Category: | Used Book Store |
Address: | 113 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA |
Phone: | +1 734-995-1891 |
Site: | abaa.org |
Rating: | 4.5 |
Working: | 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 10AM–11PM 12–5PM |
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David Scheltema
This is what a bookstore should be! They have modern first editions and a good collection of very rare books. I HIGHLY disagree that the staff is not friendly. After living in Ann Arbor and frequenting the shop, not always making a purchase during my visits, the staff developed into some of my best book collecting friends. This is a shop for devoted book collectors who know what they are looking for and enjoy the opportunity to strike-up a conversation about an author. Moreover, it takes more than one visit to a shop to develop a relationship with any good rare bookshop. If reviewers get upset because a staff member does not say "have a nice day, thanks for coming by the shop..." then they are missing the point for reviewing. Moreover, it is no surprise the same review goes on to say that the word on the street is that the staff is not friendly. This is by far the best shop in Ann Arbor and very involved in the ABAA, the Ann Arbor Bookfest, and the Midwest. If you want to make a friend in a minute go across the street to one of the eateries or a bar. If you want great books, knowledgable staff who you can develop a lasting friendship with, and an amazing venue, then you cannot miss Westside Books!
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A Private User
This is a beautiful bookstore, but customer service is lacking. My father recently visited a2 from out of town and specifically asked to stop at this store because he bought a nice collection of books here a little over a year ago. We were fine browsing without any assistance, but when we left and my dad stated, "Have a nice day" the clerk ignored him. I thought maybe he did not hear, so I repeated the statement and was dismissed with a glance and an abrupt, "yeah" from the clerk. Clearly he did not feel we were worth his attention or time and he wasn’t interested in extending any courtesy. This was disappointing since we do appreciate the store and considered doing additional business here. We will not be back though, and since I am a local I will be sure to spread the word; not surprisingly I have recently found out from other local patrons that the elitist and dismissive attitude we observed is commonplace with this clerk/owner.
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Austin Bauer
Wow! Just an awesome bookshop! They have a big collection with shelves of books in obscure topics other shops usually lack. One entire tall shelf of poetry books, which are my favorite. Also a lot of philosophy books. If youre into sailing and books about the ocean, I saw a huge collection of those! The man that was working was very nice and extremely willing to help us find what we were looking for. Great experience and really really neat shop!
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A Private User
Of all the used book shops in town this seems to be one of the best run. It is cozy and well stocked and they have always been helpful. On several occasions they have disappeared downstairs only to emerge with a book I could not find on the old shelves. I have seen many used book shops in my travels and this is one of the better ones.
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A Private User
It was nice to visit a smaller bookstore, some of the larger franchises have alot of books but are sometimes overwhelming. This bookstore had a unique collection. I have to agree, the staff was not overly friendly!
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Lorin Nocturne
I went in just to take a peek and came out with not only a book but great information. The book seller asked me about my studies and gave names of some great scholars and books related to my research!
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Daniel Medendorp
The staff is very knowledgeable and more than eager to give suggestions given the wide variety of books, photographs, and maps at the store. West Side Book Shop is exactly what a bookstore should be!
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Dave Pinkawa
Great selection of used books and historical first edition prints to view. Its a little cramped in here, but its a great place to visit and bask in the book smell (if thats your kind of thing).
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Ben Strassfeld
One of the best used and rare bookstores here or anywhere
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Sonny Li
Nice little book store. With a ton of old books
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Dennis G
Best darn used book store that time forgot!
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Eddie Godin
Really cool shop. The curator is great.
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Kazi Rahat
Nice place for old books