While the quaintness and coziness of independent bookstores can be unparalleled, sometimes the convenience and inventory of a chain bookseller is more convenient. Luckily, Knoxville hosts several of the nation’s biggest chains.

• Barnes & Noble Suburban (8029 Kingston Pike): One of the most well-known book retailers in the country, Barnes & Noble includes a massive literary selection. They also have a thorough music and DVD section, as well as a coffee shop. Barnes & Noble also regularly hosts authors in town for book signings and meet-and-greets. 
• Books-a-Million (8513 Kingston Pike): Another large chain store, Books-a-Million offers most major titles and authors. While the selection may not be quite as extensive as Barnes & Noble or Borders, Books-a-Million usually has a robust selection of discounted reads. 
• Borders (202 Morrell Rd.): Borders has many of the same amenities as Barnes & Noble, but is also home to an especially comprehensive magazine and music selection. Also, most Border’s stores proffer excellent sections for regional works, as well as indispensable staff recommendations.
• Lifeway Christian Bookstore (404 Merchant Dr.): Lifeway is the largest Christian bookseller in the country, and its store has a wide assortment of Bibles and devotionals, as well as Christian fiction and literature. In addition to Lifeway, several other Christian bookstores are in the Knoxville area.
• Waldenbooks (11235 Parkside Dr): An offshoot of Borders, Waldenbooks has a smaller selection than its parent company; however, it frequently puts its items on sale, and also provides excellent displays of summer reading and other books of interest.