Bookstores in Central United States
Last change:
22 Aug 2008
This is basically for the central part of the United States, between the
Mississippi River and the Rockies, excluding Arkansas and Louisiana (which
are in the southern United States list.
There are also separate files for lists for the western United States,
and the Southwest.
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Cities (listed geographically north-to-south, east-to-west) include:
Minneapolis/St. Paul MN (and other MN)
Des Moines IA (and miscellaneous Iowa)
Iowa City IA
Columbia MO
Joplin MO
Kansas City/Independence MO
St. Louis MO
North Dakota
Rapid City SD
Nebraska (NE)
Kansas (KS)
Comments
[Note 1: This list includes cities south of the Canadian border, west
of the Mississippi River, and east of the Rockies, but not in the
South. It also includes all of Minnesota. Lists for other geographic
areas are in separate files.
[Note 2: I collected these comments from a variety of people. I personally
have no knowledge of many of these places and take no responsibility if you
buy a book you don't enjoy. :-) Phone numbers and precise addresses can be
gotten by calling directory assistance for the appropriate city. Call ahead
for precise hours, as even when I list them they are subject to change.]
[Note 3: If you can add information for any of these, in particular
addresses when they are missing, please send it to me. *PLEASE SPECIFY CITY
AND STATE.*]
[Note 4: Area codes change so quickly these days that these may be wrong.]
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Minneapolis/St. Paul MN (and other MN):
Minneapolis and West Metro:
Amazon Bookstore (4432 Chicago Ave S, 612-821-9630). Oldest feminist
bookstore in the country, according to PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
(founded 1970). [10/04]
Arise! Bookstore and Resource Center (2441 Lyndale Avenue S,
612-871-7110). Radical, left-wing bookstore run by the Arise!
collective and volunteers. It has a good collection of
political and historical books and books on anarchism,
feminism, developing world history, etc. One person said that
on her visit, the clerk was "less than friendly," but still
recommended it. [04/05]
B. Dalton's (several locations in the West Metro).
Bibliopolis (451 Taft NE, #22, 55413, 612-343-9386). 15,000 used
books. Open "Mon-Sat 12-ish to 7-ish". [07/07]
Barnes & Noble (several locations in the West metro).
Biermaier's Books (809 SE 4th St, just off exit 18 on 35W near
Dinkytown, 612-378-0129). Has a nice selection of scholarly
books, often at very reasonable prices. It is one of those
overly-cramped, books-stacked-everyhwhere kinds of places.
Open Tue-Sat 11AM-5:30PM. [11/04]
Birchbark Books (2115 W 21st). "Largest selection of Native American
books in the Twin Cities and surrounding area. They also have
a wide range of fiction books and children's books. Hists
readings. [04/05]
The Book House (429 14th Ave SE, 612-331-1430). Used books. 150,000
books. "Organization is so-so (but supposedly getting better),
but the sheer quantity of books makes up for this. If you
can't find it anywhere else (or didn't even know you wanted
it) this is a good place to shop. Most books are priced at
50% of cover, although true antiques will be more, and books
that are over-stocked are sometimes heavily discounted. Large
philosophy, theology, history, writing sections." Established
in 1976. Open Mon-Sun 10AM-10PM. [07/07]
Book Trader (5344 34th Ave S, 612-721-5526). Used books. Very
crowded, but better than a few years ago. Tobacco and incense
still make this a problem for those with allegries or asthma.
[10/04]
Bookateria (4175 Lovell Rd, lexington, 763-780-8689). Paperback book
trader. Open Tue, Thu-Fri 11AM-7PM, Wed 12:30 PM-7PM, Sat
10AM-2PM. [11/04]
BookSmart (2919 Hennepin Ave S, 612-823-5612). "A good selection of
used books. Not as discriminating as the best Twin Cities
stores, but one can frequently find some surprising bargains
here. New arrivals are grouped by day, so one can make a game
of guessing why certain books were sold." Open 7 days 9AM-12M.
Borders (several locations in the West Metro). [11/04]
Cokesbury Books (3000 5th NW, New Brighton). Under the chapel of the
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Christian
books. Apparently part of a chain. One person wrote,
"The employee behind the counter remains deep in thought with
a current text resting on his lap. He is friendly and seems
to have a live-and-let-live philosophy. No need to worry
about evangelicals trying to convert your lost soul."
