Absolutely lovely selection. I was a turd and didn't think to check the hours before driving a 30 - 40 minute drive to stop by. When at the door I noticed "by appointment" and decided to call, luckily they were in, and kindly allowed me in to see the books. The owner is very gracious and will help you find what you're out for, even if its on 10 different subjects. read more

Black Swan Books - Bookstores Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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When roaming around, don't forget to go to the far corner from the entry. This is where they put all the real old books and exceptionally unique items. My wife is an exceptional book lover and admirer. Going here was very much a must as it has roots similar to the very old bookstore in Ireland. When you first walk in the "bookscape" is very nice and open. I liked the feel of how it invites you to check the place out. The faculty are very friendly and aren't against you looking at or reading the books. Overall, this place is definitely a place to check out if you're a bookfan! Don't forget to say hi to copyright! :) (good doggie) read more

I love this bookshop. I have been shopping there for at least 15 years. Always an excellent and unexpected selection of books. Support local and independent booksellers! read more

I was down there last weekend. You usually have to give a used bookstore a little latitude in terms of organization, customer service, atmosphere, that sorta thing; they're small businesses and it's hard to keep up with big chains and Amazon. Unfortunately, Black Swan doesn't appear to be even trying. Musty, dusty, poorly organized, overpriced; it was a real disappointment. Too bad too: Richmond could use a little facelift with some better businesses, but Black Swan isn't it. read more

This is not a used book store - it's a rare book store, so adjust your price expectations, and don't be surprised to stumble across some listings that cost more than your first car... and maybe even one or two more than your current one. It's gorgeous, and well appointed. It really celebrates old books in a way that a museum might, but you can pick many up, and even leave with one.. for a price. Granted, that price can be as low as $20 for some books. The wandering aisles mean that there are more books here than you think when you walk in. Here is the only downside - book stores like these often celebrate history and absorb a certain flavor of the local book collections they buy from. Unfortunately, with this book, there are many older books of questionable racial sensitivity. Yes, this is historically accurate, and of interest to many, but I always question profiting off this history of racial disparity. Of course, I also would wince at the idea of cleansing history in any form, so I'll recommend you stop by, and maybe even buy a book or two as long as when you walk in you realize that much of the country was built on the backs of many of the people some of these books make light of. read more

Have never had a good experience here. Staff is incredibly rude, Books are overpriced. Chop Suey is much better

This bookstore is a hidden gem! If you love books, especially antiques, you will love this place! The first time I visited, I spent hours walking and examining the bookshelves, and was in heaven when I saw the collectibles! Hunter is so helpful! My husband is in the medical field and we are searching for specific texts to start his collection, and anytime Hunter thinks we may be interested in some new arrivals, he emails me- what great service! Highly recommend this place to everyone! read more

Black Swan Books - Love this room! Beautiful books - Bookstores Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I love that Black Swan has a mixture of used books including high-end antiques and just cool old books. They're organized by genre and there are tones of categories. The staff is super friendly and will help you find anything. I went when the bf was finishing med school. I'd been looking everywhere for some neat old medicine books to give him as a graduation gift. They didn't have an elaborately illustrated Gray's Anatomy, which is what I was hoping for, but they did have a neat book from like the 1800's with believed cures for diseases back then. And it was like $12. As I was checking out I mentioned that I was looking for a Gray's and a friendly patron who was there collecting actually gave me a copy he had in his car. How friendly! This is a great shop for treasure hunting. If you go, there's a private parking lot in back. read more

Please note, they are only open Friday-Sunday. I only say this because I live in NC and planned a special trip to see them on my way home from DC... on a Monday. Luckily they were still able to squeeze me in (whew). I would drop thousands in that place, if I could. They have some REALLY cool stuff, and being able to see books in person is worth more than finding a questionable copy cheaper on the internet. read more

A wonderful USED bookstore, with lots of old, enticing, well-preserved (many books have mylar covers) books. I found there to be especially nice sections on art, photography, and local history (i.e., Americana, Virginia History, Civil War-related books) Many little gems that would be great to just flip through or enjoy at your leisure. Bravo, Black Swan books! read more

An old school book store with collectable books... I would say it's more like a museum than a simple book store, including old French classics and antique editions. read more

