Once again everybody on my list got a fun book for christmas. I might as well have just browsed around, but I knew of particular things ahead of time. None were in stock, but the kind staff ordered them for me (3x of one ... they were like are you sure? yeah!) and everything arrived in less than a week! While I'm picking them up, there is interesting shopping to be done here. The staff is kind and attends to their duties. I got a phone call about all the books right on time. They tossed some Regulator Bookshop bookmarks in there, which some of my recipients will enjoy and some will wonder about. read more

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

This is a longtime establishment that I'm glad has survived the pandemic. I understand the previous owner did sell it, though, although perhaps to one of his employees. For a long time they were only offering buy-online-pickup-in-store options but are now open to let you peruse their books. On our last visit, my wife did find some books she was interested in an made a purchase. I think if you are members of the Friends of the Durham Library, you're supposed to get a discount, but that organization did not send us our membership cards this year. Oh well .... Still happy to support a local independent bookshop. read more

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. read more

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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.] read more

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I am SO disappointed. I reserved 33 copies of a book for my students at my school, and even had approval from the author. I told them when I would pick them up and had the payment. The Regulator sold them out from under me hours before I got there to pick them up. Now I have to go back to my school and explain to my students, who paid significant money, for this to-be-released-tomorrow book, that I have no books for them. Way to go, Regulator. read more

This is a great bookstore with super friendly staff! It isn't the biggest store in the world, but they have sections for each genre of reading that you could possibly want. They will also order you any book you may need that they don't have in stock. Plus this place has both used and new books, so if you are on a budget, there are also some great budget item books too. This store you just feel relaxed in the moment you enter, and it almost is like looking through a home library for treasures! There are bookshelves throughout the store and racks, and it just overall is a great spot to kill some time if you are in the ninth street area. So happy reading and book buying! And support local bookstores! read more

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!! read more

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I love this cozy place and anyone who loves books will too. Great book selection, great service, a place that draws in authors on tour. I saw Dave Eggers here a few years ago and it was hella magical. read more

The Regulator Bookshop epitomizes the independent bookstore; kinda makes you embarrassed to admit you occasionally shop at B&N. The Regulator is part of the Sustain a Bull group, who promotes shopping at local businesses over national chains. And they've got good sales, too: currently on their website NYT bestsellers are 30% off and all other non-academic, non-technical titles are 10% off. There are no shipping charges if you choose to pick up your order at the store, and you don't even have to enter your credit card information for these orders. Additionally, 45% percent of the money you spend on their website stays in the Durham community. They carry books from local books publishers from UNC Press, Duke University Press, and Algonquin, and they also hold author events like readings, signings, and receptions. Apart from Quail Ridge, I'd argue that The Regulator is the best indie (non-used) bookshop in the Triangle. They ask that you check your bags at the desk. I'm always carrying a massive bag, but I've never checked it before. I am a little afraid that they'll think I'm a shoplifter. Whether are part of Durham's über-intelligentsia or just want a recommendation for a good book to read, The Regulator is a great place to find what you're looking for. Makes you feel smart and do-gooder-y. read more

The Regulator is that kind of shop that you just have to stop in when walking by, whether you planned to or not, it just has that draw. There is a home feel inside and the staff is very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. I love to support our communities local and small business, so I want to drop a couple of pro tips for those out there who may not know. Pro tip #1: You can search their inventory on their website, and if they dont have the book in stock you can order it to the shop for in store pickup. Pro tip #2: Join their frequent buyer club and get 10% off of every purchase for a one time fee. Pro tip #3: Download the IndieBound Reader app on your tablet so that you can purchase digital books and support this awesome bookshop at the same time! And if you're looking for book recommendations because my awesome pro tips have you all amped up to get your read on, check out 'Just Kids' by Patti Smith and thank me later. Cheers! read more

I didn't think anything could wean me off Amazon.com but the Regulator is making it a lot easier. I had forgotten about how fun analog browsing of books could be. The magazine section is especially tempting! I've joined the discount club which has a small membership fee (guessing a $25 or $30 one time fee, but I can't remember exactly) and I think that was money well spent. The discount on hard cover books alone makes up that fee after a few purchases. (There are discounts on paperbacks too) Plus now I feel like I'm getting a "special deal" every time I come in here (which is dumb but still true). I come here to get gifts for my little sister since they have a pretty good children's book section. It's not filled with toys and gifts like the chain stores but that's fine with me. Their well curated selection hasn't steered me wrong yet... at least according to one satisfied tween reader back in California ;) read more

