The moment I walked in I was approached by a woman doing a petition. She asked me to sign after verbally giving me info. I told her I'd like to read about it before I sign and she kind of looked at me like I'm crazy and said "I like to be more informed before I make a decision." She told me no one else had to think about it and I told her I did. That was weird and uncomfortable, especially when she turned from me and asked my wife. She gave the same answer. Selection is pretty broad but the store is very political and it's obvious. They have a sign that said "everyone is welcome, except ICE.", Black Lives Matter, gay pride, and anything that is demeaning to republicans. It's honestly distracting and disappointing. Someone who may not have the same beliefs may not feel comfortable walking around with fascist stickers, and everything that is demeaning towards "the right". Value is good and as I said before the selection is quite broad. There were a lot of pro-gay books which you never really see anywhere else. There are also all kinds of self help books and everything else you might expect. Overall I do recommend this place, but I can see how a large majority of people would feel really out of place here. That aside, it's a really nice establishment with very friendly staff. Not so crazy about the woman in the front pressuring me to sign her petition. I'm sure she meant well though. read more

I popped in on a whim to pass some time, and I'm glad I did. I forgot how lovely this shop is. They have an excellent selection of books, very well curated. I love how they have a section devoted to translated literature - I'm on a Japanese literature kick! I even found a book on my TBR downstairs in their used section, which felt very lucky - especially for $7! They don't have as many knick-knacks and gifty things as other indie bookstores, but I don't mind it. Sometimes I'd rather have the focus be on the books. read more

Left Bank Books - The haul. - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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I've been to a lot of bookstores and this one stands out. Their motto is "Literacy and Justice for all." I bought the last "At first I was a Stray, I was petrified..." cat themed book bag, but in addition to an excellent collection of books for sale, new and used, they have cat related stuff. And a void who works there, wasn't out when I visited but they said they just had a worker meeting and that usually required a cat nap after. Walking distance from the Chase Park Royal Sonesta Hotel and Forest Park. Knowledgeable staff who can make good recommendations or leave you alone to browse. I'm not sure you would like the place if you're a bigot but then I suppose you wouldn't be interested in books anyway. The building it's in is architecturally interesting too. Books here are a little more than you would pay for on Amazon but I doubt Jeff Bezos needs any more of your money. read more

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Left Bank Books is one of the coziest and most welcoming bookshops in the area. They have a huge selection of all kinds of books and topics along with puzzles and other bookish stuff too! They have the cutest shop kitty who knows where they belong too. Everyone is always so friendly and ready to help you find your next good read! read more

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I am obsessed with left bank books. They have such a wide selection and some books even big chains don't have. The environment is so inviting and every worker is so helpful. Everything is very organized so you can find what you are looking for. I loved the used book section in the basement. There were so many good options at AMAZING prices. I found a newly released book that's been on my tbr for only $9 and nearly perfect condition. This is going to be my go to book store read more

Left Bank Books - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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Such a fun stop if you're looking for an Indie book store to support while you're in St. Louis! We mainly hung out in their fab children's section, but their adult area looked awesome too and I like that they have a used nook downstairs too. read more

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Indie bookstore with a vast selection of books. I think there's something for everyone here. Staff seemed to be available without being pushy. I enjoyed browsing and just checking out everything the store had to offer. read more

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In a day and age when Amazon rules the book trade, it is always wonderful to run across an old fashioned independent book store ... meet Left Bank Books. The selection was nice ... a bit light on non-fiction ... but nice otherwise. Store layout was convenient, with more books and used ones in the basement. You don't go to an independent book store to save money, but the service always makes up for it. Good place ... read more

Finally! I have conquered and saw the famous left bank books. I love this place! From the moment I stepped in I was greeted with a vibrant hello which is always a plus in my book. I also love how they have a shelf solely dedicated to new released books. My favorites spot was downstairs that has ab area dedicated for used books. The prices on them are reasonable as well. Will definitely be back to support. As always until next time... read more

Left Bank Books - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Friendly staff, great vibe, more than books. We bought books, stickers and T-shirts, which had a very cool design. Look forward to returning. read more

