I was surprised at the good selection available at this small bookstore - I found some treasures in the sci-fi / fantasy section and have my eye on several others. They also have a nice selection of stickers and some other fun book-themed goods (mugs, candles, etc) so it's a nice place to find gifts for a book lover. This isn't a place to spend hours in but well worth a stop (especially if you are also checking out Rust Belt across the street). Pricing is decent and staff is friendly. read more

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This store was highly rated so I decided to check it out. On entering I was warmly greeted and started looking around. It's a very small store, and there are not as many books in stock as I am used to seeing in other used bookstores, but they are well organized (better than most used book stores) so it all balances out. I found a book of poetry by Billy Collins that I decided to buy, and continued browsing. A gentleman decided to engage the owner (the only employee there) in a protracted conversation about her store and the bookstore across the street, Rust Belt Books. The owner, apparently only too happy to talk about her store was so focused on talking to the guy who had already made his purchase that she never acknowledged me hovering around the front of the store waiting to make mine. I waited at least five minutes before finally putting my book back on the shelf. If you want to talk books and bookstores fine, but if you want to SELL books you need to pay better attention. Your store is not THAT great! read more

Definitely with a different vibe than the previous owners, it's nice to have another used book store in Buffalo. It's also close to Rust Belt Books - so you should go to both on the same trip! The space is clean and filled with light, which is different than most bookstore environments, I find. While the selection was lacking the last time I visited, the employee was still friendly and I know that selection is dictated by what gets donated/acquired. I prefer a large philosophy/theory section but this is more of a fiction space with some pop-science as well. read more

My husband and I were in Buffalo for a short time and this store was on our list. It is supposed to be open at 11:00 on Wednesday, but was closed. We went back a little later and it was still closed. I cannot give this store a good review. read more

Very different from the old version with way fewer books and a less cozy vibe. That said, it's very bright and clean and still fun to peruse. The section classifications are extremely broad, which makes it a little hard to find what you're looking for. The biggest section by far was fiction; their nonfiction sections were each pretty small and general (example: history section for all of Europe was only 2 shelves). Like another reviewer mentioned, I prefer more robust and specific nonfiction sections. There's also no bike parking, which was a bummer. They did very nicely let me bring my bike inside while I browsed, but obviously a place to lock my bike up would be preferable! read more

I scored a book my husband has been wanting with the help of one of the Sales Associates - she went out of her way to help me. This was my second time here - needless to say I recommend this store and will return. read more

Westside Stories - Books! - Bookstores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I absolutely adore this little bookstore on Grant St. Located in a cute little strip down the street from Buff State, this bookstore has good prices, cute gifts, and a rewards program for bibliophiles like myself. The books are well organized which is a huge plus as many used bookstores can be confusing, and the selection is delightful. The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable to add to the charm. Certainly worth a stop, one of the hidden gems of Buffalo! read more

Westside Stories - A look at one of the bookshelves inside. - Bookstores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Amazing collection & great prices- can't wait to go back and buy more books! They also have a stamp card. read more

Westside Stories - Bookstores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Westside Stories is one of the nicest used bookstores in Buffalo. If you're looking for a used book, here's a suggested plan. - Park on Grant Street * Get some groceries at Guercio's nearby. * A nice drink at Sweetness_7 * Walk over and peruse this marvel of used books. The owners are passionate book lovers and will help you find what you're looking for. You won't spend a lot of money and odds are that you'll walk away with a treasure. read more

This secondhand bookstore on Grant is very cozy. Tons of books, seemed organized to me but I was there trying to find a specific book for someone. So I asked the employee (owner?) who checked a few areas before determining it wasn't there. As I was there a father and small child came in. They went to an area they clearly know well, where there is a childs table and some children's books. Very cute. Street parking. read more

