Schuler Books Grand Rapids

I’m a millennial who desperately misses Borders bookstores and am eternally grateful to the girl on TikTok who posted about Schuler Books. This is everything I wish bookstores still were. The curated sections, the handwritten recommendation cards from staff, the varied selections… They had bargain books, some used books, box sets, bookish merch and decor. The children’s section is so whimsical. And the employees were all super nice! They also have a full cafe, and a quieter study space to n the back. So plenty of places to stay awhile. I can’t wait for my next Michigan trip so I can stop back by Schuler. I’m jealous of anyone who gets to call this their regular book spot..

I was just in here today for the first time. Not sure what to expect from this store Ive never heard of. This place is a plethora of both New & Uses books. Employees were friendly & courteous. I liked seeing the small cards noting employee person interests on shelves! The store was clean and well organized. They also have these random sitting areas here & there! I highly recommend checking this place out! 👍👍😁🇺🇸

This bookstore is amazing! It may just be that I'm from a small town, but this bookstore has EVERYTHING. The staff was warm and welcoming, and the store was clean and inviting! I was there to attend a cook book signing event. I pre-ordered my book online with no complications, and they held it for me at the store until the event. They communicated with emails and updates about the event. They set clear and manageable expectations. They were curtious, and efficient. All of these things combined made for a very smooth and enjoyable experience, with a very hometown feel. Thank you for your hospitality!

I went in to purchase some Christmas cards, discovered the cafe, and stayed there to enjoy a cinnamon roll and americano coffee before shopping. Coffee and roll were excellent, as well as the service. Very nice quality selection of cards to pick from, difficult to choose, but finally decided on one. Fast friendly checkout, reasonably priced.

I love this book store as far as big book stores go. I've loved coming here since I was a little kid. Pretty sure somewhere I even have old bookmarks from back then too lol. Out of all the employees I saw, only 2 were in a good mood. Like I get it. Retail absolutely sucks. I worked it for a long time. Them being in a rotten mood doesnt mean they need/have to share it with customers. Then it just makes the customers experience subpar no matter the retail store. Then there was my experience at the café. From the get go, the employee was not kind. I order 2 drinks and an oatmeal basin cookie to share with my toddler as a fun snack. My little dude got frustrated bc he spilled his drink on himself. He 2. 2yr olds get inconvenienced by the silliest tini things that make the world devastating. Immediately started getting glared at by the employees over there. So cool. Let's just silently mom shame bc my kiddo got upset. Thats great. Oh, and did I mention i never even got the cookie I paid for? Anyway, if you made it this far, probably won't be going here for a while as that shopping trip wasn't great due to the employees. The store though is always well clean and well put together with a crazy amount of books to choose from. Just make employee interaction minimal as they might be in a pissy mood.

Such a fun store! Lots of great books, new and used. Fun kitschy knick-knacks, stickers, and gifts. Great lunch options too! Had a look around, got some lunch, then went back through to make purchases. Staff were really helpful to find specific titles, and they just let you browse without interrupting. Highly recommend!

The workers were very helpful and helped me look for the books I wanted and my cashier was friendly. The prices are high, though they do have a used book section. The book organization was enjoyable and they have an entire kids section. Lot of spaces around the entire store to sit, in the cafe and by books. Great game selection.

This is the cutest, biggest, and definitely most worthwhile bookstore I love driving an hour to get to! The café is incredible, the selection of books both old and new is extensive, and the THEMED TABLES! What bookstore lover doesn't love a themed table?

Love Schuler! I've been here in the past for a meeting, but never for the cafe. They have tons of interesting things and all sorts of gift ideas. On a Thursday afternoon I was looking for a change of scenery and popped in to work from the cafe. The line was long and the pastry display was pretty depleted, but to me that means the food must be epic. It was busy when I arrived. I placed an order for a Baklava, the featured sandwich, and an iced coffee. The Baklava was amazing. The featured sandwich came with a bag of chips, and the iced coffee was good. Overall it was the perfect spot to pop into and work for a few hours.

First time in a location of this local chain. Good selection of books but I felt like I was in a Barnes and Noble. The only difference was Schuylers offers used books. There were 5 employees at the register with only one doing any work. The rest were talking and having a good time.

