Xref: nuchat rec.arts.books:72505 rec.arts.sf.written:33569 news.answers:11760 Newsgroups: rec.arts.books,rec.arts.sf.written,rec.answers,news.answers Path: nuchat!menudo.uh.edu!swrinde!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!spool.mu.edu!uwm.edu!linac!att!att-out!cbnewsl!cbnewsk!cbnewsj!ecl From: ecl@cbnewsj.cb.att.com (evelyn.c.leeper) Subject: Bookstores in Eastern North American Cities (rec.arts.books) Expires: Thu, 25 Nov 1993 16:32:56 GMT Organization: AT&T Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1993 15:32:56 GMT Approved: ecl@cbnewsj.att.com Message-ID: Followup-To: rec.arts.books Keywords: monthly Supersedes: Lines: 1044 Archive-name: books/stores/north-american/eastern Last change: Tue Aug 17 14:21:37 EDT 1993 Additions: The Newsstand (Columbus OH) Deletions: Skleder's (Pittsburgh) (apparently closed) Changes: Chassman & Bem (Burlington VT) (no more cafe) More on Borders in the DC area Copies of this article may be obtained by anonymous ftp to rtfm.mit.edu under /pub/usenet/news/answers/books/stores/north-american/eastern.Z. Or, send email to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with "send usenet/news/answers/books/stores/north-american/eastern" in the body of the message. ============================================================================ Cities (listed geographically north-to-south, east-to-west) include: Burlington VT Providence RI New Haven CT Albany NY (and general upstate stuff) NJ Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton PA Philadelphia PA State College PA Pittsburgh PA Baltimore MD Washington DC Atlanta GA Miami FL Charleston WV Cleveland OH Akron OH Columbus OH Dayton OH Cincinnati OH Ann Arbor MI (see Detroit) Detroit MI (including Ann Arbor) Chicago IL [Note 1: This list includes cities south of the Canadian border and east of the Mississippi River. The New York City list and several other lists for other geographic regions are posted in separate messages at the same time as this list. Nichael Cramer (ncramer@labs-n.bbn.com) maintains the Cambridge/Boston list and usually posts it a couple of days after this appears.] [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.] [Note 4: I am cross-posting this to rec.arts.sf.written, but the bookstores listed include *all* types of bookstores, so please don't tell me that a particular store has a limited SF section unless I have specifically claimed otherwise.] Special mention: Traveler Restaurant Book Cellar in Union, CT (I-84 at the MA/CT border: Exit 74 [visible from the Interstate], 203-684-9042 for the bookstore, 203-684-4920 for the restaurant). The upstairs is a restaurant with a gimmick "a free book with every meal," though the books here are the sort one finds at the end of the day at a rummage sale and the food undistinguished. The walls are covered with autographed fan mail from famous authors. The basement is a serious used bookstore. It's out in the middle of nowhere, but definitely worth a visit if you're passing by on your way between NYC and Boston, for example. The restaurant is open seven days a week, 7 AM to 9 PM; the bookstore hours are Sun-Mon 12-8, Tue-Wed 10-2 Thu-Fri 12-8, Sat 8-8. ============================================================================ Burlington VT: Chassman & Bem (corner Church and Bank, downtown; 800-NEW-BOOK in NY/NE). "They claim to be New England's largest private bookstore; the selection is extensive on a wide range of topics, including large art, biography, and mystery sections. (SF section could use a bit of improvement; I usually end up special-ordering.) Very classy atmosphere." (There used to be a cafe, but they got rid of it. Codex Books (used) (near Church and Cherry, downtown). Specializes in rare and out-of-print books. Very reasonable prices. Kids Ink (Masonic Temple, head of Church Street, downtown). Specializes in children's books, and usually has public readings by well-known authors once or twice a month. Was owned by the same people as Chassman & Bem, but has since changed ownership. ============================================================================ Providence RI: Book Store, Murder by the Book, and Other Worlds (1281 N Main St). A variety of stores occupying the same space. Wide selection of used science fiction and mysteries. Cellar Stories (190 Mathewson Street). Good selection of just about everything. Recently doubled its space. Contrary to its name, it's on a second floor downtown, just off of Weybosset. Can usually be spotted by a banner hanging from the upstairs window. Sewards' Folly (139 Brook Street). Eclectic selection. At about fifteen years old, this is the longest-surviving of the used bookstores around here, so they must be doing something right. Owned by as retired couple named (surprise) Seward, this is a comfortable places to browse, and only a couple of blocks from coffee mecca ons Wickenden Street, so you can conveniently take your purchases and enjoy them over a cup of espresso. ============================================================================ New Haven CT: Arethusa Book Shop (87 Audubon). Used books, first editions, collectors items. Most are fairly expensive. Atticus (1082 Chapel). A rather ho-hum selection of new books. Its virtues are that it's open late (a rarity in this area) and has a cafe on the premises. Bryn Mawr Book Shop (56 1/2 Whitney). Cheap used books. Good for picking up some light reading (most paperbacks are $.25 apiece). Open limited hours. Coventry Books (75 Whitney). Used books, mostly nonfiction or scholarly. Also some remainders. "My personal favorite of the bunch." Whitlock's (17 Broadway). Used books on all subjects. Yale Coop (77 Broadway). New books, large full-service bookstore. They also have one corner set aside for used scholarly books. ============================================================================ Albany NY (and other upstate): Albany area: Blue White Rainbow (216 Lark St.). New Age, some occult, self-help, crystals, etc. Book House (Stuyvesant Plaza). General new bookstore. Good children's books section. "My favorite all-around book store in Albany. Great to browse in." Fantaco (21 Central Ave.). Comics, horror, some film books (a few). Green Light (Central Avenue above Northern Blvd.). Occult books, tarot decks, etc. Haven't Got a Clue (Westmere, Route 20/Western Ave. a mile or two east of 155). Mystery specialty store, used and new. Sherlockiana section. Nice doggie. Colonie area: Canterbury Tales (Central Ave., Colonie, 1-2 miles west of Wolf Road, north side of street). Used books, comics, and various memorabilia. Latham area: Earth and Sky (640 New Loudon/Route 9, Latham). Pleasant blend of New Age and occult. Rochester area: Maplewood Books/Total Information (Driving Park at Dewey Ave, Rochester). This is an