Inside the Gigantic Nashville Bookstore Locals (and Non-Locals) Love

I've been a fan of bookstores for as long as I can remember. When Lincoln Mall opened at the end of my neighborhood when I was a kid, I'd ride my bike up there and hang out at The Book Corner. Later, when Towne Square Mall ushered in a new shopping era in my Owensboro KY hometown, you could find me at Waldenbooks anytime I visited. Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Borders (RIP), too.

But while brick-and-mortar places LIKE Borders fade away because of online shopping, used bookstores have been picking up steam. There's one in particular that paces the field and we never miss it when visiting Nashville.

McKay's Bookstore

There are a gazillion things to do in Music City, so it might surprise you that a BOOKSTORE is a must when we visit. But this isn't just any bookstore. It's the enormous McKay's Bookstore on Nashville's west side. I've never been there when it was super busy. Big, you ask? It kind of puts me in the mind of an airplane hangar. THAT big. And it almost has to be to keep all those books, vinyl albums, CDs, DVDs, electronics, and puzzles in stock. You'd be surprised at how popular jigsaw puzzles are at McKay's. I certainly was. Before we go any further, you HAVE to see what greets patrons during the holiday season.

What You'll Find at McKay's Bookstore

I picked up a lot of books during my first visit because the bargain section features selections as cheap as a NICKEL. I've purchased books that cheap without even knowing what they're about. I mean, why not?

I don't collect DVDs anymore because I really feel like I have everything I want...that is, until a new movie is released that so impresses me, I'd have to have it. But it was six years ago when I purchased my last one. It was a copy of the political satire Wag the Dog, and I had looked everywhere for it, INCLUDING McKay's on earlier trips. I was a very happy camper. Take a look around this place, and keep this in mind...you do NOT have to be a nerd to enjoy McKay's, but this virtual tour from Nerds on the Go is an exceptional one.

Why Used Bookstores Are Important

Some younger members of the population may wonder why folks still shop for movies at places like this. With any number of streaming platforms on which you can watch a wide selection of films, they have to question the necessity. But not every movie is available on a streaming service. In fact, many of the ones I own I don't ever find on a platform. Plus, one day, there are those who may not be able to afford to maintain a lot of subscriptions, and it would be nice to have hard copies.

If you're a lover of bookstores, used or not, you'll enjoy spending time at McKay's on Old Hickory Boulevard off Interstate 40 in Nashville. Again, it's on the west side. Give yourself time. You'll be surprised at how long you'll be in there.