I love that independent bookstores are "coming back". I love books - especially physical books with real pages. I love checking books out from the library. I love buying brand new books. I love buying used books. I love everything about books. I actually came here while running errands with someone else. I don't think I would have ever known this was here otherwise. I wandered around the store while the person I was with was taking care of whatever it is we came in there for. It was such an immersive experience. I appreciate how the store is laid out. There is/was so much thought put into not just the layout of where sections should be, but where each book goes. It is so well curated. I got so many incredible recommendations from the employee picks that I have loved, shared with others, and they have loved too. It's been a month or so since my last visit, so I'm excited to see what the latest recommendations are. If you're a book nerd, this is absolutely worth a visit. I will absolutely be back. read more

Since my last review this location has taken a new name (Schuler Books) and with it came a bigger, better experience! First off, everything you may have loved about this place is still here. The hearty selection of books and periodicals, the rewards program, the massive lineup of puzzles and other items like journals, stationary, board games, stickers, home goods like candles and drink ware, tote bags, and more. Looking for a gift for a book nerd? Look no further than their shelf of carefully curated wares like "Book lover" candles, home library bookends, literary charades card games, etc. It's all here and better than ever. But what's been particularly exciting to watch unfold is their recent expansion next door. While it was sad to see the former tenant (a Thai restaurant) go, it was great to see Schuler's take over the space and convert it into a dedicated children's area. Here you'll find an expanded selection of kid's books (from toddler to YA), toys, educational games, etc, all in a kid friendly environment filled with bean bags and other cozy places for kids to park and read or play. In the former kid's section at the back of the store is now an expanded used book section, which is a great place to browse if you're looking for discounted pricing or want to give an old book a new home! They also host regularly programming like author readings, book signings, story-time for the kids, etc. During my most recent visit I happened upon them setting one of those up near the cozy fireplace in the back and I made a mental note to check the schedule so I could come back for a gathering. I'm so grateful that we have this little slice of literary heaven on the west side and I'm so grateful for all they bring to our community! read more

What a cute bookstore.. quite an array of unusual gifts, reading accessories, books for every Hebrew and age group, and a pretty epic magazine display. The store is rather small but has a cozy reading area near a fireplace.. the selection of books is carefully curated.. customer service seemed pretty good and much better than the typical larger retailers. I really liked the layout and purchased up a few books and a magazine. read more

Schuler Books - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Lovely local/Michigan independent bookstore on Ann Arbor's west side! Conveniently located amidst the Arborland shops. I stopped in on a specific mission to pick out a childhood favorite book to bring to a baby shower. Shortly after walking in, I was approached by a friendly staff member asking if I needed any help. I told him what I was looking for and he walked me to their large children's book area, neatly organized by age/reading level, and provided a couple personal recommendations as well, including a fun children's book by Ann Arbor authors! Overall the bookstore is well organized and easy to navigate, with lots of signage for books organized by genre. They also have fun displays, a bargain books section, games and toys, magazines, and other gift items. They stand out because of their friendly service as well, and I like their dedicated Michigan sections, including Michigan gifts by the register. read more

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What an amazing place. Now called Schuler Books, this larger independent book store has so much to check out! Not just books, but gifts, art and sketchbooks, magazines, puzzles and toys, fine candies, purses, cool socks and interesting kitchen gadgets. The shelves outside caught my attention. I found a discounted book for a 6 year old, which brought me inside to purchase. I was gobsmacked by the expansive selection. My two min stop ended up being an hour of perusing for ideas and inspiration. This is the place to go for a birthday card and gift. Don't sleep on this place. It's quite impressive. read more

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Wonderful bookstore, friendly staff, well organized events and a relatively big used book selection! I found quite a few best sellers that I knew needed to be on my shelves at home. I didn't see many that were more than $10, which I thought was totally fair for used books. Many were $7-$8. I can't wait to go back soon! read more

Great bookstore. They have a lot to offer besides books. They sell discounted books, also. The staff was very nice. read more

Schuler Books - Inviting sign out front - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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When of the best bookstores in the area. Great staff, great selection of books and an especially great selection of newspapers and periodicals. read more

