This was my third stop on the Indie Bookstore Passport tour. This store is such a delight, as all…read moreof the books are exclusively part of the mystery/thriller/crime genre, which is my favorite to read! I've been here before, but this was the first time I checked out the annex portion of the store, which houses used books. If you are seeking a mystery book, this is the place to go as they've got it all. The prices of the used books were higher than I would have expected (nearly $14 for a used hardcover), but the selection makes it worth it. I liked the cute seating area in the annex a lot it looked very comfy. There is street parking near the store, but it's on a very busy street. That busy street made it feel like I was part of the video game Frogger trying to get back into traffic after parking!

Great spot for a Mystery fan. Love love love this store…read more I've always walked past and seen the sign and decided to stop in today. It's an unassuming looking store from the outside but once inside. You can tell they have a solid selection. It was filled top to bottom with shelves. They also take Apple Pay which is nice! There's another room called the Annex. You can ask to see. They will take you through a door down a hallways and into the room. Here you can find first editions of mystery books. Or even books written as far back as the 40s! Solid store. Decent prices! They also gave a book club which meets on certain days. Check it out

This was my 20th stop on the Indie Bookstore Passport tour. It sells used and rare books. The…read morestacks here felt curated and well organized, which I appreciated. Often times a used bookstore chooses to organize in a somewhat random fashion, so their eye to detail and curation is welcomed. The wood tones and lighting here were cozy. There is street parking available.

I actually purchased a book from them through Abe Books online. The book I received was better than…read moredescribed, packaged well and mailed within 24 hours. and a very good value for such an older book.

This was my 6th stop on the Indie Bookstore Passport tour. This is absolutely the cutest bookstore…read moreI've ever visited. It had a surreal feel as if I was visiting a hobbit house with lovingly curated book selections. It was more than visiting a bookseller coming here; it felt like having an experience. The attention to detail to the little reading nooks and vignettes was evident in every corner of the store, with an emphasis on women's voices, diversity, and children. This is a woman owned store, and her favorite genre is historical fiction, which was evident as this area was very well stocked. There were several spots to sit and gander at a book (including a couple of adorable children's reading nooks) before deciding to purchase, which is a must have in any book store I visit. There is a very small shared parking lot and street parking.

Such a cute bookshop in a really neat area of Saint Paul! They have some awesome reading nooks…read moreinside as well as a great selection of books with a range of different categories. Very fun decor inside and super kind and helpful staff. They have a little vending machine at the counter where you can purchase a coin, drop it in and turn the knob and out comes a packet of small trinkets made by some local artists which is super fun and unique and a little mystery each time. They also have some pre owned book racks that have books for $5, $8, and $12 which is a great deal and they come from a variety of different genres.

Get ready for used books at Paperback Exchange!…read more When you first walk in, the piles of used books are a tad overwhelming, but it also lets you know where to spend a few hours book-hunting. The small space is filled to the brim with books of all varieties and all conditions! The girl working the counter was friendly and helpful. She also let us know about the discount/credit customers receive when they sell books to the store. When looking for cheap used books or trying to get rid of books you no longer need, Paperback Exchange is a great place to try!

This place has no books whatsoever. Just kidding! You walk in and there's a "Woah!" moment because…read morethere are so many books vying for your attention. The selection is a little heavy on the romance, but my mom took plenty of those off their hands. Don't worry though, there is plenty more to search through and it's very well organized. Organization is key with these kind of stores or it's just too overwhelming. Helpful staff, street parking, great selection. The pricing is a little confusing on trade-in stuff, and the prices in general are a little high for used books, but that won't stop me from coming back. It's in a great neighborhood with a coffee shop right next door. Grab a book and then go grab some coffee. Perfect.

Super cute book store in grand avenue and I would definitely recommend. This is a book store that…read morespecializes in children's books with a small section of young adult. Prices are good and staff are very nice. Definitely a fun place to go with a lot of events and activities .

Local shop. Excellent service with recommendations from staff. They even gift wrap for free…read more A delightful shopping experience!

An excellent little niche bookstore with a great and always expanding collection of obscure horror,…read morefantasy, and sci-fi titles. I'm on a first-name basis with the owner, who's knowledgable and fun to chat with.

This bookstore is a national resource that happens to be located in the Twin Cities. The owner…read moreoffers a magnificent collection of books, but more than that, he is driven by passion, expertise, and care. The selection tends to the antquarian and collectible, moreso than the "used," but as a result, there are books available at this shop that are impossible to find elsewhere.

I love these little corner book stores, with highly knowledgeable operators/owners. You can find…read morereal treasures here, and just look at how history has passed us all by, show us the minds and memories of the people and authors of the past. This is a special place, and I will visit again as I drive home each day, picking a different route!

Amazing bookstore, small selection, but the friendliness of the staff is what will bring people…read moreback!

Comma is a retail bookstore in Minneapolis occupying a footprint of, I don't know, maybe 800 square…read morefeet. While the local narrative often emphasizes the importance of supporting independent shops, my recent visit suggests that this ideal may come at a significant cost to the consumer in terms of utility, comfort, and value. Logistics and Facilities The physical experience of visiting Comma is just abrasive. Parking in the immediate vicinity is difficult, which sets a frustrating tone before one even enters the building. Once inside, the limitations of the tiny floorspace become apparent. The selection is, by necessity, terribly limited. If you are searching for a specific title or a deep dive into a particular genre, this is statistically the last place you should look. Furthermore, the store offers no public restroom, a lack of basic facility that limits the duration and comfort of any visit. Atmosphere and Price The retail environment lacks any auditory masking. There is no background music, resulting in a deafening silence that feels more awkward than contemplative. Every book in the inventory is sold at full retail price. This raises a fundamental question regarding the "buy local" movement: what is the point of a business that offers less selection and higher prices than its competitors? We often speak of a duty to support small bookstores, but we must ask if that duty outweighs the consumer's right to find what they need at a competitive price. Service and Philosophy During my visit, I purchased several books at full price, yet the employee on duty was rude. This interaction highlights the core issue: a business is a business, regardless of its size. If a shop cannot provide a pleasant environment, a robust inventory, or even basic courtesy, its status as "local" should not exempt it from criticism. Conclusion The romanticized ideal of the small neighborhood bookstore needs to be re-examined when the reality is a lack of selection and poor service. I am officially putting a "comma" on my support of this specific model of local commerce. I spent my money here this time, but I will not be returning to this particular business. Ever. Consider that a "period." For those who prioritize finding the books they actually want without unnecessary hurdles, there are better options available.

Lovely little bookshop with an impeccable vibe--wish I lived nearby to check out the many book…read moreclubs! The collection is small but representative, and they have a fun collection of cards, stickers, and other merch. Also just a nice place to be--everyone who came in seemed friendly and thoughtful and got excellent, individualized service.