Beckham's Bookshop instantly became one of my all-time favorite bookstores. It has this magical, overflowing charm that honestly reminded me of the library in Barbie of Swan Lake -- towering stacks of books, shelves crammed with treasures, and the feeling that no matter how long you browse, you'll keep discovering something new. There's a resident cat who wanders around saying hello, which just adds to the cozy, quirky atmosphere. The place has so much character -- books tucked into every corner and that perfect "organized chaos" vibe only the best secondhand shops manage to pull off. I could spend full days in here and still not see everything. Easily one of the best bookshops I've ever visited. read more

Beckham's Book Shop - Inside the bookshop - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Fantastic used book store in the French Quarter. Large variety of genres and very friendly owner. The bonus was the sweetest shop cat, Joanie. read more

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Just meandering around New Orleans when I came across this wonderful bookstore. I adore books because I need to hold them and turn the pages as I immerse myself in the stories. The ladies who work here are just wonderful. They enhance the experience of the store in such a way that makes you never want to leave. Rare and old books just give me a feeling. This is the type of place that I would just volunteer to work in because I wanted to read it all! read more

Beckham's Book Shop - A book about Galatoire's! - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

came for the books but stayed for the cat!! The old school smell of print and paper in a vintage feel bookstore. Cool assortment of books to look at! Joni is beautiful and super friendly cat. She let me pet her and was hanging out in the philosophy section. Would come back just for the cat but still a solid bookstore. Great selections to sift through and mentioned they have another bookshop located nearby called Dauphine on Chatre! read more

Beckham's Book Shop - Bookstore clerk in philosophy section - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Okay, so we can't pass up a good bookstore when we visit places and we just happened to wandery by and then into this one. Definitely a very large selection of used books and it rewards those who like to browse and find something unexpected. My wife actually found a paperback from one of her favorite authors so we purchased it. Oh yes, and the bookstore cat just adds to the vibe. We couldn't tell if it was real or not since it was so still (sleeping) but then it moved al little bit. Meow! read more

The Baseline: For a book shop of used books, the books must be well organized, the shelves need to be well stacked with variety of books, and the shop needs to have character. Store: This is a very nice book shop with a ton of character. You could walk around and glance at books for hours looking for the rare find you didn't know you needed but always wanted. The shop has character and one awesomely friendly cat. Service: The staff member or owner was helpful in answering questions. Books: There were a lot of books on different topics that would have been great to explore if I had more time and wasn't in vacation mode. The prices were fine. read more

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Snowflakey girl at front counter. Cat in the back. Books everywhere, unorganized and just a mess. Not for me.

TLDR: Lovely atmosphere and book selection. Books are used and a bit pricy. You know you walked into a good bookshop when there is a cat napping on the counter. I initially walked in just to peruse the selection and ended up finding a few books I wanted on the second floor. The shop has 3 floors, however, the third floor is currently closed. The first floor is well stocked and the second floor is about 50% stocked. A few gentleman were sitting near the entrance, I believe going through books recently brought in (either to donate or sell). We walked through the first floor before ascending to the second level. The shelves are labelled well and there is a map to guide you to your desired genre. Many of the books I looked at were older, yet still in good condition. Prices are written inside the front cover. This shop is pricy, even the outdated science books were expensive. The books I selected were $4-$5 each. Overall, lovely place to spent time out of the weather to find your next read! read more

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Currently in transition (August 2025). Beckham's is now run by the owners of Dauphine Street books, who are in the process of getting it more organized. Seems like the largest bookshop in the French Quarter, attractive with a reasonable stock of used and rare books, priced around internet levels with a few 'finds' to be had. read more

I love used bookstores. I love the shelves of books to explore, the smell of old books. I was able to find a few things for my kiddos and it was affordable. read more

This was like visiting a library with towering bookshelves covering many different subject matters. I actually came here to checkout the records which is located on the third floor. All of the basic genres were covered - jazz, rock, r&b, hip-hop, local, etc.. What was unique is that this was the only record store that I found in NOLA that had an extensive electronic music section of primarily used records. This store is a diggers paradise so have at it ! read more

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Super cute bookshop with tons of used and antique books. They had a wide variety of selection and the service was good. I did not check for prices but it seemed they had a lot of high value books available. read more

Beckham's book shop is a decent shop off of Decatur. For me personally, it's kind of hit or miss when it comes to authors I'm looking for. That could just be that I'm not looking for authors in the genres that they specialize in, or it could be that they are so busy that everything is picked over before I make it back in. Don't get me wrong, they have a massive selection and a multitude of genres to chose from. They also have multiple floors you can wonder through and spend hours hunting through. Go check them out read more