I first discovered the Regulator in 2001, and found some changes upon my return to Durham last year (RIP the little cafe that once existed in the basement) but it continues to be awesome. Fantastic fiction and poetry sections, all of my preferred nerdy, brainy, arty, and esoteric magazines, wonderful book recommendations by the staff, and great author visits. (I saw Zadie Smith read here years ago, and have attended readings by a number of other celebrated authors.) The staff are always friendly and helpful, there are plenty of sales, and you can become a discount club member for a minimal fee. Hooray for excellent local bookstores! I'd be a sad, sad person without them, and will always offer my support. read more

Cool Independent store. Great selection of NC authors and books about our great state. The have employee recommendations that actually sound legit and made me want to read the book. Nice when you just need a little human interaction beyond amazon ratings. I think owners are pretty helpful and know what they're doing. read more

Good selection, great atmosphere! The Regulator Bookshop is a surprisingly expansive independent bookshop along 9th Street in Durham. I am no literary connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination, but there does seem to be a decent selection of titles at this shop. Plus there is a seemingly very respectable array of magazines available for your perusal as well. Honestly, I don't know how the prices at the Regulator stack up to those at the larger chains (ie, Barnes and Noble or the largely defunct Borders), but the prices do not seem to be unreasonable. As mentioned in some prior reviews, their website endorses decent savings on NYT bestsellers and other non-technical, non-academic titles. Plus the Regulator is part of the Sustain-a-Bull initiative, which aims to sustain the local economy via encouraging shopping via independent establishments. Clearly Amazon, B&N, and the like are not interested in such endeavors. Apparently there was once a functional cafe in the basement of the Regulator, but this is currently collecting dust rather than crowds. This is definitely a shame, as a functional cafe would definitely add another dimension to the establishment. The fact that they most likely would not be serving Starbucks coffee provides even more reason to open said cafe (in my opinion!). Though there is Bean Traders just a few doors down, so I guess the lack of a cafe isn't that big of a deal. Caffeine or not, the Regulator does often host book signings and the like by numerous authors, which is another major plus of this independent bookshop. Also, they sell titles by a number of local publishers which is pretty cool. Sure the larger chains may have a more diverse selection and Starbucks coffee while perhaps being a bit cheaper, but the Regulator is barely eclipsed (if at all) by the larger chains in most areas of contention and has a level of character not found at those chains. read more

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. read more

Regulator Bookshop - Travel selection - Bookstores Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Great local bookstore that features local writers. Sometimes you'll get to meet an author (Anthony Bourdain, Jimmy Carter, etc)... Sometimes you'll get a great book on sale... Sometimes you'll get ignored as the staff pretend to have happy chit chat with a crazy half-dressed homeless guy... read more

If you are one of those people who feels instantly calmer and happier when you walk into a bookshop, and you go to bookshops without any particular book in mind to see what you can find, then you will love the Regulator bookshop, like I do. It perhaps does not have the ease and convenience of Amazon or the selection of a larger bookstore like Barnes & Noble, but it's great for browsing because they have all sorts of genres and they always have tables of books on sale, where I've gotten some great deals for under $10. They always have current bestsellers as well as a mix of classics, nonfiction, young adult and children's books. As mentioned previously, they often have writers come in-- I went one time to hear Sarah Dessen (of Chapel Hill) read part of her new book and get a signed copy. They also have some books autographed by authors from previous visits. read more

The Regulator is a popular local bookstore on Ninth Street. It's two stories, which makes it larger than most independent bookstores tend to be, and the floorplan is open and bright . The books are arranged into interesting categories, like "society" and "teen issues." There' s a section devoted to regional authors - I was even able to find novels by my creative writing professors, books that don't usually show up on the shelves at Borders or Barnes and Noble, so I appreciate that. There are sections for staff picks, books seen on the Daily Show and heard about on NPR. Best of all, their discount program is $10 for a lifetime membership. With this program, you get access to members-only sales and discounts (30% on NY Times bestsellers, 10% on hardbacks and 5% paperbacks every day). read more

Regulator Bookshop - Bookstores Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Very cute spot. I love how they have a kids area where my kids could browse and read books before we made a purchase. Awesome selection of all the classics and well known authors (Mo Williams, Dr. Seuss, etc). read more

The Regulator Bookshop is one of my all time favorites. It was a key locale for my political education from 1982 to 1983. That magazine room rocked back then and it remains one of the best, if not the best, magazine selections in the Triangle. Though still full of great political volumes, The Regulator offers a full range of publications and some related items. The buyers know how to go deep without becoming inaccessible and you'll be able to find what you need as well as what you want. Unfortunately the downstairs Cafe has been closed. I recently asked Johnny Valentine, one of the longtime store owners, and he said they just never got enough business. Fortunately The Regulator's 9th St. location means that food and coffee are always near at hand. There's free parking on the street and in a parking lot across the street. read more

