I had some time to kill today before brunch and went into The Dusty Bookshelf. What a great place! It has a very solid selection and the staff was helpful. I love the table with the Grab Bags! I only ended up purchasing one book, but I would love to go back next time I'm in Lawrence. read more

See all

I love this book store. I have gone here for years. Plenty of great books. The customer service is nonexistent. Every time I go in, the staff ignores me. When I get to the register to BUY books, most of the staff are quite rude. Staff will talk to staff as opposed to engaging with customers. My last visit was one of the worst. I believe "it" didn't want me in the store at all. I was buying a lot of books. There are some staff that are human and are very pleasant. read more

As longtime fans of the dusty in Manhattan, we had to stop at Lawrence's. It's so interesting in here! Like a really old library you just want to move into. It's packed with books and every corner has another cool thing to see read more

The Dusty Bookshelf - Bookstores Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Huge selection of used books, friendly service. They have an assortment of t-shirts, canvas book bags, post cards, and other fun stuff. Traditional old book shop feel, right down to Dinah the black cat! Books everywhere, floor to ceiling, so be prepared to browse to find what you're looking for. read more

A used book lovers dream! Shelves and shelves of previously owned books. All priced fairly. Be prepared to sift. Most of the time they have books lining the floor. Even has an adorable bookstore cat, which is a bookstore must for me! read more

The Dusty Bookshelf - Bookstores Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

I HATE to give a local bookstore a poor review, but I have to be honest to my fellow book-lovers. The Dusty Bookshelf is NOT the hip, happenin' spot you're hoping for. What they do have is a massive selection of interesting titles and a GORGEOUS old black cat named Dinah. Unfortunately, I've been here several times and not once have I found something that I needed or even really wanted for the price. Even slightly older, popular, mass-printed titles aren't easy to find. I also wasn't very impressed with the folks working there. The two people there when we came in were standing at the counter loudly talking about how they often forget it's their job to organize, shelf, & make nice the books in the shop (???). It was a little bizarre. Listen, I work retail. I get that it's boring and the hours go faster if you're chatting with a nice coworker. But honestly, they could do with a little more professionalism. We also asked after several things, specific titles and general topics, which neither one of them seemed to know anything about. This review wouldn't be nearly as bad if that weren't the case. I can deal with the chatting and the fact that it's a store that you really need to dig through if the employees seemed knowledgeable about the subject of books and literature. I know this review probably seems a bit mean, but I just felt the need to write it all out so others making the 45 minute trip from KC (or even further away) know what to expect. I'm not saying don't go here. In fact, do! Go when you have an hour or two to kill and dig around. You'll probably have more fun than I did! read more

I really could have spent an entire afternoon here. Books are literally everywhere! Although they are somewhat categorized, I sometimes would find an art book or cookbook among the fiction or non-fiction stacks. This is a used book store but the quality was great. The price does reflect the quality, so if it's a bargain you want, you might not be as impressed. The selection is such, however, that you will walk away with something. I loved the vintage and pristine paperbacks for sale for only $3. read more

The Dusty Bookshelf - Bookstores Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

See all

Greats selection of fun and serious books. Music too. There is a major university in town so there's a never ending supply of used books. Dusty Book store picks the best. read more

I had long been a fan of the Dusty Bookshelf as it was always such a pleasure to browse through their aisles searching for books on my wishlist or just treasure hunting for something new and interesting. Never again. Not after how they just treated a friend of mine this past weekend. She was in the store shopping with her 16-month old baby, and the staff at the store had the gall to demand that her baby wear a mask, or leave the store. Then, when my friend correctly pointed out to the the staff member that the mask mandate did not apply, nor was it EVEN RECOMMENDED to children under the age of 2, they called the police on her, to have her and her baby escorted from the store. Never, ever, have I witnessed such rude and outrageous behavior from any staff at any business establishment throughout this pandemic. In fact, I have never even heard of such wildly inappropriate and disrespectful behavior happening. Unbelievable. I'll be shopping for my books elsewhere, preferably where customers are treated with decency. read more

Be ready for a feline reception at the Dusty Bookself. They are full of book up to their ceilings and somewhat quite difficult to find. The place, in my opinion, is better than their manhattan store. Cheap prices and good finds. read more

This is a serious book lover's bookstore. And with a cute cat to boot. The first thing that struck me was the stacks upon stacks of books ready to be filed or put away. With the solemn, tall, dark wood bookshelves that lined each wall, enclosing little sections and the information/checkout desk in the center, there's not much more to report about this place. They had every subject under the sun covered, and cozy chairs to forget yourself into. This is a no nonsense, find-it-yourself store that allows you to browse, but the sales help seemed approachable enough if you need any help. Prices were reasonable, for used books in good condition. Come here with a purpose, or better yet, find a title you've never heard of and get comfy in one of their chairs. read more

