The Book House

Category:	Book Store
Address:	7352 Manchester Rd, Maplewood, MO 63143, USA
Phone:	+1 314-968-4491
Site:	bookhousestl.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM 11AM–6PM

Location

Photos 97

Reviews 15

Ben Rosensweig

Used to work here, so Im a bit biased, but now you get the inside scoop! Such a great store. Classic book shop in the heart of Maplewood, one of the best neighborhoods of St. Louis. An incredible variety of books, old and new, and theyre always getting more in. They have free coffee right at the front (small donation cup next to it), an amazing mural covering a whole wall. Excellent childrens section right up at front away from the other parts of the store. One side has custom-made floor to ceiling shelves. Theres a basement that isnt quite finished yet, but as a fun avant-garde feel, and it can open up to host events like their weekly comedy improv and music nights - definitely on of my favorite things. Also some pretty incredible rare books in the glass cases. Bargain books ($4 and under are downstairs). Friendly staff. No cat unfortunately, but theres a lot of unfinished parts that could be unfriendly to curious cats. Only thing Id suggest is making sure you call the store ahead of time to see whether they actually have the book you found on the website (website is a bit cumbersome) - they have a million boxes in storage, so its just good to make sure they have it. Last thing thats both fun and irksome are the occasional stacks of books lining the floor next to the shelves - have to move them aside (but come on, what book lover doesnt like seeing stacks of books!) At a time when Amazon is swallowing up pretty much everything, its so fun to see a real bookstore! (Imagine that ACTUAL books on real shelves). And when youre standing in the middle of the store you are literally surrounded (no pun intended ;) by thousands and thousands of stories, timelines, authors, ideas, and characters - a compendium of culture, all right there within your grap.

zach scott

I was looking forward to finally visiting The Book House since a friend had highly recommended it. I live in another state so on previous visits to the area, I wasnt able to check it out (once they were closed and the next time they were in the process of moving to a new building.) My wife and I found it. The building and number of books was outstanding. We immediately liked it. Had found a couple of books and were continuing to look when the next incident took place. A patron had approached the desk where the owner was seated. She came to tell the person that she had been looking at a book when a page was damaged. The owner (I later found out), began berating the patron. It was an ugly confrontation. The patron continued to be very pleasant but the owner was the rudest person to her. Long story short, I was surprised the patron actually paid for a big pile of books she had picked up during her visit. I, on the other hand, set down the books I had planned on buying and walked out. The patron was not being rude, in any way, and was just asking a couple of questions. I have never seen anyone treated this way. Very disappointed and we dont plan on ever returning to The Book House.

A Private User

I could have spent hours there. The rooms are all stacked floor to ceiling with books upon books, and I found some wonderful oldies in very good condition. The cat curled up in one of the easy chairs was pretty neat, too. Heads up, they are a tad pricey for used books, but I found out that whenever people sell books to the Book House the money goes to a childrens charity, which is really nice. Ask for help if you cant find something, because some areas are a little unorganized. The house itself is clean and in good condition (built in 1863?), and theres chairs tucked away in random places if you want to curl up and read for awhile.

A Private User

Michelle (the owner ) used to be my foster mother and when I was 15 I would help her and work in the bookstore. I love The Book House! I was always in the basement hoping to see or hear a ghost or something. And I love the little poetry room upstairs! I would sit in that chair and read alll day long! Michelle puts a lot of time, work, and money in her store. Thats her love&life. And I respect her for having so much soul for something meaningful. Shes still and will always be one of my good friends! (:

A Private User

Ive never been a paying customer before but called up and left a message with a couple of questions. Michelle returned my phone call promtly and gave me great answers. She took time to make sure she understood what I was asking, and made sure to give me the best answer possible. Thanks for the great customer service Michelle.

Joel Doetsch

Feels almost as if youre wandering through someones attic or study. Books piled on the floor, armchairs peppered throughout. I love it, Im kind of tired of the manicured look of Barnes and Noble with everything perfectly in place. This is a book lovers store put together by a fellow bibliophile

Caleb Greason

This book store is a little pricier than others. For an example a $8.99 book might be marked down to $6.00. But most of the books are in excellent condition. I would very much recommend this store for those who love browsing around. There are piles of books everywhere to sort through.

A Private User

I love this place. So many books. I think that everyone should check this place out. The house is alone is worth a tour, it has a really eerie yet welcoming feeling and is rumoured to be haunted. Absolutely worth a drive out to visit you wont disappointed.

Angelic Salyer Towe

This is a favorite indi store of mine. Love the expanded section downstairs. Their inventory is HUGE and if they dont have it, can obtain if for you quickly. A wonderful literal gem in the St. Louis area and a great asset to the city of Maplewood.

Kirstie Hamel

An adorable little shop in Maplewood. Lots of selection and I love being able to support a local business rather than the big chains. The staff are very knowledgable about the selection and were able to guide me to everything that I needed.

David Seymour

Great selection of new and used books, cool rare and signed stuff, theyll gladly order anything you cant find, partial proceeds go to a great charity, live music and author events, free coffee, local news, so many things to love about it...

Travis Guzman

Every time I set foot in The Book House, Im in awe of the amount of books. Its my favorite used book store and my favorite place to reaffirm my love for books. Its like my book church (the library is my backup church).

Robert Cole

They have a lotta books! A great selection really. I love to buy an odd and end here or there but sometimes I just browse. A few books I have found though were egregiously overpriced, but thats just the game.

Jesse Nenninger

I am really happy that they were able to find a new location, and glad it is in Maplewood, as it really fits the neighborhood. Prices seem a bit high for some books, but there are plenty at fair prices.

Jonathan Spencer

What an amazing selection of books! You can find a used copy if pretty much anything here. They also host a lot of community events, stay open late, and welcome dogs. Spend some time here.