Rating: 9.2/10 For the modest size, this bookstore is jam packed with so much literary diversity. I could roam in here for hours. They have cute ketch when you walk in and logo items for sale. I love how they have quick synopsis of some of the books on the outside. The second floor is my fav part. The fairy lights, coloring books, the sci-fi and the metaphysical stuff and round out the genres. Absolutely will be back. read more

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As long as I have spent years shopping here I'm sheepish to admit today was my first time upstairs! I knew it was secondhand and used books, but had no clue how beautifully curated and displayed everything would be up there, not to mention the surprise gumball machine with discounts and quotes! Found something for everyone on my list and the two items I ended up picking up for myself were free with my frequent reader stamps! Bonus! read more

Blue Cypress Books - Fun ephemera around the shop - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Great friendly service. Fair pricing. Lots of good selection of books. I sold some of my old books got a decent price. read more

Blue Cypress Books - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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This bookstore is my favorite within Louisiana and my favorite out of all the bookstores I have visited. Amazing staff who will remember you and treat you like family. With a purchase of $50 you get a free item of $10 which makes this story a amazing value. They run many events and book clubs for the community. They have a great selection of books. This bookstore is also on one of the best streets in New Orleans (Oak Street) which has a bakery, coffee shops, many great restaurants and intersects with the streetcar. If you are from out of town or a local this place is a must see if you love books. read more

Such a great local bookshop (complete with shop cat)! I love walking over here to just browse all of the great books that they have, but my favorite is their local wall. They have so many great used and new books that are all based in New Orleans that I could stand there all day just deciding which one to take next. Localized cookbooks, nonfiction accounts, poetry, fiction books/series, kids' books, and even YA. Don't forget to head upstairs for even more exploring. And...AND they have just a wonderful collection of stickers from a variety of categories -- authors, local, pop culture, etc. You really can't go wrong any time you stop here. They also do trades/buys for your own gently used books, so if you're better than me and can part with one or two, they'll make it worth your while. read more

Every time I go inside I get to see a lovely bookstore cat, and honestly need I say more? Well, I may not need to, but I'm going to. This place is just the bee's knees. I haven't purchased words from anywhere other than this place for years now, primarily because the books FEEL better when I get them from Blue Cypress. Can't explain it, just know it to the very core of my being. Yelp thinks I'm on a roll, and I could wax poetic to an uncomfortable degree, but I've got a candlelight bath waiting for me along with a book from a certain bookstore that I'll be very careful not to submerge. read more

This is my absolute favorite bookstore in New Orleans. Independent, women owned and curated, the vibes here are very girl power heavy, which I love. The front section is all local heavy and I almost never make it past without picking up 1-3 items. They have multiple book clubs for any taste. Their social media is also so fun. I feel like I know the staff. They're my para social besties. Because of their social media making me feel like I know them, their staff recommendations never miss. Prices are what you would expect at an indie bookstore. More than Amazon but does Jeff bezos really need MORE money?! No! Support local businesses! But also they buy used books too so that can help offset some of the price. Most importantly, they have a shop cat. Her name is Kitty Meow and she is the most perfect specimen. You can usually find her napping in a sunbeam. Come for the books and vibes, stay to read on the floor and pet the cat. read more

I love that cat so much. I go there sometimes just for the cat. I follow their instagram just for the cat. I buy the merch just for the cat. The cat is my favorite employee. read more

Blue Cypress Books - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I can't believe I've never been here before. Since Primos hoagies opened down the street, being a New Jersey native, I found myself on Oak Street a lot more. While waiting for the hoagies to be prepped, we took a stroll down Oak Street, as many of the shops were opening. What a cute street! This bookstore is so dang cute. When my mom visits, I can't wait to bring her here. While I didn't go inside much to explore, the books along the entryway enough for me! This place is your typical local bookstore that doesn't price gouge the way big box stores do. You can expect to pay pennies on the dollar for quality items here. DefinitelyDefinitely support this tiny shop! read more

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Blue Cypress Books is an institution on Oak St. The ladies who run the place are passionate about their jobs and books. The venue itself is beautiful, and their selection of books is eclectic. If you love books, do yourself a favor and visit. read more

Excellent service and selection of books amd bookish items. A must visit for the bookish enthusiast. We'll be back!