Beckham's Book Shop - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

My idea of a good time is spending hours looking through thousands of books, and if you share my sentiment, then you will love this bookstore. It's messy. They've tried to keep the books organized, but it's not exactly working, and really that adds to the charm of this place. The floors are creaky. The air is heavy with the smell that can only come from old books. I was in heaven. I spent hours perusing the various bookcases, and could have spent hours more. Absolutely love this place. read more

Beckham's Book Shop - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Absolutely perfect as a used book store! Tons of books (and don't forget the 2nd floor!) that I spent forever looking through (and smelling because I love the smell of old books). There's a cat that is very sweet (and all good bookstores have a cat). read more

Great place for used and vintage books. Exactly what you would expect to find in a bookstore located in the French Quarter.

I adore old fashioned bookstores. The ones owned and run by a family, where they know their customers, the customers needs, and they carry a little bit of everything. I was super excited to stumble upon Beckham's Book Shop. My mind raced at the thought of finding some wonderful vintage book that I just had to have. We were greeted when we walked in, but that was it. Zero customer service. We wandered around trying to figure out if they carried new, old, vintage, or a variety of books. I'm sure that there was some rhyme or reason as to how things are organized, but frankly, it almost seem like too much effort to try to figure out what the bookstores system is. I would've asked for help but the man at the counter seemed like he didn't want to really be bothered with us. We found some old vinyl records, but nothing of any great interest. I guess if you are a collector of just any thing it maybe a place to stop in. Unimpressed. This is not what quality book stores should be. read more

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Note to vinyl record collectors - shop no longer has a large selection of vinyl. Store associate indicated record vendor moved out. Otherwise a cute book shop. read more

From day one during our stay in NOLA, my daughter begged to visit this charming old bookstore. I've raised a fellow bookworm so our hearts flutter when we see rows and stacks of books. We would pass it on our walks down Decatur into the Quarter(say that with a charming Nawlins accent) and every day she would plead. I finally gave in. It reminded me of the wonderful shops on Berkeley's Telegraph back in the day and of our own old neighborhood shops (The Book Shop and Gray Wolf Books, I do miss you.) There's something for everyone but be prepared to search as books by organized by genre and not one by one by author. Prices are cheap. Don't forget to head upstairs. I was too sore from running but my daughter made it to the third floor to check out the vinyl records. She also fell in love with Juniper, the resident cat. read more

Old school bookstore with an array of different options for individuals who love to read. The staff is knowledgeable and offer suggestions if you are unsure over which book(s) to choose. read more

Such a magical place if you're a book worm!!! My daughter and I Love to find local bookshops when we travel - and we found this one. We got 2 books for $6 each! WINNING!! THe guy there (missed his name) was super enthusiastic when we spoke about books and what they have there. PS. They have a few first editions!!!! What a treat!! read more

Beckham's Book Shop - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

They have a lot of stuff, you can get lost here all day. Also 5 stars for Juniper, the store cat.

Very charming book store, found some really interesting books, love stores where it feels like the book finds me, wish it was a little more accessible, but interesting collection and selection and the very very friendly cat made it even better she wouldn't stop licking me lol a big sweetie read more

Beckham's Book Shop - Juniper the cat - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Today I met probably one of the best bookshop in the USA. And probably the oldest owners in the business Mr. Beckham and his partner. And also the Juniper, the cutest cat in NOrleans. I should say the books are amazing, categorized well but i wish them to be taken from the floors. I organized a little bit but needs some work. Upstairs books are old but not as good selection as the first floor, outdated and needs updates but it's normal after 80 years old i will probably be needing more power for even walking while the still process books as best they can do. Hope to see them again and we talked philosophy, Rumi, Jesus, many things which was cool. I will send you guys post card from California. Thanks guys for also the discount... all the best!!! read more

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Don't forget to check out the record store on the 3rd floor, great variety of genres. Pleasantly surprised to see so much vinyl. Also, don't be surprised by the resident cat slinking through the isles (he has a favorite chair in the back on the store). Note, I did not peruse the actual books (full disclaimer). The record shop was 5 stars . read more

What a great used book store! Somewhat of a limited selection of book genres. Personally I was looking for Southern history so jackpot! Great prices and only books in top condition. If you like used bookstores or records this is a must stop. There is even a shop cat. read more

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What an amazing book shop! I could have stayed her for hours! Did I also mention they have an entire floor dedicated to records, with a DJ station! read more

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Great used bookstore, you'll find treasures if you seek them! The owner has an awesome collection of books on the main and second floor. He keeps everything extremely organized and labeled. read more

