atmosphere & Magical Ambiance
Enchanting Underground Setting: Descending into what feels like a warm, cozy labyrinth, you’ll find yourself in a space that feels more like a secret hideaway than a traditional bookstore. The basement features magical touches like a fireplace stuffed with letters from a school for sorcery, creating an atmosphere that feels like a dream destination for bookworms.
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Discover MoreHistoric Character: The hundred-year-old basement setting in historic downtown Carrollton adds authentic charm that you simply can’t replicate in modern spaces. Floor-to-ceiling shelves create intimate browsing nooks where you can lose yourself among towering stacks of literary treasures.
Whimsical Details: The shop has gained attention on social media as a place where “book fairies would live,” earning descriptions as a “magical place” and “cozy underground book burrow”. The unique architectural elements and thoughtful book displays create photo-worthy moments throughout your visit.
Other Considerations
Fair Pricing: You’ll find the prices fair for an independent bookstore, offering good value especially considering the unique and rare collection available. The shop provides excellent value for both everyday readers and serious collectors seeking hard-to-find titles.
Accessibility Notes: The shop’s subterranean location means navigating stairs, so those with mobility concerns should plan accordingly. First-time visitors sometimes find it challenging to locate since the space is literally underground, but it’s the first business on Alabama Street when leaving Adamson Square, next door to Sam’s Barbecue and across from West Georgia Technical College.
Professional Credentials: Underground Books maintains prestigious memberships in the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA), International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), and several other professional book trade organizations, ensuring authenticity and quality in their rare book offerings.
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Keep Exploring →Convenient Hours: The shop welcomes visitors seven days a week from 11am to 6pm, making it easy to fit into weekend explorations or weekday adventures in downtown Carrollton.
Online Shopping: Their website features selections of uncommon titles with free domestic shipping, though the physical browsing experience offers the full magic of discovering unexpected literary treasures.
Underground Books
📍 102 Alabama St, Carrollton, GA 30117
