Left Bank Books

My wife and I always look for the hidden favorite book shops when we are exploring new places. Traveling to St. Louis for the first time and couldn't have imagined the diamond in the rough we were about to stumble into. This store has some of the most well laid out displays I've seen anywhere. A phenomenal selection of new and used books that target a younger, hipper demographic. I love an old cozy book shop, but you can risk feeling stuffy. Not here friends. Left Bank Books is popping with color and life, excellent recommendations from the staff, and an adorable store mascot in Orleans, a long haired black cat who haunts this little gem. My wife gave him lots of love while I went nuts picking out a basketful of books that I'd had on my list for some time, but had yet to find in local shops. The biggest thumbs up I can give this place is the excellent staff, and the open and friendly nature to all people. Queer fiction celebrated here! Banned books a plenty! This shop is for the coolest of the cool, and the occasional Louisville dork looking to pick up a good book by a queer author.

I love to visit an indie bookstore in my travels. Left Hand Books did not disappoint!! The selection-5 Star. The service and knowledge and friendliness of staff-5 Star. They have both new and used books, neatly organized so you can easily find exactly what you want. As a former StL resident, their St Louis based book selection was great, and they have a very wide representation of authors available. My husband, who isn’t into books as much as me, still walked out with two books about the history of Jazz. You can’t miss with this store. (Also the restaurants nearby are a definite YES, make it a full afternoon out!)

An absolute Cluster-F of an experience with their recent Dylan Hollis event. The event didn't even take place at their location, but rather they sent us all to a bar and then kitchen studio across town. It should be noted that at no time in their "important information for attendees" email did it specify that the venue they were naming was actually a bar. Good thing we brought our IDs so we could get into the event we paid for because their chosen venue WAS carding at the door. After Hollis was done speaking we were told that the signing and photos would take place around the corner at the studio kitchen. Simple enough. They said those who needed disabled accommodations were to leave the bar first and then they'd get everyone out orderly after that. However, after announcing that, the Left Bank employee immediately left the bar and never returned. The entire packed crowd was left wondering what to do before people all just started milling out and forming a line wrapping around the corner on their own. That line took 2-3 HOURS to go less than 300 feet down the sidewalk. They had easily 500+ people lined up along this uncovered sidewalk with rain clouds overhead and thunderstorms moving into the area. Good thing the rain managed to hold off or else there would have been a LOT of people standing there with ruined books. I feel like they bit off more than they could chew by getting someone of Hollis' notoriety. They should stay in their lane and stick with indie authors who bring in 50 or so people for a signing.

My wife and I were so delighted to find this book shop! Being in the city for top surgery, we were even more eager to visit upon discovering that it was queer owned. The selection was fantastic and the store organized, friendly and bright ^^. We dove into the shelves seeking out comics, fantasy, romance and kept lifting and exchanging titles with one another with bright smiles and tittering voices about how easy it was to find representation on the shelves. The staff were friendly as well and my wife made pleasant conversation while I stalked the store in search of the illusive shop cat. Our only regret is that we don’t live closer enough to make this a personally frequented locale! But rest assured, we will be visiting anytime we find ourselves in the city <3 -The Blackwoods

I absolutely loved the reviews around the store. Left with 5 books and a ton more suggestions. The staff was friendly but mostly left me to myself to browse, which I appreciated.

I love love love left bank books! I haven't gotten a chance to attend any of their groups or events, but the staff is so knowledgeable and kind and friendly, and the selection of books is great. I love the basement and the blind date with books and the used book sections and the organization of new books and all the fun little knick knacks for sale, and the fact that I always feel safe and comfortable in there.

Large and impressive inventory. Comparable with a Barnes & Noble w/ prices that are competitive with Amazon. With that said, there weren't really many deals to be had. In a two level store, I found one cart of deep-discounted trade paperbacks. There were quality non-fiction authors on the discount cart, which was impressive. I like trinkets and souvenirs, but there were none that were reasonably priced. A coffee mug (made in China) for $17. Stickers for $4. Postcards for $2. Ambience is nice, but a little cramped. Animal friendly - there is a cat rumoured to live there, and a customer brought her dog with her. Parking could be difficult. I don't live in the area. I visited on a Sunday, and a local resident told me that street parking was free on weekends. Otherwise, I would have tried to pay. Also, the street meters claim to want my plate number, which I am not willing to provide to a random machine on the street. If I need a new-release book in the future, I will call and check Left Bank Books against Amazon for pricing and availability.

