Just a bunch of crap, seemingly totally uncurated. That is until you reach the front desk and find it is indeed curated as there is a wealth of Trump memorabilia. Pass. Edit: Also I will say we came to see a bookstore and what we found was just a few shelves of random books, a poor selection both in number of books as well as content. Drove 20 minutes to get here and was massively disappointed. So, to also see the aggressive Trump support was just the icing on the cake to know this place isn't worth your time. Skip it. read more

An amazing trip down Memory Lane for any true Bibliophile. So many cool and unusual books! As with any used bookstore worth it's salt, organization is haphazard at best, and you would do well to take the time to really browse the selection. If you do, you will be rewarded, guaranteed. Fans of vintage Science Fiction such as myself will find BBTF an especially valuable stop along your way. I could spend hours and hours here (and have!) and recommend it not only for the price and selection, but for the creaky, musty ambience which brings back fond memories of browsing through classic used bookstores in Boston and Manhattan, back in my college days. They really don't make em like this anymore, and I for one am so grateful that a place like this still exists. read more

This is another piece of my past that time has not changed. This was a monthly, if not bi-weekly, stop for me with my kids, and we all walked out with armloads of books without breaking the bank. Zoom ahead twenty-five years... I took Writer Friend here since we are still in the process of expanding our libraries (it's an eternal work in progress!) She had never been here, and only knew of it when I had mentioned it in a conversation. We drove up and I parked, and she was wondering about the area, and if there was really a bookstore here. Yes, there was, and I lead her into one of the most eclectic book experiences hidden in an old factory ever. There's a bizarre method to the madness to how the books are shelved. Ron, the owner, has a very deep sense of humor that many people won't get or appreciate (for example, bibles are filed on the "Mystical" shelves, alongside books on ESP, demons, and UFOs). You may come across a book may be seemingly out of place on a shelf, but, with further reflection, it turns out to be the perfect place (a book on politics filed on the comedy shelf). Be aware, open-minded, and keep your sense of humor activated! It's really hard to describe the vibe from the place. Old bookshelves, milk crate and board shelving, tables, old boxes all contain books. They are in somewhat separated into categories, but keep the caveat above in mind. Step carefully, and don't ignore seemingly uninteresting piles of books--there are diamonds hidden within the chaff. So, in the main rooms, Writer Friend found the shelves she was most interested right inside the door--paranormal and erotica (her two genera). I headed right over to fiction, and, lo and behold! immediately found the third volume of a trilogy I started reading in the 1990's, but could never get the last book. That, in itself, made the trip worthwhile. I also found several other books in series that I had not read, and my pile of purchases started to grow. Her pile, added to mine, started to tower up, and we hadn't gone through a fraction of the store. While I was looking around, Ron mentioned casually he hadn't seen me for a while, and asked how my daughter was. Apparently, she frequents the place with her kids, and he remembered both of us--me after twenty years! Very unexpected, and quite nice. Anyway, Writer Friend asked about books on writing. Ron steered us to another room, and there was a large shelf with many tomes like we were looking for. Our pile grew bigger. This room also contained CDs, none of which had any interest for me. I left her in this room and went back into the main area and started to pour through the racks of vinyl records--most in very good condition. I would have dropped a lot of cash on albums if I still owned a turntable. I also made the acquaintance of one of the guys who worked there, who is an aspiring writer himself. We gave him some advice and had a nice little conversation about the theory of writing. He was a good student, and the interaction was a great diversion from the business of buying books. Ron also invited us to peruse a special collection of books, hidden in another room. Many books on esoteric subjects (which is what she was looking for), some rare collectables, and a few other books that one would not normally find in a used bookstore. Writer Friend found a few things she wanted, and now, our tower was ready to topple over. In the end, we got out in under two hours, for under $50, and needed a box to carry everything out to the car. This was one of the most enjoyable afternoons I had spent in a while, and while I want to go back, I may not do so immediately--I want to wait for a while for the stock to change. If you love books (and you need to if you even think about venturing into here), this is as close to the perfect bookstore as you can find. read more

This formerly bookish nook has now been absorbed by an antique store next door (Roosevelt Towers), relegated to a small section of bookcases towards the back-- definitely not the same, and the selection isn't as impressive and wide-ranging. It was just as saddening to see that the owner Ron wasn't there. I'm quite thankful for all the great years. read more

