Who we are

The Hive Bookshop is an independent bookstore opening in the Bearden neighborhood of Knoxville, Tennessee. We are a home for book lovers of every age - from bedtime rebels to campus bookworms to lifelong readers. Whether you’re chasing new ideas or escaping into a great story, The Hive is where readers thrive.

If you want to support us before our big opening in Spring 2026, please visit our Bookshop.org site found here. Purchases benefit independent bookstores everywhere, and we are always happy to make recommendations for your next great read.

Sara Holladay is the owner of The Hive Bookshop in Knoxville, Tennessee. Originally from Arlington, Virginia, she has called Knoxville home since she and her husband, Scott, moved here in 2011. Sara earned her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and her Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Denver.

Before opening The Hive Bookshop, she spent nearly 20 years in the world of books, first in academic publishing and later as a librarian, careers that deepened her belief that stories build connection and community. Bonus fun for sports lovers: Sara also spent roughly a decade blogging as the Fantasy Football Librarian and will happily talk fantasy sports any time!

Sara lives in Bearden with Scott, their three children (15, 12, and 7), and three cats.

More soon on our booksellers and other amazing contributors!