Archive-name: books/stores/north-american/eastern Last change: Mon May 2 11:34:05 EDT 1994 Additions: Blacksburg VA (Books, Strings & Things) Philadelphia PA (Factotum Books) Pittsburgh PA (Bradlees Book Centre) DE Cleveland OH (Three Ninety-Seven Bookshop) KY (Hallmark Store, Hawley Cooke Booksellers) South Bend IN (The Griffon Bookstore) Chicago IL (Peking Bookstore) Changes: Pittsburgh PA (Eide's Entertainment) Baltimore MD (Lambda Rising) Washington DC (Kramerbooks/Afterwords, Lambda Rising, Olsson's, Sidney Kramer, Super Crown) Cleveland OH (Macs Backs Paperbacks--address change) Ann Arbor MI (David's Books, Little Professor) 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. This FAQ is in digest format. ============================================================================ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cities (listed geographically north-to-south, east-to-west) include: NH VT Providence RI New Haven CT Albany NY (and general upstate stuff) NJ Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton PA Philadelphia PA State College PA Pittsburgh PA DE Baltimore MD Richmond VA (and other Virginia) Washington DC Atlanta GA Miami FL (and vicinity) Charleston WV Cleveland OH Akron OH Bowling Green OH Columbus OH Dayton OH Cincinnati OH KY Toledo OH Ann Arbor MI (see Detroit) Detroit MI (including Ann Arbor) Indianapolis IN (and other Indiana) 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. All references to science fiction are abbreviated SF for ease in electronic searching.] 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. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: NH Dartmouth Bookstore (33 South Main, Hanover, 603-643-3616). Not owned by Dartmouth College, in spite of the name, and in spite of the fact that it is the primary source for textbooks at the school. Claims to be the largest independently-owned bookstore north of Boston, and it certainly is large: it occupies three floors of a landmark building just south of the Dartmouth campus (as well as one floor of two ugly modern buildings out back.) Particularly strong selections of fiction, literary criticism, travel books, children's literature, and business-management-type stuff. Good but slightly pricy selection of CDs and tapes, as well as extensive office-supply and stuffed-anaimal departments. Village Book Store (88 Main, Littleton, 603-444-5263). The second-best bookstore in Northern New Hampshire, after the Dartmouth Bookstore. Actually, in some ways it's more enjoyable (for general browsing purposes) than the Dartmouth Bookstore, because the Village Bookstore doesn't have to carry as many dull but necessary academic items. This mostly caters to the vacation crowd (Littleton is located just north of Franconia Notch), but mainly to the intellectual elite amongst the vacationers. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: VT Chapman's Pharmacy (Main Street (US 5), Fairlee, 802-333-9709). Actually, this picturesque little store is everything but a pharmacy. (The current owner's late husband was a pharmacist, though.) The back room is devoted to a densely packed selection of used books. This is mostly the usual stuff gleaned from the bookshelves of the surrounding farmhouses and summer cottages (i.e., lots of old travel books, hardcover fiction from the 1940s through early 1980s, books on animals, etc.) but for some reason there is an unusually large proportion of interesting politcial books, largely right-wing but lots of mainstream and some left-wing items as well. Chassman & Bem (corner Church and Bank, Burlington; 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, Burlington). Specializes in rare and out-of-print books. Very reasonable prices. Kids Ink (Masonic Temple, head of Church Street, Burlington). 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. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Providence RI Book Store, Murder by the Book, and Other Worlds (1281 N Main). A variety of stores occupying the same space. Wide selection of used SF and mysteries. Brown University Bookstore (Thayer and Angell). Although a poor relative to the University bookstores of schools of similar caliber, it does have a decent academic selection (especially in the textbooks area) not otherwise found in the area. Cellar Stories (190 Mathewson). 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. College Hill Bookstore (Thayer and Olive). A more mainstream bookstore rivaling Brown's own (see above). It's open until 11 PM and has a decent foreign magazine selection. Sewards' Folly (139 Brook). 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 on Wickenden Street, so you can conveniently take your purchases and enjoy them over a cup of espresso. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: 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. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: 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: Abacus Bookshop (350 East Ave). Used. Ang & Lil's (Stone Rd, Greece). Used. Armchair Books (545 Titus Ave). Used. Bennu Books (656 South Ave). Used. Has a somewhat smaller selection of mystery, SF, and other fiction and also has a selection of Black studies type books. Book Centre (the Village Plaza, Spencerport). Used. The Bookshelf (Westgate Plaza). Used. Brown Bag Books (678 Monroe Ave). Used, with a good selection of mystery, SF, and regular fiction with a smattering of other topics. Bryn Mawr (Exchange St). Used. Gutenberg's Rare & Used Books (675 Monroe Ave). Has much more rare then used. If you're just looking at used to save money I wouldn't bother. 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. Park Ave Book Store (370 Park Ave). New books only. Now has an espresso bar in place of their used book section. Science Fiction Plus (1580 Blossum Road). New and used. Yankee Peddler Bookshop (274 North Goodman in Village Gate Square and Route 104, Williamson). Used. ? (Schoen Place, Pittsford). Formerly part of Rock Bridge books, which is still there, but no used. 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 SF conventions. Tales of Space and Crime (Wilton Mall). Also run of Southworth and Olson. "Let me also state that Mary Southworth, the co-owner, is one of the most helpful store owner I've ever met. I have enjoyed *every* book she recommended to me." 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. Syracuse area: The Book Warehouse (Bear Rd). Used. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: NJ Cranbury Book Worm (Cranbury, 609 area code). "Just outside Princeton, there's a small town (whose name I've forgotten) that a friend once took me to visit. On the main street through the town, there's a large three-storey, white-boarded house with a porch and garden, a little ramshackle but otherwise unexceptional. But inside, the house has a completely different character--it's an Aladdin's library of books. From basement to attic, every inch of wall, every available table and much of the floor is covered with books. It's impossible to describe the atmosphere of musty seediness, of volumes lying sadly neglected, tired and shelf-worn, in the gloomy basement under the creaky floor, of the stacks piled up the main staircase, of prize books locked in glass cabinets, and of rooms where the light seems to seep through the windows with the speed of slowly-turned pages. It's like a kind of treasure house, full of common copper coins and fancy inflated banknotes. I came out feeling a little book-happy, bibliothecally-overdosed." [Si Courtenage (ucacsco@ucl.ac.uk)] They recently closed the basement off--the uneven floors and low beams made it a real safety hazard, I guess. Good SF 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. Really cheap books are on the porches. Happy Booker (Morris County Mall, Ridgedale Ave, Morristown, 201-539-4240). Not only is the selection excellent, the help is knowledgeable. "Browser's delight. Good SF, *tons* of computer books (all the AT&T UNIX books, for example). Every usable inch of space stuffed with books, and narrow, narrow aisles. Good selection of various other kinds of books, too. No mainstream periodicals, but lots of really wierd ones. 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). ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: 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: Quadrant Book Mart (20 N Third, 215-252-1188). Used. "A three-story building which is chock full of hardbound and paperbacks--apparently picked up from estate sales, etc. The proprietor is usually conversing with someone about anything except books. He is located in a little side room so that you could probably walk out with half his store for all he cares. But he knows every book that he has. He doesn't put price tags on the books, and you're not going to happen on any autographed books or other great finds cheap. If you are looking for some oddball out-of-print or a bagful of paperbacks to while away the winter--you'd do okay." But another poster said, "Whenever I can't find a book, I find it here. My sister found a complete Burton's ARABIAN NIGHTS here for a pittance, and a complete Frazer's GOLDEN BOUGH for another pittance." Whitehall: Hackman's Bible Book Store, Inc. (1341 Mickley Road, Whitehall PA 18052, 215-264-8600, 800-345-1341, FAX 215-264-1411). "I could spend hours and hours looking through all of their books and things. They are now computerized so that they can look things up faster and or also they can order it by using their computer database. This store is a 20,000 square foot facility! Quite large for a Christian Bookstore." They carry a wide assortment of related items (music, choir gowns, communion supplies, etc.) as well. They ship worldwide. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: 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. See the Detroit/Ann Arbor listing for a description of the test the staff has to pass. 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 trend; 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.) Factotum Books (South Street around 16th or so). Not very good, but "worth a wander." Giovanni's Room (345 S 12th at Pine, 215-923-2960). Gay/lesbian/bisexual 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. Tower Books (425 South, 215-925-9909). Usual Tower chain bookstore. 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 precisely 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. Bucks County: Barnes & Noble (Route 611 just north of Jenkintown, 215-886-5366). Huge, coffeebar, reading tables--nice. Village Green (just south of the main crossroads in Doylestown, Bucks County seat, 215-230-7610). A decent bookstore, with a nice magazine section (including a good supply of literary/little mags), decent SF section, and around 60K books, supposedly (though one person says they don't seem to have 2/3s the number of books as Border's biggest, so perhaps they have inflated the number a bit). 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 SF and computer books. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: State College PA The Alley Bookstore (Calder Way). Used books, better selection than the Bookswap, but slower turnover and unreliable hours. 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. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Pittsburgh PA The Bookworm (see Heads Together/Bookworm). Borders (5 miles south on US 19, 412-835-5583). "A very good book store, and compares well with any bookstore short of Powell's (in Portland OR) that I've visited." It has many club meetings, and will be starting an SF club in the near future. It does *not* have an espresso bar, but there's a sitting area where you can read for a long time and not be bothered, and they bring in several speakers every month. The computer book section just (9/93) expanded by a third. [Laurie Mann is the staff person in charge of the computer books.] It's a ways out from Pittsburgh for someone without a car." (A 5-minute walk after a 20-25-minute trolley ride.) See the Detroit/Ann Arbor listing for a description of the test the staff has to pass. Bradlees Book Centre (downtown on Smithfield Street). Pretty good. Small by Borders standards, but bigger than your typical mall bookstore. City Books (1111 E Carson, 412-481-7555; on the South Side of the Monogahela river across from downtown). Used. Eide's Entertainment (1111 Penn Avenue, 412-261-0900). A pretty good SF section, but smaller than a couple of years ago. They're phasing out their new books, but seem to be keeping their used ones. Heads Together/The Bookworm (1914 Murray Avenue, Squirrel Hill, 412-521-3700). Combination video and used book store. Jay's Bookstall (Fifth Avenue, Oakland). Probably, overall, the best bookstore in Pittsburgh after Borders. Outdoor Experience (Walnut, Shadyside). The basement of this yuppie camping store has a fine travel book section. Pinocchio Bookstore for Children (826 S Aiken Avenue, 412-621-1323; 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 (2028 Murray Avenue, 800-JUDAISM [800-583-2476], or 412-421-3033, email judaism@telerama.lm.com). Will ship worldwide from its very extensive stock of Judaic books. Almost definitely closed Saturday and open Sunday. Riverrun Books (1113 E Carson, 412-481-9060; next door to City Books). Smaller than City Books but the two put together are well worth a visit. Schoyers (Squirrell Hill). Large used book store. They will do searches for obscure used books. 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.) One area possibly worth mentioning is Craig Street in Oakland between Forbes and Fifth. While no one store stands out, there are three used bookstores (Caliban's, Bryn Mawr, and Townsend) either on or just off this two-block stretch; plus a comic shop (Phantom of the Attic) and a used-CD store (CD Trader). So it can be a pleasant place for a book-browser to spend an afternoon. Other "super-stores" are due to open in the Pittsburgh area soon; for instance, Barnes and Noble is putting one up near the Waterworks mall. (Most of this section was contributed by John Ockerbloom [ockerbloom@cs.cmu.edu] and Laurie Mann [lmann@drycas.club.cc.cmu.edu].) ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: DE Lambda Rising (39 Baltimore Ave, Rehoboth Beach, 302-227-6969). Gay, lesbian, and bisexual bookstore. Cosy and friendly, with outdoor patio. Good stock of "summer reads" for this resort town, plus magazines, newspapers, videos, music, greeting cards, jewelry, gifts--all with a G/L/B theme. Community bulletin board, free map guides. Open all year; summer hours are 10AM to 12M seven days a week; winter hours are slightly shorter. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: 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. See the Detroit/Ann Arbor listing for a description of the test the staff has to pass. 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 (241 W Chase, 410-234-0069). Gay, lesbian, and bisexual bookstore. Large stock includes new and out-of-print; search service. Also magazines, newspapers, videos, music, greeting cards, jewelry, gifts--all with a G/L/B theme. Community bulletin board. Open 10AM-10PM seven days a week. 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 store with decided misxed reviews. On the one hand, one poster says, "A wide selection of new and used SF and fantasy, but filthy and full of nasty ill-bred brats." Another adds, "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." But a third responds, "It's no worse than some other Baltimore used book stores. She's trying to maintain a large selection on a shoestring budget. I've always felt welcome at the White Hart, and she is kind and considerate. The woman has an encyclopedic memory for her extensive inventory. She also stocks an unusual collection of audio tapes and is quite willing to let you listen to anything she has in stock. This courtesy is almost unheard of in record and tape stores anymore. For some of the more uncommon tapes, such as filk, she is literally the only source in town. The only nasty ill-bred brats I've ever encountered there were customers." Laurel: John W. Knott Jr. (8453 Early Bud Way, 301-725-7537). Often has obscure and oddball stuff. Carries mystery, SF, and horror. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Richmond VA Between Book Ends (1209 Hull, 804-230-3912). Old, rare and out-of-print Americana, prints, sheet music. Tue-Sat 12N-6PM. Biff's Carytown Bookstore (2930 W Cary, 804-359-4831). A small and eclectic bookstore, specializing in non-fiction new books. The bookmarks alone are worth the visit. On the same street within several blocks are other bookstores. Ś™Book Exchange (13211 Midlothian Pike, Midlothian, 804-379-2642). When the proprietors have recently organized their stock, this is one of the best used bookstores in the Richmond area, but they sometimes let their material get disordered. Large selections of many genres of popular fiction, mainly paperback. Book People (536 Granite Ave, 804-288-4346). An eclectic shop in a house just off Patterson Ave, with a nice selection of new books, a hodgepodge of old, and usually a good bargain table. Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM; Sat 9AM-7PM; Sun 1PM-5PM. Books First (11 E Grace, 804-225-8974). This is a very handsome bookstore with friendly proprietors, magazines, cards, cats and quick special order services; emphasisis on literary, and serious books, and a good children's selection. Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM; Sat 11AM-5PM. Books Plus (7115A Staples Mill Rd, 804-262-7558). Better than average paperback swap shop, plus some new books. Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM; Sat 10AM-5PM. The Bookstore (5065 Forest Hill Ave, 804-231-0599). Large general purpose used book store in Southside neighborhood. Will do searches. "Probably the best used paperback store in Richmond." Mon-Fria 10AM-5:30PM; Sat 10AM-5PM; Sun 1PM-5PM. Carriage House Books (402 N Harrison, 804-353-7175). A small shop in an old Carriage House, with an artsy selection of magazines, "creative writing," and cards. Close to Virginia Commonwealth University. Mon-Fri 10AM-7PM; Sat 10AM-6PM. Collectors' Old Book Shop (15 South Fifth). The last bookshop downtown, and a local institution specializing in Virginiana, Civil War, and with some good selection in literature. Mon-Fri 11AM-5PM; Sat 11AM-3PM. Eaton Books (PO Box 14628). Issues catalogues specializing in 19th-20th Century literature and cultural studies for scholars and readers (also contemporary poetry lists). Send $1 for catalog. Ex-libris Books (4867 Azalea Mall, 804-262-9217). Childrens' books, discounted computer books, African-American literature. Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM; Sun 2PM-5PM. Fountain Book Store (1312 E Cary, Shockoes Slip, 804-788-1594). Business books, civil war, Richmond guidebooks--located in tourist district. Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM; Sat 11AM-9PM; Sun 12N-5PM. Narnia Childrens Books (2927 W Cary, 804-353-5675). Long-established, well-stocked little shop in boutique district, near Byrd movie palace. Mon-Fri 9:30AM-6PM; Sat 10AM-5PM. Novel Futures (402 N Robinson, 804-644-0332). A big, wide ranging SF and fantasy store, both new and used, hardcover and paper--with related comics and magazines. Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM. Olde Book Shop (1551 Parham Rd, Ridge Shopping Center). A general stock used bookstore, a bit thin on literature, but with a good selection of cookbooks and childrens' books. Open daily. Olde Favorites Bookshop (610 North Sheppard). Military-Civil War, SF, mystery, and usually a good stock of literature, including some foreign language and classics--a small but intelligently run shop behind the Virginia Museum. Mon-Sat 10:30AM-4:30PM. Owens Books (2728 Tinsley Dr,). The best place in town for Civil War and WW II books. Tues-Fri 10AM-5PM; Sat 10AM-4PM and by appointment. Blacksburg: Books, Strings & Things (214 Draper Road, NW Blacksburg). Best bookstore in southwest Virginia (Roanoke and vicinity). Good SF selection. (Their trade book-buyer is an SF fan.) Charlottesville: Williams Corner Bookstore (Main Street Pedestrian Mall, Charlottesville VA 22901, 804-977-4858). "I've been in hundreds of bookstores, in many places, and this is one of the best. Large, friendly--very complete fiction, non-fiction, and poetry collections, as well as arts, reference, hobbies, travel, and children's. Absolutely no Sidney Sheldon or Danielle Steele in sight. Regular schedule of prose and poetry readings, occasional book signing. Other cool shops and a decent though yuppified coffee shop are nearby." Williamsburg: Book Exchange of Williamsburg (117 Colony Square Shopping Ctr, Jamestown Road, just SE of Rt. 199). The best used paperback store in Williamsburg (which, unfortunately, is not saying much for this historic college town), specializing in popular paperbacks. Pretty good selections in mystery, SF/fantasy, espionage/action, general fiction. The Book House (421A Prince George, 804-229-3603). Small used and antique books, mainly hardcover. There are some pretty good deals available, despite the size. Don't trip over the large, friendly dog. (Most of this section was contributed by David E. Latane, dlatane@hibbs.vcu.edu.) ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: 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 . Borders Books & Music (1801 K Street NW, on the corner of 18 & L, notwithstanding the title, 202-466-4999). A very large branch of Borders with more than 100,000 book titles, 50,000 music titles, and a pretty good espresso bar. (The staff is newly hired and still learning how to use the computer system, but the selection of books is probably the most diverse in the District.) 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. One says, "Very good collection of political science and technical worksm" but another responds, "It's a nice place, but I think the focus of this version of Kramer's is much more towards non-political subjects. For really good political and history selections, one needs to go to a mainline Kramer's store. The magazine/journal selection in this particular store leaves much to be desired--I had to go to Crown's to find the infamous "state trooper" issue of "The American Spectator," for crying out loud. This is really unnacceptable by DC standards. Think of Kramerbooks/Afterwards as a place where people go to forget about politics. Open 24 hours a day. The parent store is Sidney Kramer Books. Lambda Rising (1625 Connecticut Ave NW, 800-621-6969 or 202-462-6969, lambdrising@his.com). Gay, lesbian, and bisexual bookstore founded in 1974. Stocks virtually every G/L/B book in print, plus a large out-of-print and used selection; book searches welcome. Good-sized SF and mystery sections. Also magazines, newspapers, videos, music, greeting cards, jewelry, gifts--all with a G/L/B theme. Free catalog issued quarterly. Community bulletin board, free guide maps. Open 10AM-12M seven days a week. Logic and Literature (3075 M Street, Georgetown, 202-625-1668). Used and rare books. The best used science book selection I have ever seen, bar none. Excellent selection of history and classical literature. Some selection in other topics, but owner Candee Harris deliberately emphasizes just what the name of the store would suggest. The Map Store Inc. (Farragut Sq at 1636 Eye St NW, 202-628-2608). An excellent source of maps, travel guides, etc. Mystery Books (1715 Connecticut Ave NW, north of Dupont Circle, 202-483-1600 or 800-955-2279). Large selection of new mystery books, including British titles, and substantial backstock. *Very* knowledgeable staff. Mail, phone and fax orders accepted. Semi-annual annotated catalogue. Signings. Signed first editions. Combination book and food gift baskets. "I can't speak highly enough of the folks at Mystery Books." 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, 301-652-3366; 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. One poster says, "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.] But another replies, "I really think your review is too hard on Olsson's. Try thinking of Olsson's on Wisconsin Ave. as a Georgetown University student bookstore, where you might find future presidents filling their minds with trendy policy wonk literature, when they aren't running for student body president. Seriously, Olsson's does best by its academic offerings--most of my real treasures in the arena of political philosophy came off Olsson's shelves--really good stuff, but off the beaten path. For example, I learned to know Eric Voegelin from a book I bought in Olsson's. Another example is THE ANCIENT ECONOMY, nobody else but Olsson's would carry such an esoteric subject (not quite "trendy" enough for Sidney Kramer, you know). You might be able, once in a while, to find the same fare at Borders', but it isn't as much fun finding it. I've long since outgrown Olsson's military affairs fare. Juvenile stuff, lots of illustrated picture books with the technical performance of WWII aircraft. The emphasis of Olsson's shelves on the flashier aspects of militaria--and spycraft--is, quite frankly, a bore. But that should not negate the excellence of some of Olsson's offerings in political history, political philosophy, and (sometimes) international studies/regional studies. This store marches to the beat of a different drum. Please keep in mind that I am a Georgetown alumnus, and will admit to some degree of bias. Olsson's in Georgetown is still really a dumpy, overcrowded store, like Sidney Kramer's used to be before he moved to I Street." 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. 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). "Sidney Kramer's offerings in foreign policy/affairs, economics/monetary policy, and military affairs are the best in the District. The competition is tougher nowadays, and some of the prices are astronomical. No, I take that back--ALL--the prices are astronomical. That's just the price Sidney makes you pay to be the only kid on your block to own the London Institute for Strategic Studies annual edition of THE MILITARY BALANCE. I would be a pauper if I went there once a week. My lowest bill has been sixty bucks, and I blew $120 the other day on THE MILITARY BALANCE and an interesting book on "nonprovocative defense". But Sidney keeps his shelves squared away--his offerings are state-of- the-nation, cutting edge stuff. I bought my copy of Freddy Brown's _Army in Transition II_ there. It is not a place for last year's policy wonks, or works of simple, historical value. If you want history, you're better off joining the History Book Club than buying from Sidney. His military history section is, however, superb. The Pentagon Book Store (yes--IN the Pentagon) is his only competition in this area. Political, topical history, not so great (You can probably find what you're looking for at either Olsson's or Borders). This is a complaint--as magnificent as Sidney Kramer books is in international relations, etc., his journal offerings are terribly inadequate ... you'd be better off at Barnes and Noble's. This is really sad, because what Washington REALLY needs is to get more international periodicals on its shelves--the kind of offering you would find at ever dirty train station bookstore in Europe. Reading DER SPIEGEl or THE ECONOMIST once a week (for five bucks a pop) is not a "good enough" solution for Americans trying to observe the rest of the planet from the shores of the Potomac." Closes at 6PM. Super Crown (1200 New Hampshire at Massachusetts, 202-822-8331). Discount superstore. "Well, I did find the AMERICAN SPECTATOR there. (And picked up ALBION'S SEED in the same trip. I *am* prejudiced by the Crown label--the not-so-super Crown chain is probably the worst I've ever seen, far inferior even to Waldenbooks and the like. I'll admit as a big book store, this one has some advantages, but Barnes and Noble it ain't. Yes, yes. I *am* prejudiced against Crown." The Trover Shop (300 block of PA Ave NW). A long, narrow store, a block from the Capitol, densely packed with everything a policy wonk needs: out-of-town newspapers, political tracts, directories of lobbyists, Grisham-type fiction, etc. The famous or infamous Democratic Leadership Council has its offices just above the Trover Shop. 