E. Shaver Booksellers - Savannah Georgia

E. Shaver Booksellers

A recent visit by Lady Jeannie to this gem gets a big thumbs up. It’s not only a bookstore, but an experience for book lovers. What makes it so special?

E Shaver Booksellers is run by people who love books. It is owned by the cats. This distinction matters. The shop lives in a stunning historic building in the heart of Savannah — built in 1842 by Eliza Jewett, a female builder. Nearly two centuries later it houses one of Georgia's finest independent bookstores.

We like to think Eliza would approve of what her building became.

Built by a woman in 1842. Owned by a woman today. E. Shaver Booksellers has always been in good hands. Our book club philosophy is all about women supporting women. That’s why this one meets our standards and more.

What else is there to love?

Two locations:

• Original store in The Historic District — where you visit with the senior cats adopted by the store.

• A second location in The Starland District.

They have their own podcast — Pull Your Shelf Together — how perfect is that?!

Tale Mail — book subscription boxes.

Regional Savannah titles — Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Surviving Savannah, local history books — they are deeply rooted in the community.

Multiple book clubs running — Tequila Mockingbird, Lost in Translation, Sci-Fi Fantasy, Mystery — these are The Ladies of The Pen and Vine Society’s people!

Southern Bookseller Reviews — they write their own reviews!

The Cats —Did we mention the cats? They’re abandoned cats that needed homes. They are Bartleby, Mr. Eliot, Skimbleshanks and Morticia. As you wander the shop, you’ll find them nestled on chairs or in little cubbys in various sections. Belly rubs are appreciated. These store mascots are featured in the shop’s social media. Give them a follow and enjoy the recommendations from the kitties themselves.

If you like to buy books at a discount, there’s a rack where the kitties got a bit rambunctious and chewed a few books. It may simply be a little corner. That’s a cat tax we’re willing to pay. Who doesn’t love a savings with some character?

Favorite Feature:

The typewriter poetry board. Tucked away in a quiet little corner there’s a desk with a typewriter. It was once used to create invoices for the store. Now it’s there for all to enjoy. You’re invited to have a seat. Take a little sheet of paper and type out a poem. Whatever comes to mind. No judgement. Just joy. Customers paste their musings to the walls and there is hardly a bare space. We spent far too much time reading as many as possible and even typed out a few of our own.

The Ending

If you find yourself in Savannah — and you should find yourself in Savannah — walk across Madison Square, step through the door of E. Shaver Booksellers and plan to stay longer than you intended.

The cats will see to that.

And when you leave — cross the square to The Gryphon Tea House for high tea. Because an afternoon like this deserves a proper ending.