Flyleaf Books

Spectacular «used book» selection, in a non pretentious atmosphere! Prices are fair, and snacks are nearby in the adjacent shops. A over all comfy spot for an afternoon or a Sunday stroll. Perfect fit for carrboro/​chapel hill.

Heaven is an independent bookstore. And this one is GREAT. Tons of books. Great employees. Books labeled with employee recommendations. I wanted so many books. But I only let myself buy one — a signed copy of a book that sounds so interesting, but that I might never have heard of without Flyleaf! If I lived in Durham, I think I’d be there once a week!

I love coming to Flyleaf, it has the cozy feel of an independent book store and an eclectic collection of books to match it. I’m a big Sci-​fi fan, which is one section that could use a bit of development on the shelves here, but I’m always able to find at least one book that I want t buy. The book club is a great deal here, as a one-​time fee gets you a discount at the store and other perks. The proximity to Root Cellar means you can get a nice cup of coffee to drink while you chill with a good book.

If you want a bookstore to browse and get lost in, then you should visit Flyleaf Books. I walked in to the store with 20 minutes to kill and it was not nearly long enough! I love how there are so many books on display, with handwritten reviews that you can read without even having to pick up the book. To me, I am much more likely to try out a book if it has been recommended and I can see what others have to say about it. But there is something so much personal about it being in that person’s handwriting instead of typed up on a book review site.
They had a little bit of comfy seating for those who might want to peruse more before buying. Everything is clearly labeled, so you should be able to find the genre that suits you easily. I like that Flyleaf doesn’t feel like your typical chain bookstore like Barnes & Noble. It feels much more inviting and cozy, if that makes sense. It feels more personal.
My wallet may be in trouble though, because after reading so many of the book reviews they had on display, I see many book purchases in my future.

Walked into to book store heaven. Didn’t feel guilty about spending money here. Staff was helpful. Love my new books.

I’m an impoverished grad student so I really have no business in here, but I love it! I’m a huge book nerd and have to support locally owned book stores (at least that is what I tell myself). The curation and design of the layout is particularly impressive in Flyleaf. They have very enticing selection of all sorts of books– I especially liked what they had chosen for the coffee table book display (My kingdom for that Noir poster book). It seems like they definitely cater to an intellectual (dare I say hipster) audience here, but there is something for everyone.
A little girl was in there running around and she kept pointing out books to her dad – books about gemstones and insects, books about castles and movie stars. She was so excited to learn about all of them. Bookstores are magical places. They offer a wonderful space for exploration and I don’t regret buying that overpriced Murakami novel one bit.
Great selection. Friendly staff. 5 stars and two thumbs.

I grew up in libraries and bookstores. Books hold a certain magic to me and there’s nothing better than wandering around a good bookstore and exploring. I feel that with the advent of the «big box» bookstores, the art of browsing has been replaced with «is it cheaper on Amazon» and «buy two get one free». Flyleaf brings back that joy of exploration and discovery that just can’t be found at a chain. The tables are filled with books that have tabs about why a book is awesome or who would like to read it. It’s not a place you run into to pick up the latest bestseller (although they have those too), it’s a place where you can sit and talk to a bookseller that will help you find the book that’s just the right fit for you.
In addition to the above mentioned awesomeness, the owner, Jamie, supports other local businesses and young writers by hosting slam poetry nights for teenagers (among other community events).
Give Flyleaf your business and you’re saying that you care about the art of reading and the community.

I love this bookstore. I try to come by whenever I have a few minutes to browse. I’ve always found the staff to be super nice, helpful, and welcoming. Once I came in looking for a kids’ book for my son, and the guy working there found it for me in their great used book room. Wonderful staff recommendations, nicely laid out. And next to a place to get coffee, what more could you want?
Chapel Hill folks, don’t go to a big box store in Durham for your books, shop local!