Good indy bookstore. Lots of staff review cards on the shelves to help make your selection. Good magazine selection as well featuring lots of smarty stuff as well as the usual stuff. read more

Winter is coming... well, maybe not considering the 70+ degree weather. But luckily The Regulator Bookstore has all of the "Song of Ice and Fire" books front and center, so you can raise your banner for Winterfell (or Casterly Rock, if you're a Lannister). Regulator is a nice small bookstore, with a variety of good books at good prices, and a nice bright area. They've got a section for magazines, a kid's/young adult section, and a good selection of other types of books. They also have book events, as evidenced by the recent John Hodgman event (you can still buy autographed copies of the book there, likely with a free hobo name written in it). Simply put, if you're looking for good books, good magazines, or a reason to shout Hodor!, this is your place. read more

I am a big fan of Independent businesses, be they record labels, restaurants, or book stores, and this is definitely one of the best in Durham. They also have Authors coming through and they have a great selection of magazines and a great staff..Next time you are on Ninth Street check them out... read more

While I was waiting in line with my wife to get the last Harry Potter book on the night it was released (don't you dare judge me) at a Barnes & Noble among a few smatterings of jubilant Potter fans that were maybe a little bit dressed up, we were receiving texts about hilarious scenes and pictures of elaborate costumes via the phone contraptions from a friend at The Regulator. Our friend won Harry Potter night. There's a reason that The Regulator attracts a more interesting class of customer than the suburban book chains out there. They have a great selection of books and a staff that will engage you about reading the way that video store clerks (the enthusiastic ones, who think of themselves as filmmakers in waiting) talk about movies. Downstairs, they do have a cafe. It's pretty forgettable unless there just happens to be a representative from Loco Pops with a cooler full of delicious. If that's the case, you may very well want to find a comfy seat and something to read (if you like it, The Regulator probably has it or something like it) with a nice pop. read more

The selection has sorely gone downhill. I try, try, try to spend at independent bookstores in Durham (here and The Know) and I almost always leave feeling disappointed with what's in stock. It's also somewhat rude to kick customers out of the establishment before closing time. Let's face it, you're no Barnes and Noble or Amazon and that's part of your charm. If you want to compete, let customers peruse the shelves until closing. As a regular shopper, I feel miffed and would rather shop at a place that wants my business. Raleigh isn't my scene but I'll score better books and friendlier service at Quail Ridge. read more

What really sets this bookstore apart for me is its carefully curated literature / fiction in translation section, featuring mostly stuff from small presses. It's a small column of shelves to the left of the registers towards the front. I don't usually buy new books I don't really know much about but have often come in here just to pick something that randomly looks interesting from that section and have found many gems. A lot of new American fiction bores me & I read mostly nonfiction but the fiction and poetry in this section is really high quality and artistically rather than commercially ambitious. read more

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

I'll probably be hated for giving this place 2 stars, but I don't understand why people like it so much. I'm not embarrassed that I vastly prefer Amazon, and I will continue to shop there. The Regulator can't even remotely compete with Amazon's prices....like not even in the same ballpark. If you have Amazon prime you can get a package in 2 days or less. Expect to spend a large percentage more on every purchase here. Call me crazy, but I truly can't understand the advantage of having a local bookshop with way higher prices and worse selection. Why is that better? Coffee shops or restaurants, I can understand....you at least go and hang out there and there is a vibe that you just can't get in a Starbucks or TGI Fridays. Regulator you are just paying more b/c it is local....something about that just doesn't make sense to me. Why would you feel good about going somewhere that is objectively worse than somewhere else in every category that matters just because it is local? Would you go to a local grocer that cost 25% percent more on everything, had a worse selection, and the exact same product just because it is local? There is a category of businesses that I only care if it is cheap and if they have what I want. This is one of them Anyway, I'm sorry to say that I will never shop here as long as the prices are so high...there just isn't any point and my money is more valuable than that. I sorta doubt they can survive in the 21st century. Maybe I underestimate the number of hippies in Durham though. read more

The Regulator Bookshop is a community treasure and one of the last cowboys in the book-selling industry. They are a sustainably run business -meaning that they seek and receive community financial (and other) support when needed, and nobody's making a killing but everybody's making a good living. The bookstore is larger than it appears and uncluttered. It has a sizable basement, where clearance books are sold and author events and other gatherings are held. The children's section is surprisingly large and comfortable- my kids and I can spend an hour or more just reading in the store. AND they host free weekly children's story times conducted by the ever-energetic and talented Amy Godfrey (do a google search for her). Sure, I can get my books cheaper on Amazon, but I don't get the cultural and community experience or the pride that I am supporting a locally owned and operated independent bookstore, which is an endangered species in these times. read more

