1. Erasmus Books

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South Bend, IN

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Erasmus Books

4.9 (15 reviews)
Closed • 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

Erasmus Books Photos

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Recommended Reviews - Erasmus Books

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Reviews With Photos

Eric V.

The shinning jewel of South Bend. When I come back to the area to visit family and friends, I consider Erasmus as both. The store is inside a 1920's German-cottage style house (I could be wrong, but that's my guess) and when you enter you can feel the warmth from the books. The proprietors, Philip and Bill, love the written word. This shows both through conversation and the items that they carry. On the main floor you will find mostly hardback poetry fiction/Lit, 1st editions, Children's and rare books. Downstairs are History, theology, nonfiction and paperbacks. I usually go there and look around, jumping from one section and and floor, to the other and maybe back. Never do I go with a book in mind, but wander and let the book find me. If you need a special book- just ask- it could be around, or they can find it for you.

Many hidden gems!

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4 months ago

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3 months ago

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9 months ago

Helpful 76
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18 years ago

Helpful 5
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8 years ago

Helpful 1
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Photo of Austin C.
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17 years ago

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5 years ago

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7 years ago

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Photo of Jaan R.
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8 years ago

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8 years ago

Wonderfully curated joint. Lots of great books. Rare stuff. Classy editions. Friendly service.

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13 years ago

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16 years ago

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Photo of Joel D.
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13 years ago

Excellent selection and wonderful space. Not exactly cheap but reasonable. Very personable people who run it. All in all a South Bend gem.

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13 years ago

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8 years ago

one of the greatest bastions of culture in South Bend, IN

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Ask the Community - Erasmus Books

Review Highlights - Erasmus Books

“Having great conversations with Philip while refreshing your soul in an inviting, relaxing environment, makes Erasmus a "must see" shop in South Bend.”

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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The Bookworm - Bookshelves in the front of the store.

The Bookworm

3.9(9 reviews)
13.6 mi

THIS is one fantastic bookstore. In fact, it is *the quintessential* small town bookstore, the one…read moreyou actually read about in books and wish you had one yourself. If you're anywhere near Elkhart, YOU DO. Lucky us!! Things we love: The work in progress Harry Potter closet under the stairs. YEP!!! The amazing staff! The owners are SO community-minded. It's remarkable. Of course, excellent selection of books THE CUTEST kids area Rolling bookshelves for event space (!) Events! (such as poetry open mic, or local authors) Local authors are featured Knowledgeable staff FANTASTIC sitting clever signs Things that make me sad: We live an hour away. Go! And, perhaps, you'll write your OWN novel, about a bookstore, and this will be your model. LOVE!

This place was a huge disappointment. I took my 3-year old granddaughter on an outing and chose…read morethis local bookstore as part of it. She LOVES reading, and I thought it would be fun to visit a local, independent bookstore. It is a used bookstore, which was not clear from website description. The book choices for preschool children were minimal - a single small bookcase of books - most of which were ancient. (There was a Dick and Jane book there if you want to gauge age of the books). The books were poorly organized and many were very worn. As my granddaughter said, "This bookstore is boring." It was a shame as small communities need good bookstores. This wasn't it. I've been to some GREAT small independent bookstores; I know they can be amazing. This was just depressing.

Photos
The Bookworm - Super cute kids area!

Super cute kids area!

The Bookworm
The Bookworm - Books from the store.

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Books from the store.

Brain Lair Books - Staff at  5th Birthday Bash

Brain Lair Books

4.6(11 reviews)
1.7 mi

What a wonderful find! My bf and I randomly stumbled in on a snowy, wintery day as we had gotten…read moretoo cold during our adventuring but I am always happy to check out bookstores! I was surprised to see so many things on sale for 50% off when we stopped in! I bought a book for myself and a board book for my baby nephew for $17 total, after the 50% discount. I regret not stocking up on graphic novels while they were half off! I doubt this discount will exist the next time I stop in... Brain Lair Books also hosts about 7 different book clubs - I'll be joining the romance one when I move here in a year-ish. The bookseller on staff the day we stopped in was also so kind and very funny! Make sure to stop by this well-curated, local bookstore next time you find yourself in the South Bend area!

Wow is all I can say. How could I be so lucky to stumble across this gem. Back in the day when I…read morelived in South Bend this location was a hardware store with a neighborhood grocery store next door. Kathy, the owner took time to greet me and my sister and chat with us. We're both book lovers and we're impressed with the selection. I brought my friend back hours later who is also a book lover along with my two nieces. Again, Kathy was very personable, shared why she opened the bookstore. There is something for everyone here. There's even a little nook with a pillow seat for me and my niece to read a book together. You have to check this place out. If you don't live books you know someone who does so why not support a small business. We all left with a book!

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Brain Lair Books
Brain Lair Books - Some highlighted reads

Some highlighted reads

Brain Lair Books

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Erasmus Books - bookstores - Updated October 2026

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