Very friendly and laid back book store. Great place to explore and find a book to read a book

This was such a cool bookstore. It had some great nice editions of classics or collections. There was a wide variety of genres and selection. The workers were very knowledgeable and friendly. All of the books were in good condition and worth the values that they were priced as. read more

Fun used bookstore. Great selection of religious titles, which was a surprise, but also exactly what my wife was looking for! Team members were all polite and kind, including introducing us to Leo, the store canine. He is, clearly a very good boy, and deserves all the pets you can give when you go! Store is organized well by topic, and the basement is not to be missed! We found a book for less than half of what Amazon wanted for it and my wife was impressed with the condition. We'd rather give our money to a local shop than the big A any chance we can! Great to have another option with good pricing and value for unique finds. Looking forward to regular visits in the future. read more

Dunaway offers a wide variety of genres, types, and even ages of books - fiction and non-fiction. When you come in, you'll most likely be greeted by the store mascot of the canine variety. He's well-trained and won't approach but will acknowledge your presence; he's friendly and will accept an ear rub. As a local spot, I'd much prefer patronizing Dunaway before I buy online or from a big box store. You'll be glad you stopped in at Dunaway with the prices being competitive and reasonable. I've come here to sell books (over 100 years old) and to buy new-to-me books for myself or gifts. The shop owner is extremely knowledgeable. Ask him about their collection of Baum books (author of the Wizard of Oz); it's such a fascinating story. All the staff are helpful and have their specialties, and they'll all be able ti help you find whatever it is you need or want. read more

Very interesting bookstore! Mostly vintage to antique books. I haven't found many titles to purchase but it's extremely interesting to look through very old books. Some from the late 1800s in excellent condition. Prices are amazing considering the rarity. Very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. read more

I love this store. It's not where you come for the newest best seller, but It's a great place to find used books at a good price. Some that you may be looking for and others you didn't know you needed or wanted. I usually spend an hour or so here there is a massive basement, and the people that work there are some of the nicest around. read more

Enjoyable place to browse for books. I found some sheet music for a reasonable price. Staff was helpful. read more

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I recently sold some first edition books to Dunaway. I was told I'd receive 25% of their resale price, but when I later checked the prices they listed the books for, I realized I had only received about 16%. I also questioned the value of one book which I believed to be the most valuable. They downplayed it as not that valuable. Lo and behold, they listed it for 3x the amount of the next most valuable one I sold them. The process felt misleading and manipulative. I don't recommend selling here. You'll get a better deal at Half Price Books. read more

These days, Dunaway isn't buying much. Or anything? Dunaway usually buys most of what I bring. I always call in advance to make sure which days is right. They always (re)iterate what they don't and do take. I called the last week of August. A man said to call back at the end of September because they bought a big lot they were dealing with. I did so. Someone said to call back in a few weeks because of the big lot. I waited over a month. I called Friday. A man said something like they had much inventory from a big lot and were not really buying, but I could email photos and they'd get back to me. He didn't say anything about "we don't take textbooks or ex-library books," etc. so I wasn't too hopeful. I did and they did. Nothing interested them in the 5 boxes of books, titles new and old, in good condition. I expect they would have been interested in most a few months ago; they would buy most... Say 50/53 books I brought in. Once something like 103/105. The books were similar enough. I suspect Dunaway is struggling. I'm sorry about that if it's the case. I wish they would have been upfront if Dunaway is temporarily or permanently going to function differently than it has been. I've had 5 boxes of books in my closet for over 2 months. Had I known Dunaway was changing, I would have made an appointment at Left Bank Books or walked into Half Price Books sooner. But it's rather like me not to recognize the brush. read more

I was greeted by the smell of books when I walked in. I received a friendly welcome from the team members. I knew this would be a place I would enjoy. There were seating books among the stacks of books. The place is so inviting urging guests to sit and read. The book selection is vast. And the shop is much bigger than it looks from the outside. I did not get a chance to explore the children's section or the downstairs section. I was able to find several treasures to take home from my visit. I look forward to popping in again soon. read more

Amazing bookstore with a diverse selection of books for an affordable price. The basement is especially great--it alone was better than most bookstores I have been to. The location and overall vibe of the store is perfect. My only regret is not spending more time browsing, I could spend hours without getting bored!! Definitely the best bookstore in all of Saint Louis. read more

Love this place. Friendly staff. Well organized, reasonable price, many rare books. in STL read more