This bookstore is a Westside success story in the making. Owner Joe Petri's a Buffalo re-pat who's lived all over the country, from the deep South to darkest Brooklyn. After getting tired of pushing a stroller onto crowded subways, he and his wife relocated to B-lo, where rents are cheap and entrepreneurial dreams can quickly come true. After snagging their space across from coffeeshop Sweetness_7, next to a community garden and greenhouse on Grant, Joe and his wife filled up their store with used books, pricing them all under $10. There's really good stuff here, and it's less picked-over than in other bookstores. As they have small children who are always in and out of the store, they've also added a kids' corner stocked with picture books -- and as the neighborhood lacks an easily-accessible library, they allow each child to take home 1-2 FREE BOOKS per visit. For older kids, they've worked to curate an extensive and inexpensive Young Adult section (perfect for kids like me -- I went through a book a week as a tween). Though they don't promote it, they also have crates of cool records in good condition, all on sale for $3.50. If you take one home and it's scratched, they'll swap you for another one, no problem. Another find at this bookstore for me was the stack of homemade cookbooks behind the register (ask Joe about it). A collection of recipes from Westside residents, bound together with a simple plastic cover and sold for a $2 donation, this thing is a bona fide cultural treasure for any Buffalo cook, full of recipes for diverse dishes, from African eggplant to Puerto Rican arroz con pollo. You better believe I'll be cooking my way through it this spring, Julie & Julia style, and getting my ingredients from Guercio's, right across the street. (I'll also be stopping into Sweetness_7 before or after a good afternoon browse in Westside Stories every time I come.) As I'm writing this in chilly March, I'm imagining sunny afternoons in the summertime, when gardeners will be busy cultivating their plots next to the store, kids will be busy learning to read inside, I'll be busy drinking my latte and trying not to blow my whole paycheck on delicious books, and the whole 'hood will be buzzing with a new energy, brought on by new businesses like Westside Stories. I can't wait! read more

Westside Stories - Bookstores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

A top-notch book store full of best sellers, rarities and everything in between! Every possible genre is shelved away in overflowing stacks that you could spend hours shuffling through. The store is inviting and well organized, with sections clearly labeled and divided. They've got some bookish items for sale as well, like totes and mugs, in addition to the signed and rare copies display. It's thoroughly worth spending a hazy afternoon here and picking up some literary gems for your collection. read more

Spent a long overdue day out wandering and he takes me to one of my favorite places! When I walk in I can almost hear the books vying for attention "pick me, pick me". The almost intoxicating smell only a shop of this type has takes over and I am on a my way to find a treasure that I didn't know I wanted. #shoplocal read more

I LOVE Westside Stories! I wish I could go there on a weekly basis. Organized and welcoming used book stores are where it's at so... Westside Stories is the place to be! Awesome customer service and a vast variety of books that are all in great condition. Of the times I have been in Westside Stories, I have found that almost all of the books are approximately $5. There are also titles for $2.50 and some more pricier. On average though I would say books are between $4-$5. Topics include psychology, self- help, current issues, children's books, great selection of memoirs and autobiographies, romance, history, you name it really. Westside Stories also has a loyalty card - buy five books, get one free! Awesome. My only complaint is that on some occasions I am allowed to use the bathroom and on other occasions, the bathroom is apparently closed? Weird. All in all, head on over to Westside Stories to grab a cheap used book in great condition and support a great local business. Just note they are closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you're looking for a cup of coffee or tea to go along with your great new finds, stop at Sweetness_7 Cafe while you're in the neighborhood. Bravo Westside Stories! read more

Westside Stories is the type of bookstore that you can't help but keep returning to, because it truly does deliver on those "stumbling upon a gem" moments, with the added bonus of crazy affordable prices for used books that are on the whole in great shape. They have a wide variety of genres, with a truly amazing volume of books fit into their modest shop. My favorite sections to peruse are their literature section (great way to fill out your home library with the classics at an affordable price) and a fun section towards the front called something to the effect of Interesting Lives (just what it sounds like - a well curated section to find someone's story that's sure to be captivating or meaningful, perfect for those like me who avoid non-fiction but would love the right biography or memoir). The staff is friendly but leaves you to browse at your leisure, and the atmosphere is great with the stacks to the ceiling and the chill music in the background. One element that's a great added bonus is their punch card system - spend $30 on used books and get $5 towards your next used book purchase. As if the place wasn't already more affordable than most other book retailers! If you're looking for that "I'm in the movie of my life, romantically browsing the stacks with chill music playing in the background, lost in the world of books" moment, Westside Stories is your place. And, if you're looking for a specific book it's worth a quick call to see if they have it in stock - better to put the money in a local pocket, and get the book used for a great deal. read more

Bright and well organized. Helpful staff. Great program where you can return the books youve purchased from there and read for 30% credit.

