Rainy Day Books is kind of the best of both worlds - a book lover's paradise staffed by book…read moreworms. It's a cozy space, but it's jampacked with books from all subjects. If you can't find what you're looking for - which for some reason happens me a lot - the staff is happy to order a copy for you. They're book club friendly. They also host a ton of fun book-related and author events. If you're interested, please follow their social media accounts. They'll keep you up to date.

Indie bookstores are the best. This one being the oldest in KC, just celebrating 50 years is…read moreabsolutely amazing. They have amazing author events either in their shop or the Unity Temple on the Plaza. There is a great kids section with a ton of options. Employees are super helpful and will help you look up books as well. I needed to make sure a book was appropriate for kids and they looked up the details for me! Great bookstore all around!

I love coming to KD's. As an educator, I can always find the "hottest and newest" books for my…read moreclassroom AND for myself! I love supporting local, and I love what they stand for as well. Every time I come in, I am always welcomed with friendly conversation. The price of the books are great, and better than you can get in those big box stores or Amazon. Support local book stores!

This store was fun a year ago when they had used books and fun book treasures, but it's even better…read morenow with an expanded adult section. They no longer have the used books, but they have all the new releases and more. I always stop in here when I'm in DTLS. The employees are so helpful. I love it when they have events. I once met a local author signing books, and we need more of that! I will continue shopping here so we can keep a great indie bookstore in business.

I was wondering around on a Saturday evening and found this local gem. What an incredible place…read more Enchanting. I immediately felt at home exploring the 3 floors. The books cover every subject. Some were probably harder to find. I happened upon a hardback about Eleanor Roosevelt and the years she spent alone after FDR's death. I also found a copy of an old magazine which explored all sorts of Tibetan culture. I purchased both. The book on Eleanor was found in the basement which is a bit of a labyrinth. I got tickled because I was entranced by the books so much that I nearly tripped several times on the very uneven floor. And it's painted all the same color so you can't see the weird level changes well but I was weirdly not even upset about it because it added some intrigue to the mystery of searching the shelves in the basement. Even on a nearly 100 degree day, it was chilly down there. Cool! Upstairs on the 3rd floor where it was toasty, I found the magazine. There were some cool lounge areas up there too. Record albums and a music section. I was mesmerized. I believe there were a couple of people putting out books but I'm not sure. I never asked anyone for help because I wasn't sure who worked there and I didn't really need any. The guy who checked me out seemed pleasant but I can't speak too much on the service except to say it was fine. I felt it was very acceptable to read through books even though they were for purchase and except on the crowded main floor, they had places for you to sit and read so it was even encouraged! I love that! The only thing I'd have liked that I did not see is a bit more merchandise that is book and reading related. They had a few Prospero Books tshirts and a tote bag but that was about it. I admit it wouldn't necessarily fit the vibe to have a section like this or maybe it could if done in a nonchalant way. The messages from customers written on the walls and shelves throughout the store along with photos were absolutely perfect! There were some photos that showed the basement before it became the magical place it is right now. Reading the messages and seeing the photos let me know I was in the realm of my people. All the books and magazines I saw were reasonably priced. I spent less than $15 on my large hardback and magazine. I didn't have nearly enough time to explore. I hope to go back!! You should definitely go and support a local bookstore treasure!!! I'm so thrilled they are here! We need more like them! And they carried ALL types of books. There is no censorship. As noted on Prospero Tshirts, "There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them." - Joseph Brodsky And you'll find in my friend's book, The Sun Does Shine, they can strip you of everything but if you have an imagination, they can't take that. Books and reading develop that ability. Let the words transport you! READ!

Such a delight! Enjoyed an hour Saturday browsing their selection-- could spend days here. Looking…read moreforward to returning soon. Purchased a book printed 50 years ago comparing where I lived for two decades in California and Kansas City, MO and an out of print philosophy of fairytales companion. Such a find!

We were in the area and we stopped by this bookstore. We have been to this bookstore at a previous…read morelocation years ago. The store itself is completely unorganized and you wonder if the shelves are going to topple in. But he has an exceptional collection of used non-fiction books. He has all types of genres and classic books. His Christian section is better than most Christian bookstores. He has very high-quality authors. He has manuals, a selection for black voices, various countries, cookbook, health, psychology, you name it on the non-fiction and he probably has it. He is friendly and helpful and it would probably be best to ask him where some items might be since the store is overcrowded and not organized very well. Some books have the prices on the inside cover and some you have to ask him and you can bargain with him as well as long as your bargaining is reasonable. Even though the photos that I have submitted show disorganization, he really does have an exceptional amount of good books.

Original review no longer accurate…read more So, when I first went to this place it was filled with books and heavily disorganized. It got a little better over time. They buy books but only twice I guess? I reached out a couple times to sell books or trade and been told they're not buying. Which is perfectly fine if you don't want to buy customers books. You get final say. It just ruined my view on the business.

I love the new Monarch Books space. It is bigger and they have even more books and gift items. I…read morereally enjoyed browsing the new layout and the reading room on the side was very cozy and fun. I already plan to return for future birthdays and Christmas shopping! Highly recommend for book lovers in the area!

I had the joy of going to the new location for Monarch shortly after they opened it! I LOVED the…read moreatmosphere, book selection, and the fact that they also had plants and gift items as well. My one lament is selfish, and that's the fact that the antique books were, from what I understand, for display only (I collect antique books, so I always have an eye out for places to browse for them). I believe the person I met there when I went was the owner, who was extremely friendly! Plus I love that it's a locally owned store. Overall I really loved visiting and browsing. Monarch is definitely one of my go-to bookstores now!

What a gem of a store. Starting with a warning first, there are many narrow/tight spaces in this…read morestore, and there are books everywhere. It's a bit chaotic. Personally, I loved that aspect of this charming store in Oak Grove. There were hidden spots to read the used books, and I kept thinking about how calming this place must be when it is storming. I spent about an hour in the store searching for treasures and found some great ones! I recommend this store if you have no where to be and want to get lost in towers of stories waiting to be read.

This place is AWESOME! Walking in, it feels like a place from a fairytale. The owner of the…read morebookstore is one of the friendliest people ever. She knows exactly where everything is and can help provide suggestions. If you're looking at getting a handful, there is a deal where you can get a bag and fill it with books. This is great for when you find a series or just want a collection of stuff to read. The books are priced really fair compared to most secondhand bookstores. If you are in Oak Grove, this is absolutely worth the stop!

It was kinda overwhelming at first,but I asked an employee where to find what I was looking for and…read moreshe showed me the correct section,Iwas happy with the selection and the price.I will be going back again soon.

These guys were champs at my most recent visit. They continue to buy books during the strange…read morecorona crisis, but you need to make an appointment first, and those appointments go quickly. This is the location of the four in Kansas City that you're likeliest to either get an appointment or run into a cancellation during the week. Good selection and helpful staff.