After recently watching the documentary "The Booksellers" (which I highly recommend), I got the old itch to lose myself in the dusty shelves of an old used book store, something I've always loved but haven't done since well before the pandemic.
This one is the closest to me so thought it a good place to start. It is indeed dusty and shabby and has lots of character. As is usually the case, though, I was pretty disappointed that two of my favorite topics (and often the only topics I peruse thoroughly or at all in any bookstore) - Mythology/Folklore and Occult - were very sparsely represented, each with many labeled but bare shelves. Meanwhile the Christianity section was overflowing. Guess it just goes to show that I'm still in a minority and that this is still, sadly, the "Bible Belt". Though I recall Readers' Corner, in Raleigh, having much better selections of both. Durham needs to get with the times and broaden its horizons.
I was happy to find two unique titles that jumped out at me and were both very relevant to my current life situation and interests, and both were in great shape (and one a hardcover), which was why I didn't mind paying just a touch more than I had guessed I would be. I also greatly appreciated seeing, and was briefly tempted by, some very old (well over 100 years) volumes and books in foreign languages, German in particular.
I would visit again but I'd very much like to see more variety and more titles in certain topics that are almost always underrepresented. Also, many of the labels on the shelves desperately need to be replaced, as they are torn in half and make browsing and locating topics unnecessarily difficult. Also the labels spelled "Judiaca"...
Shaquana Barnes
Sep 24, 2021
3
Only giving it the stars because of book variety. Did not feel welcoming.
David Hunt
Jul 23, 2021
5
Been going there for 30 years, best store of its kind in Durham
Nathan Godsey
Jun 27, 2021
3
Organization was off in selection of books. Prices were fair, considering cost of living and it being an independent bookstore in the heart of Durham. The exterior of building really reminds you not to judge a book by its cover as the interior of the building had all these great selections of books :)
Erik Deckers
May 22, 2021
5
If you love searching through old books to see what treasures you can find, this is a great bookstore for you. Plenty of old books, pulp novels, and even comic books. Definitely a must stop for the Intown visitor, and a regular visit for the locals.
Melissa McBride
May 31, 2021
5
A friend suggested this for old manga floppies and it delivered. A surprisingly large selection of older alternative comics. A really nice place to browse for anything that might strike your fancy; the owner was very nice. I love stores like this.
William Foxworth
Jan 7, 2021
5
I found some great comics.
Joey “Breakfasthouse” Selinger
Dec 9, 2020
5
Great comic book and graphic novel section
Jason Harrod
Nov 24, 2020
5
Durham mainstay and holdout. Very good selection. Go-to bookstore when you need a place to go to.
Nataliy Corbin
Nov 15, 2020
3
Old books but if you like to read , you can find some bargains
Hunter Humburg
Aug 16, 2020
4
Very quaint little store. Clean and well kept. Odd selection of books, though. Missing some SciFi staples but a fantastic comic section.
Bryce Jahner
Feb 10, 2018
5
Fantastic selection of off the beaten path books. The owner isn’t wildly social and has rarely engaged me, but browsing is fun anyways!
林培源
Aug 24, 2018
5
I donated a box of used books to this used book store which was founded in 1983.I wrote an email to Mr. Gordon last week,who told me that they accepted donation of used books.
Clarence Dillard
Oct 7, 2016
5
Really cool little place. Great assortment of used books and vtnil. But the reason I keep coming is their comic book section. The best Indy section in Durham. Awesome discount graphic novels and much more. The staff are super friendly and helpful. A true hidden gem.
ProfessorBucky
Feb 12, 2020
5
Got an out of print book for a good deal and great condition. Super happy!!!! Thank you.
Jamie Kornahrens
Dec 14, 2019
5
A true bookworms delight. Books as high and low as the eye can see and no one trying to help you. You don't even have to talk to anyone if you don't want to. The atmosphere is hypnotic and relaxing. Love it!
Audria Johnson
Dec 5, 2019
4
This bookstore is a neat little place with a whole lot of books set up by genres to make it easy to find what you are looking for. Each section is set up by authors last name to help you find that particular author you are searching for. They have an abundance amount of vinyl records again set up by artist. I wasn't greeted by the employee, as he was busy working in his work area and I was there to look for books. When I had a question about where a certain genre was located, he politely showed me where to find it. I will be back to look again in the future. A must check out for any type of reader.
Really awesome hole in the wall bookstore. Comic book selection awesome. I will definitely be back
Benjamin Williams
Nov 20, 2018
5
Cozy and full of interesting volumes, well worth a browse and close to 9th Street for refreshments.
Ramona K
Apr 5, 2019
5
Smells delightful! Lots of books. Also carries VDs and DVDs. Exactly what you expect in a used bookstore.
Diana Carranza
Dec 31, 2018
5
I stumbled upon this place on New Year's Eve to search for books on Ancient Egypt. I found plenty of nice books and purchased them. It was quiet and has a very cozy and nostalgic feel to it. I would recommend this place and will return!
James Northcutt
May 2, 2019
5
Besides the wide selection of used books, there is a nicely curated collection of new comics. A lot of good comic classics, and fun issues of science fiction magazines like Analog and Asimov's.
Santosh Dash
May 14, 2022
5
An awesome used bookstore .. rightly priced with many old and antique books .. must stop by in Durham
Bruce Gibson
Sep 5, 2022
4
Had a Great selection of Books to choose from. Nice old store. Looks messy but I like that look in a used stores. Gives it charm like a family place. Not like you need to be afraid of breaking anything. The gentleman there was Great and helpful.
Clarence Dillard
May 11, 2022
5
Really cool little place. Great assortment of used books and vtnil. But the reason I keep coming is their comic book section. The best Indy section in Durham. Awesome discount graphic novels and much more. The staff are super friendly and helpful. A true hidden gem. I love them!
ProfessorBucky
Audria Johnson
Garrett Petruzzi (Anonymous Millennial)
Ramona K
Diana Carranza
James Northcutt
