Bookseller Review: Northampton DPW Book Shed

Northampton DPW Book Shed

125 Locust St.

Northampton, MA

413.587.1570

http://www.northamptonma.gov/dpw/

Pretty much just what the name says. It's a book shed at the local "dump." But it can be truly awesome. It is organized, believe it or not.

What we like: The randomness, the tight squeeze, the always-good selection of classic fiction, the fact that it's all free.

What we don't like: Unless you know how to get around it, you have to have a sticker to visit the premises, and thereby gain access to the book shed. It is possible to do it without the sticker...

Would we go again? Without a doubt. This little shed (without us realizing it at the time) helped propel us down the road toward "Get a Spine," so we will always stop by when we have the chance.

Bookseller Review: Bookends

Bookends

80 Maple St.

Florence, MA

413.585.8667

www.abebooks.com/bookends-northampton-ma-u.s.a/62006/sf

Bookends offers selections from the expected to the unexpected in virtually every category. Its strengths are in history, biography, natural history and particularly in literature-fiction, poetry and literary criticism. Bookends also has a sizeable collection of foreign language books. 

What we like: Any book store with a cat is good by us. Plus, the selection is solid (two stories), the owner is extremely nice, and the prices are reasonable.

What we don't like: We visited once while we were living in Northampton and there were cookies. On this visit, no cookies? 

Would we go again? Yes. It's too good of a book store, and we like the town of Florence too much, to not go back any time we can.

Bookseller Review: Gabriel Books

Gabriel Books

21 Market St.

Northampton, MA

413.586.5596

www.abebooks.com/gabriel-books-northampton-ma-u.s.a/182084/sf

Books of all types bought, sold, and appraised. The book buyer is in the store on Fridays and Saturdays. Housecalls can be made for larger collections. The bookshop was started as The Madeleine in Isla Vista, California in 1972 by John and Patty Riley. It continued as The Globe in Northampton, Massachusetts, and now is named Gabriel Books after the owners' son, Gabe.

What we like: Cozy space, books everywhere, a healthy section of classics, friendly owner who gave us a great bumper sticker.

What we don't like: No real complaints other than some of the things we really liked were out of our price range.   

Would we go again? Absolutely. Given a bit more time, I am sure we'd walk out of there with more than we did our first trip.

Bookseller Review: Raven Used Books

Raven Used Books

4 Old South St.

Northampton, MA

413.584.9868

www.ravenusedbooks.com/raven_site_002.htm

Raven specializes in academic and scholarly titles, and offers a wide variety of children's books, poetry, fiction, gardening, philosophy, cultural studies, cookbooks, eastern and western religions, fantasy and science fiction, mystery, Native American studies, women's studies, African American studies, Greek and Roman classics, linguistics, history, science and nature, and much, much more.

What we like: Raven is the quintessential college-town used-book store. A solid wall of fiction, always-changing inventory, good people-watching, good deals, and -- last, but certainly not least -- a location next door to one of the best ice cream shops on the planet.

What we don't like: On occassion, the collection can be a bit too "college course newer used book" and therefore lacking in older editions, but this is picking nits (specific to our goals) about a really good used-book store.  

Would we go again? Of course. Raven was a must-visit while we lived in Northampton, and it'll continue to be any time we are passing through.

Bookseller Review: Old Book Store

Old Book Store

32 Masonic St.

Northampton, MA

413.586.0576

plus.google.com/111715472117967144975

Old Book Store is in the basement of a red-brick building off Northampton's main drag. The family-owned-and-operated store has been in business for decades, and many different genres are represented in its collection, all at fair prices.

What we like: We did very well here, so that's one thing we like very much. We also had a very nice conversation with the owner. And you'll find that you get good bang for your buck here.

What we don't like: In our conversation, it sounded like once the current owner, Grant Walz, decides to pack it up, that'll be the end of Old Book Store. 

Would we go again? Absolutely. Even though we took home a good haul, we have faith that when we return, we'll find plenty more.

Bookseller Review: Willis Monie Books

Willis Monie Books

139 Main St.

Cooperstown, NY

607.547.7128

www.wilmonie.com

Located in Cooperstown, NY for over 25 years, Willis Monie Books carries general books and ephemera, with a good selection in most all categories. They have over 80,000 books listed online, with a much greater variety offered in the store.

What we like: Since it's in Cooperstown, there's pretty much no way I am not going to like this store. But to be objective, there is a lot to like here for those seeking a book in most every area of interest.

What we don't like: We nitpick, but we always get a little bummed when bookstores don't break out the classic literature into its own section, and instead just have it scattered throughout all fiction. Like I said, it's nitpicking.  

Would we go again? Of course. Every time we visit Cooperstown. Plus, I am really holding out hope that I'll be able to complete my Mohawk Edition set of James Fenimore Cooper's works (missing The Last of the Mohicans and The Prairie) here. It would be fitting.