Cummings Books (318 14th Ave SE (University Ave SE & 14th Ave SE in
Dinkytown), 55414, 612-331-1424). General used bookstore, with
first floor and basement full of books. Has a cat and a dog.
Open Mon-Thu 10AM-7PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 12N-5PM. [07/07]
Dinkytown Antiquarian Book Store (1316 SE 4th, 612-378-1286). This
store is located near the University of Minnesota. Modern
first editions, Western fiction, decorated covers, somewhat
disordered. There are several other used book stores in the
area. Irregular hours; call ahead.
DreamHaven Books (2301 E 38, 912 West Lake, 612-379-8924
http://www.dreamhavenbooks.com). Truly fantastic new and used
SF, fantasy, horror selection. Open Tuee-Sat 12N-7PM. Moved
to this smaller location 08/30/08. [08/08]
Half Price Books (Cedar Ave and County Rd 42, Apple Valley,
612-431-0749; 5011 Excelsior Blvd, St. Louis Park,
612-922-2414; 8601 Springbrook Dr, Coon Rapids, 763-784-1500;
and others). Large, extremely neat and orderly, newer books.
Acceptable philosophy and classics. Open Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM,
Sun 10AM-6PM.
Hymie's Records and Books (3318 E Lake, 612-721-3854). Primarily
(vinyl) records, but also used books and weird horror videos.
Open Mon-Sat 11AM-7PM, Sun 1PM-6PM. [07/07]
J & J O'Donoghue Books (1926 2nd Ave, Anoka, 612-427-4320), Used.
Crowded, but nice stock of vintage children's books and
mystery hardcovers. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-5:30PM. [07/07]
James & Mary Laurie Booksellers (921 Nicollet Mall, 612-338-1114).
Literary, pricey, ordered. "Be sure to ask to visit the
basement, where the 'good stuff' is kept--first editions,
etc." "Bring a flashlight." Open Mon-Sat 10AM-6:30PM,
Sun 12N-5PM.
Leland N. Lien Bookshop (507 Hennepin Ave E, 612-362-0763). Very
neat, good quality, no philosophy. "It has some nice
antiquarian books, like Adam Smith's THEORY OF MORAL
SENTIMENTS, for appropriately outrageous sums of money. Also
has books for more reasonable sums. I found an early edition
of Sumner's FOLKWAYS here, which I thought was quite nice."
Open Mon-Sat 10AM-5:30PM. [07/07]
Little Professor Books (2553 1/2 Hwy 10 NE, Mounds View). A
franchise. [04/05]
Magers & Quinn Booksellers (3038 Hennepin Ave S, 612-822-4611). "A
large quantity, and discriminating selection of used books.
Fairly solid across the board, but especially strong foreign
language section. Claims to be the largest used book store in
the area; certainly one of the best." Open Sun-Thu 10AM-10PM,
Fri-Sat 10AM-11PM. [07/07]
Magus Books (1309-1/2 4th St SE (13th Ave SE & 4th St SE in Dinkytown),
55414, 612-379-7669 or 1-800-99-MAGUS, http://www.magusbooks.com).
Occult/New Age books. "A wide range of books on subjects as
diverse as comparative religion, aromatherapy and Alastair
Crowley. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-6PM.
[12/04]
Mayday Bookstore (301 Cedar Ave S, downstairs, 612-333-4719). A
not-for-profit, volunteer-run, community bookstore
specializing in radical/leftist/anarchist/feminist/queer books
with a good selection of alternative newspapers and
periodicals. They carry lots of things you won't find
anywhere else. [04/05]
Nicollet Book Store (4237 Nicollet Ave S, 612-822-5226). Used. Open
Tue-Sun 12N-5PM.
A Novel Place (202 CR-81, Service Rd N, Osseo, 763-424-4122).
Paperback trader with some new books. Open Tue-Wed, Fri
10AM-6PM, Thu 10AM-7PM, Sat 9AM-3PM. [11/04]
Once Upon A Crime (604 W 26th, 612-870-3785). A great selection of
Sherlockian stuff and other mystery as well, both old and new.
A more active author signing schedule than Uncle
Hugo's/Edgar's. Open Mon-Sat 11AM-5:30PM. [07/07]
Paperback Exchange (2227 W 50th, 612-929-8801). Paperback trader.
Open Mon-Thu 10AM-8PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-5:30PM, Sun 12N-4PM.
Paperback Writer (3544-1/2 Grand Ave S, next door to Present Moment,
612-824-3157). Used, also CDs and tapes. Same hours as
Present Moment.
