Best Bookstores In Detroit Near Me

Ron Reed: John King is a truly unique experience. There is nothing like the smell and the feel of all the books surrounding you.It's a place to wander around for hours if you love books. Parking is easy, and it is very close to downtown.It is worth the trip.

Baydoun Baydoun: John K. King Used & Rare Books - A Literary Haven in Downtown DetroitIf you have a deep appreciation for the written word and a penchant for discovering literary treasures, then a visit to John K. King Books Store in downtown Detroit is an absolute must. This extraordinary bookshop stands as a testament to the enduring allure of printed books, offering an unparalleled collection of old and rare volumes that will transport bibliophiles to a realm of literary wonder.As you step into the store, you are immediately enveloped by the scent of aged pages and the sight of towering bookshelves that seem to stretch endlessly. With over one million books spread across four sprawling floors, John K. King Books Store is a haven for book lovers, beckoning you to embark on a literary adventure like no other.The sheer magnitude of the collection is awe-inspiring. From antique leather-bound classics to out-of-print gems and coveted first editions, every corner of this bookshop is brimming with literary treasures waiting to be discovered. The knowledgeable staff members, who possess an evident passion for books, are always on hand to guide you through the labyrinth of shelves, offering insights and recommendations that will further enrich your browsing experience.John K. King Books Store is not merely a store; it is a bibliophile's paradise. You can easily lose track of time exploring the vast selection of subjects that span across art, history, literature, science, and everything in between. Whether you're searching for a rare volume to complete your collection, delving into a particular era of history, or simply seeking inspiration within the pages of a forgotten classic, this bookshop caters to every literary inclination.One of the most remarkable aspects of John K. King Books Store is the sense of serendipity it evokes. As you meander through the shelves, your eyes may alight upon a hidden gem you never knew you needed. The joy of discovery is palpable, as each book holds the potential to transport you to new worlds, spark intellectual curiosity, or ignite a long-forgotten passion. The store's well-organized sections and helpful signage make navigating the vast collection an enjoyable and rewarding experience.Beyond the extensive book collection, the ambiance of the store adds to its allure. The weathered hardwood floors, the cozy reading nooks tucked away amidst the shelves, and the soft, warm lighting create an inviting and contemplative atmosphere. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the pages of a book, surrounded by a tangible sense of literary history.Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or a curious reader exploring the world of used and rare books, John K. King Books Store is a destination that will captivate your imagination. It is a haven that honors the written word, preserving the magic of storytelling and celebrating the beauty of printed books. The dedication to preserving and sharing these literary treasures is evident in every aspect of the store, from the vast collection to the knowledgeable staff who are passionate about connecting readers with their next literary adventure.In conclusion, John K. King Books Store is more than a bookshop; it is an immersive experience that transports you to a world of literary marvels. Whether you're seeking a cherished edition or simply indulging in the joy of browsing, this extraordinary establishment offers a sanctuary for book lovers in the heart of downtown Detroit. Prepare to lose yourself amidst the pages and embark on a literary journey that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Kelly Mramor: This place was so cool and i could've spent hours wandering the various floors.

Laura Slowinski: This place was a neat place to go, and they had lots of unique items. I liked how much room they had, but we disliked how much dust they had. The place smelled a little moldy and therefore we probably won't be back.