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?" In the suburbs: Abe's Jewish Book and Gift Store (11250 Georgia Ave, Wheaton MD, 301-942-2237). Also known as the Jewish Bookstore of Greater Washington. Judaica. Proprietors: Joshua & Menachem Youlus. "If it's Jewish, we have it." "They're a delightful father/son team who have been in the same location for many many years and have filled a double-store front area with about every imaginable title covering all corners of Judaica. They also stock quite a wide array of gifts, and Jewish novelty items. I'd love to see them get as many customers as their fine and complete inventory deserves!" 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." Book Alcove (15976 Shady Grove Rd, Gaithersburg MD, 301-977-9166). A large selection at excellent prices. Many technical books. Book Alcove (5210 Randolph Rd (Loehmann's Plaza), Rockville MD, 301-770-5590). Not quite as large a selection as their other store. They recently closed their VA store, and were moving the inventory here, so maybe it's better now. Not as many technical books either. Borders (Rockville Pike in 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. See the Detroit/Ann Arbor listing for a description of the test the staff has to pass. Recently (4/94) moved *into* the mall from its nearby location. Borders (Tyson's Square, 8311 Leesburg Pike, Vienna VA, 703-556-7766). Even bigger than the Bethesda store. See the Detroit/Ann Arbor listing for a description of their employment test. 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. Tales Retold (near the Silver Spring Metro; Bonfiant St.). Decent SF and horror and assorted stuff (and the owner's a great lady). 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. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Atlanta GA A Capella (Little Five Points). Quality used books, reasonably priced. Book Nook (3342 Clairmont Rd, 404-633-1328). Slightly unorganized, but lots to choose from. Both new and used books, records/CDs/tapes, comics. Books on tape. Sell and trade. Has an excellent selection of art and cooking books. Book Warehouse (Buckhead, 404-237-1038). 250,000 new books. All profits go to the Emory University cancer research center. Books and Cases (715 Miami Circle NE, 404-231-9107 or 800-788-9107). Sell, rent, restore and repair fine books and art. They also restore and build bookcases. Borders Book Shop (3655 Roswell Rd NE, 404-237-0707). Your typical Borders book shop... has everything! Great children's section. Carries lots of foreign-language books. Good selection of newspapers and magazines. C Dickens/Books (3393 Peachtree Rd NE (Lenox Mall, 404-231-3825). Specializing in used and rare books. "They've got another store in South Carolina, I think. Prices are kind of high, but they have a wide selection. " Charis (Euclid St, Little Five Points). Women's books. Civilized Traveler (Phipps Plaza, 404-264-1252). Guides, maps, videos and travel accessories. Construction Bookstore (1-800-253-0541). Hard-to-find technical books, everything from architecture to engineering to real estate. Mysterious Island (4880 Lower Roswell Rd NE, Marietta, 404-509-7600). Hard-to-find SF and mysteries. Signed and limited editions. Also has new and back-issue comics. Old New York Book Shop (1069 Juniper St NE, 404-881-1285). Scholarly and rare books. They make housecalls. Most purchases are from estate sales. Outwrite Books (931 Monroe Dr, 404-607-0082). Gay/lesbian/bisexual books and periodicals, with occasional signings. Also has a coffee bar. 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." Oxford Too sells used and rare books. "Next door to Oxford Too is a coffee shop called 'Cup and Chaucer' :-)." The Buckhead location has an art gallery. 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. :-) (Most of this section was contributed by Jull Butterfield Gostin [jill.gostin@gtri.gatech.edu].) ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: 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. Books of Paige's (North Miami). "Best used book store." Bookworks II (6935 Red Rd, Coral Gables, 305-661-5080). New books, maps, magazines, and cards. Borders Bookshop (9205 S Dixie). Supposed to have a large, good, superstore selection. 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/lesbian/bisexual 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. Fort Lauderdale: All Books & Records (917 N Federal, Ft Lauderdale, 305-761-8857; 416 E Oakland Park Blvd, Wilton Manors, 305-537-4899). Used books, records, tapes, CDs. Good. BookStop (5975 N Federal, Ft Lauderdale, 305-491-2446; 801 S University Dr, Plantation, 305-370-2456; 8903 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, 407-479-2114). Discount superstores. Robert A Hittel Bookseller (3020 N Federal, Ft Lauderdale, 305-563-1752). Archetypical dusty used and rare book shop, books stacked floor to ceiling, 3 floors. Other "surburbs": Barnes & Noble (645 University Dr, Coral Springs, 305-753-6650). Superstore. Waldenbooks & More (University Dr just N of Oakland Pk Blvd, Sunrise). Much better selection than typical mall version. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Charleston WV Trans-Allegheny Books (118 Capitol, 304-345-0911; also 725 Green, Parkersburg, 304-422-4499). "A used bookstore that is especially good that I've found here in West Virginia." General stock of used books (half a million). Largest selection of Appalachian regional books in "one" place. New stock, special order, book search service, mail order. "I've been told that there are several such stores in Morgantown near WVU, but I haven't been there." The Parkersburg store is housed in a Carnegie Library and is on the national registry. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: 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/lesbian/bisexual. 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). 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. Bookstore on West 25th (six steps down from the West Side Market). Used and new. The kind of place where the best finds are in the stacks lying on the floor waiting to be shelved. Best theatre section of any non-chain bookstore in the area. Good lesbian/gay/bisexual section too. 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. See the Detroit/Ann Arbor listing for a description of their employment test. 