Bookseller Review: Rose and Laurel Bookshop

The Rose and Laurel Bookshop

273 Main St.

Oneonta, NY

607.432.5604

www.abebooks.com/rose-and-laurel-bookshop-oneonta-ny/72680/sf

The Rose & Laurel Bookshop is a brick-and-mortar store started in 1977 and is located in upstate New York. They have mainly used and out-of-print books, both paperbacks and hardcovers. They stock many first edtions and have a good collection of local and upstate NY history.

What we like: This place had the feel of a booklover's quaint little bookshop. Not too big, not too small, good variety, and for us, a nice section of classics.

What we don't like: Well... our daughter's legs got really dirty crawling around on the floor... does that count?  

Would we go again? Yes. This was one we stumbled upon by accident, but when we pass through Oneonta in the future, we'll definitely stop.

Bookseller Review: Popeks Books

Popeks Used and Rare Books

457 Chestnut St.

Oneonta, NY

607.431.9870

www.popeks.com/

Popeks Used and Rare Books is an independent bookseller which has a wide variety of titles in practically every subject area or interest. They're a family business that has been selling books for around 30 years.

What we like: Multiple classic fiction sections, friendly owner, and solid prices. A large selection of books, rivaling the number to be found in many bookstores located in much larger cities.

What we don't like: It was a little hard to figure out how the store was organized at first, but who doesn't enjoy a good hunt?  

Would we go again? Definitely. We didn't have enough time the first time through, and thankfully we'll have more opportunities to stop by as we continue to visit family throughout the year.

Bookseller Review: Ohio Book Store

Ohio Book Store

726 Main St.

Cincinnati, OH

513.621.5142

www.ohiobookstore.net/index.html

The Ohio Book Store has five floors of books and magazines of all genres, ages, prices, etc. With nearly 350,000 items to choose from, if you can't find something here, you didn't really want anything to begin with.

What we like: Everything. We wish every city or town we visited had a book store like this. And the Fallons are just good people. Plus, even though we didn't get a chance to see it in action, the book bindery is a cool addition to the experience.

What we don't like: Honestly, we can't think of anything.  

Would we go again? We might go to Cincinnati again just for this store. So, yeah.

Bookseller Review: Iris BookCafe

Iris BookCafe

1331 Main St.

Cincinnati, OH

513.381.2665

irisbookcafe.com/

Iris BookCafe serves up fresh, local food alongside its vintage book collection. Iris carries books on architecture, art, fashion, philosophy, literature, poetry, drama, film, photography, cooking, famous gardens, Americana, and foreign language. Iris offers children’s books in many languages, and apparently hosts the largest collection of Polish books in Cincinnati.

What we like: Delicious food, tasty coffee, friendly people, a great outdoor seating area out back, and a small yet solid fiction section.

What we don't like: Given that we took home a decent number of books from relatively small fiction options, I guess our only complaint is that the fiction section wasn't larger!

Would we go again? We did well here as far as books, and the lunch was easily the best we had in our short stay, so definitely.

Bookseller Review: The Dust Jacket

The Dust Jacket

3200 Linwood Ave.

Cincinnati, OH

513.871.4224

www.abebooks.com/the-dust-jacket,-inc-cincinnati-oh/74439/sf

The Dust Jacket has a large collection of hardcovers books, especially leather-bound books. Their inventory has history, literature, mysteries, children's, art, religion, natural history and more, and ranges in price from low to high.

What we like: A book-lover's book store, we could have browsed for hours. Sam, a co-owner, is extremely friendly.

What we don't like: Tough to say. Maybe parking isn't the greatest there, depending on when you go? 

Would we go again? If we're ever back in Cincinnati, you bet we would. One of our all-time favorites. 

Bookseller Review: Significant Books

Significant Books

3053 Madison Rd

Cincinnati, OH

513.321.7567

www.significantbooks.com

Significant Books deals in out-of-print & antiquarian books. General books plus a speciality of science and technology.

What we like: If these guys dealt in classic fiction, we think this would have been the store to find some great additions to our library. We did find two nonetheless. And Carol, the co-owner, was very nice.

What we don't like: While some good deals are to be found, it's because they are going out of business! 

Would we go again? See above. I doubt we'll have the chance. 

Bookseller Review: SPCA Rummage Store

SPCA Rummage Store

943 Preston Ave.

Charlottesville, VA

434.293.8475

www.caspca.org/rummage.htm

SPCA Rummage Store is a thrift store whose sales supports the Charlottesville SPCA. They sell antiques, collectibles, art, toys, vehicles, furniture, clothing, office supplies, appliances, books, tvs, dvds, audio/video, computers, housewares, linens, sporting goods, and more. Books are half-price every first Saturday of the month.

What we like: On the first-Saturday sale, at $0.50 a paperback and $1.50 for hardcovers, there is always bound to be something we'll take home with us. 

What we don't like: The classics section is pretty small. 

Would we go again? Every first Saturday of the month, if we can make it. 

Bookseller Review: Piedmont Books

Piedmont Books

3800 Reynolda Rd.

Winston-Salem, NC

336.923.2437

www.piedmontusedbooks.com

Piedmont Books has over 40,000 gently used books, CDs, DVDs and video games at up to 75% the original retail price. Buy, sell and trade.

