Main Street Books

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3 years ago

This place has so much to offer! They have an array of books, adult/baby gifts, apparel you name it. This place has a great social media that shows all their upcoming events! They have events for adults, reading to kids, all things you think! Such a great book store! read more

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Abigail R.

Elite 26 All-Star

250

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3 years ago

Main Street Books - Downstairs - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Charles, Missouri

Main Street Books - Upstairs - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Charles, Missouri

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Michael S.

1603

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4 years ago

Main Street Books - Small and crowded Main Street Books is a nice spot to browse in the historic district. - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Charles, Missouri

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Sherry C.

10 months ago

I'm a local author who spent two hours in MainStreet Books, selling and signing my book. The gals who run the bookstore are fabulous. It's not often an independent author has the opportunity to talk to readers. Main Street has a wide selection of books and novelty items. While I was there, the store was alive with customers. I enjoyed seeing how excited the children were. As any great bookstore should have, there is a cozy reading area upstairs. Main Street Books is a must see. Independent bookstores are fun and need our support! read more

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Bill S.

Elite 24

1684

860

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5 years ago

Quaint little bookstore on South Mainstreet in historic St. Charles is what most people imagine an old time bookstore would be like. Great window overlooking cobblestone Mainstreet! read more

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Justin C.

191

4 years ago

Took my girlfriend here on her bday, nice place and warm friendly staff. Stopping by is a must everytime were on Main st!

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Celeste C.

4 years ago

Awesome variety of children's books, welcoming atmosphere, and wonderful employees! So cute and quaint. Oh and did I mention the wonderful book smell! read more

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Monica S.

8 years ago

This store was charming. I especially loved all the unique greeting cards, ranging from funny to sweet, for all sorts of occasions. read more

Main Street Books - Storefront - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Charles, Missouri

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Stefanie E.

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18 years ago

Darling, darling, darling! My friend did a book signing here (her book is called "Simply Mom: Advice from Someone Who Loves You"), and she sat in a big white chair in front. It's like a mini living room, with books displayed all around. It's really tiny, but so charming. The owner is positively delightful and no one wanted to leave! They've got all the latest titles, and the owner has usually read them all and can tell you about them in great detail. This is truly a local treasure and it's so important we support places like this! read more

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Susan L.

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14 years ago

We went there today and really liked the store. It's certainly very small, but the children's section has a fairly extension selection (comprising much of the second level, which is a cozy little haven) and there's also a good selection of books about the Civil War. In addition, there are lots of nice cards and other items. I bought three miniature decks of beautifully-illustrated Civil War cards for my brother-in-law, and an adorable stuffed animal owl for a friend who loves "owl" items. Most interesting of all was the fairly extensive selection of small/amusing books which I'd call "irreverent humor". The owner is off on Tuesday & Wednesdays and therefore we didn't meet her, but the woman working there was very pleasant. read more

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Maggie H.

Elite 26 All-Star

198

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12 years ago

I've been going to Main Street Books since before it relocated to its current building. I was alarmed by a Post-Dispatch article that mentioned the place might be closing and elated when a new owner was found. The upstairs was closed, so I can't speak for what is up there. I enjoyed the local history section and made a purchase, thereby assuaging my guilt for not having supported the store for a number of years. MSB has never been one of my favorite bookstores, but it's reached the point where I want to support the idea of the independent bookstore. read more

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Myranda H.

Elite 21

159

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7 years ago

I love this book store! It's a great quiet place to stop in at when exploring Main Street. Prices are to be expected for the shop to turn a profit. Great set up and very cute layout. Love that it's two story! read more

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Beth H.

Elite 24

284

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7 years ago

Main Street Books is a really fun book store! It's small but contains so much great stuff! I loved browsing the recent releases, and also poking around in the kids section. There are also some fantastic and unique gift options and cards. I found a few goodies that I can't wait to give to friends. read more

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D Z.

106

9 years ago

Main Street Books is a treasure. It's one of those charming, adorable, local shops people discover while vacationing, and we in St. Charles are lucky enough to go there any time we wish. What's more, the proprietor lives and breathes the bookshop lifestyle. She brings authors to town, co-hosts library events, and ensures books are available at any bookish celebration. For books, gifts, cards, and ambience, treat yourself at Main Street Books. read more

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Sara H.

7 years ago

Such a homey and cute bookshop! They have two floors filled with books and a special childrens section. Very helpful staff.

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Hao X.

