New bookstore to open in Carrboro, focuses on used and affordable books for everyone

Golden Fig Books, an independent Durham bookstore, is opening a new store in Carrboro at Carr Mill Mall on Friday, Nov. 18.

According to its website, the store focuses its inventory on used and children’s books with the addition of certain new titles to highlight a diverse array of authors. The store aims to keep its books sustainable and affordable for the community. 

David Bradley, owner and founder of Golden Fig Books, said he has had his eye on Carrboro as a prospective location for a shop since his time as a UNC student. 

He said as a tight-knit, artistic community, Carrboro has been "calling out" for a bookstore. He added he felt he had to take the space in Carr Mill Mall when the opportunity presented itself. 

According to its website, the name of Golden Fig Books was inspired by a quote from Bradley’s favorite novel "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath. It is part of the store’s goal to help customers find books that will lead them to their own "golden figs".

For the first months of business, Bradley said the store is going to focus on getting itself established.

"Once we're here for a few months, I really want the store to become sort of like a Carrboro community space," he said. 

Bradley said because of the layout and large square footage of the Carrboro location, Golden Fig Books will be able to expand more of its sections and create a more established kids section than its space in Durham.

He said he also hopes to host more events at the store, in addition to hosting authors.

Jaime Fiocco, owner and general manager of Flyleaf Books, said she thinks the more independent booksellers there are, the stronger the community. 

“I just think it's a good thing that someone else feels like another store can be supported because it helps people understand and learn about their world around them,” Fiocco said.

She said independent booksellers in North Carolina are collaborative and band together for events, such as independent bookstore day. 

Ondrea Austin, a Chapel Hill resident, said she thinks the store will benefit the local community, as it will provide access to a quality used bookstore. She said options for used books are currently limited in Carrboro.

“Having a kind of locally owned bookstore is a good idea for me,” Fred Joiner, poet-laureate of Carrboro, said. “For me as a poet and writer, just to support a locally owned bookstore and to be able to have one to support, to be able to walk to or ride your bike to is cool for me, I love the idea of a bookstore here.”

Carrboro Mayor Damon Seils said he is also excited to welcome the business to the town and that it will only improve the community. 

“I think especially the focus on kids' books is going to be especially welcomed for families in Carrboro,” Seils said. “I've heard a lot of people already talking about how excited they are to have that option.”

Bradley said while the store will maintain the same principles as the Golden Fig Books in Durham — which focuses on accessibility and sustainability — he wants the new location to be Carrboro’s bookstore.

Bradley added that the store in Carrboro will also help him expand the business's abilities. 

He said some people are unable to buy brand-new books due to financial limitations and he wants people to be able to buy more books than they could at other stores. 

"So, having that as an opportunity in Carrboro — I think that's definitely expanding our mission,” Bradley said. 

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