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

Best independent bookstore I've every been to. The people who work there never steer me wrong when I ask for a new novel to read. Now I've moved away and lived in 5 other cities and never seen the like! I miss it. read more

We had a really nice time in this sweet little bookshop and found exactly what we needed (Spanish language books). A very cute kids corner has a nice selection of children's books, especially non-fiction. Staff was super friendly and helpful. Be sure to venture down to the basement for some great clearance deals! read more

One of my favorite bookshops ever. Got introduced to it when one of my profs told me to get books there, and I've been hooked ever since. I have a pretty bad habit of retail therapy, but I feel better about myself because I tend to spend most of my money here. Has almost every book imaginable in so many different topics. Also, I love the magazine section - I could sit in that little cozy nook for hours, perusing those "hipster" mags that you can't find at the check-out lines of grocery stores. I don't think you could even find them at Barnes and Nobles. This is definitely a special little place. read more

The Regulator has been a pillar in the community for many decades, and I first discovered it while in high school when I went out in search for some of my required reading titles. This bookstore hearkens back to a time when it was easier to find and support local book shops, which is becoming more and more a rarity as these shops go out of business in favor of bigger chain booksellers. When you walk into the Regulator you know that you're supporting a local small business, and as small as it is you still won't have difficulty finding what you're looking for. The staff goes above and beyond to assist you, and have a vast knowledge of literature and local authors that you're just not going to get in a B&N. I love how the collections are arranged, and at the front of the store you're always going to find a "seasonal" display that might have books on a relevant current event topic, a holiday (their Halloween horror selection was excellent!), or a local author spotlight. I have also found a significant number of special, author signed editions here that are truly unique. As you wander through the store you're likely to come across obscure, rare "hidden treasure" finds that are perfect gifts for the bibliophile in your life (especially if that's you!). Everything is carefully curated and hand selected with intention and purpose. read more

This is a good bookstore. Their prices for new books are slightly below a Barnes and Noble type store. Their inventory is also similar to, but slightly different than, what you would find at a chain book store. I do appreciate their variety of used books and they do have a good selection of magazines, although I'm not a magazine enthusiast. Their events are wonderful, but since I'm a used book junky I give the store a 4 out of 5. read more

Solid bookstore with a great selection for its size. In addition to fiction, non-fiction, and YA shelves, I was surprised by the substantial offering of poetry books, local authors, magazines/journals, and zines that you don't always find bookstores. There were some local and literary-inspired items that would make great gifts. The staff recommendations were also helpful. Two areas for improvement might be the foreign language and travel sections, and the used books section downstairs. The foreign language and travel books the store featured were good, but so few that the likelihood of coming in to find a specific book would be slim. At that point, I almost wonder if those shelves should be used to expand the store's stronger sections. Likewise, when I see "used and bargain books in basement" I get pretty excited, but in actuality the downstairs was an events space that happened to have a few small shelves of used books. Overall, great shop with local flair. read more

This bookstore has been around since the 70s, and the building even longer. I love how all indie bookstores have a certain personality about them -- and this one definitely feels like a well-worn, comfortable sweatshirt. Very student friendly with steady traffic, thanks to it's 9th-street locale. There's always some kind of author event happening, so check the website if you're looking for something new to do on a weeknight. They also do occasional parties -- I loved the Christmas party that was held on the downstairs level last year. They had open bar beer and wine and tables set up with cheese and crackers and other nibbles. I ran into some old familiar faces, so it wound up being a great way to reconnect with literati folks as well! read more

I adore bookstores with personality, and the Regulator is such a store. Its one-of-a-kind feel and friendly staff draw me in anytime I find myself on 9th street. They also host authors on a pretty regular basis to speak and do signings. read more

i've always liked indies over chains, but in this case it wasn't just principle that won me over. i knew i was gonna love this store. knew it. i even put off going in because i was broke, but i'll spend money on books no problem. but after a ridiculous charade at one border's, i ambled in to the regulator on a christmas gift mission. no idling in the magazines or just published. i marched myself down stairs (there's always something romantic about stairs in an old book shop, no?) and immediately spotted my booty. two days before christmas, as is my way, and i had scored. i shoulda known that the regulator wouldn't let me down. the staff was upbeat and even sassy (in the best possible way) despite the pre-holiday chaos. i will be back, to the dismay of my thinning wallet. read more