Left Bank Books - Burroughs bust outside Left Bank. - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Let me start this review by saying that I have never visited the actual store- my review is based on the book signing I bought a ticket for through the bookstore and attended tonight. Jessica Secrest- the online creator, influencer, etc came to STL to promote and sign her cookbook- "Of Course It's Good". As an avid follower and lover of cookbooks I have been excited for this even since buying my ticket in November. I purchased the food/recipe tasting ticket so that I could try some of her recipes. I had a few friends purchase tickets also so we could attend together. About a week ago we received an email stating that parking would be difficult at the Stellar Hog location, so car pool or ride share, check in would be at 5 in a tent weather permitting, event starts at 6. Ok no problem. We arrived around 4:30, got in line. We were about the 10th in line. It was about 30 degrees outside so we were cold but expected to be outside until 5pm check-in. About 5pm they open the gate and usher us to a makeshift tent out of tarps around a covered pergola type structure. It had outdoor heaters in it, however, once checked in we were ushered to stand in another line behind the building where we continued to wait for over an hour. We repeatedly kept asking what was going on as workers kept going in and out of the building as myself, my friends, and hundreds of other people were freezing outside. First, I was told Jessica is inside signing the books, once she is done signing you will get your book and we can get going. About 20 minutes goes by and we see Jessica and her mom arrive and go into the venue waving and saying hello to all the freezing fans. A bit later they started bringing books out and handing them out through the line and mass of people, but no movement to inside. More time goes by- we ask again- this time we are told we will be going inside in "a moment". Another 20 minutes goes by and still nothing. My toes were so cold I struggled to move them, the muscles in my face were hurting when I spoke. I do not know when I have ever been so cold in my life and I certainly did not come prepared or dressed to spend hours in freezing temps. When our same worker with the megaphone came walking by me again, I questioned the timing...again. I was not rude to him, nor did I raise my voice or curse or anything to that extent, but he definitely knew I was frustrated, as were all of those around us. No one understood what was going on. We were again told it would just be a few more minutes and that they were trying to make this a nice event for her. "This is her first book." I said yes, but this isn't her first signing.she has been signing across the country for the last 2 weeks. Is this how she chooses for her signings to be done? He said no, they were just trying to make is special for her. I can appreciate that to an extent, but not at the expense of the paying customers. We did not go inside the venue until 6pm. I have only been to a few book signings before and never experienced Ed anything like this. A woman standing with us is a regular at signings- attends them monthly she said and even through this bookstore but was appalled by the experience this evening. We had previously watched the staff carrying in trays of food at least an hour before. The food tasting was set up along the walkway to meet Jessica and looked gross after sitting out for an hour. I didn't get a plate- and good thing because there was no where to sit and eat it on the dollar store paper plates they were serving it on. ( you know those 5.00 for 10000 thin paper plates- that is what they were. Once we briefly met Jessica and her mom, they were lovely- warm and friendly and bubbly just as I expected them to be. However. There was no question and answer time like the other cities had, which I feel slighted on. Ultimately I was charge 45.00 for a 19.00 book that I could have bought autographed on Amazon to stand in the freezing cold for almost 2 hours to get a few tastes of old food that I don't even try because it had been sitting out for over and hour. This was a very poorly planned and executed event. I can't blame the author, I honestly don't know that she was even fully aware of the circumstances, but for an event I was so excited for, I left cold, hungry, and angry that I was lied to about what I was paying for. Very bad night for this bookstore! read more

I have been coming here for years. It is truly a staple in the community. A place that makes you feel good about shopping local. The staff have always been helpful and I appreciate the innovative offerings, such as events and the most recent thing I saw of a "mystery book" in a brown paper bag. read more

Left Bank Books - Blind date books - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Perfect little bookstore on the corner of a quaint area of shops. Especially loved the creaking floors, the staff recommendations, the basement of used books, and the endearing staff who were personable and warm. Excited to find a book that called out to me, my favorite way to experience a bookstore. Delightful place to spend some time. read more

Left Bank Books - Main floor - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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Super cute progressive bookshop that has a lot of Black cat themes (always a plus). They have a wide variety of books and cute tchotchke's that you'll love (like social justice cards; I got two). They even have a section for free stuff like Plan B and condoms -- I'm all for sexual liberation! read more