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This bookstore has been one that my husband and I have found several nice, old books. It's a good place to spend a few hours browsing. They have a small children's section in the front that is inviting. However, we brought my toddler and he found a nice piano in the back of the store. With my supervision, he sat there and very gently touched the keys. A few moments later, I saw a woman working who was glaring at us from across the store. She said "that is a very old piano" indicating that we needed to leave it alone. My issue with this is simple. If you are store that welcomes families, be understanding. If you have a very old piano out in the store for anyone to access and you don't want a child to touch it (even gently), put something on it that indicates not to play it instead of shaming families when they do. read more

If you understand how reading can take precedence in your life over work, food, chores - if you can lose yourself so completely in a book that you don't hear the phone ring - if talking about books with someone as passionate as you is your definition of a great time - this is your place. Two floors of well organized used and antique books on all subjects -this is nirvana for book lovers. Staff are very congenial & knowledgeable about books and their stock. Prices are very reasonable. Great place to find just what you need, for yourself or as a gift. read more

This place is a treasure trove of used, rare books. I spent some time walking around just marveling at the amount of books, but I was there to find something specific: a textbook for an upcoming class. It was super helpful that their website offers a database you can search before even arriving, which is how I knew they had the book I needed. The man working behind the register walked me to the section I needed and it was fun digging through the books to find my prize. Best part: the textbook that normally goes for $180 was $5 when I rung up. But even if you're not looking for something specific, I highly recommend browsing. It's a huge, awesome space with all sorts of unique books! read more

I always try to check out an independent bookstore whenever I visit a new city, so when a friend and I were visiting St. Louis this past weekend, we decided to check out Dunaway Books (which was near our airbnb). The store is charming, and it has a great selection of books (there's a small balcony area, a main floor, and a basement)! They offer a lot of first editions, so the prices fluctuate quite a bit, but I found some great books for very good prices. A wonderful place to browse and find something that speaks to you! read more

Dunaway Books - Music & DVDs Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I live in the neighborhood and I have passed the store many times, but never got a chance to go in. Then I had a book I wanted to get my dad for Christmas, and also a Bible since I just started going to church again. I didn't know it was a used bookstore, but the clerk at the counter sure gave me a rather nasty attitude when he informed me of such. His facial expression and tone reminded me of my grandma when she wanted to make me feel very, very small. he did point me towards the Bibles, and I found a nice one with lots of cool stuff pressed between the pages like a leather bookmark, and a rose, and it was only six dollars. I used to love used bookstores like that when I was a kid and I would take in stacks of books to trade for store credit. But the lady who checked me out was also rather of a cold disposition, so I'm not sure I want to go back in there again. I didn't exactly feel welcome. i'm always polite and friendly wherever I go, and I don't take it well when storeclerks are abrupt with me, especially because I spent most of my adult life working in customer service, and if I acted like that, I would be in hot water big time. I slogged through it my whole life, thinking that when I was grown up and had money to buy things, I would also get the VIP treatment. Wrong. I so infrequently get good service anywhere these days that it actually makes my day when I do. Dunaway is not one of those places. No point in going back here when there's plenty of little free libraries all over the place. Tell the employees to check their attitudes and be a little bit more welcoming especially when I told them I've never been there before. I'm exactly the sort of person who would normally be a repeat customer, but I really don't want to go in somewhere where I don't feel welcome. . read more

Wow! A real, old-fashioned used bookstore, with what seems to be some very old books - mostly hardcovers from the last century. Funky architecture provides several small rooms, alcoves, and nooks for different book categories, but if a map was posted, I never found it, either. I suspect that they may be a great place for some book collectors, perhaps seeking an out-of-print book or a rare first edition ... but as a more casual reader of contemporary fiction, I didn't find much of interest. read more

Coolest bookstore I have been to in a while. Full of used, unique books for super reasonable prices. Highly recommend! read more

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You've heard of the "Never Ending Story", well Dunaway Books is the never ending bookstore. There are bookcases after bookcases on the first floor and mezzanine. As if that weren't enough for you to browse through, the basement is full of more treasured reads. Each bookcase or section is plainly labeled to make your search easy. They also have little maps like at an amusement park stating, "you are here" and showing you where you need to go for the type of book you have on your shopping list. When shopping most used bookstores, they feel musty and dusty to me, but not here at Dunaway. It is well organized and very well kept. The salesman with his British accent made me feel like I was in an old 40's black and white movie and he was the shopkeeper. I didn't find the two books I was searching for, but this place impressed me just the same and I am now a fan. I recommend this bookstore to any avid reader aka bookworm. It will totally give them a readers orgasm if there is such a thing. read more

