Cutest little bookstore! We love coming here just to browse. They have new & used books and they also buy your books. They have everything ranging from children's to adult fiction & nonfiction. Small aisles with sections of different categories. It can take a long time to look through everything but staff is very helpful and can make great recommendations. Their prices range from cheap $2 paperback mystery books to way more expensive new books. Pay them a visit- you won't be disappointed!! read more

Burke's Books - Bookstores Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Seriously cool and adorable book store with an excellently curated collection of books ranging of all kinds. The staff is so kind and friendly. I had wonderful conversations with them. A great independent book store. Historic too. read more

A book lovers dream! Books galore! New, used, signed copies, and if they don't have the book you're looking for just ask! Books are fairly priced and they also had a "mystery book"section for $2. The thing about the mystery book is you have no clue what you're getting because it's wrapped up nice and neat, it could be worth more....or less??? Visit and stay awhile and I'm sure you'll find something your little heart desires! Memphis history, southern history, cookbooks, whatever you're looking for I'm sure they can assist. Oh almost forgot! They will also buy your books, I was told to bring what I have and they will take a look at them! How awesome is that?! read more

Burke's Books - Bookstores Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

This is a lovely local independent bookstore that's been around for 150 years (!!). They have a varied selection but a lot of local and Southern authors. I found a horror book I was looking for for only $3 - the prices are hard to beat. Friendly booksellers and helpful. read more

An independent book store that feels like a second hand mall book store. There is a nice kid space that is welcoming and comfortable. The shelves are well labeled and laid out with thought. read more

A diamond of a bookstore. It's like stepping back in time to the way a bookstore was and should be. Bravo. From the friendly and knowledgeable staff, to the quaint set up of the store..... you won't regret visiting. read more

I just received a book that I ordered used online via Burke's. It had been hard to find elsewhere. It came wrapped with care and in great condition. I am very grateful. read more

Incredible place. Love the atmosphere. I also find some great discount books here, especially manga.

A great Memphis experience! I took my child and her two friends to House of Mews for her birthday outing, then crossed the street to Burke's and let the girls pick something out. They all immediately found good books they were excited about, deliberated on purchases, and then wanted to curl up and stay there to read. Burke's is a true treasure. read more

This is the most charming bookstore I've visited they have a selection of 1$ books as well as a lovely curation of both indie and best seller books. The organization is a bit more chaotic than Barnes and Noble or Books-a-Million, but this is a plus to me and it made my experience more fun :) read more

This is a great bookstore! They have a variety of new and used books in a range of selections. I loved the cozy atmosphere. It's also located amongst many other cute shops and restaurants. read more

What a great little book shop. Such nice staff. Got a cheap signed book. Did a puzzle and entered a giveaway. Love.

We love bookstores, and we always try to find a good when we travel. Burke's Books is a treasure, I tell you! It's not a huge chain bookstore by any means. It's smallish and wonderfully jammed with books. Used books, new books, rare books, they've got something for everyone. We could have spent a good hour or two in there just rummaging through the shelves. We'll definitely be back when we return to Memphis, and next time, I'm getting a coffee mug to take home along with books. Bonus: it's just down from Buff City Soap. Books AND good soap?! Yes, please! read more

Of all the used bookstores I visited in Memphis when my husband and I were visiting his brother a couple of weekends ago, Burke's was my favorite! It's well-stocked, charming, and goes back and back and back! Larger and airer and brighter than I was expecting! I found some great new and used books here and enjoyed chatting with the booksellers as I checked out! Very sweet, charming bookstore! Check it out! read more

Burke's Books - Bookstores Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Cute little book shop..I was able to read a book while there. Loved that they had chairs throughout. They had tons of books, including a nice $1 book shelf. I headed to the kid section to read Lupita Nyong'o book Sulwe. Its such a great book. I loved it. Theres was so many good books in this store. I could spend all day here reading books. Definitely stop in if you get the chance . read more

Burke's Books - Bookstores Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

This book store was BORING. I went in today because of the RARE book advertisement on the door and found nothing but your common everyday books. Nothing fancy. Horror section was a joke. Literally nothing but half a shelf and it only had a TON of Ann Rice, 3 Dean Koontz books and a handful of Stephen King books. When I think vintage or used horror I think publishers like Zebra Horror paperbacks or authors like Ruby Jean Jensen. Don't waste your time. I will say there vintage Science Fiction section was pretty nice but that's not my wheelhouse. read more

We had a lovely time browsing while visiting Memphis. It was just the right size to spend an hour roaming the aisles. The selection was varied and includes both new and used books. The charming decor features plenty of typewriters. We were cheerfully greeted and given a warm farewell. An enjoyable visit! read more

