I like visiting independent bookstores when I travel…read more We walked here after visiting Whole Foods across the street. This place reminds me of Elliott Bay Book Company. Cozy aesthetic with character. The bookstore was pretty busy. They have a coffee shop. I ended up buying a souvenir. They also have a satellite store at the airport.

We drove from Dallas for Ciney and Flint to be part of a book event at BookPeople and I have to say…read moreI was really impressed with this book store. The employees are all wonderful and extremely helpful, especially Rachel, who was our host for the event. She took wonderful care of us and the guests at the booking, from the moment we all arrived to the moment we left...thanks Rachel!!! Now some more about the store. It's a really nice sized independent store that carries a great selection. The books are laid out in pleasant ways and you really enjoy browsing the shelves and exploring! They also have a really nice sized Children's Book Section and host Storytimes here as well. If you are a book lover, this place is worth a trip to Austin to check out, you will not be disappointed!

Yes they do have books, but they also have great purses, jewelry and lots of other goodies you…read morereally need. I just bought what is likely to become my favorite purse there. Check them out!!

Heartbroken to live in cedar park now. Reverie was the first local book store to make it on my map…read moreas an absolute must frequent. Stormy the cat is in for visits often. The space is cozy and the shelves are full of fairly priced adventures for all ages. The store does include a reading corner for younger ages. Staff is fun and helpful. 10/10 recommend.

I'm indescribably grateful that APL came up with the concept of Recycled Reads. I'm infinitely more…read moregrateful that they had the smarts to staff the branch with Paola. I have spent many hours at different library branches, several closer to my home than Recycled Reads. While all are fine and I can't say that I've ever had a bad experience at any of them, neither can I say that any -outside of Recycled Reads - have ever felt like they were being operated as a community service. At Recycled Reads, Paola has created an atmosphere of welcome and acceptance for everyone. It's still the Austin Public Library, so there are obviously rules that she and her staff are obligated to enforce, but it's always done with courtesy and eespect. Under Paola's leadership, Recycled Reads has created programs and events that are exciting, fun, and inclusive! I'm always excited to see what's next, and even when it's not something I would have chosen my myself, I participate, have a great time, and learn something! Isn't that what the library is all about? Thank you, Austin Public Library, Recycled Reads, and the amazing staff and volunteers who work so hard to make their little corner of the city into a place where absolutely everyone can find value, if only they choose to look for it.

We came here as our city is being a jerk and closing this down. I know some of that is that our…read moreolder generation didn't want any new taxes on anything as they are selfish and don't want to pay taxes on the 3 houses they own or whatever. Still it sucks to see this going away. We came in, bought some books and browed a bit. They place had a fair amount of people, still quite a few books, music, and movies. I couldn't find much I was intersteied in but Shana did and even found me a book or two. The bathroom is weird, it is around a corner that looks like you are not allowed to go to and there is a key on a hanger that you take in with you, you don't need to unlock the door and I am not sure it even locks. If the key is missing that is how you know the bathroom has someone in it, there is a small hook on the inside to hang the key while you are in the restroom. So you have to hope people notice it is gone and you have to hope everyone puts the key back. But they are clean and they have a sign in the bathroom that the front desk can supply you with pads if needed. The one misstep here was the guy running the front desk, he was not super friendly, I heard his reaction to a lady gushing about how great the place was and how many books she found for such a good price, some were gifts and he could care less. He wasn't rude but he was doing that thing where you just nod and say uh huh. I also heard him later say he was from another branch of the library, I don't know which but I hope we don't run into him again. We got something like 7 or 8 books for 9 bucks which is fantastic. He checked us out fast, as he had better things to do and we headed out.