I love used book stores, so it comes as no surprise that Dunaway Books would be no exception. What sets this place apart from so many others, however, is the organization and lighting. How many times have you been to a used book store where you're daunted by the sheer volume of titles, unable to find what you want, and end up just giving up? I can't count the number of times this has happened to me, and I feel your pain. Dunaway Books is clean, uncluttered, well-lit, and easily organized. Signs hang from the ceiling and are posted everywhere so you won't feel overwhelmed by their selection, which is ample. What I love about Dunaway, also, is that the books aren't overpriced. I found an out-of-print hardback copy of a John Gardner classic for $8. I think it was going on E-bay for three times that! Check it out. read more

Dunaway Books - Dunaway Exterior - Music & DVDs Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

This is am amazing bookshop. You feel like you are in an English library somewhere in Oxford walking through it and one could spend hours just browsing the collection of unique stuff they have. Would highly recommend. read more

I often debate whether to read through reviews before writing my own, but in this case... I have to say that I don't know why everyone is getting their panties in a twist over a catless book shop. It's like smoking in bars, I suppose. But just for the record, I prefer my purchases to not include pet dander or being eyeballed for a potential death strike by crouching tiger, hidden dragon. Now that we've cleared that up, this is one of the better used bookstores in St. Louis by far. I appreciate their labor and women's history books, and tend to check here first before going to Borders, etc if I need it right away. They're more likely to have what I need. I'm not a big fiction reader, so I cannot attest to the quality of those sections. However, while not the most extensive I've ever seen, Dunaway cuts the crap out of their selection and only sells the good stuff. read more

I adore Dunaway and make sure I go back to visit at least once every couple of months. I can't do much more than that because I would seriously spend every penny I have on used books, even ones I know I'll never read. Dunaway books is almost what I anticipate my own bookstore will some day feel like. The rows are clearly marked and the place is sparkling clean, although the telltale smell of ancient leather binding as well as the faint musk of rotting paper definitely gives your location away. Although I would not recommend this store to young children I started bringing Hammer in when she was barely lifting her head. Since she has been raised in the environment she knows now, as a toddler, what is appropriate behavior and what is not when dealing with books of any form. In a time where print will be obsolete in five years I think it's important to instill the love of the written word as soon as possible. So if you have the inclination this is a great place to do it because she's always been welcomed. The only thing I think that is missing from this store is a sense of community. Maybe it's because I don't live in the South Grand Area but I never really feel like I "belong" in the store. Sometimes it feels as if I have encroached on someones secret library instead of being invited in to share in the treasure. read more

Dunaway Books - Music & DVDs Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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As much as I would love to give this place 5 stars...a used book store with no cat? That's just unacceptable to me. However, I have never, EVER, in my 10 years of used book store shopping, found a store as well organized and easy to navigate as this one. You can find anything you are looking for within 10 minutes of being in the store. If you can't find it, just ask one of the awesome staff...they will either (1) pull it off the shelf immediately for you and give you 4 other similar suggestions you will love or (2) tell you they don't have it (which never happens to me at least) and still give you some suggestions. They take many of your used books as well which has certainly helped me cut down on my spending over the years...who needs books once they have read them anyway? Might as well let someone else get some use out of your old stuff while getting a discount on your own new reading material as well. Well, that's my opinion at least. Still though, get a cat...then I can up my score to 5 stars in good conscious. read more

This is by far the best used book store I've found in St. Louis. After three years in Seattle, I'm spoiled when it comes to quality used books merchants and this place was a real breath of fresh air. It has a reasonably good, and reasonably priced, selection. I found a few must haves in my own area (medieval/early modern european history) and it seemed there was a real wealth in other things as well. The store has a particularly large literary criticism section. I would have loved to see more medieval and renaissance texts, the scholarly witchcraft stuff somewhere *other* than the "occult" section, and more foreign language stuff that isn't French or German. All in all, a good store. I agree with some of you though, they ought to have a cat! read more

Found this location by chance. Stumbled in and found the bookshelfs neatly labeled with handwritten scratch paper etc. Irony at its best ! I walked in not knowing I wanted or needed anything and walked out with two books on Mayan archeology since I just had returned from Mexico and seen the pyramids. I didn't make it past the Latin American books but I'm sure I will return with hot cappucino in hand to re-aquaint myself with the store and the owners who so graciously asked me about my travels and told me about themselves and their marriage. Very happy couple who found a way to connect with all their customers. Support this store. I never thought it would feel so awesome to buy a used book more than the printed price from 1959......classic. Very clean and efficient. Accepts credit cards for purchases over $5 read more