Present Moment Books and Herbs (3546 Grand Ave S, 612-824-3157).
Mostly books dealing with spiritual/metaphysical/occult/health
and healing, they also have what they claim is "the largest
selection of roots and herbs in the midwest." They are a
great resource for metaphysical books and natural healthcare.
Bring a flashlight. Open Mon-Sat 9:30AM-8:30PM,
Sun 10AM-4PM. [07/07]
Query (Hennepin and Central). Gay and lesbian booksstore; also
general books. [04/05]
Rag and Bone Books (17 4th SE, 55414, 612-926-5846,
http://www.abebooks.com/home/RAGANDBONE/).
Used. Open Tue-Sat 11AM-6PM. [07/07]
Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore and Uncle Edgar's Mystery
Bookstore (2864 Chicago Ave S, 612-824-6347 (Hugo),
612-824-9984 (Edgar), http://www.unclehugo.com,
http://www.uncleedgar.com). Good selection of SF in the
front (Uncle Hugo's), with the back (Uncle Edgar's) for
mysteries. They have a nice newsletter with upcoming
releases. Bargain hunting galore in the used stacks. Parking
meters go to 6PM, but you can probably use the dentist's lot
next door after 5PM. Half a block from a T stop. Open
Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM. [07/07]
University of Minnesota Bookstores (Coffman Union Store, 300
Washington Ave SE, 612-625-6000; Law School Store, Mondale
Hall, 259 19th Ave S, 612-626-8569) http://www.bookstores.umn.edu/).
"With more than 200,000 titles from 3,500 publishers, the
Coffman Union Store is one of the largest college bookstores
in the USA. The Coffman Union Store also has the region's
largest selection of health science and medical reference
titles." [11/04]
Walker Art Center Bookstore (725 Vineland Place). A fun place to look
at artsy books. "For those not familiar with the Walker, it
is one of the better museums of modern art."
Lake Country Booksellers (4776 Washington Sq, White Bear Lake).
[04/05]
Wild Rumpus (2720 West 43rd, 612-920-5005,
http://www.wildrumpusbooks.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp).
"An unconventional bookstore for kids." Sells and accepts
Book Sense gift certificates. [12/04]
One person says, "Strangely, there are few bookstores near the
University of Minnesota. The U of M bookstore does offer 10% off new
books, but you'd hardly want to go book shopping there unless there
was something you knew you needed to buy. Used book stores are
another matter. There at least 4 good ones within walking distance of
the U."
Someone responds, "Dinkytown [nearby] does still boast The Book House,
Magus, and Cummings Books, and B&N is close by."
===
St. Paul and the East Metro:
B. Dalton's (two locations in the East Metro). [11/04]
Barnes & Noble (2100 N Snelling Ave, Roseville, 651-639-9256; several
other locations in the East Metro). In addition to the usual,
this store has a used book section. Open Mon-Thu 9AM-11PM,
Fri-Sat 9AM-12M, Sun 9AM-9PM. [11/04]
Book Corner (1524 Woodlane Dr, Woodbury, 651-730-0661). Used
paperback book trader. Cannot use non-SF credit for SF
books. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 12N-4PM.
The Bookshop (1940 Lexingston Avenue N, Roseville, 55113-6401,
651-636-3176). Paperback book trader. In its previous
location books were stacked in wire racks, face front, making
scanning difficult. Don't know if this is still true. Open
Mon-Fri 10AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM. [
Borders (two locations in the East Metro). [11/04]
Bound to be Read (870 Grand Ave, 651-646-2665). The Twin Cities'
largest independent bookstore and home of the nation's first
and only all digital music department." "The ambiance of the
store is welcoming and their selection of poetry alone beats
out any other bookstore I care to visit." Has been compared
to the now-defunct Ruminator. Sells and accepts Book Sense
gift certificates. [04/05]
Chestnut Street Books (223 Chestnut E, Stillwater,
http://www.loomebooks.com/index.cfm). [01/08]
Evenstar Bookstore (2401 University Ave W, 651-644-3727,
http://www.EvenstarBookstore.com). "Books and Supplies for the
Journey Within." "This bookstore specializes in not
specializing (if they have a specialty, it's tarot. The woman
who runs the store reads and teaches tarot professionally).
