For 15 years now, The Grumpy Bookpeddler has been giving Murfreesboro readers a place to browse, buy, sell and discover used books. The small family business has become a downtown destination, with more than 50,000 volumes on its shelves.
Alan Wollard, the original “Grumpy Bookpeddler,” opened the store in 2011. After over a decade behind the counter and overseeing a location change to 610 W. College St., Mr. Grumpy would eventually retire in 2024.
But the beloved shop would continue under the leadership of the next generation, with his daughter, Megan Felts, taking over the operation and continuing the family’s book-selling tradition.
Today, shoppers can find everything from children’s books and popular fiction to collectible and specialty titles, along with puzzles, gift books, locally made merchandise and a selection of new books by local authors at The Grumpy Bookpeddler. Paperbacks start at $3 and hardbacks at $7.
The store is also a place where books can make their way back into circulation—and where local readers can turn unwanted books into cash. With thousands of titles constantly moving through the shelves, part of the fun is never quite knowing what you might find on the next visit.
The Pulse recently spoke with Megan Felts about taking over the business, reaching the store’s 15-year milestone and what it’s like to make a living surrounded by books.
Murfreesboro Pulse: What was your first experience in the world of entrepreneurship, or your first business?
Megan Felts: I have had a handmade craft business for the last 15-ish years, selling hair bows, T-shirts, tumblers, repainted upcycled items and 3D printed items.
Tell me about how your father started the Grumpy Bookpeddler, and then how later you took over the business.
My dad, Mr. Grumpy, started the bookstore after he retired from the corporate world in 2011. Books have always been a huge love in my family.
In 2023 I was working at a UPS store and ready for something new, and really wanted to work for myself. Dad suggested he wanted to retire in 2024 and asked me to join him in the new year.
What challenges have you overcome in growing your business?
Continuing my dad’s business successfully and making it my own at the same time. When I first took over, I was very worried I wouldn’t be able to live up to his standards.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Helping customers find books and also seeing young children who come in excited for books.
What is the most frustrating or difficult aspect of running the business?
At times, people will come in to sell their books to me and try to haggle the prices for a used book. A lot of people also assume I will buy every book that comes in, and I just don’t have the room to do that.
What advice do you have for people starting a small business?
Working for yourself is not just a 9-to-5 job. You will work way more than you thought to make the business successful.
Who are your top customers?
I have several folks who are weekly or monthly visitors.
How are you getting the word out about your business?
I do a lot of social media marketing, advertise in the Pulse, on Google, and the biggest is word of mouth.
What else would you like Murfreesboro to know about the Grumpy Bookpeddler and the used book industry?
For us, a huge part of our business relies on the community. Bringing us your gently used fiction and nonfiction books and shopping with us will keep us here for years to come.
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So don’t toss out your old books. Bring them to The Grumpy Bookpeddler and the shop may be able to help them find a new home on another reader’s bookshelf.
The Grumpy Bookpeddler buys: children’s books, young adult, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, action/adventure/suspense, general fiction, mystery, true crime, poetry, classic literature, “banned books,” history, religion, and cookbooks with photos for recipes.
The Grumpy Bookpeddler does not buy: encyclopedias, magazines, Reader’s Digest, Dolly’s Imagination Library, Southern Living books, manga/graphic novels, home-school or college curriculum, or comic books. Also, books that are falling apart, heavily damaged, have a strong smell or have moisture damage of any kind.
Pay the store a visit at 610 W. College St., #110, Murfreesboro, near the roundabout or visit thegrumpybookpeddler.com for more information.