excellent technical bookstore. While their primary market seems to be the large population of engineers in Rochester, they do carry other subjects. Their selection of computer science titles (both textbooks and titles geared towards users) is unrivalled by any other bookstore I have seen other than a campus bookstore at a top-notch engineering school. The only thing wrong is that they are only open until 6 PM on weekdays and currently have no weekend hours. Saratoga area: Lyrical Ballad (Phila St in downtown Saratoga). Amazing used store carved out of basements from several adjacent establishments. Saratoga SF and Mystery (Broadway in downtown Saratoga). New and used. Run by Mary Southworth and Karl Olson, who frequently sell books at science fiction conventions. Schenectady area: Bibliomania (Jay Street, downtown Schenectady). Used, but classy used books. Book Nook (Upper Union St, Schenectady). General and local new books. Books and Pieces (downtown State St, Schenectady). Randomly open, peculiar used book store. Collin's (Jay Street, downtown Schenectady). Used. Cornerstone (Upper Union St, Schenectady). Children's books and toys. Triple City area (Binghampton, Endicott, and Johnson City): Fat Cat Books (263 Main St, Johnson City, 607-797-9111). Good selection of new and used SF and fantasy. Also stocks games and comics. ============================================================================ NJ: Cranbury Book Worm (Cranbury, 609 area code). Wonderful used book store in a two-story house. They used to have books in the basement as well, but they recently closed that off--the uneven floors and low beams made it a real safety hazard. Good science fiction section (paperbacks are fifty or sixty cents each!). A bit too subdivided for my tastes in some regards (is Twain in with the Modern Library et al books downstairs or with the classics upstairs?), but the huge selection make it definitely worth a visit. Happy Booker (Morris County Mall, Morristown). Not only is the selection excellent, the help is knowledgeable. There are also several Barnes & Noble superstores and a Borders superstore in East Brunswick (which currently seems to be in a bit of a slump--their stock is shrinking rather than expanding). ============================================================================ Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton PA: Allentown: Another Story (9th & Linden). Used. Especially good on history and art. Occasional serious bargains to be found (i.e., collectibles for cheap). Most paperbacks $1, small but cherce fiction section. Staff knowledgeable and helpful, especially owner. Barclay Booksellers (Tilghman Square Shopping Center). An independent specializing in business and children's books. Staff more knowledgeable about kids' than biz. Will special order anything from anywhere, including overseas, but you must be patient and sit on their heads about it or they're likely to lose/forget your order. Book Bargains (8th & Hamilton). Used. Lots of old magazines, too, and military. Surly staff. Brentano's (Lehigh Valley Mall). Good on anthropology, not bad on class fiction. One of the few chains to label good fiction as "fiction" and not "literature." Manager an SF buff, other employees mostly competent. Waldenbooks (Lehigh Valley Mall). Your basic crowded warehouse. Staff generally bewildered. Not bad for remainders if you're stuck in the mall for a few hours. Bethlehem: The Moravian Bookshop (Main St). Serious women's section. Small but interesting kids' section. Staff helpful, will special order. Half the store is devoted to PA Dutch knicknacks for tourists. Lehigh University Bookstore (Maginnes Hall, Lehigh U). Haphazard selection between semester starts but you just might find that book on Hegel you've been looking for for so long, or that funky edition of the I Ching. Easton: The Quadrant (address unknown). Used. "I haven't been there, but have heard good things about it. Sounds like a serious place, not your rack o' ten-cent Harlequins." ============================================================================ Philadelphia PA: AIA Bookstore (17th and Sansom, 215-569-3188). Run by the American Institute of Architects, this store has (not surprisingly) books on architecture, interior design, etc. Barnes & Noble (1424 Chestnut, 215-972-8275). Super-store, with more than 50,000 titles, though Borders (below) is much larger. Bauman Rare Books (1215 Locust, 215-564-4274). Antiquarian book store. The Book Trader (501 South St., 215-925-0219). The biggest used book store in Philadelphia. Also used records/CDs store, along with an art gallery, all in one. Extensive SF paperback section, along with other good sections. They have cats all over the place--if you are allergic, watch out. Open every day 10 AM to midnight. Borders Book Shop (1727 Walnut, 215-568-7400). There is also an espresso bar in the store. One of the best in Philadelphia. Readings are held at least once a week, and the atmosphere is both hip (see and be seen) and serious (about reading). It's three floors--they have 120,000 titles including a large children's section, and children's programs 11:30 AM Saturdays. They also don't mind if you sit and read in the store for hours. They won't hassle you for help, but when you need it, it's there. They also have lectures and readings. The staff had to pass a literature test before they were hired! Borders Books & Music (Bryn Mawr). One of the chain, but also stocks 75,000 CDs and tapes and 8000 videos (in addition to 125,000 books). Look for this as a new trned; I saw stores like this in New Mexico as well. It's the "total entertainment" concept! (They have another, non-music, branch in downtown Philadelpgia as well.) Giovanni's Room (345 S 12th at Pine, 215-923-2960). Gay and lesbian bookstore. Started in 1973, it's one of the oldest in the country. 