Magical. If The Bookshop on Franklin Street left you, bibliophile and bookstore-​o-​phile, slightly wanting, Flyleaf knows exactly what you were missing and couldn’t quite put your finger on. While The Bookshop goes the dusty and creaky tried-​and-​true route of loveliness that is a well hodge-​podged used bookstore, firmly defining reading as a solitary event, Flyleaf, with its many staff recommendations, open rooms, and soft seating, embraces books and reading as a communal activity. Something (s) keenly lacking from The Bookshop through no fault of their own is accessibility and open space, the ability of the reader to spin around in awe of the wonderful bookcases and book towers all around. If The Bookshop is your secret closet stash of stockpiled books for curling up in, Flyleaf is like the warm fireplace, floor-​to-​ceiling bookshelves, and squashy armchairs of the famiily room.
Sorry, this wasn’t supposed to be an essay comparing my two favorite bookstores in Chapel Hill.
Anyway, Flyleaf has a great selection of books, though their used book selection falls just a bit short, sadly. I personally love used books so that’s really my personal preference and disappointment — I daresay anyone else who visits would find no such fault/​dearth of used books. (I’m also spoiled by my favorite bookstore in the world — Powell’s.)
The staff here is so friendly and warm, like a good book in human form! First time coming in, both staff members helped me find two books within seconds of asking them the titles. Also, I traipsed in a bit self-​confidently and asked if the book posters in the window were for sale — and they didn’t shoot me down at all, instead encouraging me to let them know if I did have my eye on any in particular for the future. I really felt like I was among great, book-​loving people in a truly special place. Will most definitely be heading back here for the many great readings and book signings, and, as one of the staff members informed me — CAKE! — to celebrate the 5-​year anniversary of this wonderful establishment.

My favorite bookstore. Here’s why:
1. Outstanding staff
2. Great curated selection, it’s wonderful to browse here and I’ve purchased many books that I hadn’t known about previously.
3. Fantastic kids book selection. My son loves coming in with me, and we almost always find something new and interesting.
4. Prices are good, especially when you join their discount club (I go out of my way to support them as a local business, they truly provide value above a giant catalog with automated depersonalized recommendations)
They seem to be doing well even in the era of online bookstores, so that should tell you that they are doing things absolutely right.

This is a great bookstore that people in Chapel Hill are blessed to have. Great selection and feng sui display. They have a community room where I once saw a concert in the round by the Love Language and most recently heard a speaker talk about his book and experiences as a Buddhist. A must stop in Chapel Hill.

So I’ll admit that I have a kindle so I buy the majority of my books as ebooks. *shrug*
But there are plenty of books I prefer to own the physical copy of. Things like quirky how tos, graphic novels, or picture heavy books. Also sometimes a book will be so special to me that I have to own the physical book.
So I had never been into Flyleaf until I started working in an office nearby. Now I know where I’ll be headed once a week to hang out and relax on my lunch break. First of all this place is huge. So much bigger than would ever be expected from the outside. The inside is inviting and chic but somehow cozy at the same time. There are a lot of tables with displays and all over the store are little placards on the books giving the reason why you should read it. Definitely an awesome choice and more informative than the back cover.
I ended up buying two books which I thought were a fair price for what they were. I also bought the $ 20 membership to get a discount on new books because I knew I’d be back.

I’m going against the grain here.
I pre-​ordered a book from Flyleaf because I was promised they would mail it to me so I had it on release day (June 3^rd). On June 5^th I still hadn’t received the book so I called to follow-​up — I was told they didn’t receive the items until release day and they promised it would be mailed on June 6^th.
On June 10^th I was told someone would call me back — I was not called back. Today I called and was told that they’d run out of part of my order, but that they got the missing items in and would send it out today, June 11^th and that it would probably go out media mail — I live 90 minutes away from Flyleaf and at this rate, it should be sent out Priority mail. I could have paid ½ the price I paid to get it from Amazon, and I would be done reading the book now, instead of waiting on it.
I get that things happen, but no one called to tell me the item was delayed. I was told my order would go out when they clearly weren’t sending it out the next day, and I couldn’t even get a return call to tell me what was going on.
The last person I spoke with was Sally, and she was friendly and helpful and called me back when she said she would. Sadly, that doesn’t change any of my bad experiences, and I do not see myself doing business with them again.

Can’t imagine a better weekend morning than brunch at Fosters and a stroll through Flyleaf, flipping through its titles. Has both regular and used books sections, kids section, staff recommended section, new books, everything. Even has a room in back for readings. Very nice book store.

