Choosing an independent bookstore in Central Georgia means weighing whether a shop carries new books, used books, or both, its emphasis on particular subjects or local authors, whether it hosts readings and other events, and its record of local operation. The three Macon bookstores profiled below each carry a documented record of local operation, publish their offerings and contact details, and serve readers across Bibb County and the surrounding counties. Readers comparing options should confirm current hours, ask whether a shop stocks new or used titles, and ask about ordering a book that is not on the shelf.
An independent bookstore is a locally owned shop, not part of a national bookselling chain, that curates its own stock and reflects the interests of its owners and its community. Independent stores vary in model: some sell new books, some specialize in used and rare titles, and some carry both, while many also host author readings, book clubs, and other events that make the shop a community space. An independent bookseller can often order a new title that is not in stock and can offer staff recommendations a search algorithm does not. Readers should confirm current hours, ask whether a shop carries new or used books, and ask about special orders for a specific title.
Quick Comparison #
| Bookstore | Background | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Bough Bookstore | Independent bookstore in historic downtown Macon. | New and used books, with an emphasis on local and regional history. |
| Bear's Books | Downtown Macon bookstore founded by a writer and former writing instructor. | New books with candles, events, and writing classes. |
| Gottwals Books | Locally founded new-and-used bookstore on Riverside Drive. | A broad new and used selection across many genres. |
1. Golden Bough Bookstore #
Independent Bookstore in Historic Downtown Macon #
Golden Bough Bookstore operates from 371 Cotton Avenue in historic downtown Macon and is an independently owned bookstore. The shop serves Macon-area readers from a downtown storefront.
The store carries a broad general stock of new and used books across many subjects, with a stated emphasis on local and regional history, Georgia and Southern authors, literary fiction, and scholarly history. A used and new selection weighted toward regional history and literature gives the shop a character that a chain store’s standardized inventory does not.
A broad new-and-used stock with a regional-history and literary emphasis is the central strength here. Readers should confirm current hours, ask whether a specific title is in the new or the used stock, and ask about special orders.
Address: 371 Cotton Avenue, Macon, GA 31201
Phone: (478) 744-2446
2. Bear’s Books #
Downtown Macon Bookstore Founded by a Writer and Former Writing Instructor #
Bear’s Books operates from 835 Forsyth Street in downtown Macon and is an independent bookstore founded by Margaret Harrington, known as Bear, who holds an MFA in fiction and has taught creative writing at Mercer University. The shop is a more recent addition to the downtown literary scene.
The store offers new books of general interest alongside candles and other gift items, and it hosts literary events and offers writing classes, so the shop functions as a community space as well as a retailer. A bookstore led by a writer and writing instructor gives the events and class programming a clear footing.
A new-book selection paired with an active events and writing-class program is the central strength here. Readers should confirm current hours, check the shop’s event calendar, and ask about special orders for a title not in stock.
Address: 835 Forsyth Street, Macon, GA 31201
Phone: (478) 259-6375
3. Gottwals Books #
Locally Founded New-and-Used Bookstore on Riverside Drive #
Gottwals Books operates a Macon store at 2834 Riverside Drive and is a new-and-used bookstore founded in 2007 by Shane and Abbey Gottwals. The locally founded business has grown to several Central Georgia and Georgia locations.
The store carries a broad new and used selection across many genres and age groups, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s, Christian, and other categories, and it offers store credit for traded-in books. A large new-and-used stock suits a reader browsing widely or looking for an out-of-print or lower-cost used title.
A broad new-and-used selection and a trade-in program are the central strengths here. Readers should confirm current hours, which can vary by day, and ask whether a specific title is in stock or can be ordered.
Address: 2834 Riverside Drive, Macon, GA 31204
Phone: (478) 477-9200
Selecting Among These Three Macon Independent Bookstores #
All three bookstores profiled here are established, locally owned Macon stores with verifiable addresses and a published selection. The practical difference is the model and emphasis. Golden Bough Bookstore is a downtown shop carrying new and used books with a regional-history and literary weight. Bear’s Books is a downtown new-book store with an active events and writing-class program. Gottwals Books is a locally founded new-and-used store with a broad selection and a trade-in program. Readers should match the shop to the visit: a reader after regional history or a used title, a reader drawn to events and classes, and a reader browsing a wide new-and-used stock each point to a different shop. In every case, confirm current hours and ask about special orders for a title not on the shelf.
Selection Methodology #
The three bookstores above were selected from the broader Macon bookselling field using these filters: a verifiable physical street address in the Macon area, a documented operating presence, a published book offering, and contact information that resolves to the named store. An independent, locally owned identity and a curated selection were treated as supporting signals. National bookselling chains were not the focus of this guide. The order of the profiles is editorial and does not represent a ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Q: What makes a bookstore independent rather than a chain?
A: An independent bookstore is locally owned and not part of a national bookselling chain. It curates its own stock, so the selection reflects the owners’ interests and the local community rather than a standardized corporate inventory, and staff recommendations and special orders are often part of the service.
Q: Can an independent bookstore order a book it does not have in stock?
A: Most independent bookstores can place a special order for a new title that is in print but not on the shelf, and ordering through a local shop supports a local business. Used and rare titles are harder to source on request. Ask the store directly about special orders and expected timing.
Q: Are any of the three bookstores paid placements?
A: No. The three profiles above are editorial selections drawn from publicly verifiable sources. No bookstore sponsored placement.
Q: Do these bookstores host events?
A: Some independent bookstores host author readings, book clubs, writing classes, and other events that make the shop a community gathering place, while others focus on retail. Event calendars change, so check a shop’s current schedule directly if events are part of why you want to visit.
Editorial Note #
This guide was published on 2026-05-17 and reflects research current as of that date. Verify hours, phone numbers, and current business status before visiting any bookstore.