I am going to reduce the two stars to this establishment by one star because apparently, the owner took offense at my review and thinks I am personally slandering him. I harbour no such imagined ill-will nor any malicious intent. I simply expressed an opinion of the book store I visited twice, so I wrote a review about the place which I assume Yelp is all about. Now, he wants to "challenge me to a duel." He writes: "I am at the shop tomorrow at 10 A.m. I challenge you to a duel. u are not going to slander me and others I know what you are about, put up your picture, u do not even no that u talked to me. No seconds just me and u, be there Coward. 10 A. M." Erm... Should I take out a restraining order against this gentleman? I am truly alarmed that he would take a review so personally. And he should perhaps then, as I suggested, spend more time in taking care of his book store which many others too, profess it to be in a state of disarray, dusty, musty, and with dangerous floor boards and rather unstable looking book shelves. read more

Great store in a location that could use one. Excellent collection in an old factory that has now taken on the intoxicating smell of the old books that inhabit it. Ron is very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable as well. Could not recommend this store more. read more

There are a lot of bargains here. I like going to this bookstore to get books for a friend's children. I got one of those big children's dictionaries once for two or three dollars. The sorting room has cds, dvds, records, and interesting knick knacks. There are often cute chairs with flowers painted on them by a local artist. I try to think of who I could give one to as a present every time I see them. read more

Books by the Falls - Bookstores Near Me - Derby, Connecticut

Located in a really old brick building. If you drive by too quickly you will pass it so slow down. This shop has a really nice selection of books. There are a few interesting rooms to meander through that are filled with hard to find and out of print books. The floors are creaky which adds a bit of character to the experience. There are plenty of record albums and collectible collections to browse through too. The owner is very nice and sociable and is always eager to answer questions. I will definitely return soon. read more

Went to Books by the Falls for the 1st time a couple of months ago. Found 3 nice vintage mystery books for a good price. Comments about the musty smell are understandable but I didn't let this deter me. The building is old, and I'm sure other book stores have better air quality and cosmetics, but if your a book hound and adventurous (I am) its a great place to find an old book at a cheap price. Owner is helpful and nice! read more

I loved this book store, but recently it has been downsized by the Bad Sons Beer Co. I was told by the clerk that the beer company owns the building and is therefore at liberty take as much space from them as they wish. While the bookstore once had a great selection of used books and nostalgic items to decorate the bookshelves in your home, the former is dwindling and now focusing more on used records as its main selling point. A recent visit left me disappointed that its not what it was a year ago. read more

As mentioned in my past reviews, I am always looking for ways to sell/donate/swap books, especially since I am cleaning out a family member's hoarding situation. Well, the Seymour Library was my family's go to place until a frantic librarian gave my mom and our load of books the bum's rush, saying that they had too many books and the Seymour Library's basement was turning into a fire hazard. My poor overwhelmed mother asked her where she could bring the books, to which the librarian recommended Books by the Falls. Being the dutiful Yelp Elite member that I am, I checked here first and needless to say I was conflicted, seeing some good reviews and seeing some reviews that were fairly shocking. However, also being an independent thinker, I decided to form my own opinion, while cautiously preparing myself for the worst (you know, something along the lines of that scene in The Neverending Story with the grouchy old book store owner, barking at Bastian to get out of his store because he doesn't like kids). I am ecstatic to inform all of you that the low star reviews need only apply to people with compromised immune systems that should probably be put in a plastic bubble, lest their hypochondria sends them into a full blown panic attack and some nice young men in their clean white coats come to take them away, haha. If you're looking for a sterile environment to buy your books, Barnes and Noble will welcome you with open arms and a coffee shop to boot. If you're looking for a quaint location to go on an adventure and search for your next read, this is the place to go. Ron, the owner, is a very kind and informative man (with a witty sense of humor that I'm sure some people won't get) and will treat you with respect if you are a respectful person as well. He understood mine and my mother's plight with the hoarding situation and we worked out some creative deals, including swapping books with one another and 50% deals off of books that I will actually read (not to insult my hoarder relative's taste, but she focused much more on non-fiction and finance books while I'm more interested in nature and the supernatural). In any case and long story short, you don't have to be afraid of this book store. There are no ghosty goos in this old, converted factory or flesh-eating disease that will decompose your lungs in one breath, for heaven's sake! Not to harp on this one point, but has no one ever heard of old book smell? It's caused by a chemical that's very much like vanilla and is considered an aphrodisiac, but I guess to each their own! Oh, and if you're worried about the floors, don't be. It's not polite to ask a lady's weight, but for the sake of this review, I'll tell you that I'm 250+ lbs. and if my robust self can walk on these floors without falling through to my untimely death, most people should have no problems whatsoever! Oh, and one last tip, it's best to go before 4 pm, because things do tend to wrap up a bit around that time! read more