I like to support local businesses, but Schuler makes it difficult. Their cafe staff are extremely rude and lazy. Portions of sandwiches are about a third of the size that they used to be, and the soups are salty and taste canned. They don't hire the level of people that they used to at all, including at the bookstore counters. Someone told me that they used to have a test you'd need to take to be sure that you knew books and had a level of intelligence; clearly, this is no longer a requirement. The response that I got twice when I asked if they carried a book was "if it's on the shelf, then we have it." Wow. Brilliant.

I love coming here to study and finish homework on the weekends while grabbing a bite to eat. The atmosphere is very welcoming and the staff is always friendly as well! I love getting the greek salad always, they make a really superb salad! I can't wait for my next visit!

So much fun! I appreciate the vibe and lovely recommendations. Indie bookstores are the best!

Walked over from a nearby car shop to grab breakfast and get some work done. The menu is pretty simple and I went with a ham, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel and an orange juice. The staff was very friendly and my sandwich was ready within 5 minutes. The sandwich was pretty good and the bagel seemed fresh, although somewhat small. The dining area is definitely dated and I couldn't find a table near an outlet, which was a bummer. The tables were all clean though and they quickly cleared my dirty dishes to allow me to work with more room. Overall, great bookstore with a nice cafe. Definitely hasn't been updated in a long time but it's not a huge deal. Friendly staff around every corner!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first entered Schuler Books. People recommended me to visit this bookstore for a while, so I finally made a visit. At first glance, it reminded me of Barnes and Noble. However, once I made my way around the store, I realized it was SO much more than just that! When you enter, there is a cute cafe on your right. There are so many tables, and I saw some people drinking coffee and eating pastries casually. The tables were nicely spaced apart, and it seemed like a great place to just meet up with friends. On the left of the cafe, there is the children's section, which was personally my favorite section. So many cute toys and books! Kids would love to hang out here (though they wont be able to touch some of the other higher end stuffed animals), as they have so many different types of fun, entertaining, and/or educational types of books. I did notice most of the toys did seem to be high quality, thus being higher priced. There is a bathroom in the children section that is clean. Close to the children's section are some little cool gadgets, ranging from fun toothbrush holders, stress balls, different scented soaps, quirky table accessories, etc. They also had a mini Harry Potter table with books and spin offs from the original novels (like Harry Potter recipes), which was cool. Also another mini shelf with books on dragons, with stuffed dragons placed there too). At the back are plenty of tables where you can read or sit down. There is a mini room behind where they have meetings or talks. Apart from the usual non-fiction, fiction, teen, self help, etc sections you'd expect from a bookstore, they have a plethora of games - card games, puzzles, etc. Worth to check it out! And the music section is a small section, but they have vinyl records of old tunes to popular albums today (I even saw one with Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift), and CDs.

As a college student years ago, I recall spending a lot of time here to study Enjoyable as one, with fam, or with a buddy Seating expanded, never without A bathroom too, accessible, no doubt At the corner cafe I would order a coffee or a flavored latte For food, always enjoyed the quiche with fruit or the half orchard harvest ham Consistent menu, thank you, creature of habit I am Treats on display Large and tempting I'd say Cards, gift options, books, and more! I can't find any reason to not like this store I recommend as a place to stop Enjoy the cafe or simply to shop!

I have many fond memories of going to Schuler Books & Music in Lansing while in college to eat lunch in the cafe and read as many magazines as I could in one sitting. Unfortunately now they have signs everywhere saying you can only bring items you've purchased into the cafe, but I still enjoy checking out this location every once in awhile. I usually do most of my book shopping/ordering at Books and Mortar since it's a lot closer to my house, but Schuler is on another level as it's pretty huge and they have a ton of awesome gift items that are fun to browse. Games, puzzles, calendars, vinyl, used books, candles, kitchen items, toys, stickers, the list goes on! I'm sure you could find a gift for everyone on your list at Schuler. They're an independently owned, local bookstore, so definitely wonderful to support. The employees at Schuler are always polite and willing to help you find something or special order any books you might need. I've called them several times looking for specific gifts and they always are happy to go check and see if they have what I'm looking for before I make the drive down to 28th Street. There is plenty of parking in their private lot. Like any good bookstore, they host author readings, story times, and special holiday events each year. They also buy used books but check out the website as the guidelines are pretty specific.

by far my favorite book store. the selection is great for new and used books. the cafe always has delicious latte and baked goods.