Jocelyn Read: Lovely place to browse, books from across many decades

Marshall Symons: John King Books in downtown Detroit is a book lover's dream come true. Stepping into this literary haven, I am greeted by a delightful blend of well-organized spaces and a charming chaos that brings out the adventurous spirit in me. With four floors to explore, each packed with an extensive collection of books, this store is a treasure trove of knowledge and imagination.What struck me immediately upon entering were the sunlit upper floors. The morning rays gracefully filter through the windows, casting a warm glow on the shelves and creating a serene atmosphere. It's a serene and peaceful haven where I can lose myself amidst the pages, basking in the gentle embrace of natural light. It's these subtle touches that make my visit to John King Books truly special.The organization within this seemingly chaotic space is truly remarkable. Despite the abundance of books, the staff has done an exceptional job of maintaining order. Each section is meticulously labeled and arranged, allowing me to navigate through different genres and themes with ease. I find joy in wandering through the labyrinth of shelves, stumbling upon unexpected literary treasures at every turn.Whether you're a dedicated bibliophile or simply seeking respite from the bustling city, John King Books offers an unparalleled experience. It's a place where the magic of literature comes alive, where the serenity of sunlight intertwines with the charm of organized chaos. Prepare to get lost in the captivating world of books and rediscover the joy of exploration. John King Books is a haven where the mind can roam freely, and where the heart can find solace amidst the pages.

Jennifer Milas: A great place to look for books, every imaginable title

Bridget Doyle: 5 stars is the only answer. FANTASTIC

Priyanka Reddy: A bit overwhelming but once you get used to it, it'll be your favorite stop when in Detroit! Also, you can find any kind of book here, all you need to do is look and follow the map.

Andrew Manee: Very cool! Definitely a must see if you go to Detroit and appreciate books. A huge bonus if you also enjoy history and historic buildings!

Daniel Armali: Best place ever. Like walking into a time capsule. Amazing service too.

Emiliano Vega: This was an adventure . I felt like I was in a mystery movie . Was so tempted to get so many books but the thing that caught my heart was an antique coin . I plan on going back and finding a book on Gustave dore

Dan Taylor: I went here on a recommendation from my son, a bibliophile. This instantly became my favorite bookstore outside of New York City! Wow! What a selection! This 4 story building is chock full of everything from $1 paperbacks to antiquarian treasures and first editions. Like all truly great bookstores, the tall shelves are closely spaced, the floor creaks, lighting is better in some areas than others, and the perfume of old books and ephemera fill the air. Make sure you have plenty of time to explore. It would take days!

Redento Johnson: This place is amazing!!! I can't believe I've been in Metro Detroit for 20 years and never visited this place. Amazing!

Karol Conrad: A bit overwhelming. Nice selection

Malleri fowler: Such a cool experience. Walked out with lots of great books spent hours exploring.

Sheldon “Canucklehead” Carroll: This truly is an amazing repository with many treasures hidden throughout. The only fault I found and it was a rather sizable one is the resholding of books by customers throughout as well.

Victoria Martinez: Very cool to visit, the map was a lifesaver! Recommended to experience a 4 level used book store, just keep in mind most are older books and it might be hard to find something you like, but they had a bunch of other items too!

samantha meyer: One of our favorite places in Detroit, a labyrinthine treasure of a bookstore. Prepare to spend hours lost in the stacks, literally and figuratively!

Brittany Mastenbrook: A true gem for bookworms and lovers of old buildings. The perfect shop for those whose happiness is sustained by hours of browsing used books, gleaning smells from all the previously loved pages, and exploring all the nooks and crannies of this stunningly stocked book mecca. One of the best bookstores I've ever visited! You can't leave empty handed, there's truly a treasure to be found by all.

Samantha Mitchell: Loved the variety of books offered, and the clerk was incredibly kind, helpful, and knowledgeable about local events and attractions! We are glad we happened by it. We love finding new independently owned bookshops!

Matthew Dante: This was my first time at this great, indie bookstore and I loved it. The owner was so warm and engaging as were the other folks in the store. I’ll be coming back.

Robert Mosley: This is a wonderful store filled with professional, kind, and helpful staff. Janet is the kind heart who is a gem to this store of wisdom unlike any other bookstore. She and staff are the best. As a therapist, I often refer this bookstore to my clients for books for themselves or for their children.

Dawn Brown: Just a fantastic collection of booksI had a difficult time trying to decide which books to choose as I wanted so many.

Allie P: Well-curated bookstore with super friendly and helpful staff!

Wesley E: Beautifully curated selection of books, and they're open to ordering titles you're interested in.