Note to management: when you are omnipresent in the store, following customers around, watching, checking for shoplifting, it makes the customers feel uncomfortable, unable to browse freely. If you have a shoplifting problem, get CAMERAS so you can leave your customers alone to discover. Needless to say, you've lost a customer. read more

This store has a mixture of new and used books, but the majority are used. FYI: they accepted all the books I brought them, and "paid" me about $2 in trade per book. Their shelves are extremely high, so I found it impossible to look at titles on the top two shelves. Frankly, that eliminated a lot of books from my consideration. However, I left with three books. Their selection is not exceptional. There are no major universities in Memphis, so I had limited expectations. The 20th century American poetry selection was pitiful. Just be happy they are there and go buy a book. Turn off any television you encounter and read instead. read more

Good - There are lots of typewriters with photos of famous writers typing on typewriters hanging above them. Gross - The whole place stinks, like bathroom in the back and cats and catpee in the front. read more

While i appreciate small business, independent book stores, and history.. I feel that here the 'support your local business' string is pulled a little too hard. Big focus on past ownership and the history of this store. Then again, its a city loaded with tourism. On that note, there is a large section dedicated to local history. Those from north of the Mason Dixon appear to eat that up. Used book stores are golden. It's a personal treasure hunt normally resulting in me running around like a kid in a candy store. I noticed a few things right off the bat that deflated my balloon of excitement. Used book pricing felt a bit high.. If you could actually find a used copy. They're mixed together and everytime I felt the treasure was within reach it would turn out to be another new copy. Not only new, but often times the new books weren't in great shape.. Certainly not list price shape. Pretty neat rare book collection locked away. Not my cup of tea but certainly will grab any collector's attention. Staff was friendly and helpful, often times asking if we needed assistance. Nice little book store, just not the used book establishment im used to and a little too much of a tourist trap for me. read more

Burke's is a decent bookstore, but not a very good used bookstore. This is mostly because they don't have enough used books. Except for a couple of cases near the front, all of the sections are mixed stock, both used and new, about 30/70. It's demoralizing to find a title for which you've been searching for months across multiple cities, only to discover that it's a new book which costs list price. I did unearth a couple of worthwhile old paperbacks for $2 and $1.20, but everything else in which I was interested was a full-price new book. Or, used books which I expected to be two or three dollars marked at five. Eh. So if you want to support an independent bookstore (which you definitely should), then head to Burke's with alacrity. But stop calling it a used bookstore, because it isn't. I also objected to the condition of the books, some of which are so poor that they should be donated to prison inmates rather than put up for sale to the public. Oh, and I agree with some of the other reviewers who noted the aloofness of the staff. On the up side, they have a really wide selection of local authors and topics, and a large browse-worthy paperback classics shelf. read more

I will be honest, I am not a big reader. I have been to this location a few times because one of my friends is such a nerd lol That being said it truly is the nicest bookstore. The staff are super friendly and they have a great selection of used and new books. Even if you are not an avid reader, it is definitely a place to check out. read more

See all

Love this book store! Nice staff, interesting collection of reading material. could spend hours here.

books, books, books. Is anyone surprised that the girl with the "read" tattoo has a joygasm over books? And this is another store that buys my used books. They offer cash or store credit. I'll usually take store credit credit because you get more if you take credit (you get 1.5% if you take store credit). Plus it's impossible for me to leave a book store without a book. The staff is friendly and very helpful. If you can't find what you are looking for me sure to ask the staff and they can help you out. If they don't buy a book from you it may be because it's already in stock. I was told to hold on to it and try when I bring in my next round of books. read more