This is a really spacious and nice bookstore. I think a lot of the books are used but in really good shape. It's laid out like a Barnes and noble but includes specialty items like music and there was stuffed animal sighting as well. I think they have a cafe but we didn't check it out. I didn't give it the full five because It didn't meet my own personal reading interests. But book lovers should at least check it out!

Hailey was a HUGE help to my granddaughter. It is PRIDE month and she was looking for queer books. What an exceptional employee you have in Hailey. She was patient, kind and extremely helpful. You made our trip to Schuler Books very enjoyable.

A very nice, well stocked store. It was nice to see various editions of classics as well as good runs of series titles. Great displays of new fiction and non-fiction and themed display tables. Extensive used hardcover & paperback selections in good condition and at good prices. There was a nice variety of gift items. Employees were pleasant. Wheelchair accessible with good number of handicapped parking spaces. Cafe looked inviting.

It's a great bookstore with a nice cafe in the middle. Lots of books at various price points. I like that they have a used section. They service is friendly and helpful.

I ordered an item as a Christmas gift. It was out of stock - a very common occurrence at Schuler Books. I was told to expect a phone call when it arrived. Never heard from the store. I call. It had arrived 12 days earlier. As I could not get to the store before Christmas, I asked for a refund and was placed on hold. After, probably a consultation with the manager (come on, a clerk can't handle this), I was told the item was not refundable. Keep it, I said and disputed, and won, with the credit card company. What pisses me off, is for over two decades I have bought books from Shuler's at a sometimes 50% higher cost than at the large chains and Amazon. You know, to support a local merchant. Two other Shuler locations in Grand Rapids shuttered. With service like this for a loyal customer, a third is on the horizon. Going forward, I will not be a patron of your store.

This is a great bookstore. My favorite. Many books to select, magazines and gifts. The staff write recommendations on some books and they have been spot on about the book. Independent book store provide a better range of books which can get overlooked by new york times best sellers.

Love Schuler's! They have everything! Great for kids, they offer weekly Storytime with fun activities and prizes for the little ones. They have a good space for events which you can rent. I like the cafe although I've had a hit and miss on my cappuccino and grilled cheese. It's awesome that they offer a kids book with the kids meal though! Free parking lot out front. Nice friendly staff. Tons of lovely gift items for everyone and GREAT book sales. Best book shop in my opinion.

I do like this bookstore, it's aesthetically very pleasing, the workers are friendly and competent, the selection is good. I had a couple of somewhat unusual titles to find, and they found them including the one that had been misplaced by a shopper. Mixed new and used with some local music CDs. Wasn't a fan of the food, but the coffee was good. I only wish I could get it in a proper espresso cup and saucer so I could relax with my purchases and forget that the world out there sucks. Why can't I do that with a disposable cup and plastic cover? Well I just can't. Don't you judge me, I'm incredibly well bred.

I'll start this by saying, I love books. Therefore, I really love book stores and libraries. These places are forums of knowledge and imagination. The smell of vellum and paper usually mingled with strong coffee is intoxicating to me. This is exactly why I, nearly weekly, find myself in Schuler's. This is a great place to me, new or used there is something for everyone. There is a cute little cafe and all kinds of knick knacks that make for interesting browsing. Great Michigan related swag too. The staff is always friendly and helpful. If you haven't checked Schuler's, go stroll through.

Great book store with a huge selection but yet still operates with a local bookstore feel.

wide range of books and genres, clean environment, and friendly staff. there's seating around the cafe to unwind and relax.

I was pretty certain I wrote a review of Schuler's after my last visit to GRR. But I guess I dreamt it. I love a good independent book shop and Schuler's had you covered! They have used and new books and plenty of staff on hand to helps. Plus they have a tasty coffee shop. Oh and tchotchkes and magazines and bestsellers and esoteric books and USED books and kids books and reading list books and and... I could go on. The shop is well laid out and checking out is easy peasy even in December.

