Why Itinerant Literate Bookstop and Main Street Reads Are Lowcountry Standouts for Inclusion and Diversity

By Mark A Leon

The Lowcountry is rich with literary tradition, but two independent bookstores-Itinerant Literate Bookstop in North Charleston and Main Street Reads in Summerville-have distinguished themselves not just as book retailers, but as vibrant community hubs dedicated to inclusion, diversity, and local connection.

Itinerant Literate Bookstop: A Home for Diverse Voices

Instagram – Itinerant Literate Bookstop

Founded by Christen Thompson and Julia Turner, Itinerant Literate Bookstop began as a pop-up and bookmobile, driven by the owners’ backgrounds in publishing and a vision to fill the gap in Charleston’s independent bookstore scene. Their flagship location in Park Circle is now a welcoming space where diversity is more than a buzzword-it’s a central mission.

The store’s shelves are thoughtfully curated, with a strong emphasis on books by marginalized authors and titles exploring social justice themes. This commitment is evident in their robust children’s section, which features a wide array of diverse and unique books for all ages, ensuring that young readers see themselves reflected in the stories they discover. Regularly rotating thematic displays and creative events, such as “blind date with a book,” make the store dynamic and accessible to all.

Itinerant Literate’s impact extends beyond its walls. The store is a key partner in community initiatives like the Diverse Books Project and Read in Color Charleston, which aim to increase access to inclusive literature throughout the region. By participating in these programs, Itinerant Literate helps distribute thousands of diverse books to local families, fostering empathy and cultural understanding.

The owners’ approach to bookselling is intentionally disruptive-in the best way. Their model brings books and conversations to unexpected places, breaking down barriers and making literature accessible to a broader audience. As one reviewer noted, the staff’s warmth and devotion to diverse stories make every visit memorable, reinforcing the store’s role as a community anchor.

Main Street Reads: Building Community Through Inclusion In Summerville, Main Street 

Instagram – Main Street Reads

Main Street Reads stands as a testament to the power of independent bookstores to unite and uplift a community. Owned and operated by Shari Stauch, a writer, entrepreneur, and longtime advocate for local authors, Main Street Reads was born from a desire to create a welcoming literary haven in downtown Summerville.

From its grand opening, Main Street Reads has been a gathering place for readers of all backgrounds. The store is celebrated for its inclusive atmosphere, where local artists and authors are showcased, and diverse ideas are embraced. Stauch’s vision was to offer not just a selection of well-written books, but a space where everyone feels at home-whether they’re browsing, attending an author signing, or joining one of the many book clubs hosted each month.

The store’s programming reflects its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Book clubs span genres and age groups, and the events calendar is filled with opportunities for community engagement, from author talks to creative workshops. Main Street Reads is also an active participant in regional initiatives to promote diverse literature, ensuring that its shelves and events reflect a wide range of voices and experiences.

Stauch’s leadership is central to the store’s ethos. Her passion for books and community is evident in every detail, from the welcoming staff to the thoughtfully curated inventory. As one local author described, Main Street Reads is a place where strangers become friends, families bond over books, and the community comes together in celebration of the written word.

Knowledge is love 

Itinerant Literate Bookstop and Main Street Reads are more than bookstores-they are engines of inclusion, diversity, and community engagement in the Lowcountry. Through visionary ownership, curated selections, and a steadfast commitment to representing all voices, these stores set the standard for what independent bookstores can and should be. For locals and visitors alike, they offer not just books, but a sense of belonging.