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Givens Books- Little Dickens- This is More Than Just a Bookstore- Lynchburg, Virginia

Givens, Educational ToysI love to read and Givens Books/Little Dickens has been one of my favorite places to purchase books in Lynchburg for many years. Get the little ones reading early, it's a treat to take them here- there 's so much to see! My girls eat books and they've purchased many from Givens over the years.

Established in 1976, Givens Books (owned and operated by the Givens family) merged with Little Dickens and moved into this 16,000 sf facility in 1999. They have Virginia's largest collection of new and used books, toys and educational supplies under one roof. They are the oldest independent bookseller in Lynchburg and were voted # 1 Bookstore for 2007 by Lynchburg Living- I like that I am supporting a local business too. More than just a bookstore, Givens offers:

  • Educational Materials
  • Educational Games & Toys (Including Brio, Playmobile, Learning Curve, Lego, Ravensberger)
  • Teaching Supplies (Teachers receive a 10% discount)
  • Book Signings
  • Special Events

Givens Used Books Section Givens has an extensive used books section; two floors and reasonably priced. I like to meet my husband for lunch and peruse their collection. Yes, you can have lunch here at the Drowsy Poet Coffeeshop and Cafe!

Drowsy Poet Coffeehouse Drowsy Poet Coffeehouse and Cafe

My favorite: The Italian Sub with homemade balsamic vinagrette (and a side of bean dip and tortilla chips) and a Milton Milkshake- split the sub- the Milton is decadent, shot of expresso, coffee ice cream topped with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. YUM! They offer muffins, coffees, teas, and more; visit their website for menu.

Drowsy Poet Hours:
7:30-9 M-F, 9-9 SAT Cafe Phone: 434.385.4505

Givens Books Little Dickens Sign

Givens has regular events as well as poetry readings and book signings. Events include:

  • FREE FRIDAY CONCERT - Every 1st Friday of the month from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Enjoy the delicious food at the Drowsy Poet, browse through the books while you listen or just have a seat and enjoy the show!

  • CELTIC MUSIC JAM - Every 2nd Friday from 7 - 9 PM.

Givens Little Dickens Upcoming Events:

Joe Jackson
Thief at the End of the World
Rubber, Power and the seeds of empire
Saturday, April 5, 1:00-3:00

Riddle on the Harp
Performing in Concert at Givens Books
Friday, April 18th,
Free

Tristen Perry
Furry Tails
Saturday, May 3, 11:00-1:00
Will be bringing poodles, Nutmeg and Mocha to visit with the children

Lynchburg Humane Society Event
Saturday, May 3, 11:001:00

Givens Books is located on Lakeside Drive and their hours are:

Mon - Fri 8A.M. to 9P.M.

Sat from 9A.M. to 9P.M

For more information contact:

Little Dickens and Givens Books
2236 LAKESIDE DR
LYNCHBURG, VA 24501
Click here for a map

(434) 385-5027
Email: dan@givensbooks.com

Posted by

Debbie Malone, Realtor(R) RE/MAX 1st Olympic 20395 Timberlake Rd Lynchburg, VA 24502

malone1981@aol.com (434) 546-0369

Posted Sunday Mar 30
( 03/30/08 10:10AM ) — Kim Southern - Blue Ridge Real Estate

Debbie: I LOVE good bookstores!!  There is something so exciting, yet comforting, about being in a place that is so crammed with great books by great authors, all of them just waiting to be read.  So many books, so little time. 

Givens/Little Dickens sounds like a delightful place.  Great post!

Kim, you would love this store- there are rows and rows of books, one third of the store is devoted to educational toys and materials and they've got a huge selection of used books. I liked taking the girls here when they were little. You can have a cup of coffee, peruse the books and they had fun at the same time. Thanks for commenting!

Debbie - great review.  Love used books - it's so much fun to try to find all the books by my "new" favorite authors, without spending a fortune! 

( 03/30/08 02:30PM ) — Rich Dansereau Loan Officer Knoxville TN

What an awesome bookstore! I am an avid reader (even got my BA in English Lit) and think that these multifaceted bookstores can really make reading accessible and fun. I think it is especially important to get kids excited about reading at a young age; whether you are reading them a bedtime story (remember Where the Wild Things Are) or buying them their first graphic novel (comic book to you and me) to me reading is the cornerstone to all other educational aspects. Good highlight!

( 03/30/08 04:21PM ) — Danny Thornton

Debbie, I have never been much for reading, but I sure love my audio books.

Penny, I love to check Givens first for the books I'm missing in a series, I always come out with one or two books. Thanks for stopping by.

Rich, I love Where The Wild Things Are and I still can't read Guess How Much I Love You? without choking up  at the end. Both girls were reading in kindergarten and I stopped buying new  books because they read so fast. We have a great library as well, but Givens has unique books and it's such a fun place to spend time.

I read a LOT of those graphic novels as well!

Danny, I can't even tell who's calling my cell anymore without  my reading glasses. I should check out the audio books, I drive so much it would make sense.

Debbie, Nice post. I love the pictures of the book store. Good information for localism.

Naoma, Hunter would just love Givens too! They have Brio trains on display you he can play with. If you're ever in Lynchburg.....

Gita, this is such a large store, you could spend hours looking. Thanks for commenting.

( 04/27/08 11:22AM ) — Nancy Pav

That looks like a great bookstore.  It's nice to see that there are some independents that are continuing to thrive.

Hi Nancy, it really is a cool place to explore. I love to have lunch here and look through the used books. I wonder where my girls got their love of books????LOL!

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