Like many things at Colonial Williamsburg, the bookstore is unfortunately less refined and more…read moretouristy than it was years ago, but I think that's a reflection on the visitors and their tastes and Williamsburg's attempts to adapt to what people will buy. The book sections are smaller than they were, the video and music section is gone, and they've moved some of the food stuffs and home decorations from across the hall to fill the space. Still, there is a good selection of books on relevant history from Jamestown through the Civil War, decorative arts, architecture, trades and crafts, cooking and military history for the serious historian; and of course books on Williamsburg itself. Check out the bargain table for good deals on close out items.

On a recent visit to Colonial Williamsburg, I stopped in to look around. Bought some books and…read moreprints. They were nice enough to let me leave my purchases until I finished with Williamsburg. When I returned to pick up my purchases, I was told the Artist came in and they had him sign the largest print I bought. What a thoughtful thing to do for a perfect stranger. Their sales people are the best. Love this store. I give them TEN STARS for super service. Sarah Texas

I can't let Women's History Month come to an end without giving a shout out to a business that is…read moreowned by a black woman. I visited The Book Bar last month during a trip to Richmond. As an avid reader and lover of literature, book stores are kind of my jam. I visited on a Sunday afternoon. The store was pretty empty as there was only one other customer there at the time. The cool thing about The Book Bar is that they sell books and wine! They also have a bar where they do wine tastings. Although I didn't indulge in a wine tasting during my visit, the wine tastings are free! Although they sell books here, this isn't what you'd expect from the typical book store. I think of it as more of a community space where you can buy and/or read books, sip wine, and enjoy good conversation. They also host events here, including author visits. In addition to books and wine, they sell products from other local businesses. I picked up some banana pudding cookies from here made by The Sweetest Thing RVA. Finally, I can't end my review without acknowledging the excellent customer service I received while there. I was immediately greeted by the staff upon entering the store even though she was helping someone else. Then, the employee proceeded to assist me when she had the chance. She asked me what I was currently reading and if I had a favorite genre. I told her that I like historical fiction and she recommended a book for me. The cool thing is she recommended a book that had references to the city of Richmond, which made the book a nice personal souvenir to remind me of my visit. I can't wait to return! Please check them out!

This brand new bookstore downtown is a VIBE. RVA book bar focuses on black, indigenous and people…read moreof color authors, so it's a great place to buy your next read. When you walk in, you'll find a beautiful, welcoming space. I may have visited too soon after grand opening, as the owner Krystle just restocked her shelves. I went looking for a specific book, which she didn't have at the moment (but could order if I wanted!) and bought another that caught my eye. There is also a whole section for treats, self care items, and goodies. I plan to be back and get some work done with some wine from their selection.

This shop is a gem. If you're into thrifting or looking for…read morea gift for someone, you'll find something in there. One of the people I was with got prints of old planes as a gift for her husband, who loves them and I picked up some cute pins to add to my collection. It does get busy and crowded inside due to the amount of items and people wanting to stop and observe their findings.

Super cool place. Lots of treasures. Everyday books for good prices and rare books. Love this place.read more

A cute little bookstore in the middle of Shockho Slip. They also sell nice giftware. I picked up a…read morebook and some unique chocolates. Staff was friendly.

What a great shop! Incredibly welcoming and friendly staff, passionate about books and filled with…read morerecommendations (both from the employees to you, and a considerable number of tags through the store). You can feel their passion for the medium, and were we local, I could see us being regulars. Highest possible recommendation.

Absolutely lovely selection. I was a turd and didn't…read morethink to check the hours before driving a 30 - 40 minute drive to stop by. When at the door I noticed "by appointment" and decided to call, luckily they were in, and kindly allowed me in to see the books. The owner is very gracious and will help you find what you're out for, even if its on 10 different subjects.

When roaming around, don't forget to go to the far corner from the entry. This is where they put…read moreall the real old books and exceptionally unique items. My wife is an exceptional book lover and admirer. Going here was very much a must as it has roots similar to the very old bookstore in Ireland. When you first walk in the "bookscape" is very nice and open. I liked the feel of how it invites you to check the place out. The faculty are very friendly and aren't against you looking at or reading the books. Overall, this place is definitely a place to check out if you're a bookfan! Don't forget to say hi to copyright! :) (good doggie)

A rare find. This bookstore is a tight squeeze but that is part of the ambiance. The prices are…read morefairly reasonable and indexed to the market and the selection varied.

Very thorough selection. When you walk in you get the feeling there is immense knowledge and a…read morejewel to be found. There is a giddy feeling of exploration. You can detach from modern news and misinformation and escape into history for a bit. Safe space for information. Also the lovely gentleman who runs the store is a doll. He was so kind and let us peruse at our own pace. They accept card! Great selection of old text books.

