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    Downtown Books

    4.7 (27 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Downtown Books Photos

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    Inside the store.
    MeeMaw V.

    This is a must stop when visiting Manteo. It is a beautiful shop with many treasures. Loads of books, reading accessories, stickers, journals, etc. We picked up a few books about the OBX and cannot wait to start reading. Everything was priced fairly and they even had a selection of used books. The people who work there have always been kind and helpful. Overall, my family and I highly recommend.

    Apparently these seats aren't for kids excited to read.
    Carl O.

    Don't visit this store. Just visited 9/2/2023 about 2:35PM EsT. The person working there asked my wife and two toddlers to leave for sitting and reading a few books. They're sitting right here at the rocking chair and stool provided. My daughter (4) had two learn-to-read books and we were reading them for a couple minutes to choose. My Son (2.5) had a Bluey book and was excited about a stuffed witch toy. We were in the store less than 15 minutes. The older man working there asked my wife and children to leave because 'they needed to make space for other customers' and was making a hand gesture to 'wrap it up' in the same vain as someone who is asking an award speech to be wrapped up. The store wasn't even very busy, 6 or so other people and we were in the kid-specific section. That's pretty rude to do to someone. We put the children's books and toy back. I wouldn't suggest shopping here. Apparently if you sit to decide which book to choose or if your kid gets too excited you're a nuisance. Genuinely my children were not disruptive at all and we were going to make a purchase. I stepped outside for a couple minutes and they came out after being asked to leave.

    Handwritten reviews to help you choose your next book!
    Diane R.

    I lived in Manhattan for 20 years before moving to the Outer Banks. I used to take my son to the sweet children's area in the Borders book store next to the World Trade Center. After 2001, we walked a little further down Broadway to its new location. But with Amazon taking off, eventually this location closed as well. We switched to Barnes and Noble, happily browsing and reading quietly before choosing our next treasure. When I moved here, I was happy to stumble upon independent book stores, most notably, Downtown Books. This magical place is a great place to browse, and read the handwritten reviews by the owner and her employees. I highly recommend you go there if you haven't already, and support our local businesses. It's a win-win for all of us. "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. "--Dr. Seuss

    Downtown Books in Manteo, NC

    (Formerly known as Manteo Booksellers.) Great mix of books for an indie bookstore. Lots of regional books - Outer Banks, NC - as well as current bestsellers and some used books. Would definitely come back. Friendly staff too. Pet-friendly! - our dog was welcome...and enjoyed the AC. (The sales clerk even pointed to a pet bed under a table so I guess we're not the first to ask.) Social distancing follows Dare County guidelines - masks required.

    Daughter left her beloved doll at the shop on vacation.  We received this in the mail shortly after
    Lauren H.

    Such a wonderful book store! My daughter and I were recently shopping here while on vacation and she left her beloved Rapunzel doll there. We didn't realize until we went home! The owner sent the doll all the way to Maryland and enclosed a note written from Rapunzel's perspective. This just about brought tears to both our eyes! We so appreciate you going above and beyond!

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    6 years ago

    Love this bookstore. Every year we visit the OBX, we make a point to come here. I highly recommend

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    Review Highlights - Downtown Books

    Awesome little book shop with a nice selection of local authors and books about the Outer Banks.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Downtown Books - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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