Great used book store. They are really nice and have a good selection of books. I buy children's books for my classroom as well as fiction for my own reading pleasure. They've even got a loyalty card that gets you a discount after buying a certain amount in books. Another thing I like about Westside Stories is that they support the local community all the time. They're one of the many reasons I love Grant Street. read more

I don't know what took me so long to venture to Westside Stories but it has quickly become my favorite bookstore in Buffalo. The atmosphere is cozy (larger than it looks from the outside) and there is a great selection of both contemporary and classic books. Also, the staff is friendly and helpful! I highly recommend stopping in! read more

I love Westside Stories! They have an incredible selection and great prices. Plus, the gentleman who runs the place (or at least is there on weekends) is personable and not afraid to make a recommendation. In addition to the many book options, they also have strategy games at competitive prices. I stopped with another person last weekend and after an hour - when we needed to leave - I had only made it through 25% of the store. I could literally spend an afternoon digging through the stacks. Great place! read more

Sooo happy I stumbled upon this charming, little bookstore, on Grant Street. It may look deceiving from the outside that it is very tiny, but surprisingly when you walk in, you will see that they have a lot to offer! I was in search of some old, worn, vintage-looking books for décor. I didn't know if I was going to find what I was looking for, but ended up being pleasantly surprised! They had exactly what I wanted and more. The prices were extremely reasonable and inexpensive. They even had a $1.00 cart, in which I found multiple old (and newer) books for 50cents or a dollar; you can't beat that! The atmosphere was very friendly and inviting. The owner (I'm assuming) was gracious upon entering and during check out. I love that they give you punch cards for every $5 dollars you spend, towards $5 off, after spending $30. I can't wait to go back here :) read more

Westside Stories - Bookstores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

So went down for a festival today and saw this cute book store. Went in and was shocked at all the great books and deals they have. I found two books and my little one found four great books as well. They have a wonderful selection of new and old books it's organized well and a great find I'm glad we stopped by. read more

Westside Stories - Great little gem. Found a few books today I can't wait to read! Will go back down there again soon. - Bookstores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Honestly, one of the best independent bookstores in the country. I travel a lot for work and everywhere I go I try to find a local bookstore to check out. I've been to Westside Stories around the same time last year and was definitely impressed with their whimsical setup and their selection. I just came back after a year away today and again their selection was amazing. I'm honestly looking forward to coming back to Buffalo to be able to stop in again! read more

This place is amazing! I love their selection, their location, and how well kept it is. They have a diverse selection of genres which are well stocked. I could be here for hours. Sometimes I do spend a couple hours there browsing. A detail that I appreciate about this place is that they have sets of books for sale wrapped up in a ribbon, which are 3-5 fiction books with similar appeal. It's like a "if you like this, then you will like this" section wrapped up with a bow! I am surprised with how many new releases and popular books they have in stock too. Sometimes they come and go quickly, but I have found a few "new" books that had been brought in. They are fair with what they give if you bring used books. Also, books they don't take are donated to an organization that works with prisoners. Bring in your books and stop by and chat with the owners. They're a nice couple with excellent taste! read more

This place is amazing. Little used books stores are something I love to check out whenever I get the chance. I enjoy reading obscure biographies and other historical books and there is not a better place to find a book like this. I found this place doing a Yelp search and the first attempt that we made to go (my girlfriend loves used books more than I do) they were closed early. Attempt number two was completely worth it. The space is fairly open and easy to move around despite the fact that there are books everywhere. I though the layout was easy to move around, sections are clearly labeled. The books have a definite order to them which makes it pretty easy to get to the section you want. We found a bunch of books we wanted, settled on five. Definitely one of the best used books stores I have ever been to. read more

Westside Stories is, by all definitions, a community supporting small business that really cares about the community. Not only do they have a wide variety of used books - honestly, something for every taste and pleasure - but with frequent musical performances and other free community events, they are one of those businesses really working hard to make a difference in the resurgence of the West Side. Stop and an peruse the shelves, and be prepared to find the common, the forgotten and more than one gem. Yes, their product supply is a slave to what they can bring in, being a 2nd hand book store, but they do a great job to seek the new, the old and the unusual. Will you find EXACTLY what you want every time? Probably not. That's the nature of such a store. Will you find something worthwhile every time? That is almost guaranteed. And with very friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated proprietors on hand to help you, you won't walk away disappointed. Make the trip to check them out. I highly recommend it. read more

It has been a while since I've been in a used book store, an this place reminded me of how much I like them. Had some good finds and the clerk was friendly, offering sights for out-of-town visiting. read more