Well stocked for a bookstore of its size. My younger son really enjoyed the kid section of the store. My wife, unfortunately, couldn’t find what she was looking for.

I have been coming here for years. It is truly a staple in the community. A place that makes you feel good about shopping local. The staff have always been helpful and I appreciate the innovative offerings, such as events and the most recent thing I saw of a "mystery book" in a brown paper bag.

I placed an order online for a whole series of books with a gift card I had received recently. Left Bank did a great job sending me email notifications when each of my titles had come in. Once they all arrived I stopped in to collect my books and they helped me right away. They double checked everything and the check out process was a breeze. I walked around the children's section with my daughter and we also picked up a fun cat themed card game and a copy of one of my favorite books when I was a kid. Will definitely come back again!

Super cute progressive bookshop that has a lot of Black cat themes (always a plus). They have a wide variety of books and cute tchotchke's that you'll love (like social justice cards; I got two). They even have a section for free stuff like Plan B and condoms -- I'm all for sexual liberation!

Ok, let's be honest, you're never going to hear a negative word about any bookstore come out of my mouth. Left Bank Books is exceptional. They have great author programming events, their staff are very helpful hunting down finds or giving recommendations, orders for items not in stock is usually very fast, and I always walk out of here with a whole stack of books. This review is specifically about the perks of being a Friend of Left Bank Books. This is a tax-deductible donation/membership that has three levels $20, $100, and $500. Each level has different perks but at the $100 or above level you are invited to twice yearly sales (in person and online) where purchases are 20% off. Basically you can recoup your donation if you are a book hoarder like me. The monies go towards literary and literacy programming in town. I can't recommend joining enough. You can read more about the program here https://www.lbbfound.org/Page/17672

Left bank books is such a cool independent bookstore. I spent a long time browsing all of their carefully curated sections. I love the downstairs with used books. Lots of interesting gift items upstairs and a super cold children section.

I could spend hours wandering this shop reading the staff recommendations and toiling over how many books I'll buy. It's a cozy neighborhood shop with everything from notecards and silly socks to children's books and classics. They also buy & sell used books.

This bookstore was amazing. I loved looking at the amazing displays, and the employees were helpful and very nice. The overall collection was varied and interesting. The used section downstairs were not to be missed. Oh yea, did I mention the CAT?!? This place was a dream.

What a delightful bookstore! I love visiting bookstores when I travel, and Left Banks was a bright spot in my trip to St. Louis. Welcoming vibe, easy to browse, and well stocked for speculative fiction in both new and used. One of their book clubs (Great Books of the 22nd Century) was reading Cordwainer Smith! I wish I was local and could attend. Service was friendly and helpful, too.

This place is a great book store for everything you're looking for in a book. They have books from all genres! I was looking at their staff picks and their weekly highlighted books and they have a great mix of fiction and nonfiction from customers to choose one. They also have some great history, poems, self help, parental and an amazing section of children's books. Everyone is asking for books rather than cards for baby showers and this is a great spot to find the perfect baby book! Great spot to spend a while and find that perfect book you've been looking for.

Left Bank is a pretty good bookstore. I've lived close by for years, and it's nice to have a bookstore hard by. They're reliable for several good events each year. The staff are usually pretty cold and stand-offish to me, but they have helped when I needed to find something specific. The selection is okay, a good proportion of the new/popular releases in the bigger genres. And they'll order things they don't have. The real gem is the used book section in the basement. I've built up a nice little cookbook collection and probably filled half my shelves sorting through everything they offer.

Love this timeless CWE book store. Best gifts and unique artsy accessories, relevant books, plus political awareness, activism and community outreach and support. You are often given a mask as you enter during times of high community spread of illness, so they care deeply about you and others. Nice! Always classy, always well stocked, always great customer service and flair. If they don't have it, they will get it for you. No clueless employees here: they are well read and knowledgeable about many authors and the store itself. Checkout is a breeze and a study in teamwork among the staff. Buy all your reading and gifts here! Oh and they have a bookstore cat, which is an added cool bonus! Love it here...

Love this bookstore! I always find something unusual here and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful.

Fabulous service and selection. Many author and community events. Left Bank Books is a community treasure!

I LOVE this bookstore. Probably my favorite in St Louis (haven't been to them all -yet). Great selection of books, great bookstore cat, great workers. Cannot recommend enough!

Took side trip there while while visiting St. Louis. Uber ride from downtown hotel took about 25 minutes. Excellent selection of progressive themed books in a comfortable indie bookstore.