Elite 20

271

425

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12 years ago

I love this place! It's super cute and has a great kids section. I love walking in, making a bee-line to the back, and just spending 15-20 minutes reading children's books. maybe i'm just weird. if you can't find something, talk to the owner. she's probably able to get it for you from the publisher! also, check out the upstairs sections! they have a pretty decent teen/YA section and a nice desk of books for writers arranged around a vintage typewriter! since i'm trying to support buying local, i've decided to buy pictures books from this place pretty much exclusively. and you should too! :) read more

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Dawn N.

5 years ago

Wonderful, magical bookstore, exactly as you would imagine it! Emily is a remarkable business woman, and obviously a true lover of books. Her beautiful shop, selection, and knowledge of books for all ages is remarkable. As an avid reader, and lover of books, I highly recommend this book store. This shop has what the chain bookstores are missing - personality, friendliness, ambiance, knowledge, true customer service- all while being a small, locally owned business! read more

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Amber D.

494

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8 years ago

Such a fun place! It's a small shop but they have a nice upstairs area. Always find something nice to read and enjoy looking around the old building. read more

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Jay W.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

207

106

11 years ago

The bookstore was full of both adults and teenagers, always a good sign. And I found something there I'd not seen before, which is rare rare rare in this Internet age. If only every independent bookstore had a friendly, care-taking staff like this one. I recommend at least half an hour to fully explore everything they offer and savor the shopping experience. read more

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Lisa C.

Elite 14

267

16 years ago

I'm not one to knock "big" bookstores. I worked for Barnes & Noble for fifteen years, and for the most part, those of us who work(ed) there love books with an abnormal passion. But it is nice to go into a little shop and immerse yourself in the titles they have. A smaller selection means more time to dedicate to reading each blurb, flipping through all the pages. Main Street Books is one of those places I love. They carry "serious" stuff and they carry romantic trash. The staff is attentive, always eager to give suggestions, and most of all, patient while you wander the place. If you really believe in the "shop local" mantra, give this place a try. read more

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Amanda S.

Elite 16

105

12 years ago

We passed by this store on our fun walk through the Historic District of St. Charles and we thought it was a used book store but it's not. Although very nice and organized inside (both upstairs and downstairs), they have have a wide variety of books ranging from Children's books to pet's. They have an upstairs area where you can sit in some chairs, enjoy a nice fan and they have their youth fiction area as well. It was a cute place -- I guess we just thought it was something else than what it was. read more

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beth g.

11 years ago

Main strret books is a dream come true for my small sons. They have a wonderfully culled selection in their childrens area of classics and books we have never seen before. For my husband and myself, it is a great little store with incredibly kind people who work there. We will never go to big bookstores again. We love it there! read more

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Laine B.

10 years ago

A small but perfect jewel of a bookstore. Wonderful location, charming building, and a staff who really know what they're doing. Very well-arranged children's section; a great local section. No space is wasted on excess stock; the market is well-represented, and they readily order anything a reader wants. Many special events - a lively part of the community. Just what a bookstore should be. read more

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Elizabeth L.

8 years ago

Stopped in on an evening in St Charles. They have a small building but a great variety of books both new and used, as well as literary gifts for everyone! My mom and I both ended up buying some of the cute literary buttons that are up near the front counter - buy four get one free. How could we argue with that? Would love to come back next time! read more

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Ken N.

12 years ago

I asked for a book that is currently #5 on the NYT best seller list, She didn't know the author or the book. "We can order it for you if you like". Nope Barnes and Noble will have it. read more

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Linda J.

11 years ago

Emily is knowledgeable and enjoys meeting people and speaking about books! Love the atmosphere and small business owner vs big box (Barnes & Noble). read more

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Martine S.

10 years ago

Went there with kids, 1st and 3rd grader. Right there at kids' eye-level there were books with the "f" word being displayed at the checkout!! My 1st grader read it.. The owner attacked my 1st grader for doing that, though she has no idea what that means. Very rude lady there. And at the end, just order from Amazon or get from Barnes and noble where things are placed in the right place. read more

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More info about Main Street Books

337 S Main St
Saint Charles, MO 63301
St Charles
Directions
(636) 949-0105
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.mainstreetbooks.net

Hours

What time does Main Street Books open?

Main Street Books opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Main Street Books opens at 11:00 AM on Sunday.

What time does Main Street Books close?

Main Street Books closes at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PMSun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Main Street Books take Bitcoin?

No, Main Street Books does not take Bitcoin.

Does Main Street Books take credit cards?

Yes, Main Street Books takes credit cards.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Main Street Books have bike parking?

Yes, Main Street Books has bike parking.

Does Main Street Books have parking?

