If you’ve set off for an adventure on Ocracoke Island, chances are you’ve been a welcomed guest at Books to be Red. Tucked away on the corner of Hwy 12 under the live oaks and shaded cedar trees, our quaint 1898 cottage has become known for its delightful selection of books, handcrafted items and unique gifts. Just like a good book, our shop is a place where you can relax, slow down and get lost in all of the treasures around you.
Books to be Red began in 1995 as a collaboration between good friends and their passions for reading and pottery. 20 years later, Books to be Red still stands as Ocracoke’s only full-service independent bookstore with a wonderful variety of new, regional, and children’s books. We encourage you to take as much time as you need to browse the latest titles in fiction and non-fiction, brush up on your history, drool over mouth-watering cookbooks, or search for that rare literary gem.
For the young and young at heart, we have an entire room filled with children’s books, toys, board games and fun activity kits. We also offer a thoughtfully selected supply of art and craft materials that will come in handy on rainy beach days or when the beauty of the island inspires the inner artist in you.
Our bookstore also functions as a charming gift shop and features local Deepwater pottery, handcrafted jewelry, candles and soaps. If you’re looking for a special gift for a friend or loved one, we also offer a variety of home décor items and whimsical gift options for weddings, birthdays and holidays.
Whether you are visiting the shop for the first time or shopping here is already one of your island traditions, your trip to Ocracoke won’t be complete without a visit to Books to be Red and Deepwater Pottery.
