My husband and I had read an adulatory article about the store and the many thousands of books there, so we traveled up from St. Louis to take a look. The thousands of books were there, all right, but in a building that smells overwhelmingly of mold. I don't know whether it's from a roof leak or a flood, or whether they have just bought a lot of smelly books, but my husband and I both stank of mold even after we left, and I was coughing. I didn't find much of a selection of unusual or uncommon books to tempt me, and the layout of the place is very strange. I couldn't find mystery books for over ten minutes. They were hidden away in a corner, and given far less prominence than romance or inspirational books. Even if I found out that the mold problem had been solved, it's not likely we would return. read more

Old Book Barn - Found in Old Book Barn - Bookstores Near Me - Forsyth, Illinois

Don't let any negative reviews steer you away from this place, it's great!!! I was in-town overnight, and specifically looking for guitar tablature books. While they didn't have much, I did find their music section, and got a great book on the old ACE Records label. However, the best part of the experience was Lori, the owner (I believe). She was SO HELPFUL!!! I asked about her usual stock, and she was totally willing to have an in-depth conversation with me about various subjects. Also, when I went to check out, and told her that I was in town for a concert, she reached into a drawer, and pulled out an information sheet recommending restaurants for dinner, breakfast and coffee places. She even gave me some of her own, and some advice on where else to look for good used books!! Other than the concert itself, it was the highlight of my trip there. Thank you Lori!!! read more

Very large selection and helpful, friendly staff. I dropped in while traveling and wish I could come back!

Yep,they have a lot of books.The place does smell of mold.The staff is okay. I don't think it's anything to brag about.It is what it is.For cheap or hard to find books or magazines,it the place to go.Fir everything else,Amazon.. read more

Selection of books are good. However, the staff shut the lights off 15 minutes before their closing time. This caused my 70 year-old mother to become trapped in the bathroom because she couldn't see to get out. In light of that occurrence we did not purchase any books at this store. Would not recommend for the simple fact they didn't seem to be concerned for the customer's safety. After we walked out of the store, the on duty clerk came to the window and waved sarcastically as he locked the door about 5 minutes before the posted closing time. read more

One of kind Book Store. Clean & Organized. They have both new and old books for good prices! Staff is very friendly too. They also can order books for you if they're available for you. Definitely worth the visit if you live close by Decatur area, or just passing by town. read more

I could spend hours in this bookstore. Lots of used books and well organized. Staff is always friendly and helpful

A lot of times, I typically run into two types of bookstores... one type is ridiculously cluttered in which the owner just tries to stuff as many books into the store as possible, and the other is the snooty bookstore where you wouldn't find many mainstream books. The old book barn is neither. Also, this place is freaking huge. Humongous. Every so often a trip to Champaign warrants a visit to this place. They have a huge collection of books and they have many books that are hard to find. The people who work there are great. They obviously enjoy what they're doing and are more than willing to help you out with anything. So long we find ourselves within an hour of this place, we'll probably find our way for a visit. read more

If you like smell of old books, this is the place for you. For a used book store, the inventory is very well organized. They have a large inventory of both used hardbacks and paperbacks with some new books also The building is one big hall with other cubbyhole rooms on the sides that each have a different specialty or theme. The place has an old metal roof - Very cool to be there when in there when it rains. This is the kind of place I can spend an hour in and still not peruse through everything I would want to. read more

I absolutely love this bookstore! Have been going here for years, took my kids there when they were growing up, too! It's got different and interesting areas to look at and you may find an old toy or antique in a corner somewhere. Their Christmas room is filled with alot of amazing books and I found some old DVD's that I couldn't find anywhere else! Definitely worth going and it's the old book smell. That happens with old books. read more

I have bought many book here over the years have lots of classics and hard to find books from time to time... Place is a little Dusty... The staff are grate! read more

I visited the Book Barn with a friend for the first time the other day and was appalled by the service. The woman was very very rude. We had items to trade and went up to the window, she threw a card down on them and walked away. We had never been there before so we stood there confused, she sighed and came back and asked "did you have a question?". we asked what we did and she explained it with an attitude, then sighed again and said give me 10 minutes. Then out of the two boxes we brought of books in very good condition she only picked out 4 books. There was another woman there who seemed to be training who was very nice. However, I am hesitant to ever go back there again. read more

Book Barn is one of those best kept secrets in Decatur/Forsythe. A good place to take used books, get credit, and find used books for a reasonable price. read more

Rudest staff I have ever encountered in my life. When I politely inquired as to where the arts and entertainment section was, the woman acted as if I asked her to donate a kidney. My mistake. I thought employees were there to assist customers and answer questions. But apparently, they feel VERY put out about that. And when I was at the checkout (again, my mistake for buying anything there, as her hateful attitude should have been the biggest of red flags), my debit card was roughly and rudely snatched out of my hand. After she swiped it, I attempted to take it back. Inexplicably, she quickly jerked it out of my reach, refusing to give it back. There was NO problem with my card. Wow. I have never dealt with employees like this. I have no idea why they possess this kind of snotty attitude. I have never been back. Not to mention their books are insanely overpriced for "used". read more

Cheryl's Old Book Barn is a jewel in our area. You would be hard pressed to find a more complete selection of used books anywhere. They are so well organized and updated all the time. One reviewer mentioned Troy Taylor - he used to be the owner, but not for quite a few years now. Cheryl, her husband and staff keep the place in great shape. We've been going there since it originally opened in Clark's actual barn and it just keeps getting better. So much to see including some antiques, that you will want to be there for hours. Great job, Cheryl!!!!!! read more