Cathy Whitehead: Great store and they just recently expanded the space so there's even more selection!

Uncle Carl from over in Africa: Today I had the pleasure of visiting the Source Bookseller shop in Detroit. The owner, Janet, was there in person, and was very knowledgeable and helpful. I am two months into a national book tour. I have visited dozens of indie bookstores. This is the first time I met an owner in the store. I think she has created the best bookstore in America.

kstoeser: Friendly and helpful. A good selections of books, too.

Ann Jones: They shipped my order immediately and even put a note in to show it was a gift. Great service!

Maurita Mussawwir: Very knowledgeable about a large range of books

Leigh Benigni: Lovely, warm, inviting, peaceful ambience. So many books I look forward to purchasing. If you need assistance, the owner and her daughter are extremely knowledgeable and gracious. A must visit.

Miss Murry: Very small and cute. Will be back soon.

Andrea Collins: I ordered the Get Untamed, The Journal through Source Booksellers and my experience was so positive. I live north of Detroit, but when I do make it into the city I cannot wait to physically shop the store.

Harrison Hartfield: One of the best book stores I have visited! Love the books I got, and the owner is very helpful and kind.

Kary Pearson: I'm currently living in Australia, though I'm from Michigan. I contacted Source about a new release that I wanted to send as a gift and they answered all my questions (there were a lot) and even sent me a direct link to it once it was available. I miss shopping there in person, but their online assistance was just as wonderful.

Rodney: I love this place!

Zoila Lulu: A great selection of books! Really greatly curated despite the small selection. The older lady manning the front desk is super sweet too. I would say the only downside is that it was cluttered with boxes (maybe they were stocking or moving merch/shelves around?) so it was hard to move around and really browse comfortable. Other than that downside, I loved it! There is really cheap ($1.00 per hour) public parking right outside as well.

Jeffrey McDaniel: This is a great selection of reading material. A beautiful environment and community space. Most of all, the service is fantastic!! The owners are dedicated to history, culture, and community relationships. I want to see this place grow, and grow!

Renee Dooley: Wonderful local book Store

Natalie: Friendliest lady who'll help you find great gifts for every age!

Zaundra Wimberley: This book store is a gem! The owner, Ms. Janeice is knowledgable and helpful. I love the variety of books by black authors. Whatever you are looking for they will find it. Support small businesses.

Effie Alofoje-Carr: Love supporting this bookstore!

Radiance Ruffin: I was so happy to support this amazing bookstore. Such a purposeful selection with wonderful customer service!

Angela Ledbetter: Great customer service!! The store was closed but the owner came in when I called. She was friendly and helpful (which is much appreciated in a day when good service is hard to find).

Michael Luepnitz: No thanks

Paige Malay: I just ordered from Detroit Book City and I'm so happy that I did! The book I ordered was on sale, shipping was reasonable, and I received it quickly! Will definitely shop with Detroit Book City again and recommend anyone else do the same! Support our local businesses!!

RuthRuth: I love this place. They have the best books at a great price. They have books for the entire family. The owner is kind and considerate, not trying to rip you off.

Rose Holland: Terrific online customer service.

C Z: I used the website to place my order and it was filled and received quickly and correctly.

Mister Sabree: One of the best book stores in the state; this brick and mortar offers a wide range of literature from children to adults based on an African Centered perspective. You’ll find community events, attractive accessories, keepsakes and plenty more! Customer service is solid too.

Craig Rush: D.B.C.B. is a great outlet for seeking the wealth of African Americans writings. Not only that, they are actively making a difference in the Detroit metropolitan area and beyond. 2020 African American 4th annual event was awesome.I am author of Lexius Henson's journal of enlightenment: "No time to hate " and "Crabs in a barrel ". Looking fwd. to being in it next year !

Author Detroit: I like this bookstore. I love the fact this bookstore has books from local authors. Great idea. Highly recommended.

Salaam Abruse: Excellent Experience, kind, loving, friendly, helpful staff

Ki Hutchinson: Little "Gem" of a bookstore in the city.