This is a great little store. It's probably not the place to find something specific but but a great place to browse for a cheap new read. They do have a good selection of what seemed to be more popular titles. I was particularity impressed with their selection of humor books by a variety of comedians. I did not find anything on my to-read list here but the woman working offered to take my name and any titles I was looking for so they could call if they get them. They do keep track of their inventory on a laptop so they can look up a specific title and see if they have it. What I did find was A LOT of books that I already own or have already read. The cool thing about that was, I was able to look at the prices and compare to what I paid. The prices here are by far what earns them that 5th star. I didn't find anything over $10 and I'm sure the prices on all the books I looked at were less than what I paid for them elsewhere. The store was a bit cluttered with stacks of books but the woman also explained upon entry that they were in the process of reorganizing. They seem to have a good system with categories clearly labeled so I will believe that they are normally more organized. Upon entry it looks like the store just goes straight back, but there is an additional little cove of books around the left corner in the back; true crime, mystery, sci-fi. I didn't really explore that section because that's not what I read but it looked pretty impressive. I'd say they seem to have slightly more fiction than non-fiction but a good mix of both. read more

Definitely my favorite bookstore! Five stars isn't enough! This place is awesome for so many reasons. It definitely has a personality all it's own. To start with, the owners are friendly, very well informed and truly care about their community. As a resident of the West Side, it's been really cool to witness the resurgence of Grant Street over the past few years and this place has played a huge part in that. Not only is the space itself very cozy, but it's clean and well organized. You'll find all kinds of titles here, and if you can't find what you're looking for, ask Joe or Jeanine and they can probably tell you off the top of their head if they have it or not. Keep in mind that this is a used bookstore, but they do have a very impressive selection that seems to grow larger each time I visit. The books are in great condition and nothing in the store is more than $10. They also sell bundles of books. Four or five books either of the same genre or by the same author, packaged together at a very reasonable price. If you have any used books you'd like to be rid of, they'll give store credit (in my experience, they've always been very generous with store credit) or donate them to other organizations. It's been noted in many of the other reviews how community-oriented this place is, and this review wouldn't be complete if I didn't expound on that. I love the fact that every child who comes to West Side Stories can leave with a FREE book of their choosing (they have a fairly large selection of kids books) and they give away dictionaries and resource books to many of the refugees now settled in the area. I would much rather spend my money here than online or at some huge chain where you're just another customer. The owners are very warm, welcoming people who will take time to talk to you about what you're reading, what they're reading, favorite authors, etc. And they can always recommend a good read. You get the feeling they really care about their customers. It's always a pleasant experience when I stop in and I always leave with something I didn't know I needed! If you're looking for a quirky, comfy, "neighborhood" type place, West Side Stories is for you. read more

Officially my favorite book store in Buffalo. Used books, no title costs more then $10. Unpretentious. Everything is in great condition and very relevant. They have a great kids corner, well lit space, and nice shelves. The owners and their adorable kids are a pleasure to visit with, and I quickly became a regular at this store. The owners know their books and have different taste but can make honest recommendations, and good conversation about books. It fills a great used book niche that I think is necessary - they have a lot of best selling and popular titles, as well as a good amount of other stuff. I have found books about yoga, parenting, architecture, eastern philosophy, sustainable living, and developmental psychology just to start. I always come out of this store with more then I plan on. I think that the owners must just be GOOD at choosing their titles, or specifically choosing for my demographic I don't know but the selection is really nice and if you are looking for a specialty book that they probably don't have you can ask and Joe can probably tell you off the top of his head. I swear he knows every book in that store. The prices of the actual books are great, and my daughter is still allowed a free book per visit (as are all children) despite the fact she tries to pull every children's book possible off the shelves. I can't really describe this book store well enough, if you are a book store lover, and you live in Buffalo you probably have been there. If you haven't, GO! But if you are not a book store person or you usually shopped new this is still a really easy place to browse and has a much cleaner, modern feel like a new book store. read more

Was here for the first time today, and immediately fell in love with the place. Its adorable well managed and set up well enough to easily find titles by your favorite authors. I prefer buying books used, because the thought of throwing out books just breaks my heart. I am so glad that I have been able to find a place to do this locally instead of just online. Also the guy running it was really cool , thanked my friend for bringing new people to the place ( she's a regular) and made sure I was aware that one book I was purchasing was "as is condition" and had some things underlined- then flipped through the book to show me where to be sure I was cool with it. Will definitely be returning soon! read more

