I love me an independent bookstore, but it's the particulars of this one that make it a great one to visit and maybe lose yourself for a few hours amidst its (dusty) shelves. The Dusty Bookshelf is an anchor in Aggieville, which is KSU's go-to shopping district. The bookstore has a storied history supporting the university community and vice versa and on any given day, you can run into students studying, faculty/staff grabbing a coffee, or a local family doing a hit of retail therapy. The coffee shop inside serves decent classics and some interesting monthly flavors. You can pick up a nice gift and of course, grab a new or new-to-you good read. read more

The cutest bookstore in MHK! Friendly staff, decent coffee, and average book pricing for books that are both older and new.

It's always a delight to be in here whether you are looking for books, just want some coffee and to relax, or need something to do on an afternoon! I love walking here and exploring their library and can always find some hidden treasures. This place has been a favorite for years for my siblings and I when they were in town going to college and continues to be a regular for me! Highly recommend!! read more

This was the cutest find on my work trip to Manhattan KS! Staff was incredibly kind and helpful. Ambiance in the shop was amazing, I could sit in the upstairs nooks to work all day. Honey lavender lemonade was great. Love the mystery book packages. Reasonably priced. Love the history of the building story told on the windows! read more

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Cute spot right off campus to grab coffee or even sit and study. They have many little nooks to sit in and a loft as well. The used books were a little pricey for being used, but the selection was great! I got some postcards and stickers while browsing, the staff was very nice and the honey orange matcha was refreshing! read more

The shop has a great selection and friendly staff. The displays were eye catching and prices were average. It's a great place to meet a friend too, with seating near the window! read more

The coolest spot in Manhattan, and possibly the coolest spot in Kansas. They have great hours (open basically 8am-8pm every day, even when students are out of town in the slower summer season), a great selection of new and used and antique books, AND they have great espresso and tea, too. This place was the warmest and friendliest and most welcoming spot that we found when we were in Aggieville. I'd say this is probably THE spot that you have to visit if you're stopping by Manhattan, Kansas. read more

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This is such a lovely bookstore. The staff are very friendly and welcoming when you come inside and there is even a coffee shop as well as some places to sit and read throughout the bookstore. This is a great location to buy some new and used books as well as study/work. read more

Cozy, new and used bookstore to spend my alone time or hang out with my friends and family

I love stopping in for a browse whenever I'm visiting Manhattan. It's always a pleasant atmosphere. Folks browsing, working on laptops, enjoying a coffee. I wish each individual genre's section was perhaps just a little larger, as I would like to spend more time here. Selection overall seems slightly limited. Friendly staff and a great spot overall. read more

The Dusty Bookshelf - Shelves - Bookstores Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

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Very chill vibes, great selection, good coffee, a nice place to hang out on a cold day.

tl;dr - Do not sell books here. Having grown up in this area, I always enjoyed when travels would take me through Manhattan as I could stop at the Dusty Bookshelf, where I could find a classic in good condition for a fair price. I maintain a residence in the Czech Republic and having lugged my boxes of books one too many times to and from storage, I decided to liquidate a large amount of my library. And what better place than my favorite bookstore? Now, I have sold books to used bookstores from Kansas to New York, and I have found that for paperback classics in fair to good condition during the age of Amazon I could expect $1-$2 per book, either in store credit or cash value (which has generally been 70%-80% of what is offered in store credit). I brought in a tub of books which included no fewer than 20 hardback classics in mint condition solidly bound in a lovely green. So imagine my surprise when I was offered $32 for the entire batch. $32 for a box of books that would have fetched me at the least $50 at any other place I have let literature go. But, I was offered $69 in store credit. Welp, I went home, and the cash payment wasnt fair, but at least the store credit was. Buy some coffee during my week in town - use the credit on some merch as Christmas presents - let some young lad in the area discover a love for learning by way of what he discovers in the store -- Sure! I'll sell them for store credit. So, I bring in the remainder of my books. When I discover that there is no electronic system for storing store credit. It is written on scraps of paper. And it is only valid on book purchases. (Maybe I am an old soul at 28, but I'm used to STORE credit being valid for anything in the STORE.) Welp, I went home, and the store credit system is stupid, but hey I like books -- I can get books for Christmas presents -- they say they securely store and never lose a store credit slip -- I can stop by when I come back for holidays and pick up a book or two to take with me on my travels over the years. Sure. I'll do this stupid store credit. So I go in after my second batch of books has been appraised. And one tub is full of the books they want and other of those they dont. And the books they dont want have been absolutely maltreated - there is no other word for it. I am uploading pictures if Yelp will allow me. Bent covers, bent pages. A blatant disregard for learning and a blatant disregard for my property. At this point I am livid. But I've come this far. So I am offered $60 in cash or $130 in store credit for the second batch. Store credit please. So that's ~$95 in cash or ~$200 in store credit for ~150 titles total, most in fair to good condition, some in excellent and mint and some hardback. I ask for my total credit after this batch. And the lady at the counter pulls out what looks like a library card catalog drawer from a horror movie set in the 1930s. And they cannot find my slip. And they dont back up the information in any other way. And this is what I was trusting to use over my next several years of book purchasing. Luckily it was only a few days since the first batch of books, and they were able to find the appraiser's notes from that batch. Frustrated and angry, I said, Give me the cash for both batches instead. Welp, I went home, and the instant I parked my car I realized how fleeced I had been. I wished I had never brought my books by Manhattan's Dusty Bookshelf. I could have taken them to Wichita. I could have them taken them to Lawrence. I could have taken them to Kansas City. I could have burned them - used them as toilet paper - lined the inside of my coat for warmth. Anything rather than that book-hating greedy Mickey Mouse Racket they're running at the Dusty Bookshelf. Lord knows, if there were any way I could return the money I was given and have my books back, I would do it this moment. At the very least, I will make out with my mother before I ever so much as step foot inside the Dusty Bookshelf again. And I'm not one of those dudes who likes making out with his mother. read more