LBB isn't trying to serve everybody. A couple of one-star reviews wrote that it had a liberal slant. No. Look, "The Atlantic Monthly" has a liberal slant. LBB curates a collection of books much further to the left than that. I'm a gay, (usually) Democrat-voting guy with strong sympathy for issues of justice and equality. Because I've spent a lot of time in publishing and in bookstores, I tend to float around a store that's new to me looking for patterns. What's on the new books table. Are they books reviewed in the NY Times? The Spectator? Or Jacobin? Check the shelves for different kinds of writing from different time-frames. Shakespearean sonnets? Jane Austen novels (which)? Dostoevsky? Which ones, which translators? Faulkner? Feminist writing? If so, first, second, or third wave? Are we talking Shulamith Firestone or Susan Faludi or bell hooks or Laura Kipnis? Politics? Adam Smith? Karl Marx? Sartre or Aron? I spent about half an hour in LBB, and the selection is all from a narrow range on the far left. And probably no surprise. I can't imagine that the staff or customers would tolerate a copy of "Taming of the Shrew" on the shelves. If you're from that part of the left that sees itself as the vanguard of the future, you'll love this place. It's not a big shop, but go. You'll enjoy the vibe. If you're just looking for good writing from a variety of authors, LBB is not for you. I support indie bookstores, even ones that don't want me. I bought $50 of non-book merch but don't plan to go back. PS: This was October 2022, and they're still requiring masks. I wore their mask. It's their store. But this is just theater, a kind of performance just like this selection of books is a performance of progressive orthdoxy.

I was in dire need of entertainment. The year was 2020, Covid was running rampant. Old newspapers were blowing in the streets like tumbleweeds. Unknown masked individuals roamed the parks, staying six feet apart from each other, of course. It was a dark desolate world, but off in the distance a bright light shone giving hope to all around it; Left Bank Book. Those who entered it's hallowed halls (except not literally as it's all contactless now) were given hope, peace and something good to read. The book store is still open and and seems to be busy as ever. It's really convenient you can either call them to order a book or their website is super user-friendly. I didn't have any issues finding the book that I was looking for on there. I simply placed my order drove over and picked it up. I'll contact list very safe. When you arrive give them a call and they will place your book in a basket outside. Pick it up and you're on your merry way. It's the 2020 version of the reading room though, except far less rainbowie. They will even ship the book to you via FedEx or deliver it to your door themselves... and delivery was only $10! It's like doordash for literature! Can I get a "Hell YAS" up in here! Thank you Left Bank Books for keeping me well read!

Beautiful Bookstore nestled in the downtown area. I love the staff recommendations that they had through out the store. Great deals on book club offers. Nice gift section and journals. They have a used sections as well! Definitely check this out in the area.

This CWE store is so cute. The service we received today was AMAZING. I can't say enough good things about the employees we cane in contact with today. The care they took in indulging my 11yo son's desire to buy me a Christmas gift without me seeing was so sweet. Special shout out to Cliff for wrapping it!!!

Incredible book store!! Great staff!! I am so proud of this place! It is such a St. Louis gem, if you have not been here you are missing out!!!

I am definitely a bookworm. Although I am a fairly slow reader, I have always loved buying new books for my collection. Finding the latest books is easy at big box booksellers, but there's something so charming about the friendly, curated feel of a locally owned bookstore. And Left Bank definitely gives you that vibe. Although you cannot currently go inside and get lost in the mounds of books Left Bank has to offer, I find their website to be well maintained with their current stock and easy to browse. They have all the books categorized by topic, or you can just look at them A-Z. The really nice thing about Left Bank, and why I patronized them today, is that you can obtain books from so many local authors! They do such a great job of supporting writers right here in the St. Louis region. Recently, I attended Yelp's "St. Louis Spirit Society" virtual event that featured local paranormal expert, Neil Nailborski. Luke is a long-time representative for American Hauntings, author, speaker and guide for the Alton Haunting Tours in Alton, IL. According to reviews of his work, he "has an uncanny ability with his writing to make you laugh one second and then scare the, well you know, out of you the next." I was so impressed with Luke's engaging tone during the virtual event and was hooked on the spooky nature of his stories that I really wanted to grab his book which is offered by Left Bank. I was a tad disappointed by how long it took to get the book after I purchased it online, but after calling and talking to a bookkeeper it was explained to me that this is a print on demand book. So I can't fault Left Bank for that piece, but it would have been nice if they would have called me with an update on the book instead of me hounding them for my purchase. They are taking precautions to cease the spread of COVID at Left Bank. As I said you cannot currently go in to simply browse (but they have plenty of titles in their windows to peruse!) When you're notified that your order is ready for pickup, your book is in a bag with your name on a table in front of the store. In my case, I did have to call to have them bring my book out. The worker who brought it out was wearing a mask which made me feel at ease that they are taking the pandemic seriously.