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This place is a great book store for everything you're looking for in a book. They have books from all genres! I was looking at their staff picks and their weekly highlighted books and they have a great mix of fiction and nonfiction from customers to choose one. They also have some great history, poems, self help, parental and an amazing section of children's books. Everyone is asking for books rather than cards for baby showers and this is a great spot to find the perfect baby book! Great spot to spend a while and find that perfect book you've been looking for. read more

Left Bank Books - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

this little bookshop has such a nice, cozy feel to it! They've got a great selection, but what I loved most was the staff Gary the manager clearly knows her stuff and took the time to give me personalized recommendations that fit my tastes perfectly. Felt more like I was in a friends library than a store read more

I placed an order online for a whole series of books with a gift card I had received recently. Left Bank did a great job sending me email notifications when each of my titles had come in. Once they all arrived I stopped in to collect my books and they helped me right away. They double checked everything and the check out process was a breeze. I walked around the children's section with my daughter and we also picked up a fun cat themed card game and a copy of one of my favorite books when I was a kid. Will definitely come back again! read more

I could spend hours wandering this shop reading the staff recommendations and toiling over how many books I'll buy. It's a cozy neighborhood shop with everything from notecards and silly socks to children's books and classics. They also buy & sell used books. read more

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This bookstore was amazing. I loved looking at the amazing displays, and the employees were helpful and very nice. The overall collection was varied and interesting. The used section downstairs were not to be missed. Oh yea, did I mention the CAT?!? This place was a dream. read more

Left Bank Books - Cutest book store ever - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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Love this timeless CWE book store. Best gifts and unique artsy accessories, relevant books, plus political awareness, activism and community outreach and support. You are often given a mask as you enter during times of high community spread of illness, so they care deeply about you and others. Nice! Always classy, always well stocked, always great customer service and flair. If they don't have it, they will get it for you. No clueless employees here: they are well read and knowledgeable about many authors and the store itself. Checkout is a breeze and a study in teamwork among the staff. Buy all your reading and gifts here! Oh and they have a bookstore cat, which is an added cool bonus! Love it here... read more

Left Bank Books - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Left bank books is such a cool independent bookstore. I spent a long time browsing all of their carefully curated sections. I love the downstairs with used books. Lots of interesting gift items upstairs and a super cold children section. read more

Left Bank Books - Upcoming events - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

A wonderful safe space for queer people. The selection was large with out being overwhelming and I am obsessed with Orleans the shop cat. Everyone was super friendly. My husband and I found books on our list we have been unable to find prior to this trip! read more

I have not been able to go to LBB for a long time, starting with COVID. But I have been going there for many years. It was my favorite place to go just to browse and talk with staff members. I am hoping that LBB did not sustain any damage as a result of the recent tornado. read more

Ok, let's be honest, you're never going to hear a negative word about any bookstore come out of my mouth. Left Bank Books is exceptional. They have great author programming events, their staff are very helpful hunting down finds or giving recommendations, orders for items not in stock is usually very fast, and I always walk out of here with a whole stack of books. This review is specifically about the perks of being a Friend of Left Bank Books. This is a tax-deductible donation/membership that has three levels $20, $100, and $500. Each level has different perks but at the $100 or above level you are invited to twice yearly sales (in person and online) where purchases are 20% off. Basically you can recoup your donation if you are a book hoarder like me. The monies go towards literary and literacy programming in town. I can't recommend joining enough. You can read more about the program here https://www.lbbfound.org/Page/17672 read more

I was in dire need of entertainment. The year was 2020, Covid was running rampant. Old newspapers were blowing in the streets like tumbleweeds. Unknown masked individuals roamed the parks, staying six feet apart from each other, of course. It was a dark desolate world, but off in the distance a bright light shone giving hope to all around it; Left Bank Book. Those who entered it's hallowed halls (except not literally as it's all contactless now) were given hope, peace and something good to read. The book store is still open and and seems to be busy as ever. It's really convenient you can either call them to order a book or their website is super user-friendly. I didn't have any issues finding the book that I was looking for on there. I simply placed my order drove over and picked it up. I'll contact list very safe. When you arrive give them a call and they will place your book in a basket outside. Pick it up and you're on your merry way. It's the 2020 version of the reading room though, except far less rainbowie. They will even ship the book to you via FedEx or deliver it to your door themselves... and delivery was only $10! It's like doordash for literature! Can I get a "Hell YAS" up in here! Thank you Left Bank Books for keeping me well read! read more

