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The Regulator Bookshop

4.8

720 9th St
Durham, NC 27705
Phone: (919) 286-2700
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The Regulator Bookshop
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Photo of Amber Brown Amber Brown
Apr 5, 2019 5

Loving a lot of the changes that have happened recently. Brighter, friendly, better organized. Went to the Samuel R Delany event and had an enjoyable time! Definitely stop by if you're in the area.

Photo of Allie Grey Allie Grey
Apr 6, 2019 3

This place used to be great but they haven't been as good since they changed ownership a few years ago. They have a nice open layout though.

Photo of Eladio Bobadilla Eladio Bobadilla
Apr 29, 2019 5

A piece of Durham history and culture! Great finds and great people.

Photo of Shelby Grant Shelby Grant
Jan 11, 2019 5

This a family favorite. Dad gets his New York Times, the kids get great children's books, it is a great bookstore. Please buy your books from there instead of Amazon. 😁

Photo of Joi Whittington Joi Whittington
Feb 9, 2019 5

Somewhat small, but you can totally lose an hour quite easily perusing the shelves here. Love the selection of works by local writers!

Photo of Grant Welch Grant Welch
Mar 8, 2019 5

Smiling faces and warm welcome as soon aa I walked in. Very helpful staff.

Photo of Kai Tippett Kai Tippett
Aug 5, 2019 5

Very nice local bookstore! Well-organized, and the staff is friendly and helpful. One of my favorite places.

Photo of Kristina Evans Kristina Evans
Jul 28, 2019 5

Great kids selection. Service wss great

Photo of Kristina Evans Kristina Evans
Jul 28, 2019 5

Awesome old fashioned bookstore. Lots of kids activities

Photo of Max B. Max B.
Oct 9, 2019 5

This is a fantastic, if cramped, antique shop! The staff here are energetic, eccentric, and really are very knowledgeable about the products they sell. Everyone is here to have fun. I'd recommend this place every time.

Photo of Medora Burke-Scoll Medora Burke-Scoll
Oct 8, 2019 5

They have a little bit of everything. This is my favorite book store. The staff always helps me find the perfect read.

Photo of Graham McCullough Graham McCullough
Oct 2, 2019 5

They have it, and if they don't, they'll get it for you. It's a clean, calm and helpful place

Photo of Ron Silliman Ron Silliman
Sep 4, 2019 4

Pretty modest bookshop this close to a major university. Poetry section had none of the major local authors but did pick up the collected poems of Sam Beckett at a good priced.

Photo of Lindsey C Lindsey C
Nov 6, 2019 5

I work on Ninth Street, and I recently discovered that it's just as quick to order books from the Regulator as it is from Amazon. The store didn't have a book I wanted last week, so they offered to put in an order for me. They called 2 days later to say that the book I wanted had arrived and that they would hold it for me for up to 30 days. I didn't have to worry about a package sitting out on my doorstep, and picking up my book gave me an excuse to spend a little time in a bookstore, which I considered a plus. If you spend any time on Ninth Street, try using the Regulator for the next book order you would normally place with Amazon. You may find as I did that the experience is actually better.

Photo of Maleka Walker Maleka Walker
Nov 23, 2019 3

I have been a frequent customer of this bookstore for some time. I enjoy their selection of books and over atmosphere of the shop, but my experience today makes it difficult for me to choose to spend my money here again. I purchased several books today, a most by notable Black authors. The woman who was working at the register on November 15, 2019 at 10am made sure that I saw her roll her eyes at me several time during my visit. Initially I thought that I was mistaken but as the man working the register checked me out she did so several more times, while standing directly in front of me. I don’t feel that this contributes to the welcoming environment the shop has worked hard to create but it still doesn’t sit well with me.

Photo of Vexion Vexion
Dec 1, 2019 5

I love the relaxed atmosphere. Wide selection of books. I could spend hours in there

Photo of Rishi Kumar Rishi Kumar
Dec 21, 2019 5

Best non-used bookstore in the Triangle. Beats Flyleaf and Quail Ridge in terms of selection. I was particularly impressed with an entire section just for fiction in translation! Lots of underknown (in the US) authors from small publishing houses—a great place to discover a new favorite. And generally the best selection of literary fiction you’re going to find in the area.

Photo of John Keller John Keller
Jan 12, 2020 5

Absolutely wonderful independent bookstore. I love dropping in and browsing titles. I almost always find something I haven't heard of before that piques my interest. Staff is helpful, especially with suggestions of titles you might like

Photo of Paul Langan Paul Langan
Jan 24, 2020 5

A rare independent bookshop in this Amazon age. Love the local selections and membership discounts on NY Times bestsellers. Regulator has the books you want to read. This book store is for those who enjoy reading.

Photo of e g e g
Mar 21, 2020 5

A really cozy and wonderful bookstore that not only has bestsellers but also works from smaller creatives. A great place to get gifts, notebooks, planners etc. They have a student discount, as well.

Photo of Dayton Louis Dayton Louis
Jun 19, 2020 5

Can't wait for them to open back up. Always the best!