So apparently Charlotte has a fledging literary scene. Wouldn't have know it at Borders or B & N, but Park Road Books has a decent selection of local authors that are displayed prominently. That's why this place is a keeper.
I'm a bibliophile and thus feel obligated to enter all bookstores in town, but Park Road definitely hits the mark for finding a niche that the big chains can't touch. Yes, the selection is limited. But you will easily find titles on local history and culture without digging through umpteen million James Patterson books ( AHEM!!!!). The staff, like other reviewers note, are very friendly. They chat with customers and enjoy helping poor saps like me.
If you're on a budget, they usually have carts of formerly leased books from public libraries for $3-$5. These titles are usually last year's bestsellers that public libraries take out circulation once the demand decreases. If you've got time to kill or money to blow, Park Road Books makes for a nice afternoon.