Eat a Peach: A Memoir by David Chang came out on 9/8/20. On 9/9/20 I decided that I'd like to read this book. I ordered the book online at Left Bank Books in the early afternoon and a couple of hours later got an email my order was ready. I picked up the book at about 4:15. The curbside process was easy and efficient and there was no contact. It was a signed copy which was kind of cool! Please go support your local independent bookseller. If you don't there won't be any left.

Great location that's even bigger than it looks on the outside. I love the way queer / poc authors are featured front and center, and the emphasis placed on black voices during black history month. They also have used books at reasonable prices, and a bookstore cat!! What's not to love?

The staff ! it was really nice and they were attendive to my needs and help me find the books. I was looking forward within minutes at a good price.

I typically love book stores in all their shapes and sizes. Used books, new books, comic books, I love them all. I have tried out a number of local book stores in St. Louis. I've been thoroughly disappointed by this store. The prices are higher than average which is common for local stores. They have a modest selection of used books, but these prices are very high. Just go get the used book from ebay. Still, again this is nothing out of the ordinary for local bookstores. What really turned me off though is the political climate that permeates the store. There is a strong liberal slant to the speakers they bring in, the reading groups, and what novels are features in the store. That is their right as a private business, but I'm tired of politics being rammed down my throat. I just want to get good books. I don't need my literature served with a side of self- righteousness. Something I've always liked about reading is that it can bring together people from all walks of life and viewpoints. Having such an overt political nature sours that experience and clearly marks Left Banks Books as being part of the Liberal Tribe. I'm sure some of the people giving Left Bank Books high ratings love the political nature that the business has. To me though it is a huge turn off.

I absolutely love the charm and selection of my favorite independent book store in St. Louis! If you are an avid reader who thinks that authors should be treated like rock stars- then this is the place to go! It's a great corner location in the Central West End- it's a perfect stop on any date night after dinner but before ice cream. The staff here is above and beyond helpful and you can tell they have a passion for literature. It's a well organized layout with nice wide aisles and everything is clearly and creatively labeled by genre. When you walk in the whole store just seamlessly flows and it's a changing landscape of literature. They feature topical books of the week on tables and in the windows either based on current events, or local authors. Book recommendations are clearly laid out and the store even has a cat! Every book store needs a cat. I have been going to Left Bank books events since the first week I moved into the city. I highly recommend that you sign up for their news letter and see what authors or book releases are going to be coming out. They make reading and knowledge accessible - and they even have a giant used book section if you can't afford a new one. At a time when local book stores are not thriving the way they should, Left Bank Books really takes the lead with community events and book based outreach! This is the kind of bookstore that you can feel welcome and help expand your reading. That's why I keep going back!

I loved this bookstore! As of Spring 2023, masks are not required but are reccomended. The staff are very friendly and they have a ton of books (don't forget to go to the basement) and candles, journals, stickers and more! The new books are resonably priced, and they have a used section too! But the best part... they have a cat! He was very cute and friendly. I have no complants about Left Bank Books and will go there again!

I actually love Left Bank Books better than some of the larger bookstores. I can always find my type of book, I like a slice of life story. They have used books located down in the basement. Children's books, reading glasses, calendars, they have it all. There is even a cat (Spike) to keep watch over the store. Story hour for children is usually on Saturday mornings. They also have a lecture series and book signings. The reason for four stars and not five. They do not carry some of the authors that my husband loves. They tell him that they can order it for him, but he can go to one of the larger bookstores and readily get it. I on the other hand, absolutely love browsing the shelves for a new read. Would I come back here? Of course I will. I'll see you in the funny papers.

I stumbled in here one day after having one too many margaritas at Mission Taco across the street (I know, what am I doing with my life) and found myself inside a book-lover's paradise. Fantastic selections, from the latest bestsellers to children's picture books to New Age yoga if you're into that. There is basically something for everyone. Head down to the basement to peruse their used book collections and a cozy little reading area. The atmosphere is quiet, quaint, and you could lose yourself for hours amongst the endless shelves and pages. Also they have a cat named Spike, who doesn't mind having random patrons creep on him (like me) and will let you pet his fluffy soft belly for a good 15 minutes straight, which I did. I am so glad to see that local bookstores still exist, and right here in the CWE! Will definitely be back to check out their author visits and other events.