Yes, Main Street Books has parking options. Street Parking

From the Business

Specialties

Main Street Books is a cute and cozy indie bookstore in the heart of Historic St. Charles, MO. We carry mostly new books- everything from NYT bestselling titles to local authors, children's books and the hottest YA series', history and St. Charles/St. Louis interest, as well as cookbooks, nature guides, sports and humor. We carry TY products, Folkmanis Puppets, wooden toys, socks, t-shirts, stationery, journals, and several other sideline items that compliment nicely the purchase of books. We also have a small used book section and a robust selection of writing guides. Our stock changes all the time- stop by and see what's new!

History

Established in 1993.

Main Street Books was founded by Mary Fran Rash, during the Great Flood. Fortunately, the flood waters did not reach the store's original location on the west side of Main Street: Collier Cottage, a building dating back to the late 1860s. In 2006, it moved to the present location near the Visitor's Center. Around the time Main Street Books moved, the store changed hands; Vicki and Jim Erwin of Kirkwood, MO assumed ownership of the store that Vicki had often visited as a sales rep for Scholastic. For nearly 8 years, Vicki managed the day-to-day operations of the store, coordinated author events, and even managed to write a book on the history of St. Charles. In late 2013, the store changed hands yet again. The Halls. Emily, Ellen and Andy took over in February of 2014, with Emily stepping into Vicki's role as co-owner and proprietress. The Hall Family hopes to continue the legacy that began with Mary Fran in 1993 and that was perpetuated by Vicki in 2006 honorably.

Meet the Business Owner: Emily H.

Emily is a St. Charles native and holds an English degree from Truman State University. She has always been a voracious reader, and so has taken very well to her new position as Co-Owner and Proprietress of Main Street Books. When not managing the store and coordinating author events, she divides her time between trying to read every book ever, watching her budgies (Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, of course) surpass their own adorable-ness, and attempting to write a romance novel. One of these days...

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Review Highlights - Main Street Books

“Quaint little bookstore on South Mainstreet in historic St.”

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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Explore benefits

Half Price Books

3.5(19 reviews)

2.9 mi•St Charles

An incredible selection of books and board games. Very hard to visit without buy several items…read more People are friendly and helpful.

Great prices on puzzles, games and books. I even like their calendar selection. If you need a book…read moreon a topic I am sure you will find it there. Now, if you are wanting to sell books I would not recommend hauling in 40 pounds of books to receive only $7. I was disappointed. I would suggest taking some to the free library boxes around the community.

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Rose's Bookhouse

4.8(5 reviews)

12.3 mi

•$

I love going into this whole in the wall gem of a bookstore. The workers there are always so nice…read moreand caring. Huge range of genres to browse through. I can spend hours there just looking. If you are looking for something specific they can tell you if they have it or not. I love that they have a variety of old and new books too!

I love small book stores when I'm traveling this was a great find. They have a great selection of…read morenew and used books and great prices as well, I left with a new book and a few bargains too!

The Enchanted Attic

3.8(29 reviews)

0.1 mi•St Charles

They sell NAG CHAMPA! This store is iconic on the main street of St. Charles. Crystals, tarot card,…read moreliterature, pendulums, some broom skirts and more. We even received a free stick of incense. There were parking lots close by and street parking off the cobblestone. The store was well laid out and colorful. Enjoyed looking and Interacting with the staff. I thought $3.00/box of the incense was extremely reasonable. Good value!

Very limited stock and it felt like we weren't paid attention to until we looked like we were…read moremaking a purchase, then the sales persons warmed up. The incenses we got were fine but honestly overpriced. A good swap would be going to Maplewood's Mystic Valley, they have a larger collection and are always warm and welcoming.

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Barnes and Noble Booksellers

3.4(18 reviews)

7.6 mi•St Peters

I really like this Barnes & Noble store. There's plenty of…read moreparking, but be careful crossing the walkway into the store as it's near the shopping plaza entrance, and drivers turn in rather quickly. The store is large and spacious with a lot of merchandise that is very well organized. There is a Starbucks in the front of the establishment and you can get your favorite beverage and relax. They also have a great selection of magazines, special gifts for the book lovers in your life, and I always seem to find something good in the clearance area. The staff is helpful in finding whatever you're looking for.

So mad and upset will never shop here again! will get all future books from Amazon!…read more Back before Charlie Kirk was Assassinated I heard him talking about his up coming book about the Sabbath "Stop in the Name of God!" at that time I wasn't fully sure if it was out or not so I came into the store for it. when I couldn't find it I found a worker to ask! she was early twenties brunette and was friendly at first, but the moment I told her what I was looking for her demeanor changed. I could tell she was judging me but at the time I didn't care. She stated it wasn't out but I could preorder it, I said yes please gave my name, phone number and email and asked if I could pay for it now. she said no I had to wait till it was in, I said ok thanks and thought I was good! today I went in to get my copy and what I was excited for became aggravation quickly! I was told I was not on the list for the book and that my information wasn't even in their system. I told them no I was in here months ago and talked to someone who was rude but that I gave her all my information. they apologized and said they didn't have a copy for me and that they are sold out, they also couldn't say if and when more would come out. The two ladies today were nice and took my information again but I'm so aggravated that my personal views were not just judged by an employee but that she pretended to help and then no one could rectify it! I will be ordering my copy somewhere else and telling anyone who will listen this store is not to be trusted and to shop elsewhere!

