Located in present-day Tellico Plains at the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest, The Match Bookshelf is an independent bookshop that keeps all kinds of used books in circulation, with a growing focus on cli-fi, banned books and local lore. We strive to match local mountain-dwellers and traveling adventure-seekers with stories that fuel them as they experience their own.
The Match Bookshelf is the newest chapter for The Bookshelf, which opened in 2005 and served the community for two decades under one owner before changing hands in mid-2025. The space underwent a remodel at the start of 2026 before reopening in May with fresh paint, an updated layout, a new name - and a vintage piano. The many handmade wooden bookcases have remained the same, along with the desire to provide book-lovers with a "never-know-what-you're-going-to-find" maze of gems.
The humans behind the small business wholeheartedly believe in peace, inclusivity and treading lightly on this beautiful planet. They also believe books on a shelf are a lot like unlit matches; all it takes is the cracking of their spine to create brilliant, contagious fire in your mind.
Reading is fire, and you are welcome here.