Left Bank Books - The Yellow Eyes of Crocodiles: by Katherine Pancol and my Dog Butter. Great book of a single mom's self exploration after divorce. - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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What a delightful bookstore! I love visiting bookstores when I travel, and Left Banks was a bright spot in my trip to St. Louis. Welcoming vibe, easy to browse, and well stocked for speculative fiction in both new and used. One of their book clubs (Great Books of the 22nd Century) was reading Cordwainer Smith! I wish I was local and could attend. Service was friendly and helpful, too. read more

Beautiful Bookstore nestled in the downtown area. I love the staff recommendations that they had through out the store. Great deals on book club offers. Nice gift section and journals. They have a used sections as well! Definitely check this out in the area. read more

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Left Bank is a pretty good bookstore. I've lived close by for years, and it's nice to have a bookstore hard by. They're reliable for several good events each year. The staff are usually pretty cold and stand-offish to me, but they have helped when I needed to find something specific. The selection is okay, a good proportion of the new/popular releases in the bigger genres. And they'll order things they don't have. The real gem is the used book section in the basement. I've built up a nice little cookbook collection and probably filled half my shelves sorting through everything they offer. read more

LBB isn't trying to serve everybody. A couple of one-star reviews wrote that it had a liberal slant. No. Look, "The Atlantic Monthly" has a liberal slant. LBB curates a collection of books much further to the left than that. I'm a gay, (usually) Democrat-voting guy with strong sympathy for issues of justice and equality. Because I've spent a lot of time in publishing and in bookstores, I tend to float around a store that's new to me looking for patterns. What's on the new books table. Are they books reviewed in the NY Times? The Spectator? Or Jacobin? Check the shelves for different kinds of writing from different time-frames. Shakespearean sonnets? Jane Austen novels (which)? Dostoevsky? Which ones, which translators? Faulkner? Feminist writing? If so, first, second, or third wave? Are we talking Shulamith Firestone or Susan Faludi or bell hooks or Laura Kipnis? Politics? Adam Smith? Karl Marx? Sartre or Aron? I spent about half an hour in LBB, and the selection is all from a narrow range on the far left. And probably no surprise. I can't imagine that the staff or customers would tolerate a copy of "Taming of the Shrew" on the shelves. If you're from that part of the left that sees itself as the vanguard of the future, you'll love this place. It's not a big shop, but go. You'll enjoy the vibe. If you're just looking for good writing from a variety of authors, LBB is not for you. I support indie bookstores, even ones that don't want me. I bought $50 of non-book merch but don't plan to go back. PS: This was October 2022, and they're still requiring masks. I wore their mask. It's their store. But this is just theater, a kind of performance just like this selection of books is a performance of progressive orthdoxy. read more

I am definitely a bookworm. Although I am a fairly slow reader, I have always loved buying new books for my collection. Finding the latest books is easy at big box booksellers, but there's something so charming about the friendly, curated feel of a locally owned bookstore. And Left Bank definitely gives you that vibe. Although you cannot currently go inside and get lost in the mounds of books Left Bank has to offer, I find their website to be well maintained with their current stock and easy to browse. They have all the books categorized by topic, or you can just look at them A-Z. The really nice thing about Left Bank, and why I patronized them today, is that you can obtain books from so many local authors! They do such a great job of supporting writers right here in the St. Louis region. Recently, I attended Yelp's "St. Louis Spirit Society" virtual event that featured local paranormal expert, Neil Nailborski. Luke is a long-time representative for American Hauntings, author, speaker and guide for the Alton Haunting Tours in Alton, IL. According to reviews of his work, he "has an uncanny ability with his writing to make you laugh one second and then scare the, well you know, out of you the next." I was so impressed with Luke's engaging tone during the virtual event and was hooked on the spooky nature of his stories that I really wanted to grab his book which is offered by Left Bank. I was a tad disappointed by how long it took to get the book after I purchased it online, but after calling and talking to a bookkeeper it was explained to me that this is a print on demand book. So I can't fault Left Bank for that piece, but it would have been nice if they would have called me with an update on the book instead of me hounding them for my purchase. They are taking precautions to cease the spread of COVID at Left Bank. As I said you cannot currently go in to simply browse (but they have plenty of titles in their windows to peruse!) When you're notified that your order is ready for pickup, your book is in a bag with your name on a table in front of the store. In my case, I did have to call to have them bring my book out. The worker who brought it out was wearing a mask which made me feel at ease that they are taking the pandemic seriously. read more