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This gem of a bookstore was a last minute stop for us before heading back to our hotel for the evening, and before dinner. We were able to browse right before they closed. Even in that short amount of time (30 minutes), this bookstore has such an amazing collection of used and collectible, antique books I've ever seen! A glass case greets you after you enter, and you can check out some rare editions and first editions (including a first edition of Gone with the Wind priced at $12, 000!). Further back in the store (they had fun little descriptions of the sections of the store) they had more rare books behind glass and some massive volumes that were just wonderful to look at. They have great sections on Civil War history, Virginian history. The cubby right when you're going towards the back of the store with the antiquarian books are really fun to look through. A must if you are a bibliophile in Richmond! read more

Beautiful book store. So many interesting old books to look at. The prices are really not bad at all. They have a bin outside of discounted books. Also, this is a great place to find gifts for people that are interested in history and like to read. I've found a couple of birthday and christmas gifts here for friends and family. Perfect. read more

Gorgeous book store. Tons of really old books. The staff was super nice and let me look around for 15 mins after they closed. Next time I'm there, I'm budgeting extra money in my trip to a few books. read more

Be cautious if you are selling books to Black Swan Books in Richmond, VA. On Wednesday March 24, 2021 Nick Cooke (the owner) and his wife came to my deceased mother's house and spent about two hours looking through books. They bought a small box of old and rare books for only $75.00. Nick took advantage of my grief and depression over my mother's recent death, and he deceived me about the value of the books that he selected. I was not even offered their consignment option. read more

First off, I had to call multiple times before I got a human being on the phone. They don't seem to be very interested in providing customer service. When I finally got a person on the phone, I asked if they had a book about Mengele. No response. Just silence. Okay. So I asked if they carried any books relating to the history of antisemitism and they hung up on me! Terrible service. read more

Visited my daughters recently in the area. Not impressed with the selection but willing to try it again.

Anytime I see a bookstore I walk in. They were very kind here. I asked about specific authors and they were very helpful. I also bought a page from a magazine dated 1788, and reasonably priced. It's a lovely place to browse. Very neatly kept too! read more

Possibly the single best thing about Richmond, Virginia. The books are amazing, of course, but the selection of maps and little antique odds and ends located near the entrance is worth a solid perusal as well. Also: the gigantic but friendly dog that decided to rub its head against my arm while I was looking at history books. That was nice too. read more

Absolutely fantastic used book store. For used book lovers and collectors this is a must see shop. There are a fair number of used book stores in Richmond, but none quite this special. The store is beautiful, clean and welcoming. The staff are professional and friendly. The store has some simply outstanding rare and antiquarian books for sale, in addition to la huge amount of standard (but better quality) used titles. Prices run the gamut and are for the most part reasonable. I say reasonable, but keep in mind that unique, rare and/or hard to find or in demand items are priced accordingly. This isn't the place to score a first edition Huck Fin for $10. For that, better add a few zeros. The fact they have so many fantastic rare books is what makes them so special. Even just seeing many of them is worth it. Buying one every so often is even more special. My interest happens to be military history and lucky for me Black Swan has a speciality in that area with a heavy emphasis on the Civil War. Being in Richmond that would tend to make sense. I've bought $300 rare regimental histories and $10 out of print trade paperbacks. They have a wide variety to tempt me. Highly recommend used book store. My only complaint is they have limited hours. Best to catch them toward the end of the week or on the weekend, otherwise you are out of luck. That said they have expressed a willingness to make special appointments for serious buyers when they are otherwise normally closed. read more

What a great store! An unfortunate rarity where stores of this caliber are rapidly disappearing, The Black Swan offers affordable "why don't I have this" books as well as the "maybe in another life" selection. The staff the helpful but don't loom over you and the conversations about favorite authors are readily at hand. I'll be sure to sock some extra funds away for my next trip! read more

Black Swan is a nice used bookstore for collectors and lovers of antique books. It is not one you can walk into and find some beach reading or last year's best sellers. You'll be lucky if you find paperbacks at all, not counting the modest assortment of vintage pulps available. There's lots of old history and science books as well as mid-century art catalogs, art, cookbooks, photographs, etc. It's a great store for what it is, and it seems to have a pretty loyal clientele. I personally am more interested in books that I'm not afraid to toss in my purse and read on the train, but if I weren't I would definitely come back here. Come to think of it, I'd come back here anyway just to look around at all the interesting stuff they've got, if not to purchase anything. read more