They have a good selection of books on many metaphysical
subjects, plus temple supplies, religious icons, and a good
selection of 'pocket rocks' (cheap crystals and stones). The
store also the campus of the School of Sacred Paths, which
offers classes in a variety of Pagan subjects." [This all
sounds fairly specialized to me, at least compared to, say, a
Barnes & Noble. -ecl]
Half Price Books (2041 Ford Parkway, Highland Village, 651699-1391).
One of the larger and better-run stores in this chain, selling
used and publisher's overstock. The selection is good, and
some real bargains can be obtained. A nice complement to the
new Barnes and Noble across the street. Sections include,
among others, technical, mystery, SF, children's (good
selection) and art (good selection). Some very good deals can
be found. Open Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-6PM.
Half Price Books (1731A Beam Ave, Maplewood, 651-773-0631). Used
books. Open Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-6PM.
Harper's Books (1053 Grand Ave, Suite 108, 651-290-2248). Modern
first editions. Open Tue-Sat 12N-5PM, but call to confirm.
Loome Theological Booksellers (Old Swedish Convent Church, 320 North
4th, Stillwater, 651-430-1092). Stupendous. Friendly,
helpful staff.
Mica Books (1209 Arcade St, 651-771-1534). Open Thu-Fri 12N-5PM,
Sat 9AM-5PM.
Micawber's (2238 Carter Ave). "A quaint little bookstore in a
Tudor-style house nestled in Milton Square." General
selection with "an English air to it."
Midway Used and Rare Books (1579 University Ave at Snelling,
651-644-7605). "The comics in the front section can be
off-putting to those more interested in books, but Midway
Books has a wide selection of used paperbacks and hardbacks
covering three floors, and a very knowledgeable staff (which
has one drawback; they know what their stuff is worth and
charge accordingly). One of the better used bookstores in the
Twin Cities." Open Mon-Fri 9AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM,
Sun 12N-6PM. [07/07]
Minnesota History Center Heritage Store (345 Kellogg Blvd W,
651-296-4694, http://www.mnhs.org/market/stores/index.html).
"More than 3,000 books dealing with Minnesota and regional
history and biography, antiques and collectibles, American
Indian history and arts, genealogy and more." [11/04]
Out of Print Book Shoppe (186 W 7th 1/2 block west of Civic Center).
"Small and cramped in front, the best part of this shop is the
comfortable and homey back room, with a good selection of
scholarly theological books. Owner is a retired professor,
and knowledgeable on philosophy and theology." Open Tue-Sat
11AM-4:30PM. [10/04]
Paperbacks Plus (2381 N Margaret, North St. Paul, 651-770-0384).
Paperback trader. Open Tue-Fri 11AM-5:30PM, Sat 10AM-3PM.
Red Balloon Bookshop (891 Grand Ave, 651-224-8320,
http://www.redballoonbookshop.com/). Celebrating over
20 years as the Twin Cities' best children's bookstore
according to several publications." Sells and accepts Book
Sense gift certificates. [01/08]
Rulon-Miller Books (400 Summit Ave, 651-290-0700). True antiquarian
store. Americana, literature, travel, early books, language.
Open Mon-Fri 9AM-4:30PM (appointments preferred).
Sixth Chamber Used Books (1332 Grand Ave, 651-690-9463). Over 30,000
used books. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-8:30PM,
Sun 12N-5PM. [07/07]
St. Croix Antiquarian Booksellers (216 S Main, Stillwater,
651-430-0732). Large, very neat, fine quality, pretty good
philosophy. Open Mon-Wed 9:30AM-5:30PM, Th-Sat 9:30AM-8:30PM,
Sun 12N-5PM.
Terrace Horticultural Books (503 St. Clair Ave, Lower Level, 55102,
651-222-5536). Gardening, horticulture, etc. Open
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM. [07/07]
University of Minnesota Bookstores (St. Paul Student Center, 1420
Eckles Ave, 612-624-9200, http://www.bookstores.umn.edu/).
"Features gardening, environmental, veterinary, Univ. of Minn.
Extension titles." [11/04]
The Valley Bookseller (217 N Main, Stillwater, 651-430-3385,
http://www.valleybookseller.com/). General new books.
Sells and accepts Book Sense gift certificates. [11/04]
===
Duluth:
Carlson Book (206 E Superior, 218-722-8447). "Carlson's is large and
funky; organization could be much better--the worst example
being unalphabetized paperback fiction--there are possibly
more than 300,000 books, certainly more than 250,000. The
only new books are THE ANARCHIST'S COOKBOOK and a dozen titles
on growing marijuana. Somewhere between 2000 and 3000 current
magazines and journals. A lot of used vinyl. Knowledge of
staff--fair to good, to excellent, given the right subject.