3500 square feet, stocking 20,000 titles. Has an exchange program with a lending library in Moscow (see 3/1/93 PUBLISHERS WEEKLY for details). Hibberd's Books (1310 Walnut) Sells new, used, and rare books, with a large selection of art. Interesting item in this store is the bag of books in front of the store marked "take a chance, change of your life" filled with used books that are unknown until it is opened. House of Our Own (3920 Spruce, 215-222-1576). Book store near the University of Pennsylvania's campus. They have literature, non-fiction, etc. It has stacks of books--a very cozy atmosphere. How to Do It Bookstore (Sansom btwn 17th and 18th). Specializes in how-to books on all subjects. "Dangerous store for hobbyists of any kind to enter!" Joseph Fox (1724 Sansom, 215-563-4184). Small but choice selection of fiction and non-fiction. Quantum Books (138 South 34th, 215-222-0611). A technical and professional bookstore. The inside is fairly antiseptic looking--very clean and orderly. Rittenhouse Bookstore (1706 Rittenhouse Sq., 215-545-6062). "Best medical bookstore in Philadelphia." (How many are there?) They can often get books overnight. Robin's Bookstore (108 S 13th, 215-735-9600). Counter-culture bookstore from the 1960s. Still carries hard-to-find "intellectual" titles. Large sections on minority studies and poetry. Occasional readings and signings. U. S. Government Bookstore (Robert Morris Building, 100 North 17th Street, 215-597-0677). "Did you know that the U. S. Government Printing Office operates 24 bookstores across the country? ...and that they have some of the most >ahem< unusual and interesting things you'll find anywhere?" University of Pennsylvania Bookstore (3729 Locust, 215-898-7595). Over 60,000 titles. Strong in linguistics, anthropology, psychology, and sociology. "The Middle East section may be the only place in town to by a book of Kurdish grammar." Whodunit? (1931 Chestnut). Major mystery store, mostly used, some new, excellent supply for Sherlockiana for those who care about such things (like me!). Owner Art Bourgeau has also written several books. Mon-Sat 10 AM-6:30 PM. William H. Allen Bookseller (2031 Walnut, 215-563-3398). The epitome of a used bookstore. Books are bought and sold. Thousands of books, not presicely musty, but the feeling is there. The best place to find rare used books in good condition. Large collection of books and ancient Greece and Rome, in English as well as original languages. Chester County: The main one is Chester County Book Company (West Chester PA (~20 miles or 50 minutes by bus west of Philadelphia). They don't seem to turn over their stock as much as most bookstores: there are more older books than you usually find (at least in paperback). They have about 50% more books than their shelves will hold; there are many stacks of books not on shelves. CCBC is a pleasant medium-sized bookstore, always good for something and will special order anything (so one poster says). They have two stores, one in either of the two WC shopping centers; the larger one is the regular store, the smaller is filled with remainders and WCU texts. The main store is in the West Goshen Shopping Center, on Paoli Pike/Gay Street, just west of the Paoli Pike exit from 202 and is in the process of moving to a larger location within the shopping center and adding a "New Orleans" style cafe. While in the area, look for Baldwin's Book Barn, a converted barn. It is possibly the largest used bookstore in the Philadelphia area, and it is glorious. Exton (the next town over) has Chester Valley Old Books, east of Exton on Route 30 between the 202/30 intersection and the 352/30 intersection. Smaller than the Book Barn, but good. Right next to the Burger King next to campus is a little old ladies' little old books' bookstore. Not much of a selection, but I always buy a few from them when I'm in the area. The Downingtown Farmers' Market also has a few used bookstores, along with stuff you just don't find in any other mall. There is also yet another used book store in Paoli, the Book Exchange, which is on Route 30 just west of the Paoli train station. (This is about 15 minutes east of Exton). Rather ordinary paperbacks upstairs but a lot of good books downstairs. Also numerous cats. They have "25 cent" paperbacks in boxes outside the front door, and they leave them out overnight, so if you're desperate for something to read at 3 AM, you can go get one and drop a quarter through the mail slot :-) They know both their books and their customers very well. And in Willow Grove is the Business and Computer Bookstore. "When you're in the Philadelphia area, you as might as well also check out Quantum, Borders, U Penn, Drexel U bookstores, and Lame Duck for used science books. If `technical' includes architecture, there's furthermore a specialty store for just that in Center City." And Gene's in the King of Prussia Plaza, near the intersection of 202, 76 and 276. Very good selection of science fiction and computer books. ============================================================================ State College PA: The Book Swap/The Comic Swap (106 S Fraser). This is the best used book store in town. Svoboda's Books (227 W Beaver Ave). This is the best general purpose bookstore in town. It offers good selection, good atmosphere, and interesting (sometimes live) background music. ============================================================================ Pittsburgh PA: The Bookworm (in Squirrel Hill). A good used bookstore. Borders (5 miles south on US 19). "A very good book store, and compares well with any bookstore short of Powell's (in Portland, Oregon) that I've visited." City Books (on the South Side of the Monogahela river across from downtown). Used. Eide's Comic Shop. A pretty good science fiction section, but smaller than a couple of years ago. Pinocchio Bookstore for Children (in Shadyside opposite the west end of Walnut St). The selection here is far better than any in any general bookstore. (It's well-chosen stuff for the most part, not shelf after shelf of Sweet Valley High). Pinsker's Bookstore (1-800-JUDAISM [1-800-583-2476]). Will ship from its very extensive stock of Judaic books. Almost definitely closed Saturday and open Sunday. Riverrun Books (next door to City Books). Smaller than City Books but the two put together are well worth a visit. U. S. Government Bookstore (Room 118, Federal Building, 1000 Liberty Avenue, 412-644-2721). "Did you know that the U. S. Government Printing Office operates 24 bookstores across the country? ...and that they have some of the most >ahem< unusual and interesting things you'll find anywhere?" University of Pittsburgh Bookstore. Pretty good. There are several more (St. Elmo's and Stonewall probably merit additions as well). The CMU-SCS-student's Guide to Living In Pittsburgh gives a long descriptions of the various kinds of bookstores in the area, but it's probably more information than you want. (It would take up a whole posting by itself, and the bookstore pickings in Pittsburgh are a good deal slimmer than NYC or the Bay Area.) ============================================================================ Baltimore MD: Allen's (31st across from the 31st Street Bookstore, on the second floor). Used. Barnes and Noble (basement of Gilman Hall on JHU Homewood campus at 34th and Charles). Has a wide selection of "serious" books. Borders (115 York Road, Towson, 410-296-0791). Two stories of books, pretty good staff, plus a place to sit and drink coffee or munch desserts when your browsing muscles get tired. Kelmscott (25th Street between Charles and Maryland). Used. Labyrinth SF Bookstore (2500 N Charles, 410-243-7247). Three floors of new SF and related materials. Lambda Rising (near