The Dusty Bookshelf is a simple holding shelf for a book before someone finds it and allows another chapter of its life to be written. - from the Dusty Bookshelf website
Last Saturday, we went to Manhattan for the K-State/Missouri football game. Although I was excited for the match-up after all the recent Big XII Conference realignment drama, I was not excited to watch in the rain. So, I gave my ticket to our daughter, Amanda, and I headed off in search of three hours of dryer pursuits - which led to the discovery of The Dusty Bookshelf. Heaven!
The Dusty Bookshelf is a used book store packed - and I mean packed to overflowing - with every kind of book imaginable. In spots there are books stacked on chairs, tables, the floor - every available space is covered with books. Scattered amongst the titles are cozy sitting spots and a few antique pieces that create a comfy feel. Unlike most of the used book shops I've visited before, the space is clean and organized, with books sorted by genre. Hardcover books with dust jackets are even fitted with library-style clear covers for protection. To maintain their amazing stock, they obviously buy from and trade with their customers, so now I know where lots of my books will be heading after they're read. They also deal in "scholarly" and rare books, if you're into that sort of thing, and sell on-line.
Shopping at Dusty Bookshelf is a treasure hunt. There are no fancy displays holding fifty copies of the newest bestsellers. This is more like browsing someone's home library; an eclectic mix of young and old, famous and obscure, that could easily have occupied me for the entire length of the game. Because my book spending has been out of control lately (Sorry, Dave!) I settled on two paperbacks - one trade and one mass market - which I got for $9.00.
Shakespeare's Christmas by Charlaine Harris - because I wanted to sample her writing without encountering a vampire, and - duh! - because it said Christmas on the cover.
No! I Don't Want to Join a Book Club: Diary of a 60th Year, by Virginia Ironside - because one of the blurbs on the back cover says "I'm thinking of reading [it] once a year from here on in to cheer myself up. If you're over 50, you should read it, too." And because it's just the kind of unexpected, quirky book I didn't notice when it was new and that make used bookstores so much fun.
Where do you love to shop for books? Are there any interesting or unique shops in your world?
That bookstore looks amazing. I so want to curl up in that green chair.
ReplyDeleteI used to frequent library book sales for used books, but I bought so many a few years ago, I'm not "allowed" to go any more (Booo!). I mostly stick to grabbing a book or two at a big box store when we are there for something else. Venturing into a used book store is too dangerous for me. I do go occasionaly, but only when I don't have too much time or money.
Even though I'm not over 50 (yet), that "NO! I Don't Want to Join a Book Club" book looks intriguing. I love quirky books!
I think I would take going to a bookstore like that over watching a football game in the rain too! Looks like a cool store and sounds organized too!
ReplyDeleteI'm on a real tight budget these days so no book buying, but enjoying getting books from the local library :)
I'll have to check out those books you got; they sound interesting!
betty
Tammi,
ReplyDeleteYou forgot to the other draw to the Dusty. The cat that is always there to greet you. Cleo is about 15 and every one loves her. You are right the Dusty is a great place to look for books and just veg out. By the way I missed see you at the game.
Dorothy Straney
I love their slogan!! What a perfect description of what a used bookstore should be. And I approach every visit to a bookstore like a treasure hunt.
ReplyDeleteLove the look of your blog! Quite different since I visited last. Love the colors
Sounds like an amazing place to visit.
ReplyDeleteThe Dust Bookshelf looks like an amazing place!
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