There are plants, many places to sit and 75-foot aisles, a
high ceiling, shelves overflowing." Open Mon-Sat 10AM-11PM,
Sun 12N-10PM.
"Duluth has just gotten a B&N, about 100,000 books--five other
independent booksellers in town have banded to offer discounts and
referencing. These shops focus on particular subjects--for example,
Books Bound has an excellent children's collection, more carefully
chosen than Carlson's, although the two owners cooperate regularly."
===
Northfield:
As Time Goes By (425 Division, 55057, 507-645-6700, FAX 507-645-9351,
astimegoesby@qwest.net). Used. "Has a room full of SF pbs,
mostly old ones, maybe 200 shelf feet. (Also check out the
place down the street -- good children's section.)" I'll second
the recommendation for SF--if you're looking for books from the
1950s through early 1980s, this is a great place. All SF
paperbacks are $3 unless marked higher. Open Mon-Sat
10AM-6PM. [06/01]
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Des Moines IA (and miscellaneous Iowa):
One reader writes, "Des Moines is *not* a good bookstore town. Most
entries under 'Bookstores' in the Des Moines Yellow Pages are for
stores in other cities and states. There is a Half-Price Books, and a
Borders Books, and some small religious bookstores downtown. I saw
one used bookstore near a college campus but it was closed when I was
there. And that's *it*!" [This is probably out of date by now.]
Atlantic:
The Owl's Nest Bookstore (411 Chestnut, 50022, 712-243-7970,
theowlsnest@email.com. [10/04]
Cedar Rapids:
Mystery Cat Books (112 32nd St Dr SE, 52403, 319-363-2179,
http://www.mysterycatbooks.com). Used books. Current and
vintage mystery, SF, fiction and nonfiction, collectible
children's books, and signed first editions. Two cats. Open
Tue, Wed, Fri 11AM-5:30PM; Thu 11AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-4PM; Sun-Mon
by chance. [08/08]
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Iowa City IA:
Barnes and Noble (Coral Ridge Mall, Coralville)
The Bookery (523 Iowa Avenue, 319-351-3510). A hoard of used books
crammed into an old house; big SF section. In addition to
books, they have quite a bit of ephemera, such things as
railroad timetables, advertising flyers, and such. Open
Mon-Sat 10AM-5:30PM.
Haunted Bookshop on the Creek (520 E Washington, 319-337-2996).
Another hoard of used books crammed into an old house. This
is the best place in town for used art and literary books.
Open Mon-Sat 11AM-7PM, Sun 1PM-5PM.
Iowa Book and Supply (8 South Clinton). A big campus bookstore, heavy
on current textbooks, but with a good general reading
selection. Across the street from the center of campus, and
known as Iowa Book and Crook by many old-timers.
Murphy-Brookfield Books (219 North Gilbert, 319-338-3077). Yet
another hoard of used books crammed into an old house. The
best place in town for old technical books. Good philosphy
section. Open Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM.
Prairie Lights Books (15 S Dubuque,
http://www.prairielightsbooks.com). The best bookstore in
town by just about any measure. This place compares very well
with Borders in Ann Arbor; it is the home of the radio program
"Live from Prairie Lights," where authors do readings from
their works. The place is currently two floors of books, but
they are planning to expand to three floors. It is hard to
find any gaps in this store's stock. [04/08]
University Book Store (Iowa Memorial Union). The second best
bookstore in town, by most measures. As good a textbook
selection as you get, plus a good selection of art,
literature, science, and other books. Also a good place for
art supplies.
Waldenbooks (Sycamore Mall). Another typical mall bookstore.
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Columbia MO:
Acorn Books (211 S 9th, Columbia; Ice Chalet Antique Mall, AC exit &
Hwy 63 South). Used. The main store is located near the
university in Columbia. "Has everything and anything, they
stress that they have textbooks. Genre literature is
separated and alphabetized. A friendly proprietor. It might
have been because I'm a foreigner, but somehow I didn't get
that impression." Open daily.
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Joplin MO:
The Book Barn by Vintage Stock (3128 Main, 64804, 417-782-2278,
http://www.vintagestock.com). Used books, mostly paperback,
some new. Also used video games, CDs, movies, comics, etc.
Prices very reasonable (about half on paperbacks with an
apparent minimum of $1). Alpabetizing runs the entire length
of the row on each shelf, making for a lot of walking, though.
