Midway Books
| Category: | Rare Book Store |
| Address: | 1579 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104, USA |
| Phone: | +1 651-644-7605 |
| Site: | midwaybook.com |
| Rating: | 3.9 |
| Working: | 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–6PM 12–6PM |
Location
Photos 1
Reviews 14
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A Private User
I have never written a Google review but, honestly, I felt I needed to for others who may be in my situation. I have been looking for a book printed in 1928 for about one year. I randomly Googled last week and found that Midway had the book I wanted. I read the reviews, trying to determine if I wanted to provide my credit card info to a place I did not know of and was unable to put eyes on. The reviews concerned me a bit but I went ahead with my purchase and I am SO glad I did. The checkout process was secure, the email confirmation was immediate and the shipment info was specific and quick as well. The book arrived in just a couple days (even though I chose the slower / cheaper shipping option). It is in wonderful shape, packaged with care and even wrapped in fun paper. I appreciate the ease of the transaction and hope I can calm the fears of anyone in a similar boat.
CO
Collin Dey
Well. After reading all the reviews I figured Id chime in on my experience from September. Staff was helpful when I came in looking for old comics but since the owner wasnt there, the "best" stuff was unavailable for viewing. It was a Sunday.... I did get help in the glass cabinet and looked through big little books which you dont see in that quantity very often. If you have some time to kill, Im sure there are tons of rare and esoteric books to search for and enjoy as well. Comics were priced by guide and I ended up buying a few items. Its all or nothing with the star rating as far as Im concerned and more about what is written to help others enjoy their hunt for collectibles.
SE
Sergio Valverde
Great selections of books, but the staff is very rude in person and over the phone. I dont understand why since they are not extremely busy anyway. I dont think the staff reads much either or have an idea of what theyre selling. The last time I inquired for a cheaper version of a fairly known classic book of philosophy/economics and the guy arrogantly told me to go to the University bookstore where they sell textbooks (as if textbooks were a bad thing), though they have an expensive antique edition of the book posted on their website. Thats just laziness. I try to shop in local bookstores, but people like this do wonders for corporate giants like Amazon.
PE
Pete Breiter
The place is great! I dont see why other people complain about it. Everytime I am there they are awesome at finding me either books or comics. They have a pull list program for comics, and you get a 10% off card; unlike some places where you can buy books and pay for a discount card. Yeah, I will admit in the beggining the people were a little hesitant but after they get to know you it is a great place to shop. People who complain about the buying and selling process, get over it; dealing with old comics myself I know that a lot people think they have a million dollar comic but in reality it normally is something thrown into a 25 cent bin.
TY
Tyler H
Great potential lost to paranoia and low traffic. I was a frequent customer here for a while; as a university student, I prefer to shop at independent bookstores because they offer the same books as the University bookstores at lower prices. But Ive become fed up with being ordered to take of my backpack before browsing, and being followed around the store. Despite the high-traffic location, the bookstore is frequently empty. The prices are a bit higher than other used bookstores since they cant seem to get many people in the door.
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A Private User
Over the phone the guy was rude to me and told me my books probably had no value. Clearly I know that just because a book is old it does not mean it is worth a ton of cash, and even if a book is valuable to make a profit a book store is not going to offer you top dollar. But instead of asking me about my books this jerk assumed I had no idea what I was talking about. I was so irked I decided to take my books elsewhere, and I sold the collection for $160.00 . Thats what Midway Books gets for having awful customer service.
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A Private User
Other reviewers have written: "You have to deal with the superior attitude of the owner and some of the staff," "very rude" and "AVOID IF YOU CAN." Boy, I can second those statements! When I called just now, the staffperson could not have been less interested in helping me! He brushed me off completely. There might be a great selection of books there, but not a great staff. Other used bookstores, like Sixth Chamber Books, have amazing people working there - if you want respect, I recommend you go there.
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A Private User
I love this store and the incredible selections! I found every genre I like (sci-fi, literature, poetry, drama, crafts, new age, philosophy)--the list is extensive. Left with a few hard-to-find titles, a couple current lit, and several gifts for friends. The store is light and spacious, holds tons of books (definitely worth asking for specifics), and parking is free in the rear lot. non-fiction, history, science, gardening--wow. Ill be back! Highly recommend.
JE
Jennie Wood
Fantastic art books selection and a big literature section on the second floor. It is clean and cozy and packed with a wide variety of stuff. They also have a large comics section (new and old) and a big bargain basement where you might find a hidden gem for $2.50. It is right on the green line or you can get parking in the back. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly to boot; it is now my go to used book store for selection and convenience.
MA
Marshall Alexander
Every other bookstore I have been to that advertises they purchase books at least made me offers. The guy here was very condescending and didnt appear to like my reply to his statement that he only buys really old books. The response was "Oh so you want books you can buy from me for next to nothing and then sell for a lot. That makes sense from my point of view, so I will let you know when I get some of those."
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Andrew Ervin
A terrific used book store. Tremendous selection of history, transportation, military, biography, and other books. I was very impressed with the intelligent selection of these categories. I have done business both buying and selling books to/from this store, and have been highly impressed by their professionalism and their commitment to the local literary community. Highly recommended.
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Alison Cosgrove
I love this place so much. It makes me feel like Belle from "Beauty and the Beast." Unless youre purchasing a rare edition, most of the books are significantly cheaper than a mainstream bookstore. The books cover pretty much every genre you could think of, plus they sell other media also. Walk out with a stack of 6-7 books and only spend around $30. Amazing!
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A Private User
Ive spoken to numerous comic dealers and collectors over the years, others who have dealt with the owner, and between those reports and my own personal encounters with the owner of Midway Books, he is widely recognized as a staggeringly colossal sphincter. The stuff of comic book legend. One for the ages.
GA
Gary Iketon
Midway Books is an oasis. Its a place I can reliably escape, and quench thirsts I didnt know I had. Bookselling takes discerning, time and muscle. The proprietors are clearly dedicated to their business; I always found the people there to be interesting and helpful. Long live Midway Books!