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I LOVE this bookstore. Probably my favorite in St Louis (haven't been to them all -yet). Great selection of books, great bookstore cat, great workers. Cannot recommend enough! read more

Left Bank Books - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Eat a Peach: A Memoir by David Chang came out on 9/8/20. On 9/9/20 I decided that I'd like to read this book. I ordered the book online at Left Bank Books in the early afternoon and a couple of hours later got an email my order was ready. I picked up the book at about 4:15. The curbside process was easy and efficient and there was no contact. It was a signed copy which was kind of cool! Please go support your local independent bookseller. If you don't there won't be any left. read more

Left Bank Books - Pandemic Curbside Book Pickup 9/9/2020 - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Love this bookstore! I always find something unusual here and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful.

Fabulous service and selection. Many author and community events. Left Bank Books is a community treasure!

Took side trip there while while visiting St. Louis. Uber ride from downtown hotel took about 25 minutes. Excellent selection of progressive themed books in a comfortable indie bookstore. read more

I typically love book stores in all their shapes and sizes. Used books, new books, comic books, I love them all. I have tried out a number of local book stores in St. Louis. I've been thoroughly disappointed by this store. The prices are higher than average which is common for local stores. They have a modest selection of used books, but these prices are very high. Just go get the used book from ebay. Still, again this is nothing out of the ordinary for local bookstores. What really turned me off though is the political climate that permeates the store. There is a strong liberal slant to the speakers they bring in, the reading groups, and what novels are features in the store. That is their right as a private business, but I'm tired of politics being rammed down my throat. I just want to get good books. I don't need my literature served with a side of self- righteousness. Something I've always liked about reading is that it can bring together people from all walks of life and viewpoints. Having such an overt political nature sours that experience and clearly marks Left Banks Books as being part of the Liberal Tribe. I'm sure some of the people giving Left Bank Books high ratings love the political nature that the business has. To me though it is a huge turn off. read more

Great location that's even bigger than it looks on the outside. I love the way queer / poc authors are featured front and center, and the emphasis placed on black voices during black history month. They also have used books at reasonable prices, and a bookstore cat!! What's not to love? read more

I absolutely love the charm and selection of my favorite independent book store in St. Louis! If you are an avid reader who thinks that authors should be treated like rock stars- then this is the place to go! It's a great corner location in the Central West End- it's a perfect stop on any date night after dinner but before ice cream. The staff here is above and beyond helpful and you can tell they have a passion for literature. It's a well organized layout with nice wide aisles and everything is clearly and creatively labeled by genre. When you walk in the whole store just seamlessly flows and it's a changing landscape of literature. They feature topical books of the week on tables and in the windows either based on current events, or local authors. Book recommendations are clearly laid out and the store even has a cat! Every book store needs a cat. I have been going to Left Bank books events since the first week I moved into the city. I highly recommend that you sign up for their news letter and see what authors or book releases are going to be coming out. They make reading and knowledge accessible - and they even have a giant used book section if you can't afford a new one. At a time when local book stores are not thriving the way they should, Left Bank Books really takes the lead with community events and book based outreach! This is the kind of bookstore that you can feel welcome and help expand your reading. That's why I keep going back! read more

Left Bank Books - Bookstores Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

The staff ! it was really nice and they were attendive to my needs and help me find the books. I was looking forward within minutes at a good price. read more

I actually love Left Bank Books better than some of the larger bookstores. I can always find my type of book, I like a slice of life story. They have used books located down in the basement. Children's books, reading glasses, calendars, they have it all. There is even a cat (Spike) to keep watch over the store. Story hour for children is usually on Saturday mornings. They also have a lecture series and book signings. The reason for four stars and not five. They do not carry some of the authors that my husband loves. They tell him that they can order it for him, but he can go to one of the larger bookstores and readily get it. I on the other hand, absolutely love browsing the shelves for a new read. Would I come back here? Of course I will. I'll see you in the funny papers. read more