Buying a book online could be easier but sometimes there are drawbacks : It could be pricey, you will buy what you need and you might not be able to discover a whole rack of hardy boys or whole series of American girls for $2 each !! Westside stories is a small private, local book store where the owner is like Google of the books he has in store !! From children's books to health to unusual cookbooks to finance , there is something for everyone . All are the books he has gently used and are priced very economical. For a person like me with a huge library room in house , I filled all my shelves in such a low budget and made my full fledge library for kids/ husband/ friends !! You might not find all the books but then what you find is worth it too. There is also a small children's corner to play while parents are browsing through all the collections. They also get a free book . read more

A cute funky stuffed bookstore with new and used books to satisfy every taste. The owner is friendly and personable; happy to make suggestions based on what he sees you browsing around, and will let you know about underground parties that happen to be going on around town. read more

I love used book stores. This one is a gem. It isn't the largest, but also isn't tiny. I've been to one-room shops -- the kind you'd love to support, but that just have no inventory. Here, you're sure to find something that calls to you (and is appropriately priced). The selection strikes the right balance between distinctiveness and coverage. I especially liked the philosophy and history shelves, and they had a nice variety of books on writing and style. read more

This place threw me for a slight loop last week. I went there on a Tuesday and they were closed! Which isn't a huge deal but was unexpected. A weekday is weird to be closed on, then again a business owner can have whatever hours they want. So I went back the next day. I had a small list of books in mind. I was able to find only one on my list but I was able to find others. I love that about used book stores, the little treasures you won't know will be there until you look. I like that the sections are labeled clearly. I love that there are tons of sections. I love that each section is actually in order, too. Westside Stories also has more than used books. They also sell some gifts, like tote bags, alternatively-decorated notebooks, literature-related coffee mugs, and more! You may not find what you're looking for specifically but you'll definitely end up leaving with something! read more

Great used bookstore! Found a wonderful book on jazz for my dad and a cookbook for my sister. Nothing is priced over $10, which is perfect if you're browsing. You can take home something that looks interesting, without having to agonize over if the price is worth it. Another great aspect is you can trade in your used books for store credit. Well placed on the west side, right by guercios and sons. Perhaps not great if you're looking for a very specific item, but they have plenty to please any literary taste. read more

My favorite used book store! Awesome selection and prices--I always find something. They have punch cards so when you spend $30 you get a $5 discount toward your next purchase! I love this place and the atmosphere. read more

What a great place! I can't say enough great things about this fabulous bookstore. If you are looking for general fiction, social sciences, children's books or great cards, this is a solid place to visit. They have a section with up to two free children's books, which is a wonderful service to the community. The prices are reasonable for used books as well. I believe the most expensive book I looked at was $6.50, with most titles ranging between $4.50-$5.50. I did see some $2.50 titles as well. Outside they had a $1 rack with books that were actually tempting. The store offers a fabulous selection overall with books for every budget, and I found dozens more books I would have loved to purchase. There is ample and easy parking outside, and a really nice café right across the street if you want to snuggle up with your purchases. The store is clean and welcoming (they even have tea available), The service was nice and unobtrusive. Like the others, I highly recommend this bookstore. read more

They have a great selection of 2nd hand books...you never know what you will find! I love having small, local bookshop accessible to me, and it's right in our neighborhood read more

Stopped by there today for the first time. What a wonderful little store. It appears rather small from the outside, but countless books are awaiting your arrival on the inside. I wasn't looking for anything specifically, but I ended up finding "The Journals of Sylvia Plath" and "Confrontation at Kent State: 13 Seconds" These are both books they would have cost much more at Barnes and Noble or Amazon. It feels great to support a local business in Buffalo. I will definitely be back here in the future. read more

I'll admit that I haven't been shopping at many bookstores lately. I set a midyear resolution for myself to actually read all (or at least most) of the books I already own before buying anymore. But I was excited to hear this place opened up because I am digging the grant street revitalization. The space itself is okay... still feels a bit cold/stark but I think they are working on that. My 2-year old really enjoyed the kids area and I liked being able to sit her down while I looked at books. This is not the place to go if you are looking for something specific, but a great place to pick up used books and discover something new. That being said they do seem to have used versions of the most popular releases from the past couple years. I haven't tried selling books here but that may be my next step. I will definitely be back. read more