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. The Flying Lemur (13743 Madison, Lakewood, 216-221-2535). Self-described as "Strange and unusual books ... Cleveland's most unusual bookstore. It had to happen, finally a cool place to hang out in Cleveland. The Lemur promises to have the most unique selection of books in Cleveland ... and possibly the U.S. Want to know how to take over your own country? How to make a living donateing yourself to science? ... and a giant flying lemur. Poetry, sex, violence, drugs, we got it all. Come check out our new fun-fur chairs. And ... in-store piercing by body piercer Scott Patterson, with over 5 years experience and just an all around great guy. Clean, safe, professional, We would settle for nothing less. Come in and see his portfollio and he'll be glad to answer any questions you may have. He also be just as eager to discuss the meaning of life and the existence of God. So come in and check us out. Have a sojo soda or some Sioux City sarsparilla from the cow fridge. (Sorry no Big-K ... yet.)" [I hope someone locally can give me a more coherent description.] Half Price Books (Warrensville and Van Aken Boulevards). Chain of half-price new and used books is a godsend. "Not your average superstore outlet but really great finds at unbeatable prices, even at half price, I can't help but spend $50 each time I go. The favorite bookstore of all my college-age friends who can't afford splurges at Borders or Booksellers." John Wallace Skinner's Americana (Caxton Bldg., downtown). Not too impressive in the way of vintage books, but a neat collection of art, posters, and stuff that this very interesting man has collected over a lifetime. You may be the only person in his little emporium all day. Go just for the conversation. John Zubal (W 25th). "This must be the largest bookstore in the country." [I doubt that--see Powell's in Portland.] A warehouse of rare and collectible books. Pricey, but what do you expect? Macs Backs Paperbacks (1820 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. Three Ninety-Seven Bookshop (1127 Euclid Ave, 216-781-1666). Used hardbacks, all $3.97. Open Mon-Fri 10:30AM-3PM. (Most of this section was contributed by Greg Naples, ak440@cleveland.Freenet.Edu.) ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Akron OH Booksellers (West Market Plaza in Akron, 216-666-8838). Ohios's "home-grown" bookstores. Great for browsing and relaxing. The staff is 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. 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> Schoolhouse Antiques (500 W Exchange). Akron has two used book stores in the building and there is another just accross Exchange street. One specializes in hardcover editions and is a phenomenal book store to see, twelve foot shelves on the walls and antique book shelves on the floor. The selections at the three complement each other well, you can find almost any catagory at at least one of the three. One of the three is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Bowling Green OH Grounds for Thought (174 South Main, 419-354-3266). Coffee shop (they roast their own!) and used bookshop. They specialize in used paperbacks and their strong sections (titles) are Sf, mysteries, social sciences, and psychology. Some first editions are available. They welcome inquiries and they offer their stock of new titles at typically 15% off cover price and will do book orders. The general manager, Louie Staeble, is an avid bibliophile and a great joy to chat with. Pauper's Books (206 North Main, 419-352-2163). Leo Schifferli, the owner, has amassed a huge collection of used paperback and hardcover books that literally fills every available space in the shop. He has a vast selection in just about every category imaginable and welcomes inquiries. Leo offers a 10% discount on most new books and orders and special orders are always welcome. Pauper's is also the place for "strange change" as Leo is in the habit of making change on customer's purchases with $2 bills and Susan B. Anthony $1 coins. Of course, Bowling Green also has the standard walden Books at the local mall as well as a branch of SBX (Student Book Exchange), Bee Gee Bookstore (no it isn't a bookstore dedicated to the Brothers Gibb) and the BGSU Campus Bookstore. SBX and Bee Gee Bookstore are primarily new and used textbooks. (Most of this section was contributed by Eric A. Beatty, ebeatty@andy.bgsu.edu.) ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Columbus OH Barnes & Noble (E Main, Whitehall). Book Loft of German Village (631 S 3rd). 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...." Fan the Flames. Women's books. 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. Nickleby's. "More for the cafe." 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. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Dayton OH Books & Co. (350 E Stroop Rd, in the Town and Country Shopping Center in the center of Kettering, 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. Books & Co. (19 East Second, 513-222-6622). Another branch of the above. "It is quite a bit smaller than that store, but I am sure provides the same excellent service. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: 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 SF 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 SF, 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). SF 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 SF 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 SF 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.) ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: KY Hallmark Store (Lincoln Trail, Radcliffe). "Has a really excellent set of offerings in the area of military history (Radcliffe is just outside Fort Knox). It is almost as good as Sidney Kramer in this area, which of course is the highest level of praise I can render to a commercial non-fiction store. It doesn't come up to the Pentagon Book Store, but does give the Armor School Bookstore (in the "little PX" back of Boudinot Hall) a run for its money." Hawley Cooke Booksellers (Bardstown Road, Louisville; Shelbyville Road, Saint Matthews). "Larger mid-sized stores (not much smaller than Joseph-Beth). One of Hawley Cooke's hallmarks is a very fine periodical section. Lots of newspapers from around the country, foreign language magazines and newspapers--you can often find DER SPIEGEL and DIE ZEIT, as well as French and Spanish mags. Hawley Cooke has a very good balance between fiction and non-fiction. Very strong new release section, has some depth, not just the New York Times bestseller list. On the history/political science end, I would say that Hawley Cooke is competitive with DC stores. It doesn't have the insiders' latest pubs like Sidney Kramer's does--but there really *is* only *one* Sidney Kramer's in the whole wide world. During my various stints at Fort Knox, Hawley Cooke has kept me tied in with the disciplines, though. Its offerings tend to be oriented on academic fare, rather than policy analysis or "popular" history. Hawley Cooke knows the books the Louisville elite "needs" to read to compete intellectually with the really big cities, and stocks its shelves accordingly. Nice childrens' section; they do storytelling on Saturdays." Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Lexington Green Mall, 3319 Nicholasville Road, Lexington KY, 606-273-3911, in KY 800-248-6849). "Kentucky's largest bookstore, Joseph-Beth stocks in excess of 100,000 titles. In addition, a recent expansion had incorporated a travel agency office in their travel books section and a cafe next to their cookbook section. Their children's section has expanded to take up the storefront next oor (which is connected to the main store). They also boast a fairly arge classical music on CD section. Special services include mail order and frequent autographings (in a recent one-week period they had autographings by Phyllis George, Mary Higgins Clark, Anne Rice, and Naomi Judd). Keep up the good work." (See also Cincinnati OH listings for stores in Covington KY.) ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Toledo OH Thackeray's Books (in Westgate Village Shopping Center, at the corner of Central and Secor, 419-537-9259). "A quite nice bookstore in one of the outer parts of Toledo, Thackeray's has a pretty good selection of all book categories, and will do special orders. Their computer and travel sections are excellent; the store even carries some shareware. Thackeray's offers a 30% discount on books on the New York Times bestsellers list, and usually has some rather good discount deals on books in the front of the store. Also has a decent magazine section and carries some out-of-state newspapers (NYT, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune). Their ad says "Toledo's most complete bookstore", and they do their best to live up to that." ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Detroit MI Barnes & Noble (NE corner of Rochester Rd and Auburn, Rochester). Also a full-service store, and is also excellent, but not up to Borders' standard. The first "super-store." Borders 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 premiere book store of SE Michigan. The staff is also excellent. Borders Books and Music (Novi Town Center, on the south side of I-96 at the Novi Rd exit, just west of the I-275/I-696 interchange). They have added a rather sizeable music department in the process of moving across the parking lot from their old location. It also has a cappucino bar, something you don't see much of in the Midwest. The book section is now comparable in size to that of the Birmingham store. Borders Books and Music (4590 Utica Park Blvd, at Van Dyke Highway and Hall Road (20-mile), Utica, 810-726-8555). This is the newest Borders to the Detroit area. About the same as the one in Novi with both books and music, and includes a nice coffee & sandwich bar. Lots of everything. Knowledgeable staff. Free gift wrapping. Open Mon-Thu 9AM-10PM; Fri-Sat 9AM-11PM; Sun 11AM-8PM. 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.)" Waldenbooks (Plymouth Rd between Merriman and Middlebelt, Livonia). "Worthy of mention, though they do suffer a little from the problem with most national chain bookstores, in that they are a little skimpy in the less common fields of interest." Ann Arbor: Afterwords (Main just north of Liberty). Specializes in publisher's remainders. "Stock varies, naturally, but I usually find something I want whenever I go in." Aunt Agatha's Bookshop (213 South Fourth Ave, 313-769-1114). Specializing in mysteries and crime fiction. Barnes & Noble (corner of Washtenaw and Huron Parkway)). Opened November 1993. 25,000 square feet, including books, magazines, software, video games, and espresso bar. Lotsa discount books too. Nice place. Books in General (322 South State, 313-769-1250). The best store in town for used technical books. It's a second floor space with a very small sign. 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. In June 1994 Borders will be moving across the street into the old Jacobson's department store. 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. The staff in all Borders has to pass a literature test before they are hired. "The test is a list of books and you have to write the name of the authors beside them. Another part of the test lists books and you have to say where in the store you'd find the books (fiction, anthropology, etc.). And, finally, there's a little math on the test." David's Books (Liberty just west of State, downtown). A second-floor shop of used books. Dawn Treader (Liberty a couple of blocks west of State, downtown). Used books. Little Professor (Stadium and Maple in Westgate shopping center). Yet another superstore. One of the two best newsstands in town. Has armchairs and a fireplace in the back of the store. Shaman Drum Bookshop (313 South State, 313-662-7407). Specializing in books about the humanities. Webster's (Plymouth Rd. near Huron in a shopping center). A superstore. Wooden Spoon (Fourth north of Ann). "Recently (fall 93) changed ownership when the original owner retired. The new owner owns one or two other used book stores (as opposed to used bookstores), and just finished a clearance sale to make room for some remodeling. No idea how the new stock will look." "Ann Arbor now has major bookstores near every part of town. Downtown has Borders and Community Newscenter. Little Professor is on the west side of town, Barnes and Noble on the east, and Websters on the north. Those on the south side have to make do with Borders, Doubleday, and Waldenbooks. :-)" Someone else reports that they read somewhere recently the statistic that Ann Arbor has five times the national average of bookstores per capita. Also, Windsor, Ontario, is right across the border from Detroit, and bookstores in Canada carry British editions of books that are unavailable in the US. You can get to Windsor from downtown Detroit by taking the tunnel bus, which runs every half hour and costs $1.50. You have to pass through customs so be sure to bring some ID. All of these bookstores are within easy walking distance of the bus stop at the tunnel exit. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Indianapolis IN: Borders Bookshop (5612 Castleton Corner Lane, 317-849-8660). Typical superstore. See the Detroit/Ann Arbor listing for a description of the test the staff has to pass. Murder and Mayhem (6412 Carrollton Ave, 317-254-8273). Mysteries, one presumes. South Bend, IN The Griffon Bookstore (121 E Colfax, 219-287-5533). New and used books, SF, mysteries, philosophy and theology. Also military and role-playing games, cards, and gifts. ============================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: Chicago IL Hyde Park Area: 57th Street Bookstore (1301 E 57th at Kimbark, 312-684-1300). 