Philosophers & Fools is a cozy neighborhood bookstore bar in Charleston, SC where there’s a story for just about everything in the shop. The shop is fairly new, having opened in March 2024 following a successful Kickstarter campaign, and they say the best thing about having the store is the community they’re creating and the space they provide, which is built to be a “third space.” 

The shop created an event called “Extra Credit,” where each month they invite a professor from the College of Charleston to present a talk. The event has become popular and has tapped into a community want for learning. Folks stay after the talk to discuss what they just learned. The store also works with many community partners, including the Charleston Literary Festival and Halsey Contemporary Art Institute.

Besides books, co-owners Jenny Ferrara and Michael Bourke have an interest in sustainably grown, natural, organic wine and craft beer, so they gave the bookstore a bar as well. For Jenny and Michael, getting to talk to people about books and sharing stories over a glass of wine is a joy. 

This year, their goal is to continue to widen awareness about the shop, build community, and expand in-store programming. Jenny said that SIBA has been such a helpful resource as a new store, and attending the New Voices New Rooms conference was a particular highlight, as she “had the chance to meet so many booksellers and learn so much.”

You can follow Philosophers & Fools at @philosophersandfoolschs to keep up with their journey and visit their website at www.philosophersandfools.com.