the Meyerhoff). Gay/lesbian books. Louie's Bookstore and Cafe (Charles St near the Monument). A good, if small, selection of arty books. Normals (next to the 31st Street Bookstore). Used. "I think they have a better selection of paperback literature than the remodeled Second Story." Second Story Books (Greenmount Ave near 33rd). Used. 31st Street Bookstore (the 400 block of 31st St). Women's books. Tiber (25th Street between Charles and Maryland). Used. Tales of the White Hart (down the block from Second Story books on Greenmount). "A wide selection of new and used science fiction and fantasy, but filthy and full of nasty ill-bred brats." "The upstairs section is completely inexcusable. I can tolerate a little disorder, but I resent the arrogance of a business establishment that makes no attempt to be attractive to customers." Laurel: John W. Knott Jr. (8453 Early Bud Way, 301-725-7537). Often has obscure and oddball stuff. Carries mystery, science fiction, and horror. ============================================================================ Washington DC: In the District: Backstage Inc. (2101 21st NW at P Street, 202-775-1488). Theatre books; a very small amount of cinema. Open Mon-Wed and Fri 10AM-6PM, Thu 10AM-8PM . Chapters Literary Bookstore (1572 K St NW, 202-347-5495). Literary stuff. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 11AM-5PM. Kramerbooks/Afterwords (1517 Connecticut Ave NW, 202-387-1400; cafe 202-387-1462). Smallish bookstore, but good selection and nice cafe in the back. Open 24 hours a day. Very good collection of political science and technical works. The parent store is Sidney Kramer Books. Lambda Rising (1625 Connecticut Ave NW, 202-462-6969). Gay and lesbian. Has both new and used books, and good-sized SF and mystery sections. The Map Store Inc. (Farragut Sq at 1636 Eye St NW, 202-628-2608). An excellent source of maps, travel guides, etc. The Newsroom (1753 Connecticut Ave NW, 202-332-1489). A good selection of national & international newspapers & magazines. Olsson's Books & Records (Main store at 1239 Wisconsin Ave NW, Georgetown, 202-338-9544. Other stores 1307 19th St NW at Dupont Circle, 202-785-1133; 1200 F St NW at Metro Center, 202-347-3686; 106 S Union St, Old Town Alexandria, 703-684-0077; and 7647 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, ???-652-3366; mail order 202-337-8084; FAX 202-342-1320). Good selection, including some hard-to-find books. Also a music store. Will order from Books in Print, and, at the Georgetown store, British Books in Print. Also a music store; mainly classical. "Not all that great, but okay. Given the hype, I was disappointed. They are also more expensive than Borders on most things. Music prices are just plain outrageous, though they do sometimes have harder to find labels." [I definitely concur, especially on the over-pricing.] Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut NW at Nevada, 202-364-1919). A full-service bookstore. Recent fiction and current affairs, politics. Often has authors speaking. Reiter's Scientific and Technical Bookstore (2021 K St NW). They have a very broad stock of technical books and are also willing to do phone and mail order worldwide at 800-537-4314 or 202-223-3327. Open Mon-Sat 9AM-7:30PM, Sat 9:30AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM. U. S. Government Bookstore (U.S. Government Printing Office, 710 N. Capitol Street NW, 202-512-0132; also 1510 H Street, NW, 202-653-5075). "Did you know that the U. S. Government Printing Office operates 24 bookstores across the country? ...and that they have some of the most >ahem< unusual and interesting things you'll find anywhere?" Second Story Books (chain with stores at 2000 P St NW at 20th, 202-659-8884; 12160 Parklawn Ave (their warehouse), Rockville MD, 301-656-0170; 4836 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda MD, 301-770-0477; 602 King, Alexandria VA, 703-548-2742; and in Baltimore). Used books (and records). "Largest selection of any of the used book stores I go to (I look for paperback fiction and history, mostly)." Fiction semi-alphabetized (i.e., all the "A"s are together, etc.), but SF is not alphabetized at all. The warehouse is near the last stop on the Red Line. Sidney Kramer Books (1825 I St NW, 202-293-2685). Super Crown (1200 New Hampshire at Massachusetts, 202-822-8331). Discount superstore. In the suburbs: Abe's Jewish Book and Gift Store (11250 Georgia Ave, Wheaton MD, 301-942-2237). Judaica. Air Land and Sea (Old Town Alexandria at 1215 King St). New and used aeronautical, nautical, and military books, prints (and collectibles, and other knick-knacks). Bonifant Books (Wheaton MD at the end of the Red Line). Good used books at decent prices. "Big store, good books. Vinyl too." Borders (Rockville Pike near White Flint mall in Bethesda/Rockville MD). The best. Aside from having a huge selection, it has employees who actually know something about books. Pricey, but a great place to hang out. Borders (Tyson's Square, 8311 Leesburg Pike, Vienna VA, 703-556-7766). Even bigger than the Bethesda store. Burke Center Used Books & Comics (5741 Burke Center Parkway, Burke VA, 703-250-5114). They have both hard and paper backs, some role-playing game books, a lot of comics, various t-shirts and posters. There is also a sports card shop inside. From Out of the Past (Richmond Hwy (Route 1), Alexandria VA). Eclectic mix of books, sometimes overpriced badly IMHO, but *the* place in Washington to buy things like old Life magazines. Hole in the Wall (a.k.a. Hole in the Wallet) (Falls Church VA). SF, fantasy, and strange odds and ends. Jeff's Baseball Corner (5222 Port Royal Rd, Springfield VA, 703-321-9209). "Specializing in out-of-print sportsbooks, periodicals, magazines, memorabilia" per the ad in the phone book. McKay's Used Books (Newgate Shopping Center, Centreville VA, 703-830-4048). They have some hard backs, mostly paperbacks. Also sell used CDs. No new books. Starting to get into used video tapes, too. Maryland Book Exchange (4500 College Park, College Park MD, 301-927-2510). An above average technical/university bookstore with some used books. Open Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM, Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM. Olde Soldier Books, Inc. (N Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg VA). Specializes in Civil War books, in which they have a broad stock. Worth checking on any military material for earlier wars, new (some) or used (mainly). They also publish. Wonder Books & Video (Frederick on W Patrick St (Route 40 W)). A large used bookstore that I've always found well worth searching. In Bethesda, just find one used bookstore -- each one has maps showing the locations of all the others. ============================================================================ Atlanta GA: Oxford Bookstores (all over the place). "Oxford Bookstores are open every single day and night late, have live music and coffee shops as well as books, CDs, videos, posters, gifts, paperbacks, many sections of interests and so on. *Highly* recommended for all types of readers." Yesteryear Bookshop, Inc. (3201 Mapel Dr, NE, Atlanta GA 30305, 404-237-0163). They specialize in military history and Southern history (especially Georgia), and also have modern first editions, Civil War, architecture, art, fine bindings, etc. The staff is incredibly helpful. They say that over 40% of their business is out-of-state, so I'm pretty sure you can order from them by mail. :-) [Someone has promised to write up a more complete description for this city, but I haven't received it yet.] ============================================================================ Miami FL: Alpha Libreria (2710 SW 8th, 305-642-0654). Spanish-language New Age bookstore. Barnes & Noble (7710 N Kendall). Superstore. Books & Books (296 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, 305-442-4408; 933 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, 305-532-3222). Largest independent in the area. Coral Gables location has floor-to-ceiling bookcases in a 5000-square-foot store with a fine book.art gallery. Miami Beach store is smaller and has a funky feel. Bookworks II (6935 Red Rd, Coral Gables, 305-661-5080). New books, maps, magazines, and cards. Downtown Book Center (247 SE 1st, 305-377-9939; 215 NE 2nd Ave, 305-377-9938). The 1st Street store specializes in technical and reference titles and foreign-language books (particularly Spanish--what a surprise :-) ). The 2nd Avenue store sells used books and textbooks. There is also a new store in Key Biscayne. Grove Bookworm (3025 Fuller, Coconut Grove, 305-443-6411). Also sells magazines, local crafts, and cards. A Kid's Book Shoppe (1849 NE Miami Gardens Dr, North Miami Beach, 305-937-2665). Children's books. Has 10,000 titles as well as related toys, cassettes, and videos. Lambda Passages (7545 Biscayne Blvd, 305-754-6900). Gay and lesbian bookstore, featuring books, music, videos, newspapers, cards, and jewelry. Liberties Fine Books & Music (309 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, 407-368-1300). Largest independent bookstore in South Florida, with 13,000 square feet and 100,000 titles, sheet music, Cds and cassettes, newspapers and magazines, a capuccino bar, and various readings and signings. Libreria Distruidora Universal (3090 SW 8th, 305-642-3234). Spanish- language bookstore which specializes in books by and about Cubans and Cuba. They also publish a line of books. A Likely Story (5740 Sunset Dr, South Miami, 305-667-3730). Children's books, etc. In the same location for fifteen years. La Moderna Poesia (5246 SW 8th, 305-446-9884). Originally founded in Cuba in the 19th Century. General Spanish-language bookstore. Waldenbooks & More (11190 N Kendall; 1648 NE 163rd, North Miami). Superstores. ============================================================================ Charleston WV: Trans-Allegheny Books. A used bookstore that is especially good that I've found here in West Virginia. There is another branch in Parkersburg. "I've been told that there are several such stores in Morgantown near WVU, but I haven't been there." ============================================================================ Cleveland OH: Baluk's (Center Ridge Road & Westwood Road, 216-871-5122). Relatively small store with a nice selection of new paperbacks and a great selection of magazines. You'll find magazines here that you didn't even know existed. They have a limited selection of hardcovers, but if you're after a recent best-seller, you'll probably find it. This multi-purpose store also has a video rental store and a card/gift shop. Barnes & Noble Bookstore (Mayfield Road a bit west of I-271, 216- 473-1040; Chagrin Boulevard & Lee Road, 216-295-1600). These two new stores are essentially clones of your standard B&N superstore. They're both very nice, full-service stores with a full complement of magazines as well. Discounts on virtually all hardcovers. Occasional specials. It's a bit of a mystery as to why both stores exist, at least in the locations they do, since they are no more than twenty minutes apart and are also within fifteen minutes of both Booksellers at Pavilion and Borders at LaPlace (both of which were there first). Thus Greater Cleveland's four largest book superstores are all within a few miles of each other on the East Side. The powers-that-be must think that those of us on the West and South Sides don't read. :-) Body Language Bookstore (3291 W 115th, 216-251-3330). Gay and lesbian. Booksellers (Pavilion Mall, 216-831-5035; Westwood Town Center, 216-333-7828; Shaker Square, 216-751-9100) and Young Readers by Booksellers (Pavilion Mall, 216-831-5035; Westwood Town Center, 216-333-7828, Great Northern Shopping Center, 216-979-3000; West Market Plaza in Akron, 216-666-8838). Cleveland's "home-grown" bookstores. The Pavilion Mall store is a very large, full-service store that is the granddaddy of Cleveland's book superstores. They have a small cafe inside, a large selection of magazines, and a reasonable selection of out of town newspapers. The Pavilion store is tied with Borders at LaPlace as the best bookstore in Cleveland. (They are also less than ten minutes apart from one another!) The stores at Westwood Town Center and Shaker Square are a bit smaller and don't have the cafe, magazines, or newspapers. All are great for browsing and relaxing. The staffs are excellent. Discounts on many titles. Free gift wrapping. Regular live readings/music. The Young Readers stores are physically separate stores specializing in children's books. They also have an impressive selection of titles. Borders Book Shop (LaPlace at Beachwood Place, 216-292-2660). Typical Borders: Very large, full-service store. Small cafe inside. Another store that is great for browsing and relaxing. They have a large selection of magazines, and a reasonable selection of out-of-town newspapers. They are tied with Booksellers at Pavilion as the best bookstore in Cleveland. The staff is excellent. Discounts on many hardcover titles. Regular live readings/music. Brentano's Bookstore (The Galleria, 216-621-7544). Typical Brentano's Bookstore, but the only one in Cleveland. Cleveland State University Bookstore (2400 Euclid Avenue at CSU). A B&N bookstore. They have a lot of textbooks you wouldn't find at the B&N superstores, but their selection of non-textbooks is a pale imitation of what you'll find at those stores. Doubleday Book Shop (The Avenue, 216-621-6880). Typical Doubleday Book Shop, but the only one in Cleveland. Macs Backs Paperbacks (1785 Coventry Rd). It has