It is a magical space for those who love books and reading them. Every book you had possibly imagined reading (and hundreds you never thought of) are probably in this store. It is owned and run by Kalissa and her husband Vinny. They are kind and charming. read more

First - the heavy scent of incense here meant that I could not stay very long. If you have allergies to that sort of thing, heads up. However, I might try a future visit with a good mask to see if that lets me stay longer, because it looks like a really great and eclectic book selection. I saw several older ones that are hard to find. The store has lots of tiny nooks and crannies full of books that feels like a mini-adventure. This is definitely a "come get lost in a bookstore for a while" sort of place. I didn't see much signage and the one book I picked up did not have clear pricing on it so I'm not sure where they rank for that. read more

Such a unique spot! Definitely recommend coming in and checking this place out :) you can bring your used books in to sell or you can come and grab some books! read more

My husband and I were in Buffalo and I wanted to see book stores. This store had a session running at 11:00 (yoga or mediation) and was a few minutes late in opening to the public. I did go in and it was full of books. Some of the labels were fading and I had a difficult time looking around. I wasn't able to find what I was looking for, but I should have asked for help. read more

This book store was beyond charming. So many books to choose from and the owner was so kind.

Love supporting local and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Has space in the back for poetry or other artistic readings. Lots of artwork decorates this space. There's also a back yard with a table and chairs to use. read more

Rust Belt Books - Bookstores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

An excellent shop, packed with all sorts of wonderful books, fairly priced. I had great fun poking around for an hour and found many books on my various lists. read more

I love this place. Been here a few times and it doesn't cease to surprise. The books choices are extensive. She just has a ton of options. I have not gone in looking for anything specific as I just like to browse. But I think she probably knows most of her inventory and can find what's needed quickly. There is a nice room in the back that you can sit in if you want. It's also used for various group meetings. Plenty of chairs. Nice touch. There's also a garden you can sit in if you like. The whole place has a very nice feel to it. read more

See all

This place is fantastic. This is a really well-curated selection of used books. They also have a multi-function space in the back. The owner and employees are cool as hell and play good music and have weird (in a good way) and interesting shtuff around the space. I adore being in here. Please check it out and support it. read more

Arguably the best book shop in town. The ambiance is super nice, large variety, the owner brings her cats, there's meditation in the mornings, poetry groups every so often, what more could one ask for? It's a peach. read more

Rust Belt Books - Books n kitty - Bookstores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

My new favorite bookstore in Buffalo! They have an incredible selection and great prices, and it's the perfect place to spend a whole afternoon browsing their whole collection. Especially love their section of books about film--I found some real gems in there that I am so excited about. I also sold a bunch of my used books while I was here and it was super easy! Have already told a bunch of my friends about this place and it'll be my go-to next time I need new reading materials or to purge my shelves of ones I've already finished. read more

WOW! What an improvement. Now this is a really nice store. I was not a fan of the old location at all. It's still a little daunting to find something specific; sections are labeled but within each area, the shelves are labeled with tiny stickers. But I will definitely be back when I have more time to get lost and venture through everything. The owner has crafted these rolling bookshelf doors (see pic), which can close off the back area - a space that could be used for small performances or readings, etc. It's really cool. Also, there are two friendly cats that live here! A large front window allows for good light. This is a completely different atmosphere from the old, dimly lit, claustrophobia-inducing location on Allen. I really look forward to coming back when I have more time. read more

Rust Belt Books - Bookstores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

"In the midst of a lonely wood - so lonely and so peaceful that no one wandering through its green shades could have guessed that the great city of Paris lay close at hand..." -from the tale "The First Step" by Elsie Strivelyne ************************************* Yay for this place. There is a feeling you get, like the quote above, when you are in a used bookstore that is lonely and peaceful and you forget that close at hand is a city. That is most definitely the feeling you get here. It's a place to escape and find a lonely wood to have some time to yourself. I live down the street and I think it's AMAZING to have the two best used book stores in the city right in the same neighborhood. It would be neat to see a study done on used book stores and the effect they have on neighborhoods but I think it would be really positive! That they opened up in this neighborhood is really cool. Rust Belt is full of books and while, like most used bookstores, you have to wander around to find different sections, the ladies who work here are ALWAYS super knowledgeable in assisting you. I'm always amazed at how people at used bookstore know about so many different types of books. I guess it's because they talk about them and are surrounded by them all day. They ALSO have a community space in the back for poetry readings, lectures, songs, and anything else you might want to use it for. I love and am so thankful that this place exists and is where it is. Because of that, it seems inappropriate to talk about what it might be missing. I did give it four stars so I also feel like I should try. I think (and this is just my personal opinion which could mean nothing to you) that for a used bookstore to get five stars, there has to be a warmth about the place. As I know this may already sound nebulous, things that might lend warmth to a book store are cozy lighting, tea & coffee, soft chairs to sit and read in, some tasteful music during certain times of day (something like Chopin waltzes or soft folk music). Oh, and of course many used bookstores have CATS. I think I have seen one here. Those are all optional things though. To be honest, the place is already has a nice warmth about it and you should definitely come here for books! read more

