Name: Letters Community Bookshop
Telephone: (919) 973-2573

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Phone: (919) 973-2573

Directions 4.8

Peruse new and used books at downtown shop Letters Bookshop and don't miss the second floor where you can find books on music, art and other interests – plus, join the Silent Book Club for light socializing and communal reading.

Google Rating

4.8

Lindsay V 4 years ago

Such a great bookstore with a huge selection. I love that they offer new and used books, as well as discounts on new fiction. It was all well organized and labeled with some cool tables with interesting topics as well. Love the upstairs area too. So cool!
Alex Davis 3 years ago

The style of this place was amazing. It was quite frankly one of the prettiest and esthetic bookstores I have been in. They had really cool copies of tons of vintage books that were just gorgeous and only 9$. I did find their fiction section to be a little lacking, but I might have just not looked long enough. The upstairs was really cool and the ceiling and doors up there gave old timey glamour vibes. Overall a cool store.
Chaemin S a month ago

We visited several used and new locally owned bookstores in the area, and this was by far my favorite one!! It feel so inviting and relaxing! They staff are friendly, helpful, and kind! Everything is clean and well organized! There are lots of helpful little cards on books that give you an idea of what it's about, more than just the cookie cutter description on the back of the book. There are a few areas to lounge around. Don't miss the upstairs space! The stairs are just to the left as you go in. Simply lovely store!
Rebecca M a month ago

I noticed Letters Bookshop from the Pie Pushers window and just watched customers keep going inside and then leaving with bags. So I had to see for myself what was drawing all these people in.

William welcomed me when I walked in, asked what I normally read, and let me know there was an upstairs as well, with more books. I did just stay on the first floor this visit, but I was so impressed by their beautifully curated inventory. They carry a wonderful selection of new fiction, poetry, children's books, and used books, along with fascinating sections on art, music, and nonfiction. They even had a discount section with books priced at $3.98 or less, which is incredible! They also have dedicated topic tables that highlight local North Carolina authors and underrepresented voices, which is wonderful to see. I found some board books to donate to the Little Free Library I was at the other day.

If you've been reading my reviews for a while now, you know I love history and the architecture of older buildings being reused. It is an inclusive store, so everyone is welcome. It is a community-owned cooperative bookstore.

The 1915 building, originally home to Merchants Bank, was built after the 1914 fire in Durham. It is a Neoclassical Revival-style building with massive, majestic Ionic columns that define its street-facing storefront. It later became Hood Industrial Bank and was then used for businesses like Letters. Letters opened back in 2013 at a nearby location and moved into its current space in 2021.

I wish I had gone to the second floor to see the stained glass ceiling. So that just means I will need to make another shopping visit. I need to give myself more time so I can find something for me to read next time.
Duke de PallMall 2 weeks ago

It's a beautiful bookstore in every respect - as a space, with that beautiful glass ceiling and lounge space in the upper floor, the book arrangements, the great selection of literature and paraphernalia, as well as excellent offers on second hand readings. And of course the wonderful, engaging staff,who do it all.