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I will always miss this place the way it was before the fire... there really isn't anywhere else you can go to feel like you are at The old original Dusty Bookshelf. It's still a fun place to go and I will still support them. I am glad they were able to make a comeback. I miss the cats... read more

The Dusty Bookshelf - First floor, post-fire. - Bookstores Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

Wonderful local bookshop! Excellent selection of local authors, new books, and used books. I *always* find something @ Dusty! The coffee/tea bar serves lovely beverages and some yummy snacks. Nice, small place to sit by the window (to harness you inner cat? ha ha) or upstairs in the new mezzanine. This means you can have your Chai AND read your book in-store! Atmosphere feels both relaxing and inspiring. Staff are courteous and warm, and they know their books. Good gift selections, too (games, puzzles, merch, etc.). My kiddo likes the children's section and now frequents the YA alcove. So glad that Dusty Bookshelf was able to return after the fire! Stop in -- maybe you'll understand why many people love this shop. read more

Cute used book store that has a decent selection, but I feel that it's higher priced than many used book places I've been. Plus, this place is in Kansas, so shouldn't it be priced even lower for living costs here? Regardless, I grabbed myself a nice used paperback Dean Koontz book for just over 3 bucks to read on my plane ride back to San Diego. Not bad. read more

The Dusty Bookshelf - Bookstores Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

Went here for the coffee this weekend and got a like new copy of No Country for Old Men for five bucks. Great space and my latte was on point. I will be back. read more

This store has far too few books to be considered a quality bookstore. Much of the floor space is devoted to making coffee. Selection is just too sparse and most of what is there is radical left-wing propaganda. The old store pre-fire was extremely good, with a far bigger inventory and constant influx of new books. Oh well. read more

Before the fire I went to this bookshop many times for the atmosphere, friendly service and of course amazing prices on variety of books. After there fire and finishing there renovations it took awhile but they are back to there normal self. With now two floors I had forgotten how good there prices where. They even said they are adding a food place up front. Which means no dog friendly after food which totally understandable. Can't wait to visit again next time I'm in town. read more

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This shop gives Aggieville some rustic charm; It's basically a book exchange site, you can buy and sell your used books. The selection is fairly diverse, and pretty well organized considering the amount of books they have lying around. In the center of the store is the children's section. It is a very decent alternative to buying new books for 20 bucks, unless you are just in a hurry to get it fast, because this store requires a little patience to find a specific item. It's perfect if you're just browsing, because you'll generally find something worthwhile. The cats who live there provide the stereotypical library ambiance, especially when they're sleeping on a giant chair or catching the sun through the windows. read more

I'll give them five stars even though I didn't get to visit this location. Unsure how long they have been gone, but I went by to visit since I was in town and loved the one in Lawrence. Well it is surrounded by fencing and has papers posted saying "unsafe structure". Unsure whether it was fire or something else, but hope everything works out. read more

I've only been here one time and we just happened to stumble into it on our way to get some Cold Stone ice cream. From the outside, it looks like an old library. Despite the "used bookstore" I wasn't expecting to find books of interest to me, but I ended buying a handful of used books for a decent price. We also looked for children's books for my daughter and we were a bit confused on what sorts of stories to focus on, but the bookkeeper Brin, was amazingly helpful in suggestions and recommendations. It is a definite plus when the workers share a passion for what they do. It definitely showed and we were very comfortable in the store. I will definitely be bringing back some books off my personal library at home to get some new reads, so I will definitely be back. read more