Awesome selection of unique, rare, and signed books. I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. A but pricey, but considering the quality of the books, it's worth it! read more

Such a sweet little shoppe! I am not from Richmond but I definitely make the drive to go there (and to visit a friend) I am an avid antique book lover and absolutely adore their sections. The back right area has a GREAT art section. Not to mention they have VERY old french books in the original print (needless to say that's what really attracted me there). The children's book section is wonderful and I have basically collected all of the old raggedy ann books they have. Some tend to be very delicate but that's what I love. A few of their staff are VERY knowledgeable in book binding and restoration. *I have brought in books I have purchased elsewhere to get a "touch up". They had two books that I had been SEARCHING for..... one of which being Confesions of an english opium eater.... I cant explain how giddy this store made me. The staff is VERY sweet and friendly and if they don't have what you are looking for, just ask them and they may be able to hunt it down for you. Also, if anyone is in to Virginian history they have a fairly large section completely dedicated to hampton roads and such =) Such a lovely warming feeling to know that bookstores like this still exist amongst the mainstream. woohoo read more

Black Swan Books - Bookstores Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Such a comforting and warm little book store. So happy this bookstore is still with us.

I recently found that a book was written about my Great, Great Grandfather and after searching the internet for a copy, Black Swan was the only place I could find it. I ordered it via their website on a Sunday and almost immediately had a response back from Sally asking how I wanted it shipped, taking the time to offer comparisons on freight. Shipping from Virginia to California, I had my book in hand within 3 days of purchase - the packaging was done with great care and it arrived in perfect condition. The book itself, over 116 years old was as described, in excellent condition and will be a cherished piece of history for many more Family generations to come. Very Happy Customer and I will be back! read more

I was absolutely amazed at the selection and the staff was incredibly knowledgeable. They even knew my mother's rare and off the beaten path childhood book written by her old neighbor. I am an absolute fan! They certainly have something to offer to the community with their great customer service. read more

Lovely, classic brick-and-mortar bookstore with lots of vintage and collectible books. I sold a chunk of my collection to this establishment and the owner was friendly and easy-going, and he didn't rush me while we were sorting through the numerous items I had brought in. He even offered me the opportunity to dicker on the initial price that he himself had quoted for the purchase of the stuff I was selling, so he isn't a shark who is out to fleece you, either. The stock is a fascinating selection of literary artifacts in an environment you could get lost in for an afternoon. You may even stumble upon that rarity you have been seeking for years! read more

As compared to the "Tattered Cover" it is not a 5-star. However...it is a wonder emporium of incredible books, and manuscripts. The "service" may leave something to be desired by the average walk-in. Make no mistake, however, this place has items you couldn't even find in Florean Fortescue's shop in Daigon Alley...if you know who/how to ask, and have the gold for it; of course! read more

Store is closed May and June of 2016 for renovations. Didn't get a chance to look inside so the rating doesn't matter as much, just annoying to drive here and not have it open read more

I have been here twice. The place is messy and kinda dirty ,but it is a bookstore not a restaurant so i guess that's OK. I found what i was looking for both times with little effort. The people working there seemed to be aloof and uninterested in helping anyone, it was more of an "ask if you have to but don't bother us" kinda a place. if you know exactly what you are looking for it is a good store. read more

The very model of what a used and rare bookshop ought to be. It's amazing and delightful that places like this still exist. The perfect place to stock up on Cormac McCarthy first editions! read more

Hands down, the best antiquarian book shop in the Commonwealth of Virginia and they are easily top "one percenters" when compared to competitors nationally. Nick and Ellen not only offer quality, fresh stock at very fair prices but they also work to become aware of their client's specific interests. Their Virginiana offerings are unparalleled; Shopping at Black Swan is truly a pleasure! read more

wow - what a gem!!! worth a trip to richmond alone. the selection across genres and the books spanning decades and centuries. youll spend all day here. the staff and owner are friendly and knowledgeable. hard not to walk out with multiple finds of old maps and old books! read more