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Regulator Bookshop

4.3 (47 reviews)
Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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Marin J.

Regulator Bookshop has been a staple for-EVER. It gets 4 stars for being the steady rock when Borders and Barns and Nobel threatened indie stores. The Regulator used to be the only place to get LGTB stuff at a time when it was only L&G. How awesome is that? I think they have one of the best literary quarterlies sections around. Also loving the Zine section. My only worry is that the children's section overpowers the potential stock of adult books. Leaving me feeling that the stock levels for Adult topics is margin thin and lacking. I so love this store and every time I am in Durham, I have to pay my props.

David B.

Decent selection, but very left wing leanings. I don't normally comment on a bookseller's political positions, but I find that many independent dealers heavily favor books featuring the "issue of the day" and books that are blatantly politically correct. Sadly, Regulator falls squarely into this category. It does offer a modest history section, a small graphic novel group, and even some magazines. However, the selections are limited by both the size of the shop and the political correctness of the owners. Don't let this stop you from visiting if you're in town, but don't expect to find everything you're hoping to find. [WARNING - Statement of Personal Opinion to Follow: Free speech is a right and open dialogue is the bedrock of democracy. Political correctness has no place in the discussion.]

Heather M.

Although this Durham original had been in business since 1976, I didn't discover it many, many years later when me and my friends did the stroll down Ninth St, I had to stop, leaving my whiney friends behind and entered this narina of a book store and favorite from the start. They sell new, gently used, old books, kick knacks, gift cards, cool puppets, and fantastic magazine/newspaper section. Kids are so welcome with a cozy corner with tons of literature, games and keep kid's engaged in reading. They host kids events, poetry readings, books signings and cherry on top well behaved, leashed DOGS are welcome!!! If they don't have it in stock, they go above and beyond to get it in you hands! Customer service always on point. Long standing Durham business is worth my continued patronage!!! And always by local, big book do just fine, keep out community strong!!

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Emily Y.

Speaking for bookworms everywhere, I can say that I really appreciate how the Regulator is both accessible and unique from lots of other chains or worse (looking at you Amazon). Local atmosphere aside, the Regulator has a decent selection of books; I can always find some novels to browse for a while though more classics would be appreciated. Another interesting feature is the authors who are periodically invited to the store; never been to a book signing myself but it's on my list of things to do. All in all, an interesting place to spend an afternoon and a great addition to 9th street.

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1 year ago

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6 months ago

The employees were extremely helpful. They had a wide variety of options. The prices were very reasonable.

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5 years ago

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

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8 years ago

Great bookstore to checkout if your looking for an older hard to find book or just hoping for a hidden treasure.

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15 years ago

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6 years ago

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9 years ago

Love this book shop and Amy is amazing and so knowledgeable ....www.magikcraft.com

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12 years ago

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Ask the Community - Regulator Bookshop

I am not familiar with this neighborhood, does this business have its own parking lot?

There is metered street parking on 9th Street, which is the facing street. The other cross street behind it has free public parking. I think that is called Iridell street. I would recommend that.

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Review Highlights - Regulator Bookshop

Additionally, 45% percent of the money you spend on their website stays in the Durham community.

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The University Store

The University Store

(8 reviews)

$$

Service as only as good as the student you get which is just ok. I get it so no stars off...Who…read morewants to work in a high volume bookstore like Duke's bookstore? Selection is way better than my Alma mater's bookstore... I went to University of San Francisco...My brother went to Duke...So yeah I get to wear their gear with shame :) and shop in a huge bookstore. I bought 3 hats solely for golf and a long sleeve shirt...I have a ton of other Duke gear. My only grip is. Ike being a provider which sucks since Nike fits like crap on me...what man is slim fit!!! LOL! I get being fit but almost all brands I buy such as Adidas, KUIU, Champion, Ralph Lauren, etc...XL fits but Nike you need to size up if not1.5x...NO to Nike. Value wise, you will find some Deals but I am all about instant gratification. The prices are high but they offer Lululemon, Champion, Cutter and buck so you will find something that fits your budget and needs. I love blue so Duke has it over my schools colors which is Green and Gold (ugh). Worth visiting the bookstore even if you are not a student or Alumni...You can always walk around the campus which is also beautiful.

Excellent selection of all things Duke Univ. From individual schools...business, law, etc. you can…read morefind just the swag you need. Snacks, merch, textbooks, etc. This store on the grounds near the chapel has it all. Excellent customer service, two floors for perusing and merch is priced affordably.

Barnes & Noble - Secured the goods - lifewithhanny

Barnes & Noble

(27 reviews)

$$

I used to go to this Barnes & Noble a lot to chill and devour books while enjoying coffee from…read moreStarbucks, but my most recent visit was one of the most disappointing bookstore-venturing experiences I've had. First of all, the cafe was too packed; they seemed to have change the seating arrangements, and there's not enough seats to accommodate more customers. Compared to the Barnes & Noble in Cary, this location lacked seats outside of the cafe area, so most of the people who want to just sit and read a book are left with no option but to find an open seat in the cafe area or in one of the uncomfortable "benches" in front of the magazine stand. Another annoying change: the restrooms now require a code to enter (probably to avoid unpleasant guests from trashing the toilets, which is understandable). When I asked an old guy at the customer service for the code, he wrote it down for me but the lack of friendliness and helpfulness of the employees make this shop devoid of the kind of warmth you find in other bookstores. None of them asked for what I was looking for or greeted me when I passed. As for the overall value books, it's the same story for every Barnes & Noble: I just don't see a smart reason to purchase books here over purchasing books on Amazon because of prices here are significantly higher compared to buying online. I ended up leaving right away. This location should learn from the Barnes & Noble in Cary when it comes to overall ambiance and customer service.

We visit this Barnes and Noble occasionally because it's just expensive but they have a good…read morevariety of books. I specifically go for the B&N classic and special editions but it is nice they have a cafe. I noticed their bathroom is locked and can only be unlocked by a code on the bottom of a receipt which isn't super classy. Overall like any other B&N- the employees said hello but didn't ask if we were looking for anything.

Regulator Bookshop - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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