a few new books and a lot of used paperbacks (a few used hardbacks). All genres of fiction. Occasional events such as poetry readings are held there, and a lot are advertised there. (Most of this section was contributed by Greg Naples, ak440@cleveland.Freenet.Edu.) ============================================================================ Akron OH: Buckeye Bookstore (Brittian Road, 216-794-2455). All types of books. Hours are 4 PM--9 PM. Savoy Books (500 W Exchange St, 216-253-8252). "SF/Fantasy/Horror/some Mysteries/Collectibles/Comics> ============================================================================ Columbus OH: The Bookworm (?) (on Woodruff, right off N High). "Located in the basement of a church, this place is open only two days a week, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10-2, I think. Small place--small selection of stuff--usually the same stuff--but they have the books arranged in neat subjects like "Dog Stories" and "Occult." Plus, older women sit and run the place and it's interesting to hear them converse with each other. I have found some very good books here that cost only 25 or 50 cents. " The British Papermill (5891 Scarborough Mall, Brice Road and I-70, 614-577-0220, 614-491-1128). Collector cards (especially SF), comics, used magazines of SF nature. Lots of (non-sport) collector cards. Will take toy soldiers in trade. SF odds and ends (e.g., Daleks are next to ALF trading cards). Discount Paperback Center (1646 N High). A very small place in the bottom of a building. "There's nothing really great about this place, but one will find always find what they are looking for in the oddest of places. This place has old books, comic books, and some new books. The type of store to check out every six months or so...." Karen Wickliff Books (2579 N High). "Similar to Pengywyn Books, many used books--most look like they've been sitting there for quite a while." Long's Book Store (1836 N High). "This store is mainly visited by the freshmen crowd. Somewhere between the textbooks and the OSU t-shirts, there apparently are some regular books. As a personal rule, I avoid this place, probably because I don't like putting my bookbag in their little lockers." The Newsstand (Broad & James Rd, 614-236-5632). Has one of the largest selections of newspapers and magazines in the Central Ohio area. Also, a general book store which sells new books. Not a huge selection, but willing to special order. A great store to browse in. Pengwyn Books Ltd (2500 N High). "A used book store that's open '8 days a week.' Many many books. Um, one may find some good stuff here. I think most of it is overpriced, but I say that about anything. Try this place." SBX (1805 N High). "In addition to textbooks, they also have "regular" books. A while ago, they used to have a lot of these regular books, but then someone determined they were losing money that way so they got rid of many of them. Still, they have new releases and an okay selection of stuff - but their stock decreases every second." Village Bookshop (2424 W Dublin-Granville in Worthington, 614-889-2674). Remainders of all kinds. Two rooms of used books, rest remainders. "About half the staff know where things are; the other half are cashiers only. There are books piled everywhere in this ex-church. Good prices, especially for books with artwork. Damaged books section. polite staff, non-intrusive. Comfortable chairs to rest and read in. Shelves not alphabetized" Wexner Center Bookstore (in the Wexner Center). A large assortment of new art books. ============================================================================ Dayton OH: Books & Co. (350 E Stroop Rd, 513-298-6540, 800-777-4881, FAX 513-298-7895). "Wide selection of books, very large children's section, business and computer book rooms, obscure titles and authors, workers recommendation shelves in several topical areas, an in-store cafe serving desserts and gourmet coffees, childrens reading hours on weekends, average of eight acoustic music shows a month, special readings by guest authors, special events like cooking, magic, kid's summer reading program, couple's night, several book signing events with talks by the authors each month,art exhibits, seminars. They even had a decoy-carving workshop in this month. All in all an excellent place to spend an entire day, days even! Sorry to run on, but this is a *great* bookstore with one of the most competent staffs I have seen in many years." Open Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM, Sun 9AM-6PM. ============================================================================ Cincinnati OH: Acres of Books (owner is presently looking for a new location). Mostly humanities, social science. Some nice 19th Century stuff (when Cincinnati was a major publishing town). Slightly pricey. Aquarius Bookshop (831 Main, 513-721-5193). Native American. Armchair Adventures (1545 1/2 Scott, Covington KY, 606-261-6345). Used and antiquarian. Open Wed and Sat 2PM-6PM; other hours by chance or appointment. Barnes & Noble (7727 Kenwood Road, across from Kenwood Town Centre, 513-984-9599). Open Mon-Sat 9AM-11PM, Sun 11:30AM-9PM. Blue Marble (3054 Madison Rd, Oakley, on the square, 513-731-2665). Children's books. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 12N-4PM. Book Inn (4011 Allston, Oakley Sq, 513-631-4079). Used and antiquarian. Open Mon and Wed 12N-5PM, Tue, Thu, and Sat 1PM-9:30PM, Sun 1PM-6PM. Books & Co. (Town & Country Shopping Center, 350 E. Stroop Rd at Far Hills, 513-298-6540 or 800-7770-4881). Ten thousand titles (not books!), lots of everything. Call to place order (no charge). Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM daily (until 11PM Fri & Sat during the summer), Sun 9AM-6PM. (Take 75 north to 675 north. Exit 4B (Rt48 north) then north on 48 (Far Hills) about four miles to the Town & Country Shopping Center (on right). Exit 4 is a double exit, the first one puts you on Alex Bell (St Rt 725), the second on northbound 48. 725 connects to 48, so if you take the wrong one it's no big deal.) Brentano's Bookstore (Tower Place, 513-723-9656; Kenwood Town Centre, Kenwood, 513-891-2141; Tri-County Mall, Springdale, 513-671-5441). Open Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sunday 12N-6PM. Children's Bookery (1175 Smiley Ave, Forest Park, 513-742-8822). Open Mon-Sat 10AM-8:30PM, SUn 12N-5PM. Contemporary Arts Center Bookstore (115 East Fifth Street, 513-241-4428). Art books, unusual gifts, prints, and craft items. Open Mon-Sat 10:30AM-5:30PM, Sun 1PM-5PM. Drew's Bookshop (3526 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, on the square, 513-321-4000). Art, gift, general, university and small press. Open Mon-Sun 10AM-9PM. DuBois Book Store (321 Calhoun, Clifton, 513-281-4120). New and used textbooks. Dust Jacket (3200 Lindwood Ave, 513-871-4224). Used and antiquarian. Open Mon and Sat 12N-5PM, Wed and Thu 1PM-8PM,Fri 10AM-3PM. Duttenhofer's Books and News (214 W McMillan, Clifton, 513-381-1340). Used books and antiquarian. Large science fiction and mystery sections When I was there, it had the best selection of used books in French I had ever seen (though they said this was unusual). This and Kaldi's are "must-visit"s for book lovers. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-9PM, Sat-Sun 8:30AM-7PM. For the Love of Books (4331 Winston Ave in Latonia Center, Covington KY, 606-261-5515). Used books. Large science fiction, horror, and mystery sections. Half Price Books (8118 Montgomery Road, Kenwood; 11389 Princeton Road, Springdale, 513-772-1511). Used and remainders, good prices. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 11AM-7PM. Infinity (110 W McMillan, Clifton Heights, 513-751-7793). Science fiction and comics. Kaldi's Bookstore and Coffeeshop (1204 Main Street, 513-241-3070). Used books, coffee, sandwiches in the up-and-coming Main Street Art District. Good paperback science fiction and mystery sections. Entertainment on weekend evenings. This and Duttenhofer's are "must-visit"s for book lovers. Open Mon 10AM-2:30PM, Tue-Thu 10AM-1AM, Fri-Sat 10AM-2AM, Sun 10AM-12M. Little Professor Bookstore (Forest Fair Mall [NW side of the city, on outerbelt], 513-671-9797; Montgomery Square Mall [where I-71 crosses Montgomery Rd]). Worth mentioning due to their sheer size and because they sell used library books. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 12N-5PM. McMicken Street Book Store (454 W McMicken, 513-621-4865). An incredible used bookstore. Four stories of books in an old row house. Low prices, homey atmosphere, interesting owner (have him give you a brief tour of the layout your first time), relaxing music, easy to have the afternoon slip by. Don't let the neighborhood scare you. Open Thu 4PM-6PM, Sat 1PM-6PM, Sun 12N-4PM (but always call for current hours--they change frequently). Milford Emporium (200 Main, Milford, 513-248-1864). Used and antiquarian. Open Mon, Tue, Thu-Sat 11AM-5PM (closed Wed and Sat). New World Bookshop (336 Ludlow Avenue, Clifton, 513-861-6100). Specializing in small press, new age, fiction, poetry, and art. Also sells Birkenstocks, cards, and cassette tapes. Open Mon-Thu 10AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 12N-6PM. Ohio Book Store, Inc. (726 Main, 513-821-5142). Five floors of used books. Great history section. They also do book binding. A good store to browse in. Open Mon-Sat 9AM-4:45PM. Phantasy Emporium (117 Calhoun, Clifton, 513-281-0606). New and used science fiction and comics. Queen City Books (39 E 7th, 513-721-2116). Small, but surprisingly literary selection. Seven Hills Books (49 Central, 513-851-6030). Significant Books & Stamps (3053 Madison Rd, Oakley Sq, 513-321-7567). Used and antiquarian. Open Tue and Thur 12N-9PM, Mon, Fri, and Sat 12N-6PM. T & S Books (1545 Scott, Covington KY, 606-261-6435). Used and antiquarian. Open Tue and Sat 10AM-5PM, Wed and Fri 10AM-8PM, Thu 10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM (closed Mon). Willisonian Institute (1609 Chase Ave, 513-542-5231). Used and antiquarian. Open Wed-Fri 1PM-6PM. Brentano's in Tower Place, the Contemporary Arts Center Bookstore, Kaldi's, the Ohio Book Store, and Queen City Books, are within walking distance of the convention center. (Thanks to Scott Kellicker (scott.kellicker@sdrc.com) for most of this section.) ============================================================================ Detroit MI: Border's Book Shop (31150 Southfield Rd at 13 Mile, Birmingham). Full-service, store for new books. Large selection also of magazines, out of town and foreign newspapers. This is the premier book store of SE Michigan. There's also a Border's in Ann Arbor, and one in Novi (western suburb of Detroit). The staff is also excellent. Barnes & Noble (NE corner of Rochester Rd and Auburn, Rochester). Also a full-service store, and is also excellent, but not up to Border's standard. the first "super-store." John K. King Books (901 W Lafayette at the Lodge freeway). The largest bookstore in Michigan sells only used books. A four-story warehouse with hundreds of thousands of books. "A bibliophile's wet dream come true. Hardcovers range from $2-$6. Also has many large collections of matching sets (encyclopedias, DIY collections, classics, etc.) Magazines and records too. (In fact, they even have a room with some antique collectibles.) If you're in town for a conference, this is the place to go when you decide to skip the keynote address. Walking distance (although a bit long) from Cobo Convention Center. There's also a branch store in Ferndale (near north suburb) on Woodward just south of 9 Mile at 22524 Woodward. This store seems to carry lots of hardcover classics that would appeal to the more timid suburbanites who have forgotten their flak jackets and don't want to go to Detroit. (But the *big* store is worth the trip.)" Ann Arbor: Borders (in Campus Corner on State St. near the corner of Liberty). The *first* Borders. Two stories, in an old building with lots of great cubby holes and a huge selection. Feels much more like an old library than a store. Better than the Birmingham store for academic titles, and does have the best foreign language section of all the Borders. Early in 1994 Borders will be moving across the street into the old Jacobson's department store. [As of 8/93, Jacobson's had not yet begun to move out.] Current estimates are that, out of the 100,000 square feet available in the building, 45,000 will be used as retail space (at least equal to the largest existing Borders store and four times the size of this Borders current location, and will include an espresso bar), and 20,000 as a training center for Borders employees. It may be another year before the move is complete, but this is going to be a *good* bookstore. It will be called Borders Books & Music and stock 50,000 CDs and 8000 videotapes in addition to books. ============================================================================ Chicago IL: Hyde Park Area: 57th Street Bookstore (57th & Kimbark). This is a general branch of the Seminary Co-op. Very good children's book section, and a nice collection of fiction, SF, and mysteries. See Seminary Co-op for membership program details. Ex-Libris (55th next to Louis Kiernan). Specializing in theological and rare books. Krochs & Brentano's (53rd & Lake Park). Louis Kiernan Books (55th at Kenwood). Reasonable collection of used. A little smaller than both O'Gara and Powell's but still worth a look. O'Gara's (57th bewteen Kimbark and Woodlawn, near the Medici). As organized as Powell's is labyrinthine, but also good. Oldest