What we like: Piedmont has a surprisingly strong classics section, with a wide variety of titles and age of editions. The prices are fair.

What we don't like: It also sells the stuff we prefer not have in a bookstore, but it feels like a bookstore first, and that counts for something.

Would we go again? Considering we feel this was the best bookstore we found in Winston-Salem, we would definitely go back any time we visit.

Bookseller Review: Laster's Fine Art & Antiques

Laster's Fine Art & Antiques

664 S. Stratford Rd.

Winston-Salem, NC

336.724.7544

www.lastersfineart.com

Laster's specializes in handling estates and collections and their retail store contains valuable paintings, prints, fine antiques, rare coins, and rare books. Most of their collection is leather-bound.  

What we like: Upon first entering, we wondered where the books were. But we soon found multiple bookcases loaded with some good titles, and older editions. All hardcovers, many from the late-19th and early-20th century.

What we don't like: Even for what they have, many seemed priced too high. The few that we checked out specifically we know to be pirated or unauthorized copies, a common practice around the turn of the last century, so the prices for those seemed steep.

Would we go again? Yes. The possibility of finding some real gems here definitely exists, so we'd be crazy not to visit any time we were in Winston-Salem.

Bookseller Review: Edward McKay Used Books

Edward McKay Used Books & More

115 Oakwood Dr.

Winston-Salem, NC

336.724.6133

www.feedyourhead.net/ws

Edward McKay is a used-book store chain in North Carolina. Their Winston-Salem store has over 10,000 square feet of used books, textbooks, audiobooks, CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, VHS, and video games. Their inventory comes mostly from the public, so their stock changes every day. 

What we like: There are certainly a ton of titles, and store is well-organized and easy to browse.

What we don't like: For us, many of the editions are too new, likely many of them being used in recent college courses. And we prefer our used-book stores to not also have "Twilight: Breaking Dawn" movie posters hanging on the wall.

Would we go again? Not likely if we go back to Winston-Salem, but we're not opposed to checking out some of the other Edward McKay stores in North Carolina.

Bookseller Review: Forsyth Library Sale

Forsyth Library Sale

660 W. Fifth St.

Winston-Salem, NC

336.703.2665

www.forsyth.cc/library/friends.aspx

The Forsyth Library Central Branch holds a two-day, biannual book sale, hosted by the Friends of the Central Library. There is a bit of everything -- paperbacks cost 75 cents and hardbacks are $1.50. The second day everything is half-off, or $5 for a bag. 

What we like: You definitely can't beat the prices, especially on Day 2, when it's a grocery bag full of books for $5.

What we don't like: It'd be unfair to say anything bad about any library sale, let alone one we only visited for 30 minutes on its second day. We imagine there were more classics on Day 1, but even on Day 2, the selection was intriguing.

Would we go again? We wouldn't go to Winston-Salem for the Forsyth Library sale, but we might go back to Winston-Salem ... and hope the sale is happening at the same time.

Bookseller Review: The Book Room -- Richmond

The Book Room

5458 W. Broad St.

Richmond, VA

804.282.0633

The Book Room is a new and used-book store specializing in Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Romance paperbacks. They offer their used books at 50% off the list price and have frequent sales. They have stores in both Richmond and Charlottesville, VA.

What we like: For us, finding a Riverside Editions copy of Charles Dickens' Bleak House made us love The Book Room in Richmond.  

What we don't like: It is paperbacks only, and the selection of classics is limited ... unless you're after new Penguin Classic editions of great works.

Would we go again? We'd have to, since we had such a good experience there. We might walk out emptyhanded more often than not, but we certainly would make a plan to stop each time we visit Richmond.

Bookseller Review: Book People

Book People

536 Granite Ave. 

Richmond, VA

804.288.4346

www.bookpeoplerichmond.com

Book People is an old-fashioned books shop that prides itself on personal service, above all else. They have four rooms and over 20,000 titles in stock of half new, half used and collectible volumes. 

What we like: Off-the-beaten-path bookstore that's simply a house full of books. We definitely like that. Fair collection of fiction, with many older editions. The woman who appears to run it is extremely kind, and very helpful.

What we don't like: The organization system is unique, and not the easiest for browsing, let alone finding what you're looking for. Prices are kind of all over the place, and seem much too high for some items.

Would we go again? Yes, we would make a point to stop here anytime we make the trip over to Richmond.

Bookseller Review: Richmond Book Shop

Richmond Book Shop

808 W. Broad St.

Richmond, VA

804.644.9970

www.facebook.com/RichmondBookShop

Richmond Book Shop sells used books, records, back-issue comics, underground comix and vintage magazines. They also have a large collection of prints, posters and postcards, and some original artwork. They keep irregular hours and it is best to call before going. 

What we like: There is a great long shelf full of classics, many older editions and a good amount of hardbacks in the mix.

What we don't like: Parking isn't that great -- we got lucky with a spot right out front. It is basically right on the VCU campus and tends to skew more to college kids. 

Would we go again? Yes. Even if we don't end up finding anything there is enough in the store to keep us entertained.