In recent years, the Triangle has been getting more visits from some of the best-known names in the book industry, mainly because the area has three large independent bookstores.

In addition, there are several chains, including Borders and Barnes & Noble. It also doesn’t hurt that the area is home to several universities that bring in authors for special readings — and supply plenty of people to fill the seats at those readings.
Every couple of years, three of the local universities — UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University and N.C. State University host the North Carolina Literary Festival. The next one should be in spring 2008.

Independent Bookstores:

Quail Ridge Books & Music: 3522 Wade Ave., in the Ridgewood Shopping Center in Raleigh. Phone: 828-1588

- In business 23 years.
- Owner Nancy Olson is credited with hand-selling former Raleigh resident Charles Frazier’s “Cold Mountain.” Her store sold 6,000 hardcovers. Frazier, himself, was a customer for many years.
- Provides a community for residents to talk about books and hold town meetings on controversial topics ranging from religion to politics.
- Known for promoting local authors including Angela Davis-Gardner, Lee Smith, Kaye Gibbons, Jill McKorkle and Clyde Edgerton.
- Also a big draw for national authors including Jan Karon, Frank McCourt, Mitch Albom, Alexander McCall Smith and Walter Mosley.

The Regulator Bookshop: 720 Ninth St., Durham. Phone: 286-2700

- In business 30 years and expanded three times.
- Great selection of note cards and carries a variety of zines and literary journals.
- A popular spot for emerging local authors who have since hit the New York Times best-seller list, including young adult author Sarah Dessen and author Haven Kimmel.
- Also a destination for big-name authors, including former president Jimmy Carter and vice president Al Gore.

McIntyre’s Fine Books at Fearrington Village: Located eight miles south of Chapel Hill in Pittsboro. Phone: 542-3030

-In business 18 years.
-Exudes an English library atmosphere and offers an extensive selection of new titles, best-sellers and childrens books.
- Specializes in cookbooks and in mysteries, including classic British authors.
- Best-selling author Barbara Kingsolver, Southern cookbook author Paula Deen and local authors Reynolds Price and Lee Smith have read in the Barn at Fearrington. (This is no ordinary barn)

The Triangle is also the home of several authors, including Doris Betts, Lee Smith, Reynolds Price, David Payne, Randall Kenan, Michele Andrea Bowen, Sarah Dessen, Haven Kimmel and Frances Mayes.