bookstore in Chicago. Powell's (with one store on 57th at Harper, one on Lincoln north of Diversey, and a warehouse at 828 S Wabash). May or may not be a branch or the parent of the famous Portland, OR store (opinions differ). Seminary Cooperative Bookstore (Chicago Theological Seminary (58th Street and University Avenue). "Has a good theological section but its only connection with the Seminary is that it rents space from them. It is, in my opinion, the best academic bookstore in the social sciences and humanities in the world, for English-language books at any rate. Anyone can shop there, but members receive a 10% discount on most books and may special-order books from anywhere in the world. Membership costs $30 (for three shares of stock). Members also receive an annual dividend and an additional rebate on their total annual expenditures (in good years; recently finances have been tight), and if they really want to, they can cancel their membership and cash in their stock after owning it for a year. To join, show up between 8:30 AM and 5 PM, Monday-Friday. (They also have an 800 number and will ship anywhere. Service is somewhat slow since they use U.S.P.S. book rate to keep costs down. "Books arrive well-packaged and I've never gotten a damaged one.") University of Chicago Bookstore (59th and Ellis). General books downstairs, slightly academic tilt, but reasonable general section. One of the best technical/scientific bookstores in the Chicago area. Very strong math, science, and computer science sections. Other: Booksellers Row (North side: 2445 N Lincoln and downtown: 408 S Michigan). Used books. North side is larger selection, one downtown is very easy to get to. Chronicles Bookshop (southwest area: Briar Square, at Route 53 and Briarcliff in Bolingbrook). Has a large selection of SF, fantasy, mystery, and thriller, including many that are hard-to-find in your chain bookstore outlets. Will order anything in print. Kroch's and Brentano's (Wabash at Monroe). "Probably the best general bookstore in town. General books upstairs, paperbacks and technical books downstairs, including the best computer science selection in the city (with the possible exception of the University of Chicago bookstore). The store was rearranged in 1992 and it seems as strong as always for the most part. However, their selection of books and scores in classical music is much more sparse, unfortunately." Recently (6/93) started discounting bestsellers and added a "frequent buyers" club. Quimby's (Damen and Evergreen in Wicker Park). The hip new counterculture store. They carry some Semiotext(e) books, lots of comix, piercing and tattoo magazines, Situationist material, etc. The Stars Our Destination Bookstore (1021 W Belmont, one block West of the Belmont L stop, 312-871-2722). A cheery little science fiction haven. (They moved to this location 5/1/92.) U. S. Government Bookstore (One Congress Center, 401 South State Street, Suite 124, 312-353-5133). "Did you know that the U. S. Government Printing Office operates 24 bookstores across the country? ...and that they have some of the most >ahem< unusual and interesting things you'll find anywhere?" If you go to one used bookstore on the Northside, just pick up a map listing the other ones nearby. There are about 8 or so within 1.5 miles of each other. Evanston: Bookman's Alley (in the alley at the rear of 1712 Sherman Avenue). Roger Carlson has taken three large rooms that used to be a workshop or warehouse and converted them into a pleasant and fairly spacious old bookland. Great Expectations (911 Foster St near the El tracks, a couple of streets north of Emerson just east of Sherman). Great Expectations is very strong in literature, humanities, and social sciences. They easily have the best classical music book and score section in the area. Their selection of science and math is very eclectic but you may find what you're looking for somewhere. The store's organization is somewhat haphazard -- ask if you can't find what you want. "It's an interesting place with easy chairs and cats scattered around. I once overheard the proprietor tell a potential customer that the book the customer wanted to order was too easy to find. Better bring along your checkbook though; it ain't cheap." But another reader says, "Expectations' prices are not out of line. They charge regular list prices -- no big discounts, but no overcharges either. They do carry some very expensive books that other stores don't stock because of the cost (for example, they stock the New Oxford History of Music at $95 a volume -- expensive, but that's the publisher's price.)" Others: Aspidistra (N. Clark). HUGE warehouse of used and some new books. Cheap. Barbara's Books (one on 3130 North Broadway about 2 blocks south of Belmont, 312-477-0411, and one on Wells in Oldtown across the street from the adult theaters and bookstores). Barnes & Noble (one block south of Borders). Borders Bookshop (near Rte 83, 1/2 mile north of the "Oaks" shopping center in Oakbrook, which is across the street from Oakbrook Shopping Center). Nice store (2 levels). A little cramped and smaller than the Borders in DC or in Ann Arbor, MI which is a great store and probably deserves some mention (I think it was the *first* Borders [it was -editor]). Occult Bookstore (Clark north of Belmont). Rizzoli (in Water Tower). "I always feel underdressed when I go in there." Russian-American Bookstore (on Devon). "I might not have the name right, but they're in the Yellow Pages under Foreign Language Books." The Unabridged Bookstore (Broadway a block north of Belmont). Barnes & Noble have also opened up at least three huge stores in the Chicago area. One is on the corner of Church and Sherman Streets in Evanston just down the block from Kroch's & Brentano's, which is almost directly across the street from Crown Discount Books, which is just a little north of Bookman's Alley! Another is out in northwest suburban Deerfield at Waukeegan and Lake-Cook Roads. Both have tens of thousands of books, coffee bars and places to sit and browse. They seem aimed at the general reader -- extensive selection but nothing too technical. Lots of general science, for example, but not many professional texts. A third is in southwest suburban Wheaton on Naperville Rd in Town Square Shoppin Center. Great store, lots of room, many chairs and a terrific magazine/newspaper section. No coffee bar though. Lots of author signings. There is also a book compiled by Lane Phalen, THE BOOK LOVER'S GUIDE TO CHICAGOLAND, ISBN 1-880339-06-4, $14.95) which covers over four hundred bookstores in the Chicago area. ============================================================================ Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908 957 2070 | ecl@mtgpfs1.att.com / Evelyn.Leeper@att.com