City Lights Bookstore

Louise Cottrell

2024-01

A charming and welcoming store (make sure to stop and love on the bookshop kitty who has the loudest purr I've ever heard!) that has a wonderful regional section and a wide variety to suit any taste. After your purchase, make sure to scoot over to their cafe for a wonderful warm and tasty bite to eat. A true delight for the mind and tummy!

Amanda C.

2023-11

Bookstore + Cats = Heaven. Even better when the cat hitches a ride in a fellow shopper's baby stroller. Cats are the best. Books are also great, and this store had a really wide selection.

Mar Pepin

2023-05

This is a great local bookstore in downtown Sylva. Amazing selection of new and used books. The used books are fairly priced. There are other trinkets such as bookmarks, pins, stickers, and many other items that make this bookstore for everyone. I am particularly a fan of their pride section- very inclusive and welcoming. The bathrooms are nice and inclusive. What makes it memorable for me is Cedric, the cat, who follows you around the store to say hello. I even bought the pin of him! He’s my favorite! I am such a fan of this place, I bring any person that comes to visit me here!

Natalie Newman

2023-05

I love this little bookstore. They carry local authors as well which is great. Love that you can order online and pick up in store. Everyone is very nice and the atmosphere is amazing! Love the events they put on as well! Definitely essential to our local community and literature lovers of all ages.

Peggy Bowen Brookß

2024-02

Love this place. Great staff great outdoor space and normally food good but this time not so happy 😔 however the crepe we ordered later was excellent!! Great book store too!!

Noel Nichols

2022-05

Nice bookstore and friendly shop cat. They had a good selection of genres, and some comic books too.

JP

2024-02

The main lunch was great. The chili was short of a full cup, which, for the price, was disappointing to be shorted. Very friendly service. Lots of menu options.

Madison T

2023-10

This has by far been my favorite place in Sylva for years. The staff are awesome. I love the selections they offer-and the ability to order online as well as being able to bring in my own used books to trade in for credit. My favorites are the staff picks- I’ve read some phenomenal books from this section, and you can find the used copies in the store as well. And I can’t forget about the lovely doorman Cedric, the resident bookstore cat, it’s always a pleasure to see him and to shop here. Definitely one of the best gems in Sylva.

Jay Schexnyder

2024-02

Always an enjoyable browse, good staff, small town ambiance and broad selection of new, used and regional works. And, a pleasant cafe downstairs!

Koral Alexander

2023-10

I love this place. It’s a bookstore for readers and writers alike. As a student I don’t have much money, but am so happy when I do I can spend it here. They are always kind and excited about the authors I’m exploring. Thanks to always chatting about wild men like William Gay and not looking at me like I’m crazy.

Eric Mullins

2023-07

Outstanding! Very friendly and helpful folks work here. Plus a huge selection of books on local history, tons of maps, and a very cute cat LOL

Charles Palmer

2023-11

Great little small town book store, but Sylva is popping. Our first day on our trip in WNC we grazed the store and bought some books, the battery in our van died and Arly offered to help, and ended up giving us a ride to Auto Zone and back. So generous and helpful. Sylva has a great hometown scene and amazing support of local artists and small business.

Fae Magesire

2023-06

I love this bookstore. They’ve got a couple copies of popular books but mostly a focus on NA and Appalachian literature and small authors (and a healthy section of old romances and fantasy stores. The tiny paper books you find in airports, you know the ones). The kitty is so cute and such a heavy purrer. Plenty of seating and nooks to squirrel away in. Also a good portion of poetry and writing memories (which I hardly ever find a section for)

Gail Findlay

2023-09

Love City Lights Bookstore! Amazing inventory of new books and large selection of used books too. They will order books they don’t have of course. Staff is so knowledgeable and helpful. We are so lucky to have this caliber of a bookstore out here in our mountains.

Vashti Braha

2023-06

This is my #1 choice in bookstores in the area (I don't even live in Sylva) AND in places to just spend an afternoon. There's something about it that puts great books in my hands, even on subjects I didn't know I was looking for.I end up finding gifts for others almost effortlessly.LOVE this place. And the espresso drinks too.

Garrick Purdie

2023-08

Delicious grits bowl, engaging and helpful staff and I love the custom lemonades, limeades and coffee available! A bit pricey, but I felt like I got pretty good value for my money.

Kristin Krebs

2023-11

Best crepes in the region, coffee is pretty good too. A regular srop for us, especially for breakfast.

Kurt Walker

2024-02

Amazing selection and quantity of books for this lovely small bookstore.

Tamie Burdick

2023-05

This is the most awesome small book store ever. Staff is friendly. Great choices. Bookish activities, and the used book room is fantastic! Wish I still lived close by. Highly recommend.

Steven Williamson

2023-07

Decided to support a small town bookstore at the suggestion of David Joy, one of my favorite authors. Spoke with Eon, who provided efficient courteous service. I will definitely be a repeat customer!

Theo Bernhardt

2021-05

Best vegan burrito of my entire life!! I love how accommodating they are, offering to sub tempeh and a cashew cheese sauce for any dish to make it vegan. And it's delicious! Their assortment of sugar free coffee syrups is also incredibly impressive, the largest selection I've ever seen in a coffee shop.The staff here are always incredibly friendly. I really enjoy coming here for breakfast and a cozy place to study.Thank you City Lights for all you do!

Dana Breedlove

2024-01

staff was impatient and not very helpful. they've always been great before.

Tricia Lebanno

2023-11

Great food, great coffee and great ambience. Loved the bookstore, as well.

Kristopher Wilson

2024-02

A great place for books and like-minded people

Susan Clark

2023-05

This is a great bookstore with a diverse inventory. They have events with authors that are fun and interesting. Recommend a stop in to browse or attend an event. Then go to City Lights Cafe for a coffee or bite to eat.

Elyssa

2023-08

Such a cute book store, and bigger than you would think! I didn’t have a lot of time to browse, so I will definitely have to return.

Danny Peachey

2024-02

Great selection of merchandise. Love the cat!

Robyn O'Neal

2018-05

This is a quintessential bookshop. It's tucked away at the top of a quiet street, has lots of plants around, has a coffee shop downstairs, and has the sweetest shop cat who loves attention. The staff are always super helpful and nice, and the selection is great. I always enjoy grabbing something new and browsing the used books in the back while I'm there.

Tiffany Michaelia

2019-05

Hands down my favorite bookstore ever in any town I've ever visited. I adore this place, and Cedric is amazing. I can spend hours wandering around and love the Appalachian Regional Room. It is like a bookstore that was curated especially for me. I love this store.

Sara Stahlman

2017-05

The best kind of local bookstore. The staff know us and our kids. They let the kids give treats to the cats. The children's room has small furniture and a few toys for kids to play with. Huge used section. Plus they will order anything you need. LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!