Chattanoogans can mingle with a nationally known author, attend a reading, slip off into a cozy nook with a new book, take in local art and sip a fresh brewed cup of coffee, all under one roof in downtown Chattanooga’s newest addition.
Rock Point Books, an independent bookstore, opens Wednesday and offers Chattanooga a large selection of classic literature, southern literature, new releases, non fiction, history, children’s books and more.
Rock Point Books is located at 401 Broad St. in downtown Chattanooga next to the Chattanooga Regional History Museum.
“Rock Point Books has a local feel while having the same capabilities as large chain bookstores,” said Katherine Neilsen, manager of Rock Point Books. “Not only do we have a wide selection of books for readers of all ages, we promise that any book that can be found at a large chain bookstore can also be found here or shipped overnight at a competitive price.”
Readers will also find a new, yet-to-be-offered cultural experience at Rock Point Books. The bookstore will have regular readings and book signings from prominent published authors and leading experts in business and current affairs. Rock Point Books will also have weekend programs for children that will include readings. A special section of the bookstore will be available for birthday parties and other special occasions. Local art will be prominently featured and artists will periodically be on hand to lead workshops and discuss their work. The current featured artist is Robin Howe Townsend, a local artist whose paintings have a whimsical touch.
“Rock Point Books will be a wonderful cultural addition to our downtown,” said Paul Brock, president of the RiverCity Company. “The bookstore provides a significant boost to our downtown revitalization efforts and continues the momentum created by the 21st Century Waterfront Project.”
The official grand opening will be on Thursday, Nov. 30, and will feature a special evening with Will Campbell, an award-winning author who was active in the Mississippi civil rights movement in the 1960s. William Gay, a native Tennessean who has been compared by the New York Times to Larry Brown and Cormac McCarthy, will perform a reading on Friday, Dec. 1. There will also be a children’s fest on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Additionally, Rock Point Books offers newspapers, greeting cards, postcards, chocolate, and Chattz Coffee from the Chattanooga Coffee Company.
Other authors scheduled for readings and book signings include David Magee on Dec. 7, John Manuel on Dec. 14 and Sharon O’Donnell on Dec. 15.
For more information about Rock Point Books, please call (423) 756-2855.