Second only to the smell of a brand new box of Crayola Crayons, is the smell of a good book. There's something very homey, cozy, exciting and smart about that smell- especially when it is a used book . It is so wonderful, that when I walk into any book store, my routine usually consists of finding the first out of the way nook to grab a book, any book, and open the pages and stick my nose inside the binding. The excitement of that smell and the impending knowledge that you will be walking out of there with some wonderful reads is indescribable. Burke's definitely does not disappoint in the way of book smells. I was immediately met by the owner of the store welcoming me and offering any knowledgeable help he might be able to afford me. This is always nice. I love any book store, but one in which I am encouraged to linger, and ask questions is always the best. What I noticed first about Burke's, aside from the rows and rows of impending possible good reads, was the abundance of local Memphis authors. Burke's gets major points for supporting local writers. As with any artistic field, it is always hard to find your niche and get your work noticed. Because of this, I always peruse these sections first when given the opportunity. Burke's has ample choices if you are looking to get your local Memphis read on. In my 30 years on this planet I've become a "rescuer of bargain finds." Meaning- even if I already own it- or something close to it, I try and rescue good things from Bargain Bins. I feel there are some things that never deserve to be in that section. This particular visit I happened to dig up a copy of Kevin Aucoin's "Making Faces"- because if there is anyone who does not deserve to be in the Bargain Bin- it's Kevin. The man is a make up GENIUS! Burke's has a rather large selection of bargain finds towards the front of the store- and had I more time I probably would have left with an armful of classics. I was also quite impressed by the children's selection. I tried to pick up a copy of "The Giving Tree," a childhood favorite, but my husband was shooting daggers at me through his eyeballs and I thought better of even asking. I second the reviewer who stated that you should go here with a title in mind, otherwise a book lover much like myself might end up camping out there for a week perusing titles. I will be back in the future- sans husband- who prefers books on tape (ugh I said it out loud. What a flaw- and I still married him!) and really wasn't feeling the Burke's experience. I will also add that while I was leaving the owner offered his help once again- did I need a special order? Could he help me find anything else? He was super friendly and helpful, and I will be taking him up on those offers in the not so distant future. read more

Burke's Books - www.memphisoutsider.com - Bookstores Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

Being such a huge fan of books, I was so ecstatic to visit. Burke's has a extensive collection of books and all very well organized! I went here with my boyfriend and even though we spent most of our time in the children's section, reading Dr.Seuss, there are many genres for everyone from lgbt to poetry. The staff was beyond friendly and welcoming, Burke's is also a great place to little gems to buy like handmade notebooks and postcards. I'd recommend going here over Barnes and Noble if you're looking for something interesting and a comfy little nook to read in. read more

Burke's Books - In the children's section - Bookstores Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

Since its move from Poplar and Evergreen to Cooper Young, Burke's appears to have gotten smaller... but walk into the store and you'll be reassured to find the same ancient blue bookcases, the same knowledgable staff, and the same disconcertingly large selection- especially considering the storefront is less than twenty feet wide. Recently I walked into Burke's with a list of five obscure books, expecting them to have perhaps one. After a hunt, I turned up two. Pretty good, I thought, and showed the clerk my full list. He disappeared and in less than four minutes returned with every book on the list. Don't be fooled by thinking there's no way Burke's will have what you're looking for, whether rare or blockbuster. Though primarily a used bookstore, Burke's has plenty of fresh-off-the-press bestsellers and popular works that should wean you off Bookstar in no time. read more

Burke's Books - Burke's Books in Cooper Young - Bookstores Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

My mom used to drag us to the old Burke's location when I was a wee child, and I never really understood just what she found so fascinating about the small, cramped little store. Why in the world would anyone want old, musty, used books? Flash forward many years, and I so get it. The shop moved a few years ago to the Cooper Young area, but you'll still find the same great character and charm that has described Burke's since 1875. They have a very cool used book section and a few rare editions, as well as the newest novels fresh off the presses. Add children's books and a section of titles written by Memphis authors to complete the inventory. Thanks, Mom for introducing me to this local historic landmark. read more

Burke's Books - Bookstores Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

We stepped in here with the family while on Fall Break vacation. Very nicely laid out locally-owned bookstore. We weren't really looking to purchase a book that night during our walking tour of Cooper-Young neighborhood, but our daughter found a book of Spanish poems for $15. We could have poked around for a while longer, but we stepped in just before closing at 9 PM. Staff was very polite. You should stop in and check them out. read more

Such a great selection of books at a really good price. My boyfriend and I got two $1 books and we honestly wished we would have bought them all. The service here was really great as well. They were friendly and knowledgeable of the store. Also, there are comfy chairs in each section where you could come and sit down and read. I would come here every Sunday and read if I could. When I'm in Memphis again I'll be sure to come back! read more

I ADORE this place. It is my happy place because it is small, cozy, and full of books...obviously. But one of my favorite things about this place is that you never know what you're going to find. You can browse for hours and the books are just so unexpected. I spent an hour this weekend just staring at the New Age section because I didn't even know where to start...so I just stood there, mouth open in awe and wonder. It does get crowded on the weekends but book people are lovely people 99% of the time so you just smile and say excuse me as you push by. I love the children's section full of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew (talk about a childhood flashback). They do buy used books and I'm flirting with the idea of getting rid of a few of my things...I'm a total hoarder when it comes to books and you can hardly move in my attic now so it might be time... read more

I'm a book rat and not a fan of Burkes. It's a nice place to browse. Their selection is limited but sometimes interesting. But I rarely ever buy anything there. I get totally put off by the staff there. They never offer a "Hello" when you walk in or a "'Can I help you find something" while your there. The people that work in my fantasy bookstore are friendly helpful and inviting. Burkes is the opposite. I also get their e-newsletter and it seems like the only thing they feel it worthwhile to promote are the chap books written by the author. A tremendous opportunity missed. read more

Good variety of books at reasonable prices. I picked up a few for the plane ride home. It's fairly well organized by author and genre.

