I noticed Letters Bookshop from the Pie Pushers window and just watched customers keep going inside…read moreand then leaving with bags. So I had to see for myself what was drawing all these people in.
William welcomed me when I walked in, asked what I normally read, and let me know there was an upstairs as well, with more books. I did just stay on the first floor this visit, but I was so impressed by their beautifully curated inventory. They carry a wonderful selection of new fiction, poetry, children's books, and used books, along with fascinating sections on art, music, and nonfiction. They even had a discount section with books priced at $3.98 or less, which is incredible! They also have dedicated topic tables that highlight local North Carolina authors and underrepresented voices, which is wonderful to see. I found some board books to donate to the Little Free Library I was at the other day.
If you've been reading my reviews for a while now, you know I love history and the architecture of older buildings being reused. It is an inclusive store, so everyone is welcome. It is a community-owned cooperative bookstore.
The 1915 building, originally home to Merchants Bank, was built after the 1914 fire in Durham. It is a Neoclassical Revival-style building with massive, majestic Ionic columns that define its street-facing storefront. It later became Hood Industrial Bank and was then used for businesses like Letters. Letters opened back in 2013 at a nearby location and moved into its current space in 2021.
I wish I had gone to the second floor to see the stained glass ceiling. So that just means I will need to make another shopping visit. I need to give myself more time so I can find something for me to read next time.