Taylor Books
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Charleston, West Virginia
US
 Taylor Books logo | |
 Interactive map of Taylor Books | |
| Address | 226 Capital Street Charleston, West Virginia US |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38°21′04″N 81°37′59″W / 38.350986°N 81.6329345°W |
| Public transit | Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority |
| Parking | On Street |
| Owner | Dan Carlisle (2021–present) |
| Type | bookstore, theater |
| Events | folk music, spoken word |
| Seating type | chairs, standing |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1995 |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Website | |
| taylorbooks | |
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]
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]