We are always in search of used book stores, something that is getting harder to find all the time…read more While visiting the University of Notre Dame we did a YELP search and found Erasmus ... and what a find it was. Now for those avid readers looking for an orderly used book store ... you might have to look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a book store with thousands of used books ... with only a basic framework to the organization of inventory ... this is your place. Set in an old cottage-style home that has been granted Landmark Status in this residential neighborhood, there are books everywhere ... in the basement, on the first floor, and supposedly in each and every room. Most of the books are on shelves, but many are in assorted stacks. The owner/manager of the place is a wonder all to himself. Friendly and outgoing, he actually does know where the major genres are in his layout, and he can help you get close to what you seek. The rest is up to you. The owner is always buying additional used books to flesh out the collection, so that could be a thing for those that are interested. On the buy side, if the owner doesn't have it ... he can probably find you what you want. The store is also complemented with a wonderful old watchdog that is almost on his last legs ... but he will get up and greet you if you have a few minutes. He adds to the overall ambience of this historic building. Now for those that have forgotten: Erasmus was a Dutch humanist, Catholic theologian, and pioneering philologist (philology being the study of literary texts and oral and written records) and we assume the source of the store's name. All in all this was a great stop on our visit ... and we'll be sure to do it again.

Used bookstore with plenty to choose from as each room is filled with books, books, books. We…read moreenjoyed exploring, chatting with the owner, and loving on Claus, the resident aging pup.

I've been a regular since 1978 although I am no longer local and so visit only a couple times a…read moreyear. It is a welcome respite from chaos. Always calm and quiet. Always interesting games and books to look at. Always treasures to find.

Amazing store ! Super nice guy and good selection of games.Had a lot of dice there and not bad…read moreprices !!

Great selection of books!! The aisle of books are labeled so it is easy to find your favorite…read moregenre. Highly recommend!

Large selection cool finds and nice people. Clean restrooms. Good value on most thingsread more

THIS is one fantastic bookstore. In fact, it is *the quintessential* small town bookstore, the one…read moreyou actually read about in books and wish you had one yourself. If you're anywhere near Elkhart, YOU DO. Lucky us!! Things we love: The work in progress Harry Potter closet under the stairs. YEP!!! The amazing staff! The owners are SO community-minded. It's remarkable. Of course, excellent selection of books THE CUTEST kids area Rolling bookshelves for event space (!) Events! (such as poetry open mic, or local authors) Local authors are featured Knowledgeable staff FANTASTIC sitting clever signs Things that make me sad: We live an hour away. Go! And, perhaps, you'll write your OWN novel, about a bookstore, and this will be your model. LOVE!

This place was a huge disappointment. I took my 3-year old granddaughter on an outing and chose…read morethis local bookstore as part of it. She LOVES reading, and I thought it would be fun to visit a local, independent bookstore. It is a used bookstore, which was not clear from website description. The book choices for preschool children were minimal - a single small bookcase of books - most of which were ancient. (There was a Dick and Jane book there if you want to gauge age of the books). The books were poorly organized and many were very worn. As my granddaughter said, "This bookstore is boring." It was a shame as small communities need good bookstores. This wasn't it. I've been to some GREAT small independent bookstores; I know they can be amazing. This was just depressing.

What a wonderful find! My bf and I randomly stumbled in on a snowy, wintery day as we had gotten…read moretoo cold during our adventuring but I am always happy to check out bookstores! I was surprised to see so many things on sale for 50% off when we stopped in! I bought a book for myself and a board book for my baby nephew for $17 total, after the 50% discount. I regret not stocking up on graphic novels while they were half off! I doubt this discount will exist the next time I stop in... Brain Lair Books also hosts about 7 different book clubs - I'll be joining the romance one when I move here in a year-ish. The bookseller on staff the day we stopped in was also so kind and very funny! Make sure to stop by this well-curated, local bookstore next time you find yourself in the South Bend area!

Wow is all I can say. How could I be so lucky to stumble across this gem. Back in the day when I…read morelived in South Bend this location was a hardware store with a neighborhood grocery store next door. Kathy, the owner took time to greet me and my sister and chat with us. We're both book lovers and we're impressed with the selection. I brought my friend back hours later who is also a book lover along with my two nieces. Again, Kathy was very personable, shared why she opened the bookstore. There is something for everyone here. There's even a little nook with a pillow seat for me and my niece to read a book together. You have to check this place out. If you don't live books you know someone who does so why not support a small business. We all left with a book!

A great little bookstore! The owner was gracious, kind, and friendly. It had a great selection of…read morebooks! They also have some comic books, toys, and recorded music. There's even art you can buy. The books aren't expensive unless your buying antiques. This place is a real gem.

The most charming little bookstore! This is how bookstores should be. Shelves stacked tall with old…read morevolumes waiting to be picked up and admired! I Half expected the kid from Neverending story to run through. They have a wide variety and very reasonable prices. From rare pieces to modern. The basement has records and comics so there is a huge selection. I loved the prints available too! Definitely worth a stop

2 Floors of Fighting Irish Apparel and Accessories. Sooo much stuff here, it's incredible! They…read moredo have a Starbucks inside so if you are not a shopper, you can sit down and relax with a coffee. It has to be one of the biggest Campus bookstores in the Country. If you are visiting, a definite must stop before you leave.

The bookstore is certainly worth a stop If you are ever on NDs campus and able to visit, you could…read morereally get lost there. It's a well maintained building, and they always have interesting displays depending on the time of year. I love to browse because there are so many different books and ND gear to check out! I found a book, and some ND softball gear, as well as baby items that a friend wanted me to grab for her. The staff is also friendly and helpful, check them out if you are in the area

Everything's great about it. Just know that I'm game weekend. It is super crowded. But it's also…read moregreat to see all the fans together.

We were downtown for lunch and my son wanted to check for comic books. Unfortunately I noticed as…read moresoon as we walked in that it wasn't a 'book' sort of bookstore, but probably a textbook sort of bookstore. An employee confirmed. They did have a fabulous AYOP tank and shorts that my daughter loved, and my son did end up with a water bottle from Notre Dame for a souvenir. And the same great employee was very helpful at getting us checked out way faster than the family taking a while at the other register.

I ordered 20 children's books for the littles that are visiting. The order was shipped and received…read morein tact, all books are in pristine condition and the descriptions were spot on. Will do this again. Great prices on sale and shipping was free. Thank you Barnes and Noble

It's fun to see a relic from history but books are outrageously expensive. Why would anyone pay 30%…read moremore than Amazon to shop here LOL. Employees are helpful but cant do anything about crazy prices

My girlfriend always leaves satisfied Stacy has met a lot of people since we have been going she…read morehas Loved everything she has tried

It was slow but active in the private booths 3 years ago. I went for a business meeting and…read morestopped by afterwards.