We have been here many times when visiting St. Louis and it's always delightful. The neighborhood is just fantastic so the whole experience is enjoyable. It's easy to spend an honor browsing and enjoying the charming atmosphere of this place.

My favorite bookstore of all time. Like, seriously. Everyone who works there is sososososo nice! They have the perfect balance between being friendly and also giving me space to look around by myself. The store is beautiful, and they have so many books! My personal favorite section is the used book section in the basement; the books are in my budget and they have a poetry section where I can always find cool poetry books. I also love the little knickknacks they keep out, I always end up buying a sticker or notebook. Left Bank Books is one of my favorite places in Saint Louis by far.

You know when you walk into a bakery and you know you've made the right decision when the smell of danishes and cookies hits you in the face? That's how I felt as I meandered into Left Bank Books, a bookstore complete with staff picks, huge selections and of course, that classic bookstore smell. With all the staff picks, it didn't take me long to find something I was looking for. They summed up really well what each book was about and sold me on it quickly. I still had to poke around and go downstairs to see what else they had, and was happy to see so many other people shopping for books on this sunny afternoon. Like a lot of people, I'm old school and prefer books to tablets or Kindles. It's just way better, and I was glad to find a thriving bookstore as I passed through for work.

There are not nearly enough independent book stores left in this Amazon dominated world. So a store like this is even more of a treat as time goes on. Great selection and a really great place to browse. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. It's also in a cool part of town. In store signings are terrific. This is a great store. I hope it stays around forever.

Absolutely loved this place! We returned several times for more books, postcards, and stickers. Left Bank Books is a big space that is organized beautifully with attentive staff. Nearly all the shelves have interesting "staff picks" and review sheets. There's a small section of used books downstairs. Their slogan is "Literacy and Justice for All," and they have an excellent section of books pertaining to social justice, equality, and politics. Obviously the prices are higher than a secondhand bookstore or an evil retailer like Amazon, but LBB is a great local business. Loved the selection and environment! I hope to return soon.

I ordered some board books to be sent to the baby shower for my new granddaughter in St. Louis. The people in the store were so friendly and helpful! They even went so far as to gift wrap the books and were able to change the delivery plan so that my gift reached its destination on time. Thank You Left Bank Books!

I've been here a number of times and I always enjoy looking through everything. Perfect location, great layout, and good selection. Love this place! Located in the Central West End, this adorable book store always has what I'm looking for. It's made up of two levels. The top level has new releases and classics, the bottom has history books, biographies, and other books of that nature. The store gets a ton of natural light as well, which just adds to the charm. The staff is always helpful, not only for help in finding books, but in giving suggestions if needed. The prices are comparable to other book stores around. Overall, I will keep coming here because it's fun and has what I need. Great store!

I've been here a couple of times just to brows and occasionally grab a new read. There is a very wide selection of different genres, and I believe there are frequent author visits. The staff is extremely friendly in helping you find what you're looking for. The products are very reasonably priced, and the used book section is tucked away in the basement. TL;DR: Neat bookstore in the CWE. Reasonably priced and wide selection of books, author visits, and friendly staff. Highly recommend.

Cool Bookstore. Advertise as buying back books. Not much luck, which is why I visited.

Awesome bookstore with a friendly staff. Very inviting and great selection of titles, both new and classic. Downstairs, there is a great used book selection. I like that they have the wrapped mystery book where you make a donation and take a wrapped book and then unwrap it to reveal the book you've selected! The note on the front of the wrapping provides a clue as to what book is wrapped within. Very cool concept and all proceeds benefit a good cause.

They giftwrapped my books for free. Not by putting them in bags, but with wrapping paper and ribbon. When my friend checked out, they let her purchase apply towards my loyalty points, or whatever the program is called. They're so cool!

Beautiful old building with a very large selection of books. Interesting bookish items. Book marks notebooks etc

I love to peruse local Indy bookstores while on vacation, and this didn't disappoint. I try to find books that relate to my vacation and found thee that fit the bill for our Route 66 drive - two in used and one new. The staff seemed ready to help but willing to leave us alone to browse too which is perfect for me

What a phenomenal bookstore. I could have spent hours in here, browsing through all of the staff recommendations, buying gifts, and combing through the used book section downstairs. One of my favorite things here was the "Blind date with a book" section, where you can take a wrapped book (for a donation) and unwrap it after "purchase." What a clever idea!