Heather Fuller: My experience was awesome! The owner was friendly and very knowledgeable. She also has a large selection of books by independent authors.

Darneitta Jones: A wonderful place to obtain books from every genre.

Porsha Deun: Great place to find book by Black and local authors.

T.L. Simpson: Excellent

Alex Selsley: Nice atmosphere, good selection, friendly helpful staff and a cat. Not sure what else you could want

Jason Gibbs: Great store for new books. Good selection.

David Legg: Small, friendly neighborhood bookshop with a well-curated selection. Several of the emerging writers who have appeared here have gone on to become very well known.

Jess Minnick: Pages is the best bookstore around! I highly recommend reaching out to the staff for a personalized list of recommendations based on your interests and what you're looking to read. All of the recommendations were spot on and some of my favorite books! The store itself is magical, cozy and thoughtfully curated. Can't wait to go back!

Fred George: Awesome!!!!

William Vanderwill: Wonderful service and a great bookshop cat.

denise phillips: Try to purchase a book in the middle of the day. No response at the door or the phone. Waste of time.

Dawn Sketch: Susan was so kind and helpful as I whirled into Page's to gather birthday and Father's Day gifts. I will return to linger another day.Highly recommend INDEPENDENT BOOK STORE!#buylocal #buysmall

THE DOPP3LGANGERS: The staff was wonderful and helpful. When I walked into the book store I discovered the love of books again. The choices of books in the book store would satisfy the young and old.

Bradlee Johnson: Very cozy and inviting shop, they also have a decent selection that's organized, neat, and easy to navigate. If you need something specific they will order it for you. A nice gem in the Rosedale Park.

Seileen O'Marcaigh: Delightful and adorable book store! The owner is so nice! I attended a book signing there last night and I will definitely be back. There are a few books I've been looking for and the owner said she will special order anything I want if she doesn't already have it.

Nique: Very nice bookstore. Will defineatly patronize over barnes and noble and books a million. Comfortable vibe.

Steve Szalay: Wonderful.local shop

doug pettigrew: Fun bookstore, good selection, kids area for kids to chill and a cat!

Joseph Smith: Great little local bookstore. Just what I look for when I travel. Don't forget to say hi to Pip!

Steve Kays: Great little, local bookstore. Great staff, great selection of both new and used, great in residence cat (Pip!), and great selection of Detroit-specific material.

Jenny Christian: Adorable nerdshop~ complete with a fat kittah. Staff lovely, will order anything you need. Cuuute onesies for babies and speciality cards! Coupon for a coffee shop nearby with purchase- will visit again

Sybil Cross-Nelson: Starting a book club for children. Very curteous, fast service and in the neighborhood ❤❤❤❗

Pat Baldwin: Great neig

Elise Hibbard: Hours aren't correct. Drove 25 minutes to check this out based on the posted hours only to be told that the store isn't open during church.

Kiara Williams: Wow! Is all I have to say.

Willie Mobley: Wonderfully beautiful 😍

Larry Smith jr.: Great Book store........You automatically receive the smell of real books filling the air as you enter. You get a real sense of that old school vibe only pre millennials can relate to. Like opening a new book to feel the page's flip and the smell of learning only reading from real books can give

renella thomas: The librarian was very instrumental in helping me find resources that I was looking for.

Derek Caron: Awesome bar

Monique Foster: Awesome experience! A must visit in Detroit!

Lynn Bell: Reading Room with Landmark history of African Americans who have personal relationships to Jesus Christ. Very uniquely interesting!

Forever Fancy: This place is an addition located inside the Second Baptist Church

Kari Hofmann: Cute place the owner was incredibly helpful. I love how she has cats at the store and feeds the neighborhood strays. What a wonderful soul.

kdela: Super cool bookstore, the owner was kind enough to sort out some things and show me an excellent assortment of art books, children’s books and various pulp novels. Great selection and amazing prices!!

