Excellent book store friendly customer service, great selection, and free gift wrapping!

In Austin, there's no shortage of creative outlets, bookstores being no exception of course. Over the past decade, I've seen a lot of shifts in the book market around town, and no one has gone untouched. Barnes and Noble bought or shut down a lot of Bookstops, The University coop absorbed and eliminated the barnes and noble on the Drag, Follet's Intellectual Property on the drag went by the wayside within 18 months of opening, and half-price books seems to always be juggling with one problem or another that relates to being a small-time bookstore. There has been a force that seems to have gone untouched, the magical land of Book People. Consistent growth, full stock, and a regular flow of customers keeps this place buzzing. You can find all sorts of people in there taking advantage of free reading space and just relaxing, getting those neurons firing at no cost to them, unless of course they care to take the book home with them. Which brings me to my only real complaint. The place is pricey. Granted it can't buy in volume like your B&N's, and nothing beats amazon, but a student budget can't live on Bookpeople texts. read more

This place is probably the nicest and best independent book store i've ever been to. My only complaint....most of the folks that work here act like they're too cool for everyone. Yeah, i know, you work in a book store. Yeah, i know, everyone there is cool. read more

They have a really great selection of varied topics and everything is well organized and clean. The staff is friendly, knowledgable, and helpful. They have a very large children's area that even has a reading nook/fort they can crawl into and big arm chairs and a stair-step area to sit and read. They also do different activities several times a month like story times and signings. We always have a good time when we visit and it's a very relaxing and inviting environment. They even have a coffee/snack counter! It can get crowded, especially during events and when kids are out of school, so sometimes it's hard to find a spot to look through some books, but otherwise, it's a great spot to relax and browse. read more

Fantastic book store and an even better way to blow your money that you did not spend in Waterloo Records across the street! Great sales and a fairly great selection. read more

This place is phenomenal and I am jealous that the people of Austin have such an amazing bookstore. Not to mention the fact that this store is a stone's throw away from the biggest and most amazing Whole Foods I have ever seen. Jealous!! I just love independent bookstores and this one is one of the best. They have tons and tons of books and I love the fact that in almost every section they highlight staff recommendations. They also have a cute little coffee counter in the store. I had no idea Austin was such a big coffee town. Great place, I would definitely go back the next time I'm in Austin. read more

This multi-level book store is one of the early local businesses that have stuck around to give Austin it's character. Although it isn't in it's original form, the people working there are Austin-original to the max. Big on promoting the 'Keep Austin Weird' movement, the company has an innate charm and friendliness that comes across by the people there willing to help you and offer opinions about books, to the stores design. It boast a nice coffee shop on the ground level near the magazines and is a perfect place to test a book out before buying it. read more

Since BookPeople made the "18 Bookstores Every Book Lover Must Visit At Least Once" by Business Insider, my sister-in-law and I put it on our list to visit when we arrived in Austin. It didn't disappoint. Although they were a bit spendy, it had a great atmosphere and was well laid out. My nephew really wanted an Octonauts book, but alas, they don't carry them since they are British. He settled for a super cute Octopus book and though we had to pay full cover price, it was so much fun watching him turn the pages right there sitting on the floor. There were plenty of staff nearby if you needed help and the restrooms were clean. All in all we were glad we made it into BookPeople! read more

Went into this bookstore to ask for a solid read. One of the managers named Stephen was very rude and acted like it was a burden for me to ask for a suggestion. Then I asked a few of the other managers for suggestions and they were no help. Get your books off of Amazon if you don't want to deal with rude customer service read more

I just want to be everyone's friend here. I like the events, selection, and Austin vibe.

Great place for books, cards, stationary, and more. I support independent bookstores whenever possible.

This is only a first impression, which was not a good one. I hope to go back and explore the store more, and perhaps my impression will change at that time. Traffic was a bit harrowing getting here, but once there, there is a nice, large parking lot with ample parking. The store is huge, and resembles a Barnes and Noble, very corporate looking layout...not your cozy indie bookstore atmosphere. A well marked Info Desk sits by the front door, staffed with 2 people. This is a good thing. I had come to the store looking for zines. Most indie bookstores in San Francisco and Berkeley have an extensive zine section; so I assumed since this was 'weird, hip' Austin, that they would have the same. I also read several Yelp reviews before I went and someone had indicated that the store, indeed, carried zines. A woman at the info desk asked if she could help me. I said: "Yes, I am looking for zines." She looked at me blankly, and said: "Do you mean, magazines?" Well, that made my blood boil. It was so condescending. If I meant magazines, I would have asked for magazines, in fact, I wouldn't have asked, because I would have been perfectly able to find the magazine section without asking! Urg!!!! It was clear to me that this info desk chick had no idea what zines were. So, I said: "No, not magazines_zines_like in alternative press publications!" And I get the blank, deer in the headlights, stare. The man sitting next to her at the info desk then lifts his head, he had been reading or checking his email or something. He said: "We do not carry zines here. We may have one, but I doubt it." Then, he looked back down at his reading or computer. No eye contact. No customer service skills. Just smug and condescending. it gave me the impression that this store was trying to be a hoighty-toighty, high falutin', store for literary snobs or something. At this point, I turned around and walked out, never venturing further past the info desk. A customer service scenario that would have worked much better would be the standard reference interview. Instead of assuming something about what I wanted, by saying: Do you mean magazines, the info desk person should have said: "Please tell me more of what it is you are looking for, I am not familiar with zines?" And the sneering man sitting next to her, instead of replying: "We may have one zine, but kind of doubt it," he could have said: "I am sorry. We used to carry those, but they did not sell. But there is a nice little store across town who have a good zine collection. Let me write down their name and address for you. You should go over there and check them out!" Now, that would have been good customer service! I would have been a satisfied customer. I would not have been humiliated or left empty handed. I probably would have explored the store further and bought something. read more

