The store has flaky hours, rampant clutter and mediocre prices but an eclectic offering of used…read morebooks in a unique space. Overall, Cross Street Book Shop is worth a visit, but be prepared for it not to be open when you think it should be. It wasn't until my third visit that I found it open, and even then, the owner said he'd been about to shut the shop up for a few minutes while he ran errands until he saw he had potential customers coming in. I could barely get in the door because books were piled everywhere. There are uncategorized books in the aisles as well, though the books on the shelf are in some semblance of order. Literature is grouped together, and non-fiction books are grouped by subject, though they aren't rigorously alphabetized. I have shopped at Friends of the Library shops where paperbacks in really good condition are 50 cents and hardcover books are $2 or $3, so I find the prices at Cross Street Books to be a little on the high side for used books which aren't even all in great condition. Some books are indeed in great condition, but in other cases, paperbacks are yellowing and curling around the edges and are still marked for $2-3. On the other hand, there was an outdoor bargain table the day I visited, and the owner said he often will haggle if you buy a large batch of books at one time. There are some pretty obscure out of print books here, so it's worth a look if you can't find the book you want elsewhere.

I have no idea how this place is still in business. No one is ever in the store because it's almost…read morenever open. For a while back in the day the building was condemned as a fire hazard because it's literally packed to the rafters with books, and the aisles are packed with books. 17 years ago I gave him my number and asked him to keep an eye out for Tolkein's Histories of Middle Earth. I saw him write it down on a sheet of paper. Still haven't heard back.

The staff here are very kind and the selection is pretty decent for a cute little downtown…read morebookstore. I love to purchase the shelves and find something new, although I found the layout slightly confusing, and I found various books and multiple locations. The little tags that talk about unique aspects of the book are a really nice touch. I did find it to be slightly biased politically, but I'm not sure what you can expect in downtown Ann Arbor. They did have a beautiful special version of a book that my best friend from Australia loves, so I was able to pick up that copy. I can't wait to send it to her. When I told her about it, she cried. The book is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much Literati for stocking such lovely products! Sidenote - this bookstore used to have delicious oat milk, lattes and unfortunately, they do not the café upstairs anymore. I do like that they got rid of all the tables where people would sit for hours on their computer computers. Now there is more room for books and I enjoy their selection of YA, cookbooks, and other genres. This is the same bookstore. We brought our Canadian friends too to browse, and it was very fun also. Thank you so much Indie bookstores. We love to stop in!

Business trips are not fun. Every time I am in Ann Arbor I'd rush back to the hotel after work so I…read morecan continue to work. I told myself that this trip would be different. I love visiting bookstores. The overwhelming excitement as I see stacks and rows of books to skim, feel, and to purchase never cease to amaze me. There's an upstairs and a downstairs! There are events posted on the website. Unfortunately there wasn't an event this week, but I was so happy that I drove to downtown for desserts and found this place serendipitously. I did have it bookmarked but I wasn't planning on visiting a bookstore that evening. Service was amazing. Everything was organized. I never walk out of a bookstore empty handed.

This place is a wonderful resource for book lovers. Whether you are looking for a specific genre,…read moreor a specific author, a book can be found here. If you are a book lover, this is your place. This place also accepts books whether it be a childhood book, a recent find, an old favorite, a college textbook. I found out that audiobooks are also accepted for sale but go very fast as purchases due to commuters especially in the Ann Arbor area.

From the owner: Family owned Used and Rare Bookstore with over 100,000 books in stock. In business since 2000.read more

Cute little used book shop. The lady that was working, was very helpful and trying to find some of…read morethe books that I was looking for. I did snag a book off of the new book rack, and she said that there was a used one in excellent condition that would save me a few dollars. I really appreciate that! Well, I couldn't find any of the books that I was looking for to read for a book club, I did find four books that just have to come home with me.