Love this bookstore. Great mix of lightly used and new books, forming a great collection to pick from. Employees are friendly and knowledgeable, always prepared to help or give recommendations for books or their merchandise. Love, love, love the community they have built there. It is certainly a unique and bright space to visit in the city! read more

My favorite used bookstore in New Orleans! I especially love their new store, across the street from their old store. They now have a second floor, and the ambiance up there is so peaceful. I've been selling my used books in good condition back to them for credit or cash for years. One suggestion - I noticed in the past 2 years there are many more new books than in previous years. Please concentrate on used books! I really go her for used books, and prefer not to come across so many new ones. read more

I couldn't recommend this place enough - not only for its remarkable qualities as a local, woman-owned, New Orleans bookstore, but also for it's selection of new and used books across a variety of subject areas. I stopped by while walking through Carrollton the other day, and was immediately drawn into the shop's welcoming and inviting atmosphere. The two women who were working that day were incredibly kind, and were more than willing to help me find what I might have been looking for. I browsed through classical literature, fiction, local poetry and new releases on the first floor - before heading up to the second floor of the shop to peruse their collections of nonfiction, religion, mythology, cookbooks and memoirs. I thought that, throughout each of these collections, the curators of the shop did an excellent job balancing newer and older copies, hardbacks and paperbacks, and popular and niche books - all within a decent price range. I ended up purchasing a wonderful fifty year-old copy of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's 'Frankenstein' for only ten dollars - and saw collectors editions of works like the Iliad and the Odyssey for something like twenty dollars for the pair. I was also impressed the number of first editions and signed copies that they had for sale in the shop. Altogether, I think Blue Cypress has all the hallmarks of a perfect local bookstore. They also buy and do trade-ins for store credit, which I really liked and will keep in mind. I'll certainly be visiting again - since it is so conveniently located just a block off the Saint Charles-Carrollton streetcar line, and next to one of my favorite coffee shops. I'd recommend the shop to friends, family, or students looking for a local place to support while buying books for their coursework. They also have a cat! be sure to say hello read more

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Wow! 12 years later. What a difference a decade makes. This local bookstore has established itself as a go to resource for folks around town. They keep both new and used items in stock. And they of course, have beaucoup local titles. The staff is helpful and friendly. I've always had good service. When I stopped in over the weekend, everyone was masked and nerding out while perusing shelves in the best possible way. My only regret is not re-reviewing and upgrading them years ago. read more

One of the best bookstores in New Orleans! The staff is so amazing and always has fantastic recommendations. I am constantly here and my wallet may be sad, but I am happy. You will find joy and happiness at Blue Cypress. read more

Blue Cypress Books - ARC copies - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Love this little book shop! They moved across the street and it looks amazing. The selection is huge and they have a great section for gifts. I love supporting local and can't wait to go back and get more books. Perfect place to roam on a rainy Saturday afternoon. read more

I love this little book store. It has a lot to offer. They have new and used books and a great selection. They have a handful of puzzles and games too and small, gift-y items. The people there have always been nice and helpful, answering questions and with recommendations. They even have a bookstore kitty that will make an appearance! In the back, they have a small coin prize machine where you can get a little plastic ball with a quote or discount in it for 25 cents, and the proceeds go to a cause! It is a fun touch and my friend got 20% off from it. This place is a neighborhood staple and is close to coffee shops and restaurants so do take time to visit while you're on Oak Street! read more

Walking in, I was promptly greeted by the house cat. I do love a place with a friendly house cat making the rounds. I also love a good bookstore that smells equally of new and used books. This is on Oak Street, and is surrounded by metered parking. The employees have always been friendly here. You never know what you will find on the shelves here. There seems to be a rotation. The shelves are almost always filled. I do love coming here. The employees are not overbearing, and are eager to answer any questions one may have about their inventory. read more

Blue Cypress Books - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Such a rare and beautiful site to see such a lovely book store these days. I loved the local selection and the display of the store. Sprinkled throughout the store are lovely quotes on books or about books. Oak Street has a great selection of small stores and this is a sweet location. Friendly service and thoughtful gifts add to the stores charm. read more