Good-sized SF section. One of several branches of this store,
most called Vintage Stock; others are in Kansas City, KS;
Overland Park, KS; Springfield, MO (Caveman); Tulsa, OK; and
Springdale, AR. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Saun 11AM-6PM.
[06/03]
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Kansas City/Independence MO:
(All stores are Kansas City MO unless otherwise indicated.)
Barnes & Noble (400 W 47th, 816-753-1313; and others). Superstore.
Open 7 days.
A Better Book Store (549 North Scott, Belton MO, 816-331-9166). Used
books, with large SF section.
Border's (9108 Metcalf at 91st, Overland Park KS, 816-642-3642;
Metcalf at 120th, 913-663-2356; and others). The first is
described as, "Huge selection, probably KC's biggest. Carries
titles not normally "allowed" by the more conservative
locals. Cappucino bar in back." The second has SF and
fantasy discussion groups. Open Mon-Thu 8AM-10PM, Fri-Sat
8AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-7PM.
Cook's Books (9071 Metcalf Ave, Lohmans Plaza, 816-383-0333). New and
used cookbooks.
Culturally Speaking (1601 E 18th, 816-842-8151). African-American
books. Also cards and gifts.
Dog-Eared Half Price Books (3625 S Noland Rd, Independence, 64055,
816-833-8889, fireside64055@aol.com). Half-price
used paperbacks, with a few new. A huge selection of romance
novels, if that's your thing; not much SF. [06/04]
Eddie's (1509 NE Parvin Rd., Kansas City MO, 816-455-5924). Used
books, with fair-sized SF section.
Foozles (20321 W 151st, Great Mall of the Plains, 913-393-2063). Huge
selection of remaindered books, including a lot of SF.
Forsyth Travel Library (9154 W 57Th, 816-384-3440). Travel books,
maps, etc.
Friendly's Books (7947 Santa Fe, Overland Park KS, 913-642-6477). Used
books, with large SF section.
Global Connections (4201 S Noland, 816-373-1925). Travell books and
accessories.
Grandview Book Gallery (820 Main, Grandview, MO, 816-763-1008). Used
books, with fair-sized SF section.
Lasus Books LLC (Park Place Shopping Center, 5312 NW 64th,
816-505-2665). Used books, with large SF section.
Maple Drive Books (5840 Maple Drive, Shawnee Mission, KS 66291,
913-671-7999). Used books, with large SF section.
A Novel Idea Bookshoppe (118 SW 3rd, Lees Summit, 64063, 816-524-7471).
Used and rare. [08/04]
Phoenix Books (317 Westport Rd, 816-931-5784). Women's and
alternative books. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM,
Sun 10AM-5PM.
Read It Again Books (7316 W. 80th, Overland Park KS, 913-648-5065).
Used books, with fair-sized SF section.
The Reading Reptile (4120 Pennsylvania, 816-753-0441,
http://www.readingreptile.com). Children's bookstore. "They have
a superb selection of picture books, board books, books for
emerging readers and young adults, both fiction and
non-fiction. In addition, the store sponsors weekly story and
activity hours for toddlers and young children, weekly films
based on children's stories, weekly book clubs for young and
adolescent readers, and frequent author reading and book
signings; all free! From the huge papier mache characters
from children's books that hang from the ceiling to the
reptile tracks that criss-cross the store, the Reading Reptile
is one of the most unique and cool children's bookstores
around."
University Bookstore (5000 Rockhill Rd, 816-235-1401). Mon-Thu 8AM-7PM,
Fri 8AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-3PM.
Whitelight New Age Books (1607 W 39th, 816-931-0116).
Kansas City has a higher percentage of Christian bookstores (based on
the Yellow Pages in 1995) than any other major city I can remember.
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St. Louis MO (and vicinity):
Bargain Books (1877 First Capitol Rd, south from I-70 exit 228,
St. Charles). Small paperback exchange place. It's on the
serice road--heading south take the exit from the main road
to the service road right after Zumbehl. Open Mon-Thu
9AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 9AM-12M, Sun 11AM-10PM. [04/07]
Barnes & Noble (several locations).
Betty's Books & Collector Comics (1520 Gravois Rd, 63049, 636-677-3197).
Same magnitude of numbers in paperback and hardcover SF as
Pam's Books. Key difference is that all hardcover books are
alphabetized and some are wrapped in near mint condition (and
priced accordingly). (Gravois Road parallels Route 30 at this
location and the store is a few miles west of Route 141.)
