Don't visit in a rush. There is plenty to see. Over a century of books under one roof. I was…read moreimpressed!

If you've never been here, you must go experience it right now. There are three giant floors of new…read moreand used books, records in the basement. Very complete collection.

This is a very... political... bookstore. Honestly I got kind of an angry vibe from the book…read moreselection. Not saying that's inappropriate for the current climate, just not my personal jam. (Also not at all a reflection of the staff who were friendly and awesome). If you are looking for anything social justice related though you can definitely find it here. If you are wanting to get involved in activism, protests, or progressive issues, and are very left-leaning, this is probably the right place for that. They also have pins, stickers, and a large calendar on the wall showing upcoming events. There is a small section in the front with books about local plants, mushrooms, and hiking.

They have so many books in a relatively small (for now! Soon to expand) space, and yet I can…read moreeasily tell Ellen what I'm looking for and she has 5 suggestions for me. I always walk out of Burning Books with exactly what I need!

I discovered Actual Books completely by accident while walking to the post office in the Village of…read moreKenmore. I happened to walk by, saw there was an independent bookstore, and of course I had to go in. What a delightful surprise! The shop has a great selection of both bestsellers and more obscure titles, along with plenty of bookish goodies like postcards, greeting cards, stickers, pins, and stationery. Books for children and adults and pricing seemed right on the mark. I loved the cozy seating area at the front of the store - I can definitely see myself coming back to spend some time there. The gentleman working told me they had just opened around October and were organizing after a busy weekend. Even while a bit preoccupied, he was friendly and more than willing to help if I had any questions. I also appreciate they're open into the evening, making it easy to stop by after work or dinner. Personally, I know I'll be back... just as soon as I make my way through the small stack of books I brought for my time back in my hometown. In my opinion, we need to read more *ACTUAL* books and Western New York can never have too many independent bookstores. Actual Books is truly a wonderful addition to Kenmore!!!

Great book selection, friendly staff, and an especially great collection of stickers. The…read moredifferent sections are clearly labeled. There are a couple chairs near the front for sitting and reading. If your brain is tired of melting from all the time in the digital world, this shop has the perfect actual books for a mental reset.

This is a local Buffalo magazine. It's printed monthly and covers all sorts of local topics, from…read moreour amazing immigrant population to the great developments happening all over the area. Local artists and craftspeople are featured here. There is advertising from all sorts of local stores and organizations. There are write ups of city events. Pictures of various charity events around town. The space they occupy is on Elmwood between Hertel and Amherst. Is reused old space and it's awesome. I've been a few times for meetings, but I think they will give you a tour if you ask. And if you've been you'll know the answer to this - what's the largest animal in the space? Well worth the subscription price.

Love the new space! They are not quite set up for waffles yet but the owner is working on that -…read morewaffles are coming. Fitz Books has a friendly and welcoming vibe; come in and browse the eclectic and inspiring bookshelves. They have a section with vintage records too (and for very reasonable prices). Seating in the back is perfect for chilling out for a while with a new or new-to-you book. Parking is on the street.

Oh, how I long to give you an extra half-star! As the Crows…read moreFly is brand new to Alden--and as of now, it gives us exactly one bookstore, which already makes it special. I was genuinely excited when I saw the announcement on Facebook. Knowing it's owned by the same folks behind Alden's coffee shop (which truly impressed me), my expectations were high in the best possible way. Is this the bookstore I would open if I had unlimited time, money, and ambition? Probably not--but that's actually the beauty of bookstores. We all imagine our "perfect" version a little differently, and variety is what makes book culture interesting. The shop itself is absolutely charming. It leans heavily into a gift-shop feel, with a strong emphasis on local makers and healthier, thoughtfully sourced items--two things I truly love and fully support. The people working there are warm, welcoming, and genuinely delightful; the kind of folks you'd happily chat with all afternoon. As a lifelong book lover, I'll admit I went in hoping for a bit more of that wander-the-aisles-and-get-lost feeling. But this shop has only just opened--right in time for the holidays--and it already feels like a space with potential to grow into itself. Sometimes the best places take a little time to find their rhythm. I'm rooting hard for As the Crows Fly and hope Alden (and surrounding towns) show it plenty of love so it can continue to evolve. And who knows--if they ever put up a Help Wanted sign because the book section has outgrown the space... I may just be first in line to apply.

Went there hoping they had work for me and they didnt have anything for CD's. Still a great place…read moreto visit.

I read some of the reviews before I went, and they both were on opposite ends of the spectrum, so I…read moreknew I had to just go and find out for myself. It's actually really nice in there. The staff is really nice and helpful. It was nice to be able to talk to a clerk that seems like they enjoy their job for once. It's actually clean in there. one thing that caught my eye was that you can smell the incense display all around, but no one is burning incense and that was nice.

Wish it was more organized. Couldn't find what I wanted. Expensive, I was wondering if they carry…read moreBLACK PANTHER comics but did have anymore left.

Super friendly and helpful with any questions I had. Very knowledgeable and an unbelievable…read moreselection.