Found this place as I got lost looking for a new coffeehouse, and I'm so glad I stopped! Walked away with four new fiction books that I had my eye on for a while- I just needed to find them at a decent price. The selection here is vast, with a variety of books that you might not find anywhere else- especially at a chain. Because there are so many books, it can take a while to sort through all the duds, which is the only thing preventing me from giving it five stars. The staff helped me discover a new author and helped me find exactly what I needed. The store is well organized, which is always a plus for me. read more

I love this place. I live nearby and wander in sometimes. Maybe I leave with a book I've been looking for. Maybe I leave with a book I never knew I was looking for. Maybe I don't buy anything at all, but that seems OK, too. And I, for one, am glad there are no cats. I can stay longer that way. read more

Loved the books and the atmosphere but the service was terrible. The man who worked there had the coldest attitude ever. He was very rude and placed a horrible vibe in this lovely book store. I will come back if he's not working there. read more

What a wonderful place! We stopped by just minutes after closing time, but the owner was working late so he let us roam around. Great selection of old books you won't find at a large retail bookstore. The owner is big about travel books - the kind written in the 16th century with detailed drawings because color photos didn't exist back then. It's an amazingly huge bookstore - a great place to get lost in and discover books on topics you've always wanted to read about, but have forgotten to look for! read more

Charming little used book store, with an eclectic collection, eclectic staff, eclectic patrons, and just the right amount of dust. Needs cats. read more

Dunaway Books - Music & DVDs Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

There are fun and wacky people here - and that is a compliment! Brainiacs, scholars, artsy people and strange ones will all find what they are looking for - and cannot find elsewhere - at Dunaway. They have a ton of used books here, which for me adds to the glamor to it. Coming into the possession of a used book always seems to make the books more special in a way. I love the people who work here, and I also love the people who shop here. I've come across sweet grandmas in crocheted clothing, strange old scholars muttering angrily to themselves, poor students eager to inquire about what it is you are looking for as they themselves search and more while walking around Dunaway. There are plenty run-of-the-mill people here as well. I just love the old, magical aura this place seems to have. Perhaps it is due to the old pages, the smell of the paper or the people.....I'm just not sure, but I hope it never changes. I recently came into possession of a history of vampires tome here that describes everything you'd ever want to know about the creatures of the night, from silly superstition to the science of decomposition. Creepy? Yes. But really, how much more interesting a read can you get? read more

Good for general used books. Spacious, well organized, and a heavy old-book smell. The book stock is large (100,000 or so), and some sections were robust (like fiction). But other parts aren't as good as they look; a few of the nonfiction sections had a tired thrift store look to them. Probably because they skimmed 12,000 rarer, older, and more desirable books away to a warehouse somewhere to sell online. Oh well. read more

Only a true reader will understand what I'm about to say: best smelling bookstore in STL. keep it up, my little slice of heaven.

Lovely old-timey used bookstore with a large inventory, dim lighting, and many chairs in which to get comfortable. There was a local author doing a book signing/reading when I came in (actually he was just talking with some other folks) and there was a fair number of customers browsing around, asking questions, some selling, some buying. No books for me today, but I'll be back when I'm around! read more

My favorite place to book-shop. Lots of stuff downstairs, too. Does need cats.

Really great selection of books. Lot's of stuff that seems fairly rare and in really good condition at low prices. Found a local author from my hometown in Ohio and picked up 4 books for less than $40 that otherwise would have been $20+ a piece. Will definitely be returning! read more

They have a large selection of books that one could expect to find at a garage sale or flee market. Ok, that may not be an accurate statement seeing as I came here in search of classic literature and philosophy thus my disappointment. I left with two 'vintage' copies of The Philosophy of Being and A Tale of Two Cities. That's as swell as my choices got. However, the history section seemed impressive and there was a plethora of books about Churchill. Sadly I could not find Being Churchill. Unfortunately I left here, on a rainy day mind you, with a $15 parking ticket. I pay taxes so I'm a believer in free parking. Moral of the story is you may be here awhile if you're in search of something particular & paying the meter is a recommendation I give you fellow law breakers. I will be back because I enjoy supporting local businesses and because Rooster is down the street. PSA - Impeccably clean & labeled yet perfectly smelly. read more

I think these guys are great. The owners are the nicest people and the staff is very friendly. Selection is fantastic and well organized. I've bought many books there and traded too. What's best about the trade aspect is that if they can't use your books, you can add them to their donate pile. What a great service! read more