I've been going here since I was a child, and 25 yrs later I still love it here. I mostly go for the used book selection, and am happy to support a lovely local bookstore. Going here not only brings back memories of running around as a child, but is a nice environment with good selection. I always bring my friends from out of town here, when they visit :)

I love this quiet little hidden gem. With it's cute little cafe (Chapbook Cafe) it's a perfect spot for munching, reading, & meeting friends for quite conversation or uninterrupted computer work. It carries a wide variety of gifts, pens, & all things books.

If you're looking for adult or children, this place has it all. Any book you can want, is awaiting behind these doors. Friendly staff along with plenty of space to relax and read, ALONG with a cafe. If you're a book lover I 100% recommend coming and hanging out here. My first book was bought here since moving to Michigan!

We came here on a beautiful, cold Tuesday morning for story time with Miss Margaret and it was such a fun circle time with other under 5s! Miss Margaret had tiny wooden stools set up in a c-shape and engaged every kid and adult in attendance. It was a Halloween theme story time so we read 3 books starting with the shorter, baby books and moving lastly to the longer kid book. That was a great progression because the wiggly younger ones only sat still for 1 book :) At the end, we all got to choose paper hats, crowns, or masks! After story time, we wandered the bookstore and I couldn't believe how much Schulers has changed! I hadn't been in for a few years and it seems like the used book section has really expanded! I picked up a basically new book on Hawaii for $4 - can't wait to go there next year!

Best independent bookstore in MI! I visit the GR location often. The selection is unparalleled and the staff is incredible!

This place really isn't as great as you might think, especially if you are from out of town. It's just a boring old bookstore with 1990s furnishings and random trinkets (like socks) for the grandkids. The size is impressive, but without helpful staff, interesting recommendations, and a layout designed to help you find something new and fun, why would you bother to come here? Hoping to find a nice cool bookstore in Grand Rapids with a fun vibe, nice storefront, and helpful staff, I stopped into this store based on the reviews. Entering, it was like being transported back in time, to a simpler time, when people demanded less of their big-box bookstores. The large sprawling space (complete with a rather weird "performance" space thrown in the back that might as well have been a closet. The beige color and fake light wood throughout are almost a homecoming of sorts for anyone over the age of 40 and for lovers of IHOP's interior design. There are no books highlighted, no staff reviews, no featured novel picks of the month. This place is boring and....tired. The coffee shop too is also disappointing. Instead of a fun vibe with trendy coffee from reputable sources, the stand-in here is basically an airport Coffee Beanery. Again, not bad, but boring and not unique. Overall for how much people seem to scream "independent" when they review this location, there's not a lot (nothing) unique about this place, the space, or the older folk that frequent here. It's quite like visiting your grandparents: I'm sure it's nice once in a while, but no one is going to feel the need to stop by when it's not around the holidays. If you're not from the area save yourself the time and go to a bookstore when you get home.

Very pleasant independent bookstore with coffee, CDs and other gifts. My brother-in-law and fellow Star Trek fan needed one more present to replicate the birthday presents Captain Kirk got in "The Wrath of Khan." You'd think the antique reading glasses would have been my biggest problem ("For most patients your age I usually prescribe Retinax 5...") but it was the copy of Dickens that didn't arrive in time ( "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... Message Spock?" ). This excellent bookstore has the kind of staff that understood what I was looking for and gave me a choice of four different copies of A Tale of Two Cities, perfectly understanding my needs (so they are well read, and culturally competent, not to mention they know their complex stock), I settled on the most appropriate higher quality used copy. Parking is easy in their lot, and it's nice to see in this day and age, it's a pretty busy place.

Schuler Books is one of Grand Rapids' best independent book stores. It's located on busy 28th Street and has every book a chain would have from kids books to travel books. They also have a cafe that serves coffee and lunch. It's nothing amazing, but it's food. They also have enough plug ins around the cafe for people to come and work/study.

I love Schuler Books. Locally owned bookstore with great selection of books, magazines, cards, etc. Kids' book section is great as is the cozy cafe.

I love Schuler's! I mainly go for their used book selection. You know, because budget. I love to look at their puzzle varieties, as well as the cute gift selection. Their is a cafe, which holds select events at times. They also have book signings which they post on their website.

