Taylor Books was founded by Ann Saville in 1995. The Charleston Town Center mall opening in 1983 had wiped out many local businesses.[3] Capitol Street was largely abandoned by the 1990s, when Ann Saville purchased the building. During the restoration, artist Paula Clendenin inspired the ceiling's iconic red.[6][2]
Taylor Books is the last independent bookstore in the state capital city. Intrinsically, it became West Virginia's main venue for author talks. Past speakers include William Brewer,[7]Tony Caridi,[8] and Stephen King.[9]
The bookstore includes an Annex Gallery, a café, and pottery studio in the basement.[10] The small stage in the front of the shop is where young Appalachian singer-songwriters get their start.[5][11] Taylor Books serves as the box office for national music radio show Mountain Stage. Saville also founded the city's first brewery, which the bookstore carries.[12] The Art Annex is a major attraction during the Festivall citywide arts festival and monthly art walks.[6]
In 2021, long time store clerk Dan Carlisle became the owner of Taylor Books.[1]