Gaius Caligula: Great books for a great cause!

Octavia Smith: Great place to buy used books. The prices are amazing. The quality of the books exceptional. The staff magnificent.

Evelyn Ashley: I had been on a thrift hunt for books for a couple days and found this place on Google. To my surprise not only is it spacious but all of the books were displayed so neatly. I had the easiest time navigating between different genres of books. The book kitty was the second best part. I definitely recommend browsing this little shop.

Matthew Dante: First time at this bookstore and it was great. Had a really good selection and the prices were very reasonable. There was a friendly lady who was helpful and also a cute little cat roaming around. I’ll be coming back to this store.

leslie baugh: Hidden gem in the city of Detroit!

Cory Page: What a lovely bookstore! For a secondhand shop, there's a very impressive range of books (not just shelves full of mass-market romances and police procedurals). They even had a bunch of children's books, which is something I almost never see in used bookstores.The quality of the books was also notable - it seems like the owner takes care to only shelve prints that don't pass a certain threshold of wear and tear. I appreciate that. It can be disappointing finding a book on the shelf that interests me, only to realize it's so water-damaged that its previous owner must have lived in Innsmouth.And if the books weren't doing it for me, the resident cat definitely was! The little cutie made a great companion as I walked through the stacks. Will definitely be back

Irene Schatz: Absolutely loved this bookstore. Good prices, good variety of books and also a good selection of classics.

Alex Marsh: This store is a gem. Clean, well organized, amazing selection. I’ll be returning!

Jason Gibbs: This is a very clean and well organized used book store with a good selection and very good prices!There's also a cute and curious little resident here.

Fr. Terry Donahue: A good-sized, well-organized, varied selection of used books in very good condition at inexpensive prices.

Gagneet Khangura: Awesome selection and really reasonable prices. The owner is super nice and her kitty is adorable.

Colin Colter: Awesome selection and great prices!

Local Guide: Great lil spot

Anee: Lovely bookstore and lovely employees. Everyone was so nice and helpful. Their recommendations were welcome. They even have children’s story time every Saturday morning. There’s a game rental store downstairs. It’s honestly a great place for a Saturday afternoon.

Matthew Rotar: Always helpful. Will order for you as well. Our go to book store in Detroit

Jeff Raudebaugh: Beautiful space, great curation of books.

Joe Coville: Cool inside. Friendly people. Nice selection of books. Chairs were comfy.

maddie boyer: This place is adorable. They have a huge kids books selection. The poetry reading was nice also.

Gerald Drake: Very nice selection

Jennifer: Wonderful local book shop and it has a board game store in the basement!

Jason Gibbs: Smaller book store with a pretty well rounded selection. Nicely decorated with a contemporary but comfortable vibe. Very friendly staff.

Victoria Hopper: BEST selection I have ever encountered in a bookstore. Lovely staff, lovely books, lovely atmosphere. Thanks for being here :-)

Connor Payne: This is our favorite bookstore in the city. Staff is super friendly, space is warm, and the selection is great.

Bhubanjyoti Bhattacharya: A wide selection of indie and mainstream books, really lovely atmosphere for reading!

Mayte Ma Teresa Penman: Nice selection of English and Spanish books.

Aidan Brooks: Welcoming and kind staff, and a great selection of books.

Stephanie Cain: This establishment is fully stocked with some amazing books. It has interested in the community by allowing a host of a Poetry in its venue monthly for the new and experiences Readers, singers, Vendors, all to come together and network. Great job

Jason Ford: Love this place!!

Adrienne Dunkerley: Fantastic collection of literature and such welcoming staff - amazing!

John Sippel: Beautiful and comfortable space with a little bit of everything. Very diverse selection.

Jon J. Sherman (JSherm): This is an awesome gem. Great location and the people are really cool. They have a poetry event the last Sunday of the month. I heard some great poets perform here.