See all

Countless weekend afternoons have joyfully been spent wandering through the literal book stacks of The Dusty Bookshelf. The constantly evolving inventory means you never have the same experience twice. This is more than a bookstore, as it fulfills a necessary community service in a college town like Lawrence, by buying and selling used books at prices that are reasonable for students with limited finances. The store offers plenty of comfortable chairs to lounge in and read a bit, and if you're really lucky, the bookstore cat, Dinah, might pay you a friendly visit. Every genre section of the store is extensive, and my particular favorites to roam through are the Native American history/culture section and the mystery novel section. read more

My 74 year old mom loves your store. She has shopped there dozens of times and has gotten her grand kids and herself lots of treasures throughout the past few years. She brought me in on Wednesday June 29th to show me the store. I had about $50.00 worth of books I was getting ready to purchase. Imagine my disappointment (after having shopped for over half an hour) when my mother asked where the restrooms was located and she was told "We don't have a public restroom....if it is an emergency you can go across the street to The Eldridge or next door to the pizza place" I said that I thought I just heard a toilet flush toward the back of the store to which the clerk replied "We don't have any PUBLIC restrooms." I set my books down and said "then I suppose you don't have my business, either." I don't think the staff even noticed. How can you accommodate small children that may be potty training and other buying customers if you can't offer a bathroom to those who are paying customers? I understand not allowing people to walk in off the street just for a restroom, but to deny a 74 year old woman who is about to purchase from you, I do not understand. I hope you change your policy on this matter. It would be a shame to lose more clientele (or worse....have a child or someone with less control make a mess on the floors) based on this policy. read more

This is a bookhunter's paradise! It's very easy to see where the namesake comes from. When you walk through the door, you are immediately greeted by the scent of old worn books (one of my top 5 favorite olfactory triggers). If you're stepping in on a sunny day, be sure to give your eyes a moment to adjust to the dimly lit store (wouldn't want to trip over any books or feline friends). Dusty Bookshelf is not a place to go if you're looking for the latest book on Oprah's list. I recommend it for anyone that can handle hunting for treasures based merely on some field or genre of interest. It's easy to become totally lost in the books which overflow the shelves and pile from the floor to the ceiling. The last time I was here, I found some great vintage books from the 1950s about clothing construction (each for around $2 I believe). This is by far my favorite used book store and I would recommend it to any true used book lover/enthusiast. If only I could find some place like this in Dallas! read more

If I was a used bookstore, this is the one I'd want to be! On a trendy street with lots of pedestrians in a charming college town sits the coolest book store. It has that awesome old book smell, not sure if it's the paper, ink, or the stories that literally enhance your senses. The colors, carpet, lighting and book nooks add to the charm. The house cat takes it over the top! I could spend a month looking around! read more

Dusty Bookshelf looks like it came directly out of my dreams. In every book I've read that took place in a bookstore, THIS store is EXACTLY how it looks in my head, and I've never been to this store before. This has to be the best bookstore I've ever encountered! From the variety, to the prices, to the most adorable, soft, lovely cat, it's perfection! I wish I had hours...days...weeks to spend just going through their selection. Hardbacks....$2, $4, $7....great prices! Paperbacks are half price, whether they are 50 years old or 3 years old. The store is vast, with a large selection of many topics. It looks like not only are there books from recent years, I wouldn't be surprised to find either 1st edition classics, or other classic out of print novels. The employees are there to help but just let you browse at your leisure. I couldn't think of an author I had on my mind from a book over 40 years old, yet the young employee knew what I was talking about and found it directly. Even with my new eReader, I can easily see buying some books here, simply because I love the store so much. 4 books including a hardback and a specialty book, $16. What a steal! read more

Holy awesome when you walk in! Stack on stacks on stacks againat other stacks! Come in on your day off and just rummage through everything its the only way to keep your sanity and not jump from one place to another to another and lose ypur spot haha really great selection of everything! But the stacks around the counter are off limits and haven't been processed haha I did that once had to put it back but asked if they'd call me when they did so I get first dibs! Thanks :) read more

on Monday, my husband had the day off and we were trying to think of something to do with our one-year-old. I mentioned heading up to Lawrence and he immediately mentioned that we could spend some time in the Dusty Bookshelf. we were lucky to find a parking spot right across the street. we headed in (me with the stroller) and were greeted warmly. my husband wandered off and I headed over to the children's section with my son. things aren't really arranged in too much of an order, but still done nicely and you get a good sense of what's there. they also had a few toys my son could play with. after about an hour, we headed out. my husband asked the woman helping us how they are doing in this economy and she told us that last month was their best in her 10+ years of working there. so happy to hear people are really supporting independent book stores. I think we left with 10 different books for around $32... the same amount my husband spent for ONE book at B&N last week! (had a gift card to use) they also sell book cover t-shirts. I'm coveting a Sylvester and the Magic Pebble shirt for my son, that he'll probably be ready for by the next time we head in there. read more