I try to stop at Nicola's when I'm in Ann Arbor. This is a great local, independent bookstore with a friendly staff and good selection. I really like the atmosphere with sections for local interest, a fairy door, and a lot of jigsaw puzzles. It's located in a shopping center on the far west side of town so it's easy to get to. read more

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Everything about Schulers Books is perfection. I love their selection. Such great variety. The store is organized to suck you into a big hug. A bookstore hug. Everyone who works here is a delight. They are working on building a collection of second hand books-- this will definitely increase the selection of great deals. If you need gifts and excellent reading material, definitely visit Schulers! read more

Super nice bookstore. Much bigger than expected. Cozy little nooks to read in. Super cute gift ideas for any kind of person in your life. Huge puzzle selection. And every book genre you can think of. Also, they always have a super awesome selection of sale, clearance and markdown books. they also have a rewards program if you shop there often. read more

Love this book store! Absolutely one of the best in the metro area and my favorite! Great selection of books and friendly helpful staff.

It is a decent bookstore with a few books you are unlikely to see elsewhere, but just a few. More and more space is devoted to plush animals and tourist trinkets and less to books. More face outs and empty spaces on the bookshelves so you are less likely to find an interesting book that isn't a bestseller than if you visited a year or two ago. Don't expect much selection in science or business and economics. Lots in the mystery section and a decent history section, especially if you want to learn more about the negative side of US history. The staff tend to be quietly nice. They will help you and won't bother you. read more

This is a great local bookstore. During the quarantine they did a great job curbside pickup and mail orders. They are open again and are being very conscientious. When you enter the front door, there is a table with masks and hand sanitizer. They ask that you put on a mask (if you don't have one) and sanitize your hands. Any items that you touch should be put on tables so they can sanitize the items before putting back on the shelves. The store also has a one-way traffic pattern. All of the employees wear masks and there is plexiglass at the checkout. It would be nice if they added a touch-less way to pay. read more

Ann Arbor's largest independent book store also has the largest magazine selection in town as well as a good gift section and a great remainder/discount book section out front. Great kids section too! read more

biased selection. i was particularly disappointed with the World history section. politicized and quite weak selection of books on the Middle East and South Asia. read more

Because I live on the west side of Ann Arbor, Nicola's is my go-to place for books. They also have a nice selection of periodicals, holiday cards, and gift items. I'm a history nerd and recent convert to vegan cuisine, and have been pleased with the variety of their stock in these categories. Shopping through their website during COVID, I've found that in-stock books and special orders are ready promptly and easy to pick up. Yes, Amazon has everything this store has and much more, at discounted prices. But supporting this local business is worth the extra buck or two to me. read more

Nice selection of books! Cozy shop and nice location. They also have a nice little selection of boards game and home goods made locally. Would recommend. read more

They had every book I was looking for! Their nice staff helped me find the two books on my list. It was also great to walk around and browse all the sections. They offer hand sanitizer as you walk in, they limit the number of people in store, have all the shields up, and if you don't want to come in at all they have order pickup. read more

Yep they rock for gift giving. The friendly staff and well organized store provided me with an easy shopping experience. I got all my book giving needs in this one store, in and out in under an hour to boot. Something for my mom, dad, James, nieces, nephew and even something for the brother in law. I even could have gotten something for my sister but I already spent my limit on her. Solid store. So very helpful. I am happy indeed. read more

I have been buying books from Nicola's even when it was Little Professor. The staff is always helpful in finding things or looking up for books that are in the area I am looking for. The service AND the selection of books are top notch. History section is exceptional for a small bookstore. My nephews have grown up with books from Nicola's. Thanks for being part of my and their rich reading life. read more

Nicola's Books at Westgate has a selection of new books that can give the chain bookstores a run for their money, but it is an independent bookstore. They carry bestselling fiction and nonfiction, so it's a good place to get your weekly read, if you want to buy from an independent bookstore, but don't always want to read the academic fare over at Shaman Drum (another independent book seller). The magazine section is pretty large, and I always seem to end up with a magazine as well as a book, because they have so many of them to choose from. Nicola is the name of the owner. I think she's the lady with the plummy accent. read more

Schuler Books - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

My first though was Wow, there is a book store left. Very Rude and treat you like your going to steal something. They asked me - Have you been here before... I said No, the girl abruptly turned and walked away, not saying another word. You don't have to wonder if I will be back, No I Won't. read more