I have a full beard and wear a doubled up gator with a pouch sewn in to hold an N95 mask in place. The first layer compresses my beard, the second and third hold the rated mask tightly over my mouth and nose. This provides a solution as fitted as possible when using a rated mask with a beard, protects my ears, and allows for safe and simple doffing for decontamination. I was denied entry due to this mask and was provided (by hand) a paper loop hygienist's mask. It was explained that management has determined the effectiveness of certain styles of masks, and has added this (grossly incorrect and unsafe) assumption above that required and recommended by law. Opting to follow this ignorance for the sake of time, I lost real protection, but I suppose enjoyed the fact that I was able to breath completely unrestricted in public for the first time in a year, with only a small sheet of paper suspended 2 inches from my face thanks to my beard. I try so hard and go well out of my way to support local, and live by the idea that we need to fight to keep people in the process. This was an uncomfortable, and unsafe, reminder that some people are removed from process because they enact decisions such as this without thought, and put others at unnecessary risk.

I attended an author event at Schuler Books. The tickets were $35 which included the book and a guaranteed place in line. I messaged Schuler Books prior to the event to ask if my children needed a ticket also. They would not need a book, they would simply be standing with me. Schuler Books replied that no ticket was needed and children were more than welcome to attend. Fast forward to the day of the event. My children and I walked in and were greeted with a worker shouting "do you have a ticket?" I said I do and the worker said "what about them?" referencing my children. I said no and the worker griped that everyone needed a ticket. I showed her the message and she just huffed at it. Two other workers were at the counter. Both were on the phone. One of them wrote a note saying to ask Lauren. The worker that greeted us said Lauren wasn't to be bothered. Finally, she found an answer and said "the children must stand, they cannot sit." Really? I get that people bought tickets for the seats but this was not a standing room only event. There were empty chairs in the speaker room but there were my children, sitting on the floor. Plus, the signing was supposed to go until 10pm. I didn't reach the front of the line until 10pm and there was still a ton of people behind me.

This place is so cute and cozy, and way too much fun. Large selection of bargain books, even a used section! I've found a lot of unique things here, especially in the children's section. Their Cafe is very good too!

Amazing service, even with online shopping. I ordered 3 books for my brother at 10pm, and asked for them to be wrapped. I picked them up the next day at 11am, 13 hours later! The wrapping looks great too! A great book store.

I went in to study in their cafe because I am a student and I have no where else to study as my campus is on lockdown. I bought a drink from the cafe so I had a right to their cafe, and the second I sat down, they told me I couldn't be there. Almost the whole cafe was filled with people reading or playing games, but the second I pulled out a notebook, I was no longer welcome. Rude staff. I was just trying to have a quiet space to study.

If a weekend passes that I don't browse at Schuler, there is a little bit of emptiness. I didn't visit this place for the first few months I lived in GR, because it looked too corporate or chain-y (or ... religious?) Wrong on ALL counts. It's a long-standing and thriving INDEPENDENT bookstore. Here are some of the things I like about it: 1. The "book club" table at the front, with info on what GR bookclubs are reading, which ones are looking for new members, and a 20% off deal for all bookclub reads. 2. USED BOOK SECTIONS! There is a huge section of fiction, and other used reads (history, biography, cookbooks, etc.) are located within their respective sections. 3. The vinyl collection. My husband isn't as much of a reader as I am, but can keep himself entertained perusing the record selection, which is masterfully stocked with new and old, popular and fringe. Thank you, Schuler music manager, for creating an environment we can enjoy together :-) 4. The soy lattes. So, so, SO glad this bookstore is always well-populated and well-stocked.

I like their used selection of books for both grown-ups & kids. Nice Michigan-themed t-shirts. Great magazine selection. Nice seating area. Helpful employees. A policy against concealed carry. WiFi.

Yes, sometimes Barnes and Noble can be a good thing. But when you have a choice, it feels so good to go local. Schuler is exactly what you want in a local bookstore. The space is cozy, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the coffee is tasty. When you're in the mood for a good book but don't have anything specific in mind, this is the perfect destination. That said, if there's something you want that they don't have in stock they'll order it for you. They have interesting events, inspiring readings and a kickin' kids section.