Absolutely amazing. The woman working there (who was very kind and helpful) told me they sell their books for normally half under cover price. And not a book in there was in bad condition. I could've spent days in there. read more

The staff is friendly and helpful, and it's always fun to browse for books I always meant to read. And there's a cat! You can't go wrong with a bookstore that has a cat. read more

This location made me miss the Manhattan, KS location -- they have stacks and stacks of books. I really like the book t-shirts most! The children's section is also well stocked and has some toys in baskets for the littles to play with while browsing. My toddler son was engrossed with the black cat who was lazily resting in a chair. read more

Absolutely love this place. So cozy and friendly. I honestly wish I could live here. It's not too organized, but it doesn't really matter because I have a feeling most people who come here probably don't have a certain book in mind anyway. That's what I love about this place. You can just roam to your heart's content and eventually find something that you just have to take home. Also I really love their little mascot, Dina. Such a free spirit. Lol read more

As used bookstores go, I found The Dusty Bookshelf to be fairly run of the mill. I usually shop at a large store in Wichita so I'm probably a little spoiled, but I did find the selection here somewhat lacking. They had *a lot* of books, but they seemed to be missing books and authors I'd have expected to see. For example, despite their relatively large science fiction/fantasy sections, they had no books by Jim Butcher, Robert Heinlein, Terry Pratchett, Brandon Sanderson or Robert Jordan. They had some of the standard fare otherwise, but I didn't see anything special. read more

This used bookstore is fairly amazing and notable for both its large stock and its overall cleanliness. Sections are very well organized and the overall look of the place, unified by identical built-in bookcases, is a pleasure to behold. The name is perhaps ironic because this shop is not that dusty. read more

Awesome little place with a very funky indie vibe. Loved the roaming cat and the stacks and stacks to browse through. This is what a used book store should be. Picked three gifts for friends here. Great location, too. read more

Love this bookahop. has great selection to shop from. sad it wasn't open for labor day, but will for sure be back.

I would like to publicly thank you for existing. I went to college in Lawrence over a decade ago. I was an English major. This bookstore is the only reason I could afford to eat at the beginning of each semester. The KU bookstore prices were beyond me as a very poor college student paying my own tuition and living expenses. Once I found out that you sold old paperbacks for half the original cover price, I felt like my life was saved. On top of that, I could bring those books in for trade at the end of the semester and usually receive enough credit for the next round of classes. I've moved around a lot since then, and now live in Oregon. I have yet to find another bookstore that fills my heart with happy like The Dusty Bookshelf. read more

Any bookstore with a cat is good with me. The Dusty Bookshelf carries used books, so you can't always find an exact title, but if you are just looking for a good read or a general topic you will find it here. The staff is very helpful in finding what you are looking for, and browsing the large amount of shelf space is a fun way to pass the time. Their attractive window displays draw me in like a moth to the flame, and change frequently. Meow. read more

I LOVE this place! This is the stereotypical bookstore, with floor to ceiling shelves, crammed with everything from poetry to textbooks on Soviet Russia. Prices are cheap, the vibe is great...AND there is a cat that snoozes on chairs or generally wanders around. Great place for finding new reads for the true book lover! read more

This is what used book stores should be. I loved walking into this place; getting that comforting whiff of gently turned pages, feeling the buzz of words, knowledge, stories in stacks upon stacks. It really does look like it could be a set for a movie, adorable bookstore cat included! The prices are right as well, I got two like-new hardback classics for under $10. read more

So. Many. Books. This place will have at least one thing you want. Warning to those allergic, it has cats, and it's part of the appeal to the place. Be wary if you're allergic, or come cuddle up if you're not. Tons upon tons of books. All kinds of books, in all years of publication. This is a Lawrence icon. read more

I love this cozy bookstore. They have an epic amount of books that are very loosely organized. It'd probably be difficult to find something specific, but they have a lot of obscure titles. Many chairs are tucked into cozy nooks for quiet reading. There are friendly house cats that lounge around. They offer cool Out of Print shirts, bookmarks, buttons and original shirts. They buy and sell books. It's a cool spot for any true bibliophile. read more

my family loves this store!! We love to shop around and read....and of course buy books for a lot less than buying them new. Good selection - lots of books for everyone. read more

My brother and I are in heaven when we walk in there the smell of books cats and words to be read.