Schuler Books - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I'm so glad this place is here. I used to come here when I was little, and you know actual bookstores stay around in this age when they're the best! They have such a good curation of books and magazines, with really beautiful editions available and something that will interest everyone. It's also a great place to buy gifts! They have really nicely picked cards, some cool candles, and other nice things for the holidays. Obviously, the books themselves are beautiful gifts, too. I love this place. One of the best bookstores in A2. read more

Love this place! It's one thing to want to support an independent bookstore - but I support them because they're just that good! Knowledgeable, professional - and a wide range of genres. Extensive magazine section like nowhere else, and a unique gift and games section too . I don't have kids and needed a book for a children's gift - they helped me find the right type of book for the right level of child reader. Myself I'm a cook and baker - I love the culinary section - and they always have the latest titles to add to my collection! (Be sure to also check out their sidewalk sales in season!) There are cozy pockets of seats tucked here and there in the store to take a break and browse through your stack of finds. Check em out - worth the trip for the avid reader, Ann Arbor supporter, or gift enthusiast. read more

Such a cute and wonderful local bookstore! It's one of my favorite stops in Ann Arbor! They have a huge selection of books, and very helpful and welcoming staff. Their events like book signings are always fantastic. They also sell journals and such! This is a great stop, and much more affordable than the bookstores you'll find on campus! read more

Ordered American Demon by Kim Harrison from here, due to this being the author's home store. Book came in a reasonable amount of time, was packaged well, and was in excellent condition. Would definitely buy from them again. read more

Do you like books? Well if you do, I've got something for you... Nicolas Books! So many stories to read. It is impossible to read them all! The summer games are a hit! There is even a little more than books. And you can get the books online. If I could give it infinity stars I definitely would! (Sophie, age 8) read more

I really appreciate having this little bookstore right around the corner from my house -- and in between my work and home, to boot! They are very helpful if I call ahead and am looking for something - they almost always usually have it in stock, and if they don't, always offer to special order it for me. Another bonus of this place -- free gift wrapping on the spot! With multiple paper selections, really good gift wrappers (they must train their people to wrap well! It's not an easy feat), and nice little bows. I've even called ahead and had them wrap a book up for me, since I was on a time crunch and clearly had procrastinated my gift shopping (bad Theresa, bad). Thanks for getting me out of that jam :-) I need to get on their mailing list -- I wonder if they send out coupons ever? That would be nice (especially given the amount of coupons I get for Borders each week -- it's hard to pass up 30 and 40 percent off coupons even though I know how important it is to shop local). read more

I've been coming to this shop since way, way back in the days it was a Little Professor affiliate. I'm not actually sure if Nicola herself was involved with the shop way back then, but it was one of the spots (along with the original Borders store #1) my mom and I would hang out for hours on a weekend. The current Nicola's is a fantastic place for a broad selection of books and magazines -- their staff is also extraordinarily helpful, something you don't often find at the big chains. Like many indie bookstores, Nicola's has had to diversify a bit, and here there are all sorts of gift items and paper goods. Everything seems to be selected with care, which makes this a really fantastic place to find gifts! Over the last few months along, I've found 3 or 4 presents that turned out the be juuust right! read more

The calenders in the window drew me in. The store has a good selection of magazines, books, gifts and, most importantly, the most determined staff I've ever experienced. The man who waited on me wouldn't let me leave without buying something. I did, but it made me laugh to see how far he was willing to go to get the sale! I asked him is he was married to the owner! He was so committed to customer service! As I was leaving, he promised that any book I wanted, he can get. I'll have to take him up on that bet one day! read more

Definitely like this place. Great little bookstore, lots of other stuff going on, as well (gifts, cards, etc). All the benefits of a major chain, with all the benefits of a local store -- you can find a person, and when you do they'll know about the books! All in, it's a great place, and the fact that it's local makes it a no-brainer. read more

I am an Amazon junkie, but there is nothing like browsing the shelves. When the book-browsing bug hits me, Nicola's is my destination. Nicola's delivers a wonderful bookstore experience. I first stopped in one Sunday morning while waiting for a table to open up at Zingerman's. Nicola's does not look like much from the outside - it is located in a charmless strip mall and its exterior does not suggest there is much inside. But once you are in you find comfy armchairs and a thoughtful selection of books for kids and adults. There is great section in the back with books about Michigan's food, history, and geography. The kid's section is large and nicely laid out. There are comfortable little nooks to settle into with an interesting book scattered throughout the store. read more