Great shop in a wonderful location -- among the shops of the Outlets. Good selection of books, and…read moreknowledgeable staff.

Upon first entering the store I was overwhelmed!! There were books everywhere. It took a second to…read moreunderstand how things were organized but once I did I was off to hunt for my favorites. They have the store split between new books and used books. There are cozy couches and a few chairs nestled throughout the store. The vibe of the store feels like someone's home library which I actually liked. Overall this place was cool but if you're not someone who enjoys the thrill of the hunt then this might not be for you.

If you've never been here, the best way to describe this place is similar to Barnes & Nobles, but…read morenot as big. They carry a wide variety of goods starting from a coffee lounge to books and toys. I spent a good minute in this store and truly enjoyed the experience. Got to see a lot of Funko selections and high grade figurines that even Barnes & Noble don't carry. Unfortunately I did not purchase anything due to the fact that I thought everything was a bit more expensive than the prices I'm used to. For example most Funkos go for 8.99-9.99 except for the rare ones; this place sells common Funkos from 9.99 to 10.99. Other examples are also board and card games you could get a lot cheaper either online or at Barnes and Noble. Of course there were items this place sells that you can't find else where, but I personally had no need to shop here. Just enjoyed the unique items this store had to offer and enjoyed the time spent. I do recommend people to check out this store. It does have a ton of unique items to offer and who knows it might've been something you were searching for. Best of luck!

This was always a date place for us when the hubs and I were young and still lived in the area . It…read moreused to have a cafe. We miss it. My husband misses their brownies. Only draw back is that their religious section is lackluster (basically nothing about Judaism). They otherwise have a good selection of books. They also have fun mugs and games. The staff really try to get you to join the membership. Not a terrible deal if you live in the area. We do make a pilgrimage here because it's always nice to reminisce our old dating days.

This was my first visit to Paperbacks Ink and I was attending a craft event. This is not your…read moreaverage used book store. Far from it. There is every genre of books for great prices. Most are 50% off the tagged price. I bought 4 beautiful children's books and at 50% off I spent just over $15. Score! The staff was friendly, helpful and attentive without hovering or following. The hours today were 8am to 7 pm and they had a steady business of both used book sellers and buyers. There are chairs around for perusing the book selections. My little granddaughter climbed up on a sofa and read to her heart's content. There is a little cafe that is soon to be a deli with shared space with next door Design and Consign. The drink variations in the Cafe rival anyplace else. Coffee is fresh all day. They offer a myriad of events and activities, from craft nights to book authors and readings, special children's offerings and artistic endeavors, most seem to be free or nominal cost. The location is great with ample free parking, great lighting, inviting decor and books galore. If you are a lover of books you must make Paperbacks Ink your own. This is not the dusty musty used book seller of old. This is a modern vibe that is truly welcoming.

i've been looking to make reading a bigger hobby, so i was excited to discover this hidden gem…read more i've lived in the area my whole life and never knew about this. the place has definitely seen better days and appears to be quite inactive, but they still had a decent selection of books. i found a few books for great prices that i simply couldn't pass up. the one and only employee at the time was respectful and there if you needed. the cafe (or restaurant?) in the back was closed, so i can't say much about that. overall, this place isn't the holy grail, but it's great to find a fairly priced used book.

Shelf Life is always my top recommendation when visiting Carytown. The staff are incredibly helpful…read moreand knowledgeable. Never be afraid to ask for recommendations or help finding a specific book! If you are lucky, you will get to see the store cats lounging in the window by the banned book section. Downstairs is reserved for new books, with well curated and intentional sections. Upstairs features huge selection of used books from all genres. I snagged a copy of "Still Life" in almost new condition for $7.95.

Wow!! Favorite Bookshop of my travels! Loved that there is a well organized level of Used books or…read moreas I love to say pre-loved-- is there a dollar shelf- not that I could find but that said - I did buy 2 brand new books from the wonderful LOCAL Authors and local interest section. I felt welcome and I am sure if I had wanted a book recommendation staff would have given me some. Other bookstores I visited in Virginia were not welcoming - . The shop is colorful- I didn't see the Shop cats but lots of Cat love items, fun stickers, a little bit of book bags- and I was tempted by the books- loved the corners upstairs to sit and hang out with a book or 2. Hard to choose just a couple! A must if you love books and are visiting RICHMOND-- and it sits on a street with coffee shops and more- so definitely worth an UBER if you are not staying in the neighborhood. . I dropped off a few "recommendations" since I also work in a bookshop and hope they will stock those in the future- I think they would do well.