Don't miss this amazing pop-up shop from a local Huntsville bookseller

A picture of The Snail on the Wall's pop-up shop in downtown Huntsville. — You’ll be able to shop in person at the “bookstore without a store” for a limited time. (Audrey Johnson / Hville Blast)

School might be back in session, but that doesn’t mean summer reading has to end.

The Snail on the Wall, a local Huntsville bookseller, opened a pop-up shop to connect readers of all ages to new and notable book releases.

How “the bookstore without a store” works + why

The Snail on the Wall carries fiction, non-fiction and reads for all ages. (Audrey Johnson / Hville Blast)

The Snail on the Wall started in 2017 with a booth at Randolph School’s “Under the Christmas Tree” fundraiser. The business’s creator, Lady Vowell Smith ran a book blog and noticed that Huntsville needed independent booksellers to promote reading in the community.

“[Independent booksellers] do so much more than just sell books. They keep the literary arts alive in their communities. They promote local and regional authors. They encourage reading and make it exciting for all ages.”
Lady Vowell Smith, Owner of The Snail on the Wall

When the pop-up ends, The Snail will go back to delivering books to doorsteps (where it gets the “bookstore without a store” label) and continue hosting author events for local readers.

What makes The Snail different?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Snail On The Wall (@snailbooks)

Aside from being local, The Snail’s pop-up offers a few unique finds for bibliophiles. Including:

The “Read Around Town” wall that offers book recommendations based on your favorite Huntsville Businesses
A blind date with a book
Custom tote bags and bookish puzzles
The “Snail Mail” subscription box which delivers 12 books straight to your door four times a year

Whether you just go to browse or shop to stock up, spreading the joy of reading is The Snail’s ultimate goal.

“We read alone in our own homes, but we need the chance to get together and talk about the books or share our favorite reads with each other. Or just share the love of literature with each other.”
Lady Vowell Smith, Owner of The Snail on the Wall

Where you can find it + when it’s open

Park on Franklin Street in downtown Huntsville for easy access to The Snail’s pop-up shop. (Audrey Johnson / Hville Blast)

Ready to find your next favorite book or pick up that new release you’ve been eyeing? Here’s when and where you can shop the pop-up:

Where: Behind Commerce Kitchen in the historic Clay Building at Constitution Park, 513 Eustis Avenue, Huntsville, AL, 35801
When: Now through August 19, Thursdays and Fridays 4PM-8PM, Saturdays 10AM-5PM
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Plus, check out our official round-up of other independent bookstores in the area.

Want to stay in the know about what’s new and happening in and around Huntsville? Follow Hville Blast on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.