I've been to a great many used bookstores, and while the Dusty doesn't have the selection of others, it has a great personality. Almost all the employees love books and can/will speak about them, which is huge for me. It's a comfortable place to chill out for a while, though bring your own coffee. The selection is exclusively used books, and focus on bestsellers and romance(ack!). But the classics selection is decent, as well as a great children's section and a respectable sci-fi(often very picked over). In general, I definitely recommend giving it a look. read more

Relaxed, pacific vibe inside this Aggieville establishment. Comfy chairs for leafing through pages & pages. Rather than dusty I'd say this is couchy with an expansive inventory. Really impressed with the children's books selection. I found books here MIA @ Borders and Barnes & Noble in larger cities. Very helpful staff willing to seek out what you're looking for whether it's graphic or biographic. I'd definitely check out this shop again. read more

The Dusty Bookshelf - I love Mondays. - Bookstores Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

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I love looking at books. This store is wonderful with new and used books. The staff is friendly and courteous. Anyone who loves books the way I do will fall in love with this bookstore read more

I've been to a lot of used book shops, and this is my favorite. The atmosphere is quiet, almost somber (or at least respectful and dignified, like a good library), and yet fun (like a GREAT library!). The interior is full of dark wood shelves overflowing with books. I love to come and browse. The selection is surprisingly good considering the location -- a small college town in the middle of Kansas. If I come in with a purpose, I frequently find what I want. If I come in with no purpose, I *always* find something I want. The prices are very reasonable. The staff is superb: warm, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. A special mention is needed for their collection of rare books. They have some true gems. There is a cabinet holding a browseable subset of the rare book collection, and a lot more are available through the website. The only downside is the lack of catalog for what's out on the floor. Only the rare books are cataloged. They take special requests and are very good at contacting you, sometimes years later, when your requested book comes in. Use this for hard to find items, especially if you don't mind waiting. read more

I love their selection of used books, properly organized as well! Their drinks and food were good as well.

The Dusty Bookshelf is a classic MHK spot that I will always make an effort to visit while in town. It's the coziest store in the ville and coming here feels like going home. All of the books here are used, not new, so selection can be hit or miss in that regard. It makes it fun to browse and discover something you didn't know you wanted to read, versus seeking out a particular novel. The staff is very helpful and friendly. If you are looking for something specific, they don't have a digital record of what is on hand, but they know how to best narrow down the spot it'd be in if they do have a copy. They'll also take your name and call you if someone brings in the book you want. I've bought and sold books here with excellent experiences each time. If you're in the mood to read, grab one of the arm chairs hidden away in a corner and enjoy an afternoon lost in a good book - no one will mind you hiding out, especially the resident cat who enjoys a good ear scratching. read more

The Dusty Bookshelf - Bookstores Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

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There's nothing better than browsing a used bookstore and finding a cat napping on one of the chairs. Adorable!

This is one of Aggieville's (part of Manhattan) well known stores. The bookstore is heavily focused on fiction, history, classics, etc. though. It's great if your looking for books like those, but it does not have a coffee shop or a large diverse selection of books. Though many books in the above mentioned categories. It has some character, but would not make my must visit list for Manhattan. read more

I love this book store but it does have a cat so anyone with allergies needs to be alert.

Great first impression for selection, but I found it kinda overwhelming. There were books lined everywhere including the floors, which made it very hard to find something new. They do have a very large selection of fiction but if you're more interested in nonfiction this isn't the store for you. read more

This is my favorite relaxing and unwind place in manhattan. It's cozy, calm and the staff is all very kind and helpful. The books are usually in good shape and are priced fairly. The store itself is organized very well and makes things relatively easy to find. It's location is great, being in Aggieville. You can enjoy a book, grab some coffee next door and enjoy. Love it! read more

Great little used bookstore - typical bookstore cats, knowledgeable staff, decent prices, peaceful atmosphere. One of my favorite shops in the area. Also has a branch in Lawrence. read more

Wonderful bookstore-found plenty of kid's books I wanted and my husband found several books from his reading list.

beautiful atmosphere and delicious coffee! the employees are always welcoming and on top of their game. i love hunting for unique vintage books. elaine, lillian, and abram are a dynamic trio and managed to make me feel like more than just another customer. i noticed ronan is a new face, he was very kind in helping me look for a book for my class. i love dusty! read more

Best place in town for books! Cozy atmosphere, perfect for browsing, tons of variety, well sorted, and employees ready to help as needed. They will even look for titles and call when they arrive, which is very handy! Good prices and convenient location make this a "must visit" place for book lovers. read more