Downtown Greer is set to get its first bookstore when The Bookmark opens Oct. 10 at 115 School Street. The new shop and community space will stock more than 1,800 books and offer seating, book clubs and a fairy-themed children's section.
Greer residents Nicole Noel and Avery Noel own the store. According to Greenville Online, the Noels saw a need for a local bookstore and a community gathering place after both began working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report describes The Bookmark as an antique-style bookstore with a coffee-shop atmosphere, designed to encourage visitors to stay and spend time there. The Noels' stated aim is to make it a place for people interested in books to gather.
What Readers Will Find Inside
The reported collection will include more than 1,800 books, with an emphasis on fantasy, romance and thrillers. Cozy seating is planned throughout the store, along with front-of-store bar seating equipped with electrical outlets for people to work.
The store is also planning a fairy-themed children's section and curated gifts, including candles.
Local Partnerships and Grand-Opening Plans
As reported by Greenville Online, Greer business Dip't Cookies will supply bottled coffees and cookies for sale at the store. Dip't Cookies owner Kristen Rutkowski said coffee, cookies and books complement one another.
The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10. Organizers expect 10 vendors selling book-themed goods, coffee and other items in the parking lot next door. The store's transformation is slated to be finished before opening day.
Book Clubs and a Fantasy Release Party
The Bookmark also plans to host book clubs and other community events. One early event is a mimosa gathering tied to the October release of the sixth book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses fantasy series, according to Nicole Noel.
The concept of a bookstore doubling as a social hub isn't unique to Greer. M. Judson Booksellers in nearby Greenville has built a reputation for hosting author signings, book clubs and wine tastings, functioning as what Discover Walks describes as a community hub. The Bookmark appears to be aiming for that same role and is, for now, downtown Greer's only bookstore.
Other places to read and gather
In Spartanburg, Hub City Writers Project says its bookshop celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2025, placing its opening in 2010. The organization describes the shop as a cultural-placemaking and tourism asset for the city; its cited overview does not specify particular community programs. Hub City Writers Project also provides that anniversary context.
Greer also has a public-library resource: the Greenville County Library System lists a meeting room, reading garden and teen room at its Greer (Jean M. Smith) Branch.