Awesome independent bookstore with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. They always have good displays and themed groupings of books that help you find something you didn't know you were looking for.

I have always loved this bookstore, the selection is overwhelming. I love the fact that they open at 11 AM. on Sunday. It makes for a great shopping experience after breakfast. You'll always find a good read for a lazy afternoon. I think one of my good traits is that when I'm dumb, I can openly admit it. In fact, sometimes it gives me a good laugh and that happened Sunday when I visited Left Bank Books. I had no idea there was an entire lower level of used books. I was amazed at the variety of selection and quantity. Next time I'm in a store and see a staircase, I'm taking the adventure and following the steps to see where they lead me. Cat allergy alert - they have a house cat who is very friendly and loving.

An adorable, quaint little (actually decent sized) book store that is perfect for a date, just browsing books, or finding yourself lost in an unexpected literary adventure. My favorite part of this particular bookstore is that they have a section of "mystery" books where each book is wrapped in such a way that you can't see the title or the cover in anyway, however a short description of the book is given to peak your interest. I have found some of my new favorite books this way and I have yet to be disappointed. There are multiple levels and just when you think you cant find a new set of books to explore, the store surprised you; from classics, to children's books, to new books, to once forgotten favorite authors you truly can find something for everyone in this bookstore. I have even seen some titles that I hadn't read or thought about since high school, quite nostalgic! The quality ranges from obviously well loved to brand spanking new, so whether you're a literary purest looking for the rarest finds or just seeking something new to grace your bookshelf, you'll most likely find what you're looking for. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful when you don't know what exactly you're looking for. Each time I have been here I have had nothing but amazing and professional interactions. The right person could spend hours here in this sea of literature. I would highly recommend for anyone who loves books!

What's the first thing you should do when you have to get reading glasses? Buy new books. What better place to do that then an adorably charming and quaint local bookstore? Honestly, I was bummed when I finally had to admit that I needed reading glasses. But when I got them, it was a total relief and I wanted to get back to reading as soon as I could. I really love the laid-back vibe here, and it's cool to take your time to wander around and see all of the different sections. I walked away with a cool selection of stuff... a few hardcover fiction books, a few things political, and an autobiography. My purchase certainly wasn't cheap, but it was money well spent in more than one way. And, bonus, I left with three boxes of cool Christmas cards to use this year that were created by MOMA! Snag a couple of their free bookmarks 'cause you're gonna need them. Also, there's definitely a cat there, because I went from calm and collected to sneezy and swollen in about fifteen minutes. But it was still worth it!

A jewel of St. Louis. Right up there with the Eads Bridge, Tower Grove Park, Bellefontaine Cemetary, Blueprint Coffee, Urban Loafers bread, and Clementine's ice cream (sorry, am I forgetting anything iconic?). Staff is always helpful, often knowledgeable. It's a perfect place to browse, which means you come in not knowing what you want, and you leave having made great purchases. Someone is curating the selection well. It's good stuff and no waste. Buyer's program makes the prices reasonable. And it's a lovely locale. And don't you want to live in a town with a great bookstore? Now, get off your computer (or your i-phone) and get your sorry ass over to those shelves and look and feel and breathe what's it's like to be around big ideas.

Fair disclosure: I'm not normally allowed into bookshops. I own roughly 3000 books and so if it is a disease to simply buy books anywhere close to you, I'm self aware of my condition, and as such, stay away from book stores. Given that I had just been by the annual book sale at the Chatillon-Demenil Home, and had bought roughly 100 books for about $40, I was "in the mood." In the window display was a two-volume set of huge graphic books on "Advertising in the Mad Men era." I asked the gentleman at the counter if I could see them and he kindly obliged. I tucked myself into a quiet corner for 20 minutes and browsed across both the "50s" and "60s" volume. I was expecting a high cost, but the set was only $60. However, it wasn't on my "to-buy" list. As I circled throughout the store I saw a sign leading downstairs to...omg...used books! I tried not to run down the stairs where I managed to pick up a few more treasures before escaping with my life. Or at least my wallet. Foursquare offers a "rookie" check-in special for 15% off your first visit. Worth the download, even if you don't keep the app afterwards (fair disclosure: I'm a foursquare nut). A lovely bookstore catty-cornered from my favorite pizza place in town: Pi.