Great layout emphasizes browsability, favoring appealing merchandising over crowded rows of bookshelves. Great employee picks selections! Also, an entire room of used books!
Don’t get me wrong; I love me a nice, crowded little used bookshop. But this is the best of both worlds. Good cookbook, local, and kids sections. Not so good on poetry, writing/​reference, etc.
Also, right next door to several great restaurants (Foster’s Market, Kitchen, and Human — erm, Hunam — Chinese restaurant).

It is so nice to have a local, independently owned bookstore in Chapel Hill. Never will I drive to a chain in Durham for my book needs. It is easy to get to so even trumps ordering online.
We needed a few books for a reading assignment for my daughter and I was able to find a great selection of books for all levels of readers. What was a nice twist to the shopping experience was the handwritten reviews that previous purchasers had made that were tucked inside the book.
They also do a brisk used book business with trade and consignment. There is an entire room devoted to this alone.
I will definitely be back with more time to browse next time. The only disappointment was that no one greeted me when I came in or asked me if I needed help finding something which really would have be nice as it was my first time there and one of the selling points to small businesses. But once I approached the desk they were very friendly and helpful as I made my purchase.

This bookstore follows a long tradition of independent bookstores in Chapel Hill and let’s hope it can continue. The rest of them are gone (not counting the glorious McIntyres, because it’s not actually in town, and Internationalist Books, kind of specialized), It has become a destination kind of bookstore, where you go for books as well as the staff’s experience and helpfulness, and the events, of course. That is what they are doing well so far. A good place to drop in just for a ‘literary’ or ‘cultural’ moment in time (out of time).
Update 6÷13÷2012: Went in the other day and was delighted to see that 3 of the staff present on that day were former Creative Writing students of mine at UNC — which means they are hiring actual readers of contemporary works, who are also writers themselves, a very good thing for a bookstore, and not always the case. Flyleaf gets an extra star.

Flyleaf is the kind of bookstore that invites you to linger – lots of space, warm colors, soft but good lighting, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
I came here most recently on a Tuesday night to hear a friend read from and sign copies of her debut novel. When my friend and I arrived, about 20 minutes before the event, they already had everything set up in their lovely gathering room and had promotional material scattered throughout the store. They did a soundcheck and a walkthrough – all very professional.
After the reading, they had a good layout for the book signings, and we didn’t feel rushed at all, even though their closing time was approaching. The whole thing went «like buttah.»
For the bookstore itself, their strengths include a wide selection of local/​regional books and interesting staff picks. Another plus: Unlike some indie bookstores, especially in college towns, they appear to have a fairly even split between liberal/​conservative books. I appreciate that. Their buyers are clearly open to buying good books of all flavors.

Ahhh, Flyleaf Books. You make me want to read again. I idled in one weekday on a random whim, and immediately fell for your slightly unorthodox layout, your lovingly-​penned staff recommendations, your big community room in which all sorts of wondrous things probably occur.
I couldn’t leave without purchasing a novel called ‘The Arsonist’s Guide to Writers’ Homes in New England’. I’m about halfway in, and it’s splendid.
I studied English years ago at college, and the suddent pressure to read a fairly conservaitve list of ‘classics’ squeezed almost every ounce of passion for fiction out of me. I think you, Flyleaf, might provide my path to salvation. I’ll be bringing my wee one in for storytime soon.

Woot! Chapel Hill’s literati finally gets a worthy indie bookstore! While this place is not winning any extra points for its décor (burnt orange carpet and an event reading room that feels a bit like… well, a gymnasium right now), it definitely deserves a shout-​out for its awesome staff and thoughtful selection. I was pointed right to the Bananagrams game (sold out everywhere!) I’ve been desperately hunting down for an xmas gift and I even picked up some staff selections from their recommended reading table as my own holiday brain candy!
I love how just about every bookstore has its own unique personality, and Flyleaf is no exception. It’s very open, with no nooks and crannies to tuck into with a book BUT it’s brilliantly located right next to Foster’s. Which means I naturally had to enjoy my new novel over a cup of coffee and a fresh sammie. Their event space is pretty huge, and I anticipate they’ll start booking some solid authors real soon. The grand opening is coming up on ¹⁄₉ with headliner Daniel Wallace (Big Fish). Definitely stop in on them!