This is a neat store with truly something for everyone. Many different books about all kinds of things. Good local section also. Tons of magazines. They even have board games. The store seems cluttered and overwhelming but the staff has done a great job organizing the chaos. Going to book people is like a bookworm adventure. read more

Excellent selection, beautifully displayed and so family friendly. New favorite bookstore!

The building this store is in used to be where Whole Foods main store and corporate HQ was. Now, it is a bookstore. So, that may explain the large Barnes & Noble environment that E.S. mentions. However, besides the size of the bookstore, it definitely feels local and independent. When I am traveling, I like to visit the local bookstore to check out the flavor of the community. Don't be surprised when you walk in as they have a bag check to leave your bag. It all works out, so no worries. Each section has staff recommendations throughout. I love this!! I went to the mystery section, then fiction. Picked up a book from each after reading probably at least 50% of the recommendation cards. I didn't go to the second floor, so can't comment. But, the first floor has several great sections, gifts, housewares, and a pretty good selection of cards/stationary. They also have a coffee bar. The service was great. The cashier talked to me about one of the books I picked, and so did the guy that checked my bag back out to me. It's great to visit a bookstore where the people that work there are also book lovers and read themselves. Rather than just someone that is trying to get an hourly wage. Also, they have help throughout the store that can find stuff for you, help you figure something out, or suggest a book. If I had more time, I would have been here a lot longer! read more

I love books. I love unique bookstores. We have a serious lack of those in Atlanta where Barnes & Noble reigns supreme. I was thrilled to stop in here & experience what a book store should be. The staff was very helpful & I loved the recommendation cards that they filled out for certain books. I went in looking for 1 book & came out with 4. I even picked up one book based solely ont the recommendation card. Plus, I got a free tote bag because I spent over $50. Not a bad deal at all. read more

I love this store and it's great location. The staff is super friendly and very very helpful! I love the selection of books, and the suggestions near the books! I do feel, however, that some sections are lacking a bit. They're very interactive with their customers as far as book clubs and bringing in authors! It's a must visit! read more

Now that I live in South Lake Tahoe, when I want something it is hard to get. This is fine. I have accepted it as part of small town life. However, it makes me greatly appreciated the fine-tuned wackiness of Austin, TX. Bookpeople is the greatest bookstore on the face of the planet. I fully believe in supporting local businesses, but that is hard to do in SLT because no one has what I need. And, yes, while they can get material things, like the book I have to read for work, they cannot give me the substance of life like Bookpeople does. It's nooks and crannies, it's toys and Jesus figurines, it's huge kids selection with daily book reading for the kids I used to babysit for, it's awesome book signings and speakers, like the king of Food TV, Alton Brown. You can find a gift for anyone there - including many for yourself. I promise. I miss you bookpeople. read more

Best bookstore in Austin. They've got books and stuff, and I go there for both. The cafe is a bit overpriced and underyum, but it's okay and nice for when you need a sit after browsing for a long time - which you'll likely do here. read more

Very nice bookstore in Austin! I think I like it so much because aside from their great selection of books, they also have fun gifts strewn about the store. If I had a lot of money, I would spend it on all kinds of ridiculous things from this store. All they need to make the store PERFECT is a resident cat for me to pet. read more

This place is so Austin. Not sure why it's taken me so long to post a review. I guess I've been taking for granted how great this book store is. THe people inside are great, all varieties of characters. The layout is fun, like a maze for me, reminds of when I was little at the library, winding through rows of books. Cute chochkies all around. The guest authors and readings are great as well. Just wished I still lived down the street, got spoiled, now I'm too far away to enjoy as often as I would like. :) read more