Big Sleep Books (239 N Euclid north of Lindell, 314-361-6100,
http://www.bigsleepbooks.com). Mysteries. [06/04]
The Book House (9719 Manchester, http://www.BookHouseSTL.com).
"A very crowded bookstore, in an old house, hence the name.
It's probably got a larger stock than Patten Books, and it's
fairly well organized: fully alphabetized and all,
organization constrained only by the crowding: some sections
have 'overflow' piles on the floor. They also have a small
but nice selection of pre-1950 fiction, good old popular
literature like Jeffery Farnol.
Book Rack (14560 Manchester Rd a few miles west of Route 141, 63011,
636-394-1233). Large selection of SF paperbacks
alphabetized. No hardcover books.
Books-a-Million (St. Louis Mills).
Borders (several locations).
Dunaway Books (3111 S Grand, 314-771-7150,
http://www.dunawaybooks.com/). A clean, spacious store with
a large used general stock; particularly strong in literature,
literary criticism, and history. [03/06]
Left Bank Books (399 N Euclid in the Central West End, 314-367-6731,
FAX 314-367-3256, http://www.left-bank.com). New and used
general bookstore. "Large and comfortable with a friendly,
knowledgeable staff. SF is downstairs and features one of the
better offerings of hardback and trade paperbacks in stock,
but the regular paperback shelves are somewhat limited in this
genre. Still, it is always a delight to go to this store and
I always end up spending more time/money there than I
planned." [I would not describe it as "large", though it may
have seemed that way before the chain superstores started
popping up. I found it smaller and less interesting than many
of the other classic independent bookstores around the
country. However, the fact that it carries both new and used
makes it of interest. -ecl] Open Mon-Sat 10AM-10M, Sun
11AM-6PM. [06/04]
Pam's Books (219 Arnold Crossroads Ct east of I-55, 63010,
636-282-2665). "*Huge* selection of SF paperbacks all nicely
alphabetized. Well over a hundred hardcover SF books, but
those aren't so nicely alphabetized.
Patten Books (9040 Manchester Rd, Brentwood, MO, a couple of blocks
west of Brentwood Blvd; look for a blue awning on the South
side as it is a little hard to find, 314-968-4255,
mail@pattenbooks.com). "Roomy store, overall quality and
pricing are very good. This is a pleasant, comfortable store
to browse." "The SF section is very extensive, probably their
largest single classification, and the books are actually
alphabetized by author. You pay a tad more for all this,
about $1 more than typical used prices for paperbacks, but
this is easily the nicest used bookstore I have ever been in."
Hours unknown, so call ahead. [Used to be By the Book.]
Second Reading (301 East Broadway, Alton IL 62002, 618-462-2830).
Very large selection SF paperbacks not at all alphabetized.
Not advised for anybody except those with hours available to
look through all the piles of books. Owner keeps promising to
alphabetize them someday.
Subterranean Books (6275 Delmar Blvd, University City, 63130,
314-862-6100). Used. (This location used to be A Collector's
Bookshop, but is now a different store with a smaller stock.)
The Famous-Barr book sale--properly, the St. Louis Book Fair, sponsored
by the Nursery Society of St. Louis--is now back where it was a few
years ago: West County Shopping Center (Manchester and I-270). But
the sale is now held in the new indoor parking garage on the east side
of the mall, rather than in a large tent in the west parking lot. "I
haven't been to St. Louis in a number of years, but a highlight of my
graduate student years was the yearly Famous-Barr Booksale. ... [In
this] would be books, books, and more books. All used at very
reasonable prices. The first day you had to pay for admission. After
that, admission was free. In addition, they were constantly
replenishing the tables so there was not a big advantage of going the
first day, and you could find new things every time you went. A
wide variety of topics were available. I know this isn't a bookstore,
but it was a wonderful event."
============================================================================
------------------------------
North Dakota:
Book Corral (420 Broadway, Medora, 58645, 701-623-4992 or 877-800-4992,
ellison@medora.midstate.net). New and used, specializing in
Western Americana and Theodore Roosevelt. Open 7:30AM-10PM.
(I'm not sure if that's seven days a week or not.)
Twice Told Tales (Route 85, Bowman). Used books. I was unable to
find this based on the sketchy map of the town I picked up,
but I wouldn't swear it isn't there somewhere. [07/01]
Ye Olde Books (226 E Main, Suite 2, Valley City, 58072-3452,
701-845-8721, stanford@ictc.com). New and used books. New
books are mostly regional authors. Periodic booksignings.
