The Book Shelf

Specialties

We sell new and used books for both adults and children. Categories include fiction, biography, non-​fiction, self-​help, fantasy, current best-​sellers and books by local and regional authors. We also sell greeting cards, journals, toys, and gift items.

History

Established in 1952.

The Book Shelf was started in a private home in Tryon in 1952 and later moved to 90 Pacolet Street. The store moved to 94 N. Trade Street in July 2011. The current owner, Penny Padgett, purchased the store in July 2010 as a retirement adventure and has thoroughly enjoyed sharing her love of books with the folks in Polk County.

Meet the Business Owner

Penny P.

Business Owner

I am a native of Polk County, NC. I went to Mill Spring Elementary School and Polk Central High School. After high school I attended UNC-​Chapel Hill and graduated with a degree in Biology. After graduation I worked in a hospital in Durham, NC as a medical technologist until I decided to go to Virginia Tech to graduate school. I received my Ph.D. in Microbiology and spent the next 21 years as a professor, teaching and conducting research in microbiology. In 1997 I decided to branch out into public health and returned to UNC-​CH for an M.P.H. Since then I have worked at the NC Health Department and at UNC-​CH. I retired from UNC at the end of May so that I could work at the book store more. I just love working here.