I absolutely love coming to Schulers book & Music here on 28th St, but i had the the most annoying time her today 6-23-20 ( time between 3- 5pm) as I have been sitting in the cafe drinking my coffee and snack trying to read the magazine i had purchased, the staff of girls behind the cafe counter were sooo loud, it was extremely annoying as they laughed and giggled at a rediculous volume. I'm there was a teen and her mother doing homework at the table next to me, and i could hear the staff way over anything the table next to me. Maybe it's just me but part of the allure of a bookstore is the quiet atmosphere, Yes, there have been times when a group ( pre Covid) would be kind of loud, but this was just an unpleasant experience, as it was seemed to be the girls really wanted everyone to hear and the overly loud laughs were just annoying, i have been coming here for many years and never been this annoyed

I was devastated when Barnes & Nobles closed their wonderful store and moved to the mall. So I tried Schulers. No doubt in my mind that Schulers is now far better than the B & N. They have a wonderful selection of used books and a selection of signed editions. They have periodic author signings and seem very "user friendly". Downside is the lack of sales or membership cards that gave me discounts at B & N. Full price is tough to swallow with Amazon and Costco in the game.

A local bookstore dedicated to the art of reading. This full service bookstore has an impressive selection of books, magazines, music and gifts. The cafe is a nice place to enjoy a light fare and cup of coffee. The children's section is a wonderful reading room stocked with beautiful books and resources. The staff is very helpful, knowledgable and eager to help. They have an easy to navigate website, too.

This place made me wish I lived in or near Grand Rapids - I'd be here on a regular basis. Books, Music, Cards, Gift items - and all of it wonderfully selected and displayed. A welcoming place...

Walked into Schuler Books on 28th Street in time to see them printing off an author's on-demand print job. It prints the pages and cover, glues the book together, and trims it, all within the one printing unit. Fascinating to watch. What I learned from this is that not only can I find all the latest new books from Schulers, but now books that were out of reach because they were out of print are suddenly within reach and just a drive away. Remember when you would ask to buy a book and you'd find out it was out of print? That usually meant hunting down a copy online or at a used book store, or waiting for the day - if ever - a publisher would print a new run. Not anymore. Many publishing houses are opening up their files to on-demand publishers like Schuler Books, shortening the process and time - and cost - for getting that book! And they have access to Google's file of books. Maybe Barnes and Noble is backed by New York's vast warehouses, but they don't have Schuler's resources!

I was skeptical, but I liked it ultimately. This is surprisingly big for an independent bookstore, with a decent selection. It is apparent that the staff is literate as they have displayed favorite reads with brief reviews (a la Borders, etc.). Good selection of literary fiction. A few rows of used books at reasonable prices (i bet the staff gets first dibs).

Good selection of books, competitive with any of the bigger chain book stores. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Staff is always friendly and helpful. There is a nice selection of retail items for home or gifts. They often host music events by local bands, book signings, and children's activities. Local authors have the opportunity to get their work pointed and sold here. The coffee shop is a great place to relax or meet with others.

I have tried super hard to continue to support Schulers, even through Covid and even though it takes a lot more effort (and some more $) not to use Amazon. I tried not to be impatient when they removed all the seating, because you know, we're all a lot more infectious when we're seated , and I was SO excited when the cafe finally re-opened. I love to bring my granddaughters, get them a treat, look at books together, and let them each select one to purchase. Except, oh yeah, it turns out we're also WAY more infectious looking at books while seated in the cafe than looking at books standing in the aisles! I'm pretty much giving up on a 30-year love affair with this store. I have pretty significant knee problems so browsing while standing is challenging, and with my little girls it's hard to keep track of them unless I can corral them all at a table while we look through books. This prohibition is STUPID, lazy, and nonsensical. It doesn't keep anyone safer, and makes Schuler's useless to me. Amazon, you got me finally!

I enjoy the atmosphere and the used book selection. But the prices for new books are high. I asked if they price matched and was met with a rude "no, if we did that we'd go out of business" Because of that, i found new books for half the cost elsewhere. And Schuler lost a customer. Price matching isn't going to make any store go out of business. Its good customer service. I dont see how losing a customer wont hurt your businese, but price matching will.