Wonderful! I received my book, beautifully wrapped in paper. A week earlier than I expected. The book is as-new, though it was listed in good condition. Thank you, thank you! read more

Very cozy vibe and great customer service. I highly recommend this destination for anyone interested in old books--there are plenty of treasures to be found! read more

We visited Dogstar books in search of something particular. Unfortunately, we didn't find what we were looking for, as the selection seemed to be limited mainly to vintage books, a lot of history, and science fiction. However, we did enjoy browsing the owners collection. Once the owner greeted us, he asked if we needed help and was very accommodating. Honestly, this place is worth checking out, just to see all of the old books, the rolling ladder, and if you are in search of vintage books this is your place. It is street parking here. I ended up getting an old Girl Scout manual, and the owner let me know that he also does repairs. We will definitely come back! read more

See all

I am on the constant hunt for bookstores in the area and came across DogStar on my hunt. This is a pretty large used bookstore with a decent selection and nice children's section as well. It can feel a bit overwhelming as it is a little dark and foreboding inside but my interactions with the staff were pleasant and left with a neat find. You may want to take some time to wander here. read more

See all

This is a great little used bookstore in Lancaster. There are a ton of books here and you're bound to find something if you look hard enough. The sections aren't tremendously organized and there are stacks and stacks just sitting around. The prices were also a little high, but the selection is for books not found in other use bookstores. read more

See all

I have always enjoyed DogStar bookstore and the service there couples with it making a very sincere welcome! It is immensely bigger actually and more full of fascinating books to meet anybody's interests! I highly recommend this bookstore! It also has flexible hours when people can come inside to check out books to buy. Also, I found only reasonably good prices I can afford there at DogStar bookstore! read more

I went here pre-quarantine, very excited and left feeling abused. The snobbish people working here might as well have said they wanted me to leave. Don't know what their problem was. I left books for them to look through and see if they wanted any while I shopped with a friend. It was difficult to find what we were looking for as there was little organization to the vast place, which didn't smell that great either. My friend found an exciting book he was willing to pay the steep price for while I didn't buy anything because I felt the books I wanted were way over priced and I could find them somewhere else cheaper. They didn't want any of my books. That was fine with me. But the nasty treatment was unbearable. I will NOT be coming back. read more

Wonderful spot for finding some unique books and helpful staff. You find everything from modern to vintage and the price is decent. I'd suggest getting there early because you'll need a lot of browsing time to look through everything. Definitely will go back. read more

Great book store in the heart of Lancaster. You can get lost in here walking around the floor-to-ceiling shelves of books, as the collection is outstanding. Most of the collection consists of vintage and antique books, though there are some recent titles mixed in as well. Good place to find specific historical works as the sections are very specific and have a lot to offer. read more

Hard to believe I haven't stopped in before today. What a treasure! Rooms full of books. Wonderful surprise on a hot day to wander, in cool comfort, amongst the books. Easy to find parking, followed by a lovely walk up Lemon Street, followed by books, books, books. I'm looking forward to my next visit. read more

DogStar Books - Bookstores Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

See all

Great place to peruse eclectic stacks. Prices are very good for impressive stock. The owner is usually in residence and is willing and able to help with decisions and discussions. Always friendly. The new location is configured for community, and interesting events have been a regular occurrence since the move. Perhaps the best aspect of the place is that it seems that it keeps growing and evolving to meet the needs/demands of its customers. A definite stop on First Friday, and worth regular visits to see what's new. read more

Amazing book store, that I'm angry at myself for waiting 5 years to visit. The selection is impressive. One could spend hours in there combing through the stacks. We could all do more to SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS! read more

Ethical, kind, patient bookseller. Let's keep this small bookstore open! I had a problem and I became very defensive and not nice and the owner remained patient and kind even when I accused of him of ripping me off (I was WRONG, he did not). He resolved a stressful issue in the most ethical and kind way and that means a great deal in today's world. I would go out of my way to buy from them again. read more

This is a place where you really need to take your time and look through their selection. Perfect for a rainy day. It is a little chaotic with books stacked and shelved everywhere. Some of the stacks aren't marked which can be really annoying but otherwise that's my only complaint. Come support this great local business read more

Excellent. I ordered, online, a set of books, published in 1887, from Dogstar Books. The description was very accurate and helpful. The photos of the set were also a great help in my decision. Communication from Dogstar was complete, timely, and efficient. My books arrived promptly and so meticulously packaged. Plastic, cardboard, bubble wrap inside more wrapping in a box. I am so happy to have my books and so pleased that they have been so lovingly cared for. Thank you Brian! read more

Love this book store! They have a great selection of kids books at great prices. My kids love going in to see what treasures they will find. I always find something for me as well. The Art gallery is really open and light! Wonderful way to see and meet local artists. I really like that you can sell your books or take a trade to get more books. A great addition to a wonderful part of Lancaster City. read more

A great independent with very helpful, friendly staff. I used a Living Social coupon and they were wonderful about it.