My husband and I love independent bookstores, and this is our favorite hometown shop. I loved it when we first found it on Allen all those years ago in our 20's. And it's just as great on Grant, with us in our, well, not 20's anymore. :-P It's an eclectic store that's organized well, but better suited to stumbling on fun finds than pinpointing something very specific. The owner will help you with that too, though, and you may have some luck. For Christmas we found a great book of sheet music staple songs for our daughter, and a couple of Hellboy comics for our son. That speaks to the variety you'll find here. There's cheap books for a buck, antique collectibles, and everything in the middle. My husband loves the depth of the philosophy section. I'm prone to both the classic and contemporary fiction shelves. It's a darling bookshop, all of it, the kitschy artwork, the musty paperback smell, the precarious piles to peruse, the hand-written receipts. It's from another time, and I'm so happy it's surviving in this time. So please patronize it, so it continues to do so. read more

Rust Belt Books - Some kid freedom book roaming with the hub'ster tonight. - Bookstores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

I love this place. GREAT selection of used books.I can always stop in an find something new to add to my collection. They also had some miscellaneous items like notebooks, journals, and (my favorite) Richard Price's Faerie Garden Seeds! I have purchased the mustard greens and lettuce in the past, and both were fantastic. The owner is very helpful but not overbearing. There are cats! Sometimes they'll follow you around the store, which is adorable. I'm allergic but they don't seem to bother me (as long as I don't pet them). There is also a back room for readings and such, which many reviewers have mentioned. read more

Rust Belt Books' new location is awesome. It's part of Grant St's change, but they are very conscious and supporting of changing things the right way. With a foreign language section displayed at the front of the store, they are ready to be part of the community of Grant St. (They definitely could use more donations for Burmese and other languages). They have a performing space in the back that actually has two bookshelves that fan out to create a bigger door. Looks awesome. One of the owners also said that they might be interested in holding more events and community work there - which sounds great - perhaps meetings and other get-togethers for communal gatherings. The books - oh yes, the books - things seem smaller, but that is, in part, because things are less claustrophobic than the old location. It is still cramped and cluttered - a used book store will never be worth it's weight in books if it isn't cluttered - but it is much better lit and organized (they just moved in!). The large window brings in a lot of great, natural light and the overhead lights are much better. Organization is great, with the same interesting sections and selections. If you were worried about dust, now is the time to go - because everything is totally clean. Again, though, dust is a hallmark of a good used bookstore. Some books aren't meant to circulate, but have a life of their own in the store. Anyway, pay a visit! Between Rust Belt Books and West Side Stories (just down the street), I have found some great deals on some hard to find and popular books - and great for gifts, since the selection is so detailed! Especially great for the theoretically minded~ read more

For a used bookshop, Rust Belt had a somewhat astounding selection of niche, off-kilter books that will probably satisfy most needs for book lovers. What I mean is that they have an ideal mix of popular literature and the more obscure stuff- best-sellers and books you've never heard of. Great selections in philosophy (especially Marxism and literary theory), biographies and cultural nonfiction. They also have a great stack of $1 books that are a great value. Odds are you'll end up walking out with at least one gem. Also, they occasionally host poetry readings (often associated with UB), and have an EXCELLENT and comfortable reading arin the back of the store. read more

First of all, I love that Rustbelt has shop cats! It is really the best thing to be strolling a shop and to be greeted with and followed around by two affectionate cats. There are SO many books! I wish they were in more of a strict alphabetical order but hey, there has to be thousands of books in this shop, it'd be impossible to keep the overflowing shelves in perfect order. So come get lost in the tons of books here! You'll find what you're looking for and more. There are different places to sit, read, and ponder over your book choices while the shop cats try to get you to pet them. read more

Another local, small bookshop that has an extensive collection of used books...you never know what hidden gem you might find here! Small business is definitely the way to go, especially if you love books! read more

PROS *Poetry collection like none other *eclectic mix of all genres *I always find several things I can't leave without *owner is a delight *free-roaming cats *open space for local talent CONS *cold in winter *most books are $6 or $7 Finally--awesome overall and worth the trip read more

Was in Buffalo from Toronto, and chanced upon this bookstore while trying to get somewhere else. Left with an armload of good stuff. My idea of paradise: too many books to peruse and lots that are unknown to me, thereby requiring further visits! read more

A three star because it is a nice place. What I miss is hours that are available after I get off work, at least 1 late nite a week would be great. Barring that the ability to purchase e-books or audio books online. The website is sorely lacking for those of us that want to support local (not Amazon) without being able to walk in the door. read more

I havent had a chance to check out the new location. But man this place is a magical little shop in addition to having a wide selection of books and an amazing staff they offer very reasonable fair prices. They have a wide collection on book in many subjects and are Expecially lgbt friendly. I loved the old shop and plan to go to the new one too. read more

A great collection of obscure and not-so obscure books on a lot of cool topics (lots of art, music, sociology, etc.). In house cat if you're into that atmosphere. What will make me not go back is the price. It's on the expensive side - my boyfriend was charged $43 for two used books. I certainly won't be going there to buy used when other bookstores have a better inventory and prices. Also, the place smelled funny. Something in the air made me keep sneezing, and it wasn't the cat. I didn't get a very friendly vibe from the owner, either. Bottom line: okay for browsing, but if you're going to seriously buy, go somewhere else. read more