My daughter playing with the train set at Barnes N Nobles Bookstore.

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Bookmark Book Shops

3.0(1 review)

0.2 mi•St Charles

Not a bad place for teachers, however, they didn't have the books I was looking for. They would…read morehave happily ordered them for me, but I already drove over 30 miles out of my way to get there and I wasn't making another trip back. The books were a little picked-over, but then again, i went right before school started. The staff was nice and very helpful.

Half Price Books

3.9(61 reviews)

10.6 mi

•$

Half Price Books is the best place I take the books and media as you thin out your collection…read more (Dunaway Books and Hammond's Books have failed to return communication and Left Bank Books' hours don't work for me.) That being said... you get very little money for what you bring in. Much less than other used bookstores offer. I know the stores need to make a profit. I don't expect that the inventory will get 30% of the asking price. But 20% or even 15% would be nice. Am I getting that? I think not. At Half Price Books, you don't know what you're getting for each item. How it worked in the past: Bring books to the counter. Wait to be paged. Return to see 2 (or 3?) groups of stacked books. Staff make a point of saying "These are the books we want. Those are the books we don't want." The "don't want" group is larger most of my visits. Staff offer to donate/recycle (read: trash) the books for you. Formerly (early 2020s) you could take accept the offer on the wanted group and take the donate group to your preferred nonprofit. How it worked about year ago: Though staff have your books separated into different groups, the offer is on all of the books, including the books they will donate/trash. Once the books are on the counter, you can't take a single book back without refusing the offer. You must take all the books back. A staff member told me that if there are some books I want to take elsewhere, I should put them in 2 different groups so I can have different offers. Hmmm. How it works now: You can't take any of the books back, even if you tell them in advance. Staff say they won't tell you which ones are the wanted/unwanted though after their review, the books sure seem to be in different groups. When you ask about this, they say this has *always* been the policy, and that they only deviated from it during the covid pandemic. (Then that was not *always* the policy, was it?) I imagine the books groups are something like of: sell here, sell at a different HPB location, donate, trash. If some of these books are going to be thrown away or donated, why not give them to the owner? It should be less work for the staff. So it's imperfect. This is as good as it gets for people hoping to unload of a few hundred dollars brick-and-mortar resell value in books for a little cash. Shopping here: I rarely buy books, journals, games, media and the other items sold here. When I want to buy something particular that I think will be here, Half Price Books is one of the places I shop. Buying a used book locally by a company that is based out of state is still better than buying from Amazon. I can usually find some books to bring for them to review while I shop.

Always have the best experiences here. Half Price Books has books, boardgames, DVDs, Video games…read moreand so much more for sale. They have a great selection of books and everything is so well priced. The staff is incredibly sweet and helpful. I have purchased many books here and will be back for more.

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Grace Book Store

5.0(1 review)

3.2 mi

If you are looking for popular Christian books, you should be able to find some here. It is a…read morechurch bookstore, not a full-fledged bookstore, so you won't find thousands of titles. Prices are decent and there are always reduced priced books available.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

3.7(43 reviews)

11.1 mi

I feel genuine happiness when I'm in this store - like a kid in a candy store. I could spend hours…read more(and all my money) shopping here. Absolutely adore this place and always look forward to getting lost in a new book.

I came in right before the store closing at 8 for a quick book purchase. I went to the kiosk and…read morethe clerk point the book out for me immediately. They had an online discount for the book that they honored in store for me, which was really nice. The store was clean, nicely lit and with visible signs. There are handicap accessible parking also. Huge parking lot. Recommended.

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Book-X-Change

2.0(5 reviews)

1.2 mi•St Charles

•$$$

Not sure how someone can give this place a good or bad review. Like all brick and mortar college…read morebook stores, they provide books. Not much to the service, either they have the book you need or they do not. Yes the books and rental rates are high, but so is every college book store and this store is not any higher than those. If you want to find cheaper prices then shop online and take the risk of not getting what you need.

This place is stupid expensive. I can buy used online for cheaper than I can rent used from this…read moreplace. I would only shop on a last resort. Sorry but I don't see any reason to pay that kind of $$$ for something we barely use.