June 22. By Emily Paton. Reading has been a favorite pastime for centuries. Written works are traced all the way back some 5,000 years, and modernly accepted fiction dates back to 12th century France. So, where can we in Cornelius get our literary fix this summer?

Pick from these three great local literary hubs:

Walls of Books owner Melinda Humphreys

—First, there’s the classic Barnes and Nobles. Located in Birkdale Village, here you can enjoy vast sections of children’s reads, Young Adult stories, as well as both fiction and non-fiction novels, as well as pick up reading accessories or a family game. 8725 Townley Road in Birkdale Village.

—If you’re looking for another bookstore, with a little more local spin, give Walls of Books a visit, on Torrence Chapel Road in Shops on the Green. Walls of Books is both a used and new bookstore filled with reads of all types as well as small reading nooks. Shops on the Green, 20920 Torrence Chapel Road.

—If you’re not sure you want to buy a book, but still want to explore literary works, go to the Cornelius Branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library just west of downtown. With a library card, you can place holds, explore an e-book library, and explore their physical location. A free investment with infinite benefits. Currently, the library is only opened to one guest at a time, but holds and check-outs are running per usual. 21105 Catawba Ave.