A bookstore with charm and great selection. Besides books and a plethora of magazines, they have interesting gift items, cards, journals, educational toys, and fun little game type stuff. The people that work there are eager to help and friendly. A very nice independent bookstore in a city with so many mega-stores. You aren't likely to be disappointed. read more

Really, this is a great little shop. The selection isn't huge, but they have some unusual titles and a wide range of local books. Refreshingly, you can walk into Nicola's and browse for hours without jazzed up employees barking "can I help you? can I help you?" every few minutes. It's decidedly non-corporate and independent, but this quality isn't flaunted. The store is unique without trying. Incidentally, Nicola's houses one of the best magazine sections in the city. For every Cosmopolitan and Sports Illustrated, there are 20 magazines on every imaginable niche interest and subculture. It's a fascinating and exhausting collection that occupies a very large section on one side of the store. Perhaps not the hippest spot in town, Nicola's nonetheless represents the true Ann Arbor aesthetic. The original Borders downtown on State St. used to have this feel, as did many of the shops that used to line Main and South University. Great place. read more

This bookstore is great. They are locally owned and highlight products from and about Michigan. This is a GREAT place to get cute gifts. They have fun, unique jigsaw puzzles (including ones for adults). I am thrilled to have found this place and can not recommend it highly enough. Support local businesses! read more

I love Nicola's - what a wonderful place to shop for gifts (especially gifts for myself!) The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and it's amazing how quickly I've gotten assistance when the store is CRAZY busy. read more

Typical Ann Arbor customer service attitude. Basically an invitation to take my business to an alternate online retailer where less stress, less entitlement and cheaper prices prevail. Goodbye local brick-and-mortar. Won't be back until they've turned you into a soup line. read more

Nicola's Books lies off the beaten path on the way between Chicago and Detroit, a place I would be unlikely to visit on my own. A signing by Michigan paranormal fiction author Kim Harrison drew me in midweek after work, and I was smitten with the place like a teenage girl seeing a mussy-haired Brit on the first day of chemistry class. My excitement bordered on finding out said Brit was my lab partner when I started thumbing through some of the hardcover fiction books up front while I waited for the signing to begin. For one, it's awfully hard to resist a bookstore with large posterboard printed book covers signed by authors I am fond of. Looking up and finding a number of historical fiction authors alongside spy thriller works was enough to make me feel right at home. I could have pitched a tent beside the fireplace in the back had the eager crowd not been in the way. Nicola's Books embodies some of the best in indie bookstores which Amazon nor the declining big-books chains will be able to capture. The quirky atmosphere appeals to literary savants and newcomers, and the avant garde selection has enough breadth to cover popular books I might have missed and rare gems I wouldn't know if not for the well-informed, busy staff seeking them out. Reach out and touch a shelf, explore with your fingers, and soon enough the mystique of a foreign land or a familiar territory studded with a new landmark will open up. Local authors get their due and handwritten notes highlight some of the favourites of people who work there. The front is also taken up by an extensive sale books section. I love how cozy this shop is. The cashier area is a large rectangle dead center, dividing up the sprawling shop into fiction and non-fiction sections. Assistance is readily had, but no one presses you into finding something or interrupting idle wandering. I felt at any time, I could have asked a question or made a request, and found ample help. Author signings can be a real bear. Nicola's was organized, on time, and well-advertised online and in the store. I was able to preorder my book and get a slip in line, paying on day of arrival. The staff was also doing overseas orders for interested fans unable to purchase the novel any time soon, which illustrates their commitment to keeping a fan base happy. Seats were set up, friendly audience members crammed in together, and we had a jolly time without any technical mishaps, unnecessary delays or a rush that would indicate it's just another stop on the publicity bandwagon. Hats off to Nicola's for going above and beyond. This was my first time, but I will definitely return on my next trip to Ann Arbor. This is the sort of gem the community needs to thrive, and it gives back so much. read more

I like this place. It has a much less snooty feel than Literati downtown, and it's a lot bigger than it looks from the outside. Oh, and free coffee to boot! read more