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. Open Mon-Thu 10AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-11PM, Sun 10AM-8PM. Ex-Libris Theological Books (1340 E 55th, next to Louis Kiernan, 312-955-3456). Specializing in theological and rare books. Open Mon-Sat 12N-6PM. Krochs & Brentano's (53rd & Lake Park). Louis Kiernan Books (1342 E 55th at Kenwood, 312-752-2555). Reasonable collection of used. A little smaller than both O'Gara and Powell's but still worth a look. Open 1PM-?. O'Gara and Wilson (1311 E 57th bewteen Kimbark and Woodlawn, near the Medici, 312-363-0993). As organized as Powell's is labyrinthine, but also good. Oldest bookstore in Chicago. Older books, loosely alphabetized, some sparse coverage, good history, Macintosh store with good prices. Open Mon-Sat 9AM-10PM, Sun 12N-10PM. Powell's (with one store at 1501 E 57th at Harper, one at 2850 N Lincoln north of Diversey, and a warehouse at 828 S Wabash; 312-955-7780, 312-248-1444, 312-341-0748). Large, superior quality, very pricey, some sections not alphabetized, good technical philosophy, restroom. May or may not be a branch or the parent of the famous Portland, OR store (opinions differ). Open seven days 9AM-11PM. Scholars Bookstore (1379 E 53rd, 312-288-6565). New books. Small Asian store. Very few English titles. Seminary Cooperative Bookstore (Chicago Theological Seminary (5757 S University Avenue at 58th, 800-777-1456, 312-752-1959). "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 will ship worldwide. 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." Open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-9:00PM, Sat 10AM-6PM. University of Chicago Bookstore (970 E 58th at Ellis, 312-702-7712). 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. Open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM (textbooks), Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM. Other: Another Used Book Store (22 W Chicago Ave Ste 1 East, Naperville, 708-355-1155). Small. Cockateel. Aspidistra (2630 N Clark, 312-549-3129). HUGE warehouse of used and some new books. Cheap. Seems to be declining, is now badly disordered, and shabby. Open Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM, Sun 12N-7:30PM. (Also at 3250 N Lincoln.) Barbara's Bookstore (3130 North Broadway, 312-477-0411; 1350 N Wells, 312-642-5044 in Oldtown across the street from the adult theaters and bookstores; 1800 N Clybourn, 312-664-1113; 1100 Lake Street, Oak Park 708-848-9140). Barnes & Noble (1S550 Rt. 83, Oakbrook Terrace 708-571-0999; yes, that's the letter 'S' in that address, not a 5; 659 W Diversey 312-871-9004; 1701 Sherman, Evanston 708-328-0883). (The one in Evanston is 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!) 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. Dan Behnke (2463 N Lincoln, 312-404-0403). Small, but very orderly and good quality. Computer inventory. Open Mon-Sat 12N-10:30PM, Sun 12N-7PM. Book Adventures (3705 N Southport, 312-477-4725). Bookman's Corner (2959 N Clark, 312-929-8298). "Cluttered, somewhat varied, cheap! Unable to examine all of the philosophy stacked on the floor because of no room to shift the piles! Rapid turnover of new materials." Open Mon-Sat 12N-8:30PM, Sun 12N-6PM. Books & Bytes (815 E Ogden Ave, Naperville 708-416-0102). Technical books, heavy emphasis on computers and computing. (Bell Labs has a big facility in Naperville.) Books on Belmont (614 W Belmont, 312-528-BOOK). Fairly small, fair selection, not much old material, bland philosophy, many mis-filings. Cat. Open Mon-Fri 1PM-9PM, Sat 1PM-8PM, Sun 12N-6PM. Booksellers Row (North side: 2445 N Lincoln and downtown: 408 S Michigan; 312-348-1170 and 312-427-4242). Used books. North side is larger selection, but pricey. Has library ladders. One downtown is very easy to get to (next to Artists Cafe and Fine Arts Theater), neater, newer books, lots of arts and social sciences, Borders Bookshop (1600 W 16, near Rte 83, in the Oaks shopping center in Oakbrook (1/2 mile north of the Oak Brook mall), which is across the street from Oakbrook Shopping Center, 708-574-0800). Nice store (two levels). A little cramped and smaller than the Borders in DC or in Ann Arbor MI. 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. Grand Tour (3229 N Clark, 312-929-1836). Foreign language texts and travel guides. 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. Peking Bookstore (in downtown Evanston near Church). It has more Chinese language and culture related books, periodicals, and such than you can shake a stick at. Also has a whole bunch of mainland China propaganda posters in the basement. Apparently several universities get their language course books through him. People Like Us Books (3321 N Clark, 312-248-6363). Gay/lesbian/bisexual books. 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. Rizzoli (835 N Michigan in Water Tower, 312-642-3500). "I always feel underdressed when I go in there." Rosenblum's World of Judaica (2906 W Devon, 312-262-1700). Russian-American Bookstore (2746 W Devon, 312-761-3233). The Savvy Traveler (50 E Washington, 312-263-2100). Travel books, maps, and accessories. The Stars Our Destination Bookstore (1021 W Belmont, one block West of the Belmont L stop, 312-871-2722). "The Stars Our Destination is truly a wonderland for SF/F/H fans. A bright, cheery storefront with a stunning selection of new books, new releases are separate for one or two months. In the back is an excellent used book department, and often you can find a book you want on the new shelves, then find it in the back at half price. (Used are mainly half the cover price.) Other departments include comics, trekstuff, magazines, art, and videos. This is all presided over by Alice, one of the nicest people I have ever met in a bookstore. If you buy one of their jazzy tote bags and remember to bring it in, everything is 10% discount. Parking is atrocious, and you can get towed off the side streets on Cubs baseball nights. Public trans rules. I hope you can use this; this store really serves its customers and deserves all the support it can get." Open are Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM; Sun 12N-6PM. 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?" Unabridged Books (3251 N Broadway 312-883-9119). Waterstone's (840 N Michigan at Chestnut, 312-587-8080). Two stories and a basement. Very nice. They are connected with the British chain and have some special British import books, and also some foreign-language books. Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark, 312-769-9299). Feminist and children's book store. 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, 312-869-6999). 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. "Stupendous ambience: a cross between a fern bar, art gallery and music conservatory. Phoney, but rather nice. Mainly older and antiquarian books in good condition. Many old sets." 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.)" Restroom. Another Barnes & Noble 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 -- Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908 957 2070 | Evelyn.Leeper@att.com "The Internet is already an information superhighway, except that ... it is like driving a car through a blizzard without windshield wipers or lights, and all of the road signs are written upside down and backwards."--Mike Royko (not Dave Barry!) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------