Checking the store out on Yelp showed the store was closed just before Christmas - but what the heck, it was raining, I'm optimistic, and so we drove by to check it out, and YAY it was open! Of course! If you're a used bookstore fan, and love spending time and money supporting local businesses, and you happen to be in Lancaster - don't miss DogStar - it is wonderful. Housed in a couple of old buildings joined by interior doorways, you'll wander up and down small staircases, and into rooms of books, rooms that used to be the parlors and dining rooms of another age. The owner was so helpful, and there was no sales pressure at all, so of course, this is where we bought a number of unexpected finds that were perfect gifts. There's a full room of mysteries, and DogStar seemed particularly strong on current fiction, as well as civil war and political history. Don't miss this gem. read more

A terrific bookstore -- friendly owner and clerks who let you browse to your heart's content, but are also very helpful if you want something specific. I've both bought and sold books here, and have found pricing fair in both areas. Book and mortar stores are getting fewer and fewer, and I'm happy to have this one in my area. There's always new stock coming in, which repays frequent visits. The great thing is that the people who work there really love books -- they're more than just commodities. I also like how active the owner and employees are in the community. A great place for bookies to hang out and shop. read more

This is the most incredible book store, with vintage, rare and well maintained old books. It's diverse sections has something for everyone and a cozy feeling that makes you feel like you're standing in a fairy tale. A great afternoon stop for any book lover. Bring cash - you won't be able to leave without something! read more

Love Dogstar books! They're a little off the beaten path. Their new location on Lemon Street is fantastic. Dogstar is great just for browsing or if you're looking for a book that's a little more unusual. I've gotten some great classics, a biography of Allen Ginsberg, and great out-of-print 6th grade Language Arts teaching book. Their hours are a little odd, but if you check their website, they're there when they say they are. I moved from Lancaster when I graduated college, and I already miss Dogstar. Dogstar is the place to go, hands down. read more

Totally impressed with this place! Well-organized and the owner really knew where to go for stuff. He went out of his way to look for some things that were up my alley. read more

I am not one for used book stores, but seeing some of the rare, older first edition books, specifically hymnals, was quite interesting. The books are easy to view and grouped by genre. If you have some time to kill in the city, it's a great way to do it. read more

Just visited Dogstar Books at its new location, and boy I couldn't have been more pleased. Always helpful with a wonderful selection of quality, used books. While I was shopping, people were coming in with books to sell or calling and they were treated extremely kindly...very friendly place, and one where browsing is certainly encouraged. Hours are perfect, can't get better then six days a week, and I look forward to spending lots of time checking out the new selections which are arriving on a daily basis. Lancaster is fortunate to have Dogstar Books, and the new store really highlights the gem that it is. read more

Employees are always kind and helpful; greeting customers, assisting them in locating books (often doing so from memory), and striking up conversations with anyone and everyone who comes into the store. The atmosphere is relaxed; people can come in and browse for as long as they please and are never rushed. The new location itself appears almost enchanting. The store is more than family friendly; all employees are happy to engage young children while their parents/guardians browse. And the events at the store offer a wide-range of artistic and cultural opportunities for people of all ages. read more

I took over 40 books there to sell for my mother who is 65 years old. I took them for her since she could not make it. They were all basically new and not even over 2 years old. About 15 were autographed. He told her to have me bring them around 1pm. I got there at 12:50 and he was not there, when he did get there at 1pm, he got an attitude with me, because I got there before 1pm. Well 12:50 is around 1pm. So I do not know what kind of world he lives in. He started getting a smug and a I am better then you attitude right after that. He gave my mother a check for $25 for the books. He said thats all he can do. I then looked up one of the books he bought from her and he was selling it for $25. What about the other 39? This place will rip you off real quick. Dont bring your books here to sell, just donate them to the library like I should have done, and will do from now on. read more

I really liked this bookstore. Great atmosphere and great prices. Went in for some mmpb SFF books and found about 5 for my collection. Good selection and good prices. I had to go, but I could have spent all day looking at all the more rare books. read more

Just received a book that I have spent 10 years searching for - and finally found here via alibris. The packaging was absolutely astounding - I buy a LOT of things online, and I have never seen such a meticulous and careful job of protecting an item before. The book is a rare one, and Dogstar treated it as the precious find it is. Thank you SO much for the care and attention to my newest treasure. I will be back! I wish I lived close enough to visit in person!! read more

Dogstar is a great local bookstore. Luckily, It's not a place filled with your neighbor's leftover junk; it's a place with interesting titles and authors. The new location is beautiful, with huge bookcases filled to the brim and interesting art in the new gallery space. It's the perfect mix of dusty books and open spaces (and I mean that in the best way possible) -- perfect for an afternoon stop. I alway walk away with a new book. Now I can get everything I need on Lemon St. -- groceries at West End, ice cream at Splits & Giggles, a beer and some pub trivia at Brendees, and great books at Dogstar. I live in the neighborhood and couldn't be happier. read more

I went to this bookstore today for the first time. I loved it. The book is so well organized and well stocked. Books are in very good condition and prices are good. I don't live in Lancaster but I live close enough to go to the markets several times a year. DOGSTAR will definitely be on my list of must stop at shops. read more