On June 20, 2026, a beloved north Austin bookstore will cease operations as a brick-and-mortar…read moreshop. Their online presence will continue during the transitionary period. Black Pearl Books, one of Austin's few Black-owned independent bookstores, is closing this chapter of their physical operations. Husband-and-wife owners Eric and Katrina Brooks stated that this move comes as they "rethink life as empty nesters." I got an opportunity to chat with the couple. Eric said their daughter, Alicia, will be going off to college. He said they still continue to do pop ups with community partners like ACC Highland campus and the Austin Public Library. The owners will work toward their future plans and continue to host authors through the fall. The closing celebration on Saturday will include live illustrations, henna, matcha, and a live reading and book signing. Importantly, the City of Austin has designated June 20, 2026, as Black Pearl Books Day. This bookstore has been a beacon of light in the Austin community and will be sorely missed! For me, it is a bigger issue...we see more and more smaller businesses closing especially over the last few years. Big box national book sellers seemingly are expanding. While Black Pearl Books owners are closing their brick-and-mortar shop, I am excited for the new opportunities that await them. We say so long for now...not goodbye!

Now that they're about to close, I decide to write my review. Well, it's another one that has been…read moresitting for SO LONG as a pending draft, I may as well get to it. Though they are closing the brick & mortar, the owners say they aren't going anywhere and this makes me happy. I am hoping this means we will continue to see them involved in all things books, social justice, and more. This is a place I started going to when I first started coming to Austin on twice-yearly visits (prior to relocation here). For several years in fact. It is one the best places to obtain banned books. The collection is impressive and IMPORTANT. Though it is a small shop, they have EVERYTHING. If they don't they get it for you. They go above and beyond! I write this as if they are still in existence and that's because as I write this, they are. While there is still time, get out and support this local, Black-owned, glorious bookstore! When they're gone and doing other things, continue to support them. We need MORE people and MORE places like this. Period. They walk the walk and talk the talk! A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We were shopping nearby and my friend suggested we come here to browse the books…read more Loved the vibes - small bar and comfy chairs scattered around for people to read and hang. Since this is in an actual old house, the rooms are converted into the store with each room focusing on a specific genre of books. Beautifully laid out and extremely charming.

This bookstore is one of Austin's best hidden-in-plain-sight gems…read more It's tucked away just three blocks from downtown in a beautiful old two-story house that has been turned into a bookstore, wine bar, and coffee shop. Each room has its own type of books, along with original artwork, so it feels fun just wandering from room to room. There are plenty of places to sit inside, plus outdoor seating on both floors. If you head upstairs, you'll find a great view of downtown while you sip a glass of wine and flip through your newest book. The staff really know their books and their wine, and I love that you can walk around the store with your glass in hand while you browse. My only suggestion would be to add a small collection of vintage magazines. I'd probably never leave.

Great location, service, books and Coffee! Great place to just hang out, their Starbucks coffee…read moretaste better than most Starbuck locations.

I've been to a few locations around the city, and this one really stood out to me…read more The café has plenty of comfortable space to sit, relax, and read. It's such a nice place to spend some time, especially if you love books and a cozy atmosphere. The customer service was excellent. Gabriela was especially helpful and went out of her way to find a specific sticker book for me. I really appreciated her kindness and patience! The store was clean and organized, and everything was nicely displayed. Definitely one of my favorite Barnes & Noble locations. I'll be back!

I love Book Woman!! Been here several times over the years (even long before relocating to Austin)…read more So rad they've been around since 1975 as a feminist, LGBTQIA+ shop. Always progressive, always on the right side of history. It's definitely the center of the community. They've got an amazing collection of books including the important banned books. They host lots of events with authors, they've got book clubs, and more. It's really like a collab of like-minded folks gathering together over a shared love of literature as well as wanting to make the world a better place. It's wonderful to walk into a space like this where you're always treated like a lifelong friend or family member. If I'm in the mood for a read and not sure what I want, their recommendations are always spot on. In addition to books, they carry some really neat gift items too. Support local. Reading is fundamental.

The sweetest girl greeted me upon entering the store. I was looking for some different books, as…read morewell as the usual ones. But mostly different books by new authors with different storylines. I found it here, and it was such a refresher. I mean, the selection of new authors and books was right here in front of me. So I took my time with the different genres. I like how they dedicate areas to this subject and to other types of books. She also told me she can order books that are out of stock, which is great for me. I like to keep one-of-a-kind books on my bookshelves at home. They have so much worth and lessons I like to refer back to. Well, you have to be an author or writer to understand that last sentence. I made myself laugh! I saw an area for authors to speak, and we talked about the monthly events they host. They are an independent bookstore, which is high on my list because you cannot only find the best books, but also new books and authors, but also other items like accessories and more. And it goes back to the events of hearing an author read an excerpt from their book. I always say it's worth the cost and value, which isn't expensive, to experience what the independent bookstores offer.