Blue Cypress Books - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Can I live here? Really, can I just move in and bask in glorious happiness day and night about all the wonderful books? BOOKS! For what seems to go on for a mile floor to celling books. Ahhhh! When you first enter you're hit with the sweet smell of books (my fellow bibliophiles will get this) and mint, perhaps? Like a soft rosemary minty smell. And there's a resident cat named Kitty Meow...how stinking cute is that! There's a fairly large section dedicated to local authors including children's books. I stayed glued to this section most of the time and bought my first copy of Confederacy of the Dunces. Yay! Everything is arranged neatly and by sections. You can buy, sell or trade books here. Heaven! I love this place. I'll be back for sure. Till next time... read more

Blue Cypress Books - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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This is our favorite book store! Our FAVORITE bookstore!!! Over the last few years (since my last review) we have been here dozens of times and rarely leave empty handed. Somehow they ALWAYS manage to have the things that we are looking for (we have a running list), and on the off chance that they don't have it, they will order it, or keep a lookout for a 'previously owned' copy. We love it here. The prices are fantastic! The staff is GREAT! The selection is amazing for a shop of its size. They are locally owned. The shop kitty lets me rub her tummy. love.this.bookstore. read more

Blue Cypress Books - Backroom has even more books!! - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

My kids loved the shop cat and the wide variety of books. This was such an interesting and inviting book store. It is a respite from big box bookstores with no personalities. A great place to spend an afternoon browsing if you love books and cute/weird tchotchkes. read more

Such a cute bookstore with sweet employees. We just happened to see it on our way to the coffee shop down the street and stopped in to check it out. Bought 1 book and finished it at the coffee shop then went right back after to grab the next two in the series. If you enjoy a peaceful ambiance, friendly people, authors signing books, and adorable book store cats, absolutely check this place out! read more

I really love coming here and have always found a treasure each time. Not really a place to go when I need a specific book, but rather when looking for something to take me beyond the familiar. Staff is helpful. read more

This was the first place that felt like home to me when I moved here. They're always above and beyond kind and knowledgeable while being genuinely good humans. Tirelessly working to stave off boredom, restlessness, or literary broken hearts. I wish my words could do this gem justice but I can't. All I can say is that it makes my vagabond heart settle down for a time and be present in the moments I am able to make here. read more

Thankful for this lil gem! Such a thoughtful, sprawling selection of impressively fair priced books! The gals inside are always looking out for me and my book longings (and always making me laugh) Absolute Oak Street gems, they are. Appreciate y'all so much read more

I am only leaving 3 stars because there is a cat in the store. The lady behind the counter who I'm unsure if is the owner or manager was incredibly rude. She was deeply engrossed in a conversation with a customer and acted really inconvenienced when I asked for help with finding something. When informed they didn't carry it, was told rather rudely if it wasn't in the new release pile of books by the register, it wasn't in. A pile of books by a register that is not labeled "new releases" mind you, so how would the average shopper even know this? After making another condescending remark, she went back to the conversation with the other patron. Looks like I won't be spending my money here. read more

This is absolutely my favorite book store. When I first arrived the owner welcomed me with open arms and helped me in every way possible. She gave me great book suggestions for each topic I wanted and just was very friendly. This establishment makes you feel comfortable. The books are beyond reasonably priced. I go in there and buy books like a crazy addict! To top it off you can sell back books! Even my nerdy books she bought, now tell me that's not cool! Check it out Also.... She put Harry Potter books on the side for me when I was reclaiming my series!!! She helped a lost nerd get a chance to relive her favorite spells. read more

Blue Cypress Books - Blue Cypress - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

One of the better selections of books in the city Great history section. Deep and varied cookbook selection. Owner may buy your used books read more

Blue Cypress Books is a New Orleans treasure. From day one when Elizabeth opened at her first location in a tiny shop tucked away upstairs of what is now the Raa Shop, then to the shop she moved to next door and now, the new location across the street, through thick and thin, she and her staff have served the community without skipping a beat. Always accommodating and delightful I can't express how grateful I am to have this gem of a business in our community. read more

Lovely store and lovely kitty! But the management is weirdly rude and did things that made my two friends and me very uncomfortable to the point where we don't really want to come back. ie. asking me to move out of the chair I was enjoying a book in, stepping right in front of me as I was looking at books to shelf them (not even saying excuse me or anything) maybe seems minute/insignificant but it made us all very uncomfortable. thanks! (Also, the owner's defensive, condescending responses to the negative reviews tells you all you need to know. Expecting one here.) read more