They've moved! The new address is: 936 South Cooper, in the heart of Cooper-Young. Thankfully, the same service, selection and personal attention that generations of Memphians have come to associate with Burke's has been ported to the new location. Offering new,used and rare signed books, Burke's is also host to signings, readings and other special events. Author John Grisham has long held signings here for his newest books. They usually have first editions and signed & rare books as well. read more

I really enjoyed visiting this little bookstore during my time in Memphis. Like someone mentioned, it's easy to become spoiled with dozens of bookstores living in a city such as San Francisco, but I thought that this bookstore had a lot to offer and definitely added to the charm of the neighborhood. Yes, the store is small but it definitely packs a punch. There are are a ton of classic titles to be found in the store and I was actually really was surprised with their used book section. They had a lot of neat art books that I enjoyed looking at and decided to take a few home with me. I also really liked their selection of history books. :) I gave this place 5 stars because I liked the location, the staff was friendly, and they had a good selection of books that appealed to my taste. They definitely do not have the widest selection of books but it's a really neat spot to drop by if you're in the area. read more

I dealt with Burke's beginning in 1985, when it was located near St. Mary's Cathedral downtown, and was very impressed. They helped me get a rare book I couldn't find anywhere else and, while in their store, I saw an edition of Boswell printed by Mr. Dilly in 1795 in amazingly good condition. I wished I could afford to buy it. On another visit, I saw the old American Statesmen series of biographies from the 1880s, written by American politicians who later became famous in their own right, including Theodore Roosevelt and Henry Cabot Lodge. After they moved further up Poplar, next to Circuit Playhouse, I spotted an 1844 edition of Lempriere's Classical Dictionary, not in very good condition but still, a rare find. Their store always has interesting items and sponsors readings by authors; they also will have booths in related gatherings such as a Civil War expo a few years ago at the Fairgrounds. These are sometimes staffed by the owner's wife, who seems to be a pleasant and agreeable person. Having said all that, I will no longer go to Burke's on principle, because of the owner's attitude. To put it plainly, he is a snot, and it seems impossible for him to so much as give you the time of day without a snotty, snippy attitude. It is thoroughly offensive. I first encountered this in 1998, when I asked one of their staff to find a particular edition of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Two weeks later, the staff member seemed to have made little or no effort to locate the book, which I had found online in about 5 minutes. I called to complain and, to my amazement, the owner jumped down my throat--you would have thought I had made indecent advances to his staff or something, when all I wanted was the book I was looking for. A few years later, I had a few old books to sell and took them to Burke's, not expecting them to be worth much money but expecting that whoever was there might recognize their literary and historic interest and at least make a pleasant comment or two in the course of the transaction. The owner handled this as well, and treated me as though I were a homeless person asking for a donation. I love bookstores as much as anyone, but from a practical perspective, considering that I have been able to find just about anything I wanted online, including some old and unusual books, there is no reason to go to a place like Burke's except for the pleasant experience of browsing their offerings and encountering other booklovers. The owner's attitude, sadly, makes that impossible. He is ill-mannered and insufferable. I'll never be back. read more

Great selection. It was a cute little shop with a large variety. I found a good Christmas gift and a little something for me. The girl who checked me out was very nice. I'd go back again! read more

Maybe I'm spoiled by living in Boston, NYC and the Metro DC area, but everyone says how wonderful this bookstore is, therefore my father (visiting from the Metro DC area) and myself drove over there to find old books, old prints, and the usual used books. Very disappointing old books and prints section. The used book section was OK, but it wasn't impressive. What is so special about this place? read more

I really love the atmosphere and charm of this quaint little bookstore. In fact, my first experience there compelled me to purchase a book at full price knowing good and well that I could have ordered it on amazon.com for much less. However, when I went there last week to sell some books I was surprised at how little they offered for some of my new-ish books as well as how snooty the sales clerk seemed as she went through them. Maybe that's how used bookstore clerks are supposed to act? Hmm..... ***Update*** Okay, okay. Maybe they're not so bad. I had a much better experience the last time I came. Still digging it..... read more