A bit difficult to navigate - not the most organized bookshop but has a nice old-Timey vibe to it I guess? Many of the books I picked up were very outdated (read: racist) read more

I was looking forward to stopping in here, but I was underwhelmed. While there is an understandable order to the shop, and I did hear that they have a map of the layout of the store, I found books to be generally disorganized within their sections. For example, Peter Carey's novel "Jack Maggs" was with the "M" authors. A minor grievance, sure, but the pattern repeated everywhere. David Mitchell's wonderful novel "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet" was in the science section, and Paul Monette's "Becoming a Man" was in the religion section (lol). It only made me wonder what good finds were actually hidden away in other sections. Also, in response to my "Hello" upon entering and my "Thank you" upon leaving, I received in return just an utterly blank stare from the two older gentlemen working at the front of the shop. Truly strange. read more

We came across this little French Quarter treasure during a spontaneous trip to NoLa. The store was packed tip to tale and toe to crown with books galore. I could have spent hours in here. Take your wish list of obscure tomes and favorite little-known authors and start exploring or just pick your favorite genre and blindly reach for something new-to-you. The cat, obviously a book-loving familiar, is a nice touch. This store is an unexpected break in a sea of neon and jazz. You will not regret crossing this threshold. read more

Always my first stop when in New Orleans, Beckham's is a multistory treasure chest of literature. Rare, antique and secondhand jewels adorn the wall to wall, floor to ceiling shelves. I chose five beauties off of the first rack upon entry, all items I had been looking to purchase for years and not as yet come across, all here in one tidy bundle. Make sure you have time to peruse as the shelves here are sprawling. All genres are included, even low brow bargain paperbacks. Pop a squat on the big comfy couches and while away the day surrounded by letters and literature. read more

Ducking into this old looking bookstore at about 10:00 a.m. to avoid the already drunken crowds on Decatur Street, we discovered was a huge treat. There is one of the cutest bookstore cats ever inside this place! And the selection of books is nice too! Seriously, though, this place just feels historical and magical. It's the kind of place that's almost otherworldly. Where you'd expect a trap door to open to another world if you pull the right old leather-bound tome. And there are a ton of these ancient and more modern, even best sellers, on two floors. But back to the cat. It is the friendliest thing in the city, likes to be stroked, and plays with camera strings (it must be used to tourists). There's also plenty of seating so you can stare at the cat while test driving one of their many books. Just don't be too loud because the regulars will remind you it's still a bookstore and silence is golden. In the front of the store is a great selection of books on New Orleans, including various travel guides by all the big names in travel. Just inside the French Quarter, it's a good place to purchase one of those as well if you didn't before you left home. When you get done playing with the cat, of course. read more

Beckham's Book Shop - What lies behind these doors is magic! - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Wow How cool to find boss from the 1700 1800s Good prices on a lot of stuff They charge full price on new books but who goes to these places for new books. It's really a treasure hunt. I found a set of old leather bound books on the revolutionary war from 1883 in a pile on some random table. Haha Such a great place!! read more

This bookstore was great! Super cool old bookstore vibes, pleasant staff, and a cute cat. There were a lot of specialized nonfiction book sections, although there were some fiction books as well. Tons of history books, especially regional history. The used books were reasonably priced. read more

Another great local bookstore, which we just happened to walk past. And, I think, another resident cat. Good selection, good prices, nice old building. I wish there were more places like this at home. read more

I dig used bookstores and I check them out whenever I travel... I had such a great time checking this one out. I've posted a bunch of pictures here... http://www.flickr.com/photos/light_seeker/6886227868/ including the requisite 'bookstore cat' we've come to call 'Bookstore Cat.' If you buy a bunch of books the owner will hold them for you while you walk around the old French Quarter holding your favorite beverage and you can pick up your books later. What a magical place. read more

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This place is magical....at least for me that I love used books. It's a shame I didn't have enough time to explore everything. Shame I didn't even have time to go to the third floor where they have all the music. I got a very nice Louisiana recipe book and I had the honor of meeting Juniper, the resident cat and CEO. I'm coming back to NOLA. So many places to explore and many food to eat. read more

Beckham's Book Shop - Juniper, resident cat and CEO - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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The floor creeks, it smells of old books and is the perfect quite hide away from the noise quater. Lots of love. Tip:check out the map! read more

Beckham's Book Shop - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Two floors of books, with just about any category of book you could think of. I spent a good deal of time just walking up and down in each aisle exploring everything they had to offer. And AND AND they had a bookstore kitty :) read more