The service here is great, whether it be on the phone or in person. I frequently call and put books…read morein hold, and the staff respond in good faith! And the value, oh the value. Firstly, their collectible books area has many books worth much more if they were sold in auction. I got a collection of lady wildes poems for 5 bucks, found out it is worth 100 dollars in normal auction. The value extends beyond the collectible collection, extends in everything else, if you want a book for your TBR, you can probably find it(if it's a fiction book) for cheap in the paperback aisle. Overall, Come here for a good time, gathering, or really any event.

It really is a treat to have a Half Price Books this far south located at the very end of the South…read morePark Meadows area. It is super convenient for me to pop in especially since there are other big box stores (Sam's), a local barbecue spot next door (Moreno's Barbecue), and even the movie theater (Cinemark) I usually frequent. The selection here is robust and they have a ton of options for everyone including vinyl records, cassettes, VHS, DVDs, paperback and hard back books, a nice long clearance section, and like others have mentioned - nice spots to plop down and hang out/sit for a minute. I come here often to check and browse the vinyl selection. They have a nice set of records that rotate in and out each week. They even have a collectibles box/bin the record area for you to look at that include some super rare records. Their selection ranges from used/previously owned to brand new albums. I have seen some classic rock albums that are reasonably priced. In terms of selling your books or media, I have only been here one time to do so and I came during the week. I had no issues with the offer they gave me as it was fair and the wait for the offer was not long at all! I wasn't even done browsing the store before they had an offer ready for me. Easy parking and super spacious store to come through to and check out. They are tucked away off the side, at the end of the South Park Meadows area, but worth a stop or drop in.

Look, it a volunteer run anarchist leaning bookstore. So now lets revisit that statement -…read moreVolunteer run - sure you get some people that can be off putting and really just get lost in what they are reading or doing but thats not the point. The point of the bookstore is that you have an avenue to meet and associate with like minded people, maybe find a few books, maybe donate a few books you want them to have... Like another review mentioned there is some cognitive dissonance in the whole ""At Monkeywrench Books, the following things are not tolerated: sexism, racism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and/or any other behavior that is hateful and has the effect of policing others." but thats ok, not because of anything else, again its about the intent and spirit here. Sure the book selection is 3 star at best, but come on, this is truly about the community effort around it and nothing more. So here's to Monkeywrench books and the people that make it possible. 5 stars even if i disagree with you on certain levels. (Also my 200th review , you'll always be special to me :P )

This bookstore is incredible! It's part of my North Loop Jaunt (every few months I head over to the…read moreneighborhood and hit up my favorite places). Did you know it's run by volunteers? Yep, how wonderfully Austin. The book selections focus on social justice, economic justice, etc. It's a gathering space for like-minded people and I feel so at home when there. They have different events like creative art nights and study groups. There's an area that has a shelving unit containing free items. Sofas, lounge area, coffee/tea area. Space for kids to create. It's a welcoming and inclusive shop that's important in today's world. Support local.

Hands down I prefer to support locally owned book sellers at all costs. However, with that said,…read morethere are times when I need something they don't carry. Yes, I can ask smaller retailers to order for me. But, typically, it's something needed straight away for work; like the latest issue of Vogue whilst waiting for subscription renewal. In times like these, I will find myself at a big box operation like B&N. The customer service I've received here is pretty decent and almost as good as the privately owned places. They have lots and lots of everything here. I won't hesitate to use them again in the future when the need absolutely presents itself.

Starbucks employee was very rude and condescending. Do NOT go to this Starbucks. They were making…read moreme feel rushed. No chai here??? I'm sorry but honey you make drinks for a living you should not be in this business if you have to complain about your job in front of customers and also make the menu smaller bc of your allergies. Pink hair was rude! Wish i could give this place 0 stars. I straight up left! Way way way overpriced for rude customer service. Lost me and never coming back to rudeness. Had enough of it. You don't know what someone is going through.