Open weekdays 9:30AM-5:30PM. [07/03]
============================================================================
------------------------------
Rapid City SD:
Books & Things (101 New York, in Times Square Plaza strip mall,
605-348-4747). Paperback trader with good SF and mystery
selections, in addition to expected gigantic romance section.
Everybody's Bookstore (3321 W Main, 605-341-3224). General used books
in a variety of areas. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-5PM.
Prairie's Edge (corner of 6th and Main). Large art, gift, and
collectibles store that also includes an impressive selection
of books on Native American history and culture.
Also, in or adjacent to the Rushmore Mall: Waldenbooks, B. Dalton, and
Borders. Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Mount
Rushmore all have books in their gift shops.
Spearfish:
Black Hills State University Bookstore (University St, BHSU campus).
"Mostly textbooks but some regional and general interest
books." [11/07]
Book Trader (608 N Main, 605-722-6952). "Used and regional (Black
Hills) books. A little expensive for a book trader type store,
but there were some interesting titles." [11/07]
============================================================================
------------------------------
Nebraska (NE):
Antiquarium (1215 Harney, Omaha 68102, 402-341-8077). "This is a used
bookstore/art gallery. Somewhat larger in size than JSB, but
much less well organized. You can find bargains here, but the
stock is generally not as high in quality as at JSB." [04/04]
Jackson Street Booksellers (1119 Jackson. Omaha, 68102-2824,
402-341-2664, jsbooks@uswest.net). "This a used book store with
a fairly broad inventory. The stock is well-organized, and
prices are typical of Internet-based used bookstores, so you
won't find any incredible bargains." [04/04]
A Novel Idea Bookstore (118 N 14th, Lincoln, 68508, 402-475-8663,
http://www.anovelideabookstore.com). Used and rare, fiction
and non-fiction, hardback and paperback, including a strong
SF section with vintage books and SF audiobooks. Also graphic
novels and gaming books. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 1PM-5PM.
[10/03]
============================================================================
------------------------------
Kansas (KS):
The Dusty Bookshelf (708 Massachusetts, 785-749-4643, Lawrence
66044). Used books. Very nice selection of good quality
books--nothing looks beat-up or mis-used. Roomy store. Also
has what appears to be a full line of Dover Thrift books
for full price ($1-$3.50). Open Mon-Thu 10AM-8PM, Fri-Sat
10AM-10PM, Sun 12N-6PM. [06/04]
The Dusty Bookshelf (700 N Manhattan Ave, Manhattan 66502,
785-539-2839).. Used books. Branch of the Lawrence store
(see above); I assume it is similar. [06/04]
Raven Books (6 E 7th, Lawrence 66044). New books; also used
mysteries. Nice selection of mysteries, but a rather small
store. [06/04]
Watermark Books & Cafe (4701 E Douglas, Lincoln Heights Shopping
Center, Wichita 67218, 316-682-1181,
http://www.watermarkbooks.com). New books.
Watermark West Rare Books (149 N Broadway, Wichita 67202,
316-263-3007, http://www.watermarkbooks.com/rarebooks).
Used and rare books.
============================================================================
------------------------------
Comments:
For more used bookstores, you might check http://www.abaa-booknet.com/ or
http://www.bookweb.org/bookstores/usa_states.html.
There are also Book Hunter Press's USED BOOK LOVER'S GUIDE TO [various
regions], seven regional guides to over 7,900 used, out-of-print, and
antiquarian book dealers in the United States and Canada. The complete
database is online and can be searched by location, dealer name, specialty,
and type of dealer. Access to the database is available on a two tier basis:
partial access is free, full access is by subscription.The web page also
includes free access to regional and city maps showing locations with used
bookstores. For more information or a free catalog, check their web page at
http://bookhunterpress.com/.
And there is also ANTIQUARIAN, SPECIALTY, AND USED BOOK SELLERS
DIRECTORY 1997-98, covering 5,261 dealers in 863 pages. For more
information, send E-mail request asubs@aol.com, or check their web page
at http://www.auldbooks.com/biblio/asubs.
==========================================================================
Copyright Notice
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To support this, this FAQ is Compilation Copyright 2008 by Evelyn C. Leeper
(the FAQ maintainer).
============================================================================
Evelyn C. Leeper (eleeper@optonline.net)
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