I love this little bookstore. Great prices, and a friendly, knowledgeable manager! I also enjoyed visiting the "secret" room (there is a secret room). Go check it out! read more

It's a great place to wander around and find books on nearly anything. It's a bit disorganized, but it's still one of my favorite places to get books. The pricing is very reasonable, and the staff is great too. read more

I love to browse around this store. It's in an old mill building, and the books are organized by subject (though not alphabetized by author or title, so be prepared to browse). read more

You can always find a treasure if you're willing to look here. Owner is very helpful and knowledgeable. Great little gem in the valley.

I agree with the other reviews - a decent used book store in an interesting building. Not the best laid out. Didn't find anything in my subjects of interest, but I was admittedly looking for rather specific things. The person working here was friendly and helpful. Prices seemed good (some special the day I was there where many books were only $1). read more

I am a fan of used bookstores in general. I used to spend hours in them on weekends. Books by the Falls is always an adventure for me. The people are helpful and I love to see what I can find. Sometimes I go for a specific book, most of the times I just want to see what I can find. The selections change so there is always something new to discover. read more

Great used bookstore. Bibliophiles will love searching for treasures. If you want to buy the newest Charlaine Harris book while sipping your Pumpkin Spiced latte seated on a leather couch by the open wood fire, forget about it......this isnt the place for you. Don't listen to the negative reviews. Ron the owner is a great guy and extremely helpful. Sounds as though some folks on here have some sort of personal grudge. Maybe just jealousy that the book store is great. read more

This place is a must stop - must see eclectic Book Store! They sell books - old/antiquarian and new! In addition to books galore they sell records, 45's of all sorts, albums from the 40s on up and in to the 80s with a plethora from the 60's! Also - in addition to this they sell Antiques and other oddities. Ron is the proprietor and he is a terrific guy! He is very professional, helpful, extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. He'll leave you be to search about if you like or provide some assistance, direction, and guidance as you may desire or engage you in interesting conversation on any number of subjects from books to albums or philosophy or more. I highly recommend you drop in and check it out. read more

I sold books here on consignment, I love this place and I love Ron and even on hands and knees, I have found treasures, if you don't like to brows stay on the internet, or try the "Strand", with it's block of books and nobody to talk to. read more

In reference Mad B.'s review, Books By The Falls carries large a large selection of quality hardcover and softcover nonfiction books as old as the 1600's on through the 1900's. The owner's name is Ron. Perhaps you only visited the modern paperback room and didn't get to see all of the great antiquarian books for sale in the front room? I have been a regular patron of Books By The Falls for over 25 years and know the inventory well!! read more

INCREDIBLE used bookstore. Prices are great (I got the full ten-volume hardcover set of the Durants' Story of Civilization for $19!) and it is pleasantly chaotic like any good bookstore should be. They have a really impressive selection of classics, but there are treasures to be found in all subjects! read more

lots of moldy smelling books in an old building with unsteady floors. if you like adventure and the chance of injury while perusing old books this place is for you. i found nothing on this visit but it feels like the kind of place if you keep going back you may find something or get a lung infection. read more

the place is an average used bookstore, a lot of paper back fictions and only some non-fictions, most of which are low on the intellectual scale (sailing, how to, etc.) the size of the store and the pricing are both good though. Don, the owner, is very friendly. if you happen to pass the area (e.g. on Rt 34 from New Haven to Danbury or from Waterbury to Bridgeport, all in CT), check the place out. for greater New Haven area used and rare stores, the high end (by absolute standard) is William Reese, the best for book finding and occasional collectors is Whitlock's Farm Book Barn, and this store is a representation of the rest in the used book business. read more

I had a lot of fun looking through the records, picked up some really nice jazz and rock albums. The owner is nice and friendly, will come back! read more