Could spend hours browsing here. I enjoy that the peeps are friendly and unpretentious- something I loathe about bookstores (get over yourself, psy-fi fan # 456). Little something for everyone, superb representation of an Austin shopping experience. Don't change. read more

Great selection, cool helpful people .....ton's of stuff! you could spend hours in this place! I would def spend more time here if I lived here! read more

I am a huge fan. Love love love this place. I can spend hours (and lots of money) here. The staff is helpful and they write great staff selections. Take a look at their book clubs- there is something for everyone. Besides carrying great books, and lots of them, they carry great gifts! read more

Book people is the best book store in Austin. Hands down, it's not even a competition. They have the best selection, and a great store to browse through, and are locally owned. The selection is on par with and of the big box stores, I would say that it might even be a little better then what you're going to find at B&N. Every time I have talked to a staff member, or asked a question they have always been helpful and friendly. One of the few places I get excited about going to and doing some shopping, and without fail I seem to spend more money then I intend to almost every trip. read more

I can't remember the last time I went to a book store the size of a barnes and noble where it wasn't a b and n. They had plenty of guests lined up and a schedule of events. Everyone seemed nice and helpful too! Plus, there's parking! Yay! read more

BookPeople is on of my favorite places in Austin. They have a great selection of books and a wonderful children's book area with lots of monthly activities for kids. I just love this place. When I need to hide away the fine arts section with their well worn couches is one of my number one choices. The staff is super helpful and friendly and if they don't have a book they can get it in a matter of days. I'm a fan. read more

A pretty good book store, however their new age section is kind of limited. If you are interested in those types of books check out Whole Life Books just South of the river. Otherwise a very worthwhile visit for readers of all ages. read more

Oh my gosh, this store is heaven! Clean, well lit, great selection. They had everything I looked for. I'll be back here a lot!

This is a great local bookstore in Austin. When visiting we asked around for bookstores and everyone raved about this one and we were not disappointed. The Book People offered a multi-level wide range of books and gift for everyone and a delicious cafe. You will not be disappointed when visiting! read more

A lot of really great books-- but quite expensive. I liked the atmosphere and would go to read and hangout, but purchasing.. Maybe not :(

Great book selection! Helpful staff! BUT WHERE DID ALL THE MAGAZINES GO? I went for a copy of Sage Woman and found they had removed so many titles from their selection. What's up with that Book People? read more

Best book store!! A great place to get a different perspective on life and the world. I've spent a lot of time here when I used to travel by myself. Very hip Independent bookstore still fighting the fight! The staff is great, very knowledgeable. You will find their reviews and personal favorites in every section of the store. Most of the books I've read over the past 5 years were purchased here, Bones of The Master and Being Peace being two of my favorites. They also have guest lecturers on a regular basis. One of the authors of We Were Soldiers (Joseph Galloway) was speaking the last time I was there. Very unique place! read more

One of my favorite places in the world. Every chance I get, I roam their aisles. I love that every staff member has tons of recommendations.

I must admit this ain't my favorite book store. I appreciate that's it's local and independent. They do have an excellent selection of magazines and books and a fantastic group of authors who come in for signings and readings. If you read many reviews of Austin's hipper restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques you may find that the most common complaint of them is the snooty or snotty employees that work there. In my opinion Book People is no exception. read more

Honestly just the coolest book shop I've ever ventured into. Lots to see, great variety, and all original layout. Their cafe was pretty outstanding, too. I had the beef and blue with an Emily Palmer, both of which I'd recommend read more

Book people is one of the only reasons I will venture downtown-ish these days, it's always been one of my favorite stores in Austin and that will never change. Just a fun place! read more

Nice long hours and a great and informed selection of book. Great magazine section too. The staff is very helpful and just an all round great book place. Take a break from dirty sixth when you are in town and fill your mind before hitting 6th again. read more

Fantastic independent book store! Two levels of wonderful. The children's section is huge and full of diversity. I could live here!

I heart BookPeople. I am on a budget and it is pricey so I can't afford to shop there all the time but when I'm not at the library I would much rather spend a few extra bucks to go there than a national chain store. They have staff recommendation cards peppered throughout the shelves, a decent sales section and lots of fun curios to look at AND they also have lots of free author events. Usually they don't require you to buy a book to attend the event but if you want to get a book signed then you generally (but not always) have to buy it there. I save my book buying budget for these events. I get to hear the speaker for free and although I do pay full price for the book I get a signed copy at no additional cost and I help support an awesome local independent bookstore. They also sometimes have the authors sign extra copies that they will then sell in the store so I've picked up a few of those too. I love this store so much I had my brother in Boston order me a gift certificate for Christmas. When I got back to Austin after the holidays I was pleased to discover they had a customer appreciation sale on January 1st with a 20% discount on everything in the store. Please go there and spend money so they can continue supplying our book nerd needs and bringing lots of cool authors to town. read more