Such a great neighborhood bookstore with a huge range of different types and genres of books! The staff was so friendly and helpful and provided recommendations for a Secret Santa gift that I was looking for. It's a homey atmosphere, and I loved that they had their own resident kitty. I scored 20% off from the repurposed gumball machine in the back and got a loyalty card for a free book when I make ten $5 purchases! read more

Blue Cypress is by far my favorite book store in New Orleans. I make it a point to shop here since it's locally owned and managed by women. The ladies who work here are always so friendly and helpful. For a smaller sized store, I have found so many rare literary gems. Other than just great inexpensive used books, I've also bought two first edition John Steinbeck novels here (both for under $15 each!) My favorite thing about Blue Cypress has to be its resident cat. Every bookstore should have a cat. read more

Blue Cypress Books - Bookstores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

If you're interested in first-rate contemporary fiction, and prefer used books to new, this is the bookstore to go to in New Orleans. Often I can find exactly what I'm looking for, however unlikely it seems. If not the exact book, a related one that proves equally good. Also, it's a great place to bring books you're finished with and use the store credit to acquire new reads. We always enjoy an hour's browse in here, and find the staff delightful as well. Don't know where the rude complaints are coming from--perhaps agents of Barnes in disguise? It certainly doesn't match our experience! read more

It's a very very well-curated store, I've found some really good deals here. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. A great place to hunt down something you've been looking for, also a great place to ask for a staff recommendation. read more

Elizabeth and company run one of the finest book shops in the city. While, as some reviewers point out, the shop is small, "intimate" is a more apt description. The books, in all genres, are quality. If they don't have what you want, browse instead and discover something new and, undoubtedly, excellent. I always bring friends, too, people who live for books, and they are impressed and surprised with the collection. read more

I went into Cypress books for the first today. When I entered, the clerk did not greet me like she did for the other customers that came in after me. After wandering around for a few minutes, a little distracted from their overwhelming amount of books, I asked the clerk if they buy books back that people bring in from home. Again, first time in there and truly had no idea (I wasn't sure if they did store credit, or if was donation, or if actual cash was given for your books). She proceeded to respond by saying "Are you serious? Yeah, that's how the business works, we buy them. Do you not see me here with all these books?" I stared at her blankly, she then went on to say "First time in? Oh I just didn't think you were serious because you saw me with all these books here." Unfortunately, I still am unsure of their store policy on the matter because there was never a clear answer given. I'm in a bookstore here to look through the books you have! Why would I know or care what the store clerk is doing? That's not my business to stare or watch people! How would I know that a pile of random books possibly meant you're archiving books people have sold to you? There were piles of books everywhere! It was a simple question followed with a rude, condescending response. I live around the corner and have wanted to come in Cypress Books for weeks. I left feeling confused and a little discriminated. Your customer service is poor and that was completely unnecessary. I'm sad I didn't get the same experience as the rest of the reviewers or the other customers that came into Cypress the same time I was in there. read more

First off let me say that I adore this book shop. I was a regular when I lived in New Orleans and I travel back about every 3 or 4 months for business and make it a point to visit Blue Cypress. The reason for only 3 stars is that I was back on May 2nd and purchased several items and asked to have them shipped. I was told they wouldn't be sent out until that Saturday which was May 6th and they would send tracking info and I was fine with that. I didn't hear from them so I called on May 9th and the employee told me they had believed the packaged had shipped and would email the tracking...again, I was fine with that. Well, today is May 13th and I called again and finally I get a tracking number that showed it wasn't mailed til the 12th and I won't receive until the 18th. I am just really disappointed with the customer service since I have been a loyal customer and I guess I had higher expectations. read more

I visit every single time I come to Nola. Blue cypress books has the feel of a well lived in, but kinda haphazard eccentric bookworm's living room. I love it. I always feel welcomed and right at home. The new books are indie and many are local. The used books are in great shape and so very affordable. Did I say there there are stAcks and stAcks of stAcks? I could stay there all day digging in the shelves. They have a great selection of kids books, lots of sci-fi, loads of local history, and mainstream stuff too. Fun little notebooks, sticker books and magnets come home with me every visit. The somewhat grumpy kitty is exactly perfect. They have a rewards program which I never redeem. Keep ALL MY MONEY Blue Cypress Books! Please never change. After you buy an arm load of books without killing your bank account head to Zotz coffee down the street for great cold brew and reading. read more