This is an eclectic bookshop, old fashioned in the best way. They search up and order any book you…read morewant, that is if they don't have it on the shelves or on its way already. They have great prices start by with at least 10% off new hardcovers usually, all the way down to 50¢ paperbacks in the back (or fill a bag for $5!) The owners are the nicest people ever, i love shopping here. i won't be shopping at big box bookstores again after finding too many great books here!

I love this Barnes and Noble. The customer service is always amazing and I'm constantly greeted…read morewith a smile from the employees. Love the many different recommendations of books I'm given by cue cards on the bookshelf or personally from an associate. The variety of books is bound to make you go crazy in the best way. The quality of the books I've seen are kept in pristine condition and I love that it's also not too noisy inside. The Book Annex is a great place to get books of great value on sale for a cheap price! I especially enjoy coming here to get work done, to discover a new book/author, and see what the latest buzz is all about. Book worms unite!

First, it is a Barnes and Noble bookstore, if you don't know about them you were likely born after…read more2009. I have always found this B&N to be reliable and have helpful people. You don't always get a "value" but you pay for the help and large inperson selection. I hope they keep rolling. Also, the audio visual area is sad with records, really expensive Criterion Collection movies or inexpensive dvds. Great place to find a new book and the kids selection is wonderful.

My heros of a bygone era, local and mega chain bookstores used to be where you'd go to find the…read morelatest and greatest print media. Used bookstores on the other hand, were where you'd go digging for treasure among aged tomes and other peoples' cast offs. Perhaps that's what's keeping West Side Book Shop around. When the instant gratification of new novelty is clicks away at your fingertips, the promise of unpredictability, mystique and snippets of nostalgia draws customers to enter its doors. The space isn't large, really more of a living room transformed by wall to wall shelves and mini mountains on the central surfaces and displays. Here you too can own a piece of history or simply extend the life of a book or periodical. Sometimes you can find a rare edition or obscure title. Past times I've been there I haven't had much interaction with the staff though they were pleasant when checking out. The shop is located in downtown Ann Arbor so parking can be a pain, though if you're not too picky and prefer not to pay, you can always park a little further in the more residential areas and walk over. There are plenty of structures and lots too. They'll be celebrating 50 years in 2025. Hope they continue to be celebrated in Ann Arbor for years to come!

What an amazing little gem in the heart of Ann Arbor! There are so many books stacked all around…read more Had a great feeling and I have bought some great books from there. In my experience, this is one of those places where the "book will find you." Great place to stop in and look around. Prices were not too bad on the purchases I've made. Highly recommend! Will definitely be back!

Excellent, cozy and cool used bookstore with many titles and a wide selection of books. Service was…read moreexcellent and the guy up front even recommended a book (when they didn't have Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Charles Mackey he recommended me a book whose title I forgot but was about a similar topic and I bought it). Great prices and value too. Check it out if you are in Royal Oak!

This is a pretty large used bookstore. The prices seemed fair. The girl working there was friendly…read more I like the old wood floors in this old building.

When you walk in and the owner offers to help you, let her. She knows where everything in her…read morestore is and whether she has it. Saves SO much time! Still, the browsing in any used book store remains delightful.

Mural caught my attention and pulled me into the parking lot. Curiosity pulled me inside to a…read moreunique and interesting used bookstore. Greeted by a friendly and helpful young lady who answered all our questions. I loved the atmosphere and overall vibe. I found a cool book on the Songbirds of North America with a disk of actual songs. There are plenty of books to browse through and the prices are very reasonable. My only complaint by my sister was no database to assist in the search, but I was okay as I enjoyed perusing the shelves. Will be back !!!

A truly great bookstore. They have old, they have used, they will order any book you can think of,…read moreand the curation is just ..... chef's kiss. I love the community focus and the events that they host, I love the owners who are as kind as they are knowledgeable, I love the coffee I can buy while I'm there (though that is a separate entity, but I still love it!). Perfect addition to the neighborhood!

Great place to find a good book, friendly people, and connect led to the community. Check them out…read moreand find a great read!