Caroline Karimi: Erin welcomed me when I first arrived with kindness. She made my experience memorable in the most positive way. We had a pleasant conversation. There were a selection of books specially written by people in Detroit. They also had children's books, teen reads, fictional novels, autobiographies among other sorts of books. Watercolor painted hand cards were for sale. If the book you want is not in store, the staff will order it upon request.

Morgan: I love any used bookstore, I love walking in and smelling the old book smell. There isn't a lot of space to walk. The people behind the counter are always nice. I would recommend that you bring cash because they have an older card system so it takes a few minutes to pay with card because they have to call the bank. They have books on everything, and I mean everything, 1950s cookbook, you got it, kids books, got it, weird glass eggs, got it, horror, you bet, history, 100%.

Andre Pulford: This bookstore is tied for second best in the area for me.The inventory is varied and well-priced, with enough turnover that there is usually something new for me whenever I return. There are no new books, just an excellent selection of hardcovers and paperbacks. The book smell is a 2/10, which on my scale is the pleasant smell of nostalgia and antiquity without the borderline aroma of musty questionability. The only two people I have seen there seem to be quiet but friendly and knowledgeable about the inventory. A nice throwback is the manual credit card slider if you've never seen one.I appreciate the variety of the children's section, a well-stocked science fiction section, and a small cabinet of collectible titles. The adult corner of the store seemed seedy and out of place.If you're a fan of used bookstores, you'll place this in the category of quaint and interesting; worth your time to check out. Note that this is a used bookstore, not a place selling unwanted library books! Parking is tight, but there are a few spots behind the store reserved for customer use.

Leonard Garcia: Great selection of books. Friendly and accommodating staff.

Andrew K: This is my happy place. I try to stop in every time I'm in downtown Ferndale, and I rarely come out empty handed. It seems like they have enough books the store would still be full at twice the size. Might not always be the place to look for a specific title, but if you go in just looking for anything interesting, you're sure to find something fun.

Sylvia Edward: A great collection of used books sold at a fair price. I always find something new and interesting here. A must visit if you're shopping in Ferndale.

Erik Mylenek: My favorite used bookstore. Great selection. Always new books Everytime I visit.

Jason Gibbs: Good selection of used books ranging from paperbacks to signed hardcovers and old collectible boos as well. nice selection and reasonable prices.

Melanie Tassone: Lovely little place. I always walk out with a book or two!

Flying Suitcase: My wife and I love the variety, feel, and air of the Library bookstore! Part of the charm of the Library is it's a part of local history. the other part is that Denny & Martha are the perfect historians, librarians, and most knowledgeable people when asked a question. Theres no need to have hanging signs ( as one reviewer posted) when you have two great lovers of books there to guide you.Martha and Denny are very good at their word, of letting you know when a book that you are looking for happens to come in. All we can say is you will enjoy venturing into the Library while walking out with at least 1-2 books if not more.

Jill Young: Missing this bookstore, can't wait until they safely re-open. Denny is the best for sci-fi, fantasy recommendations, I always find something wonderful.

Allison Lincoln: I love this little bookstore. I just stopped by to see if it's open after the Covid-19 crisis. There is a sign on the door right now that says that they are not permanently closed, but will open when things are better with Covid-19. This is great news because I have a fear that these little bookstores just won't be able to pay their rent while things are up in the air. We need these little book stores. And the Library Bookstore is a great choice to go to in Ferndale.

Kristi Usher: Always love the sci-fi section!

Christian Miller: Very nice owner. Amazing selection. Even better prices!

Jennifer Nagle: Kind staff, great collection.

Susannah Rose: Employees are great, lots of cool/vintage books and more.

Kristine D.: Found more than 1 treasure. They have a huge selection & variety of books.

Brandon Pausa: Got a great deal on 100 book transaction. Great store.

Jim Allen II: Classic vintage bookstore, so happy I found it. Wonderful people. I walked out with a whole box full of good finds!

Patrick M. O'Connor: A quality sci-fi, mystery, horror section.

John Curtis: One of the best book shops in the area. I can spend hours there and find plenty.