In a day and age when bookstores are being run out of business by Amazon and other online marketers, it is good to see an old-fashioned bookstore stocked to the ceiling with titles ... all new books in a wide range of genres ... leaning academic or at least intelligent nonfiction with only a bit of popular fiction. We were not surprised to run across this kind of bookstore in a major college town like the University of Michigan. The store is located on a corner in a busy area of Ann Arbor, and covers two stories ... a first floor and a basement ... both well stocked. The staff was very helpful, especially with their "staff picks." We'll visit again ... read more

The staff here are very kind and the selection is pretty decent for a cute little downtown bookstore. I love to purchase the shelves and find something new, although I found the layout slightly confusing, and I found various books and multiple locations. The little tags that talk about unique aspects of the book are a really nice touch. I did find it to be slightly biased politically, but I'm not sure what you can expect in downtown Ann Arbor. They did have a beautiful special version of a book that my best friend from Australia loves, so I was able to pick up that copy. I can't wait to send it to her. When I told her about it, she cried. The book is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much Literati for stocking such lovely products! Sidenote - this bookstore used to have delicious oat milk, lattes and unfortunately, they do not the café upstairs anymore. I do like that they got rid of all the tables where people would sit for hours on their computer computers. Now there is more room for books and I enjoy their selection of YA, cookbooks, and other genres. This is the same bookstore. We brought our Canadian friends too to browse, and it was very fun also. Thank you so much Indie bookstores. We love to stop in! read more

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What a fun little bookstore. They have mostly new offerings, two levels, pretty decent selection at typical prices. Very well-organized. I love the staff notes scattered throughout the shop and having a typewriter out on the lower level was pretty cool. They also swell swag. read more

Business trips are not fun. Every time I am in Ann Arbor I'd rush back to the hotel after work so I can continue to work. I told myself that this trip would be different. I love visiting bookstores. The overwhelming excitement as I see stacks and rows of books to skim, feel, and to purchase never cease to amaze me. There's an upstairs and a downstairs! There are events posted on the website. Unfortunately there wasn't an event this week, but I was so happy that I drove to downtown for desserts and found this place serendipitously. I did have it bookmarked but I wasn't planning on visiting a bookstore that evening. Service was amazing. Everything was organized. I never walk out of a bookstore empty handed. read more

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Great bookstore. There's definitely something for everyone here! Love the variety of books, gift items, toys, etc. read more

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The coolest independent bookstore in Ann Arbor. We enjoyed exploring the up and down stairs, very imaginative and playful environment! Love the open to play typewriter downstairs & friendly staff. read more

Literati Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

The service was great. People were kind and it was cute to visit. Could read in a spot upstairs, which was peaceful

Adorable, cozy old- school bookstore in the heart of downtown. Great layout and labels, with descriptions of books. Staff is very friendly, and they even host events. We purchased a few books, stickers, t shirts and a cool tote. We explored only the top 2 levels. Upon leaving, I discovered that there is a basement with games... for my next visit! read more

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I've loved reading since I was a little, little kid. There's so much magic in being able to travel through time and space, through real and fantasy, walk miles in someone else's shoes, gain endless knowledge and wisdom, all through books. Literati captures all the magic of reading and of independent bookstores and is truly a delight to walk through every single time. These are booksellers that love books and want to share that love with you. Their shelves are PACKED with handwritten reviews and recommendations, and it's always fun to slowly browse and read them. Shopping at Literati always feels so much more of a personal and sentimental experience than shopping at other large bookstores. They've also done an amazing job cultivating themselves as a premiere bookstore for events, both local and national. I just went to two cookbook talks within the last couple of weeks, they were a stop on Michelle Zauner's tour. They host in person and on zoom, and give a sense of really bringing the community together over shared interests. They celebrated their 10 year anniversary this year and I'm looking forward to the next 10! read more

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This was my first time here and it is a very interesting bookstore. I didn't take the time to look around because I was with my 98 year old uncle and I didn't want to delay getting him back home. He was looking for a specific book and Literati had it in stock. Unlike the big box store, Literati knew what was in stock and was able to find it. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I didn't have a clue about paying for parking, they helped me with the situation. Books were labeled according to the subject matter. One of the reviews mentioned a basement, so hopefully when I'm back, I will take my time and check everything thing out . No idea how prices compare to others, i bought a just released book. Check them out read more

Cute little bookstore located in downtown Ann Arbor! The staff were very helpful in providing recommendations and also helpful in finding my selections. read more

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Ahhh, I the smell of new books. This is the cutest bookstore located in downtown Ann Arbor. And definitely one of my favorites. Every time I come in looking for a very specific book recommendation, the staff delivers! They have recommended some of my now favorites, and I can't wait to go back. I do, however, miss their teas and coffee in the upstairs level (I haven't seen the station open for service in years). FYI, parking is a little tough. You will likely need to pay for street parking (which can be hard to find) or go to a paid structure. read more

Fun small but large 3 story book store. Never shopped here until Literati hosted food author Kevin Pang for his new release of a Chinese cookbook. I am very excited to cook some of the recipes. read more

Literati Bookstore - Author Kevin Pang giving a talk - Bookstores Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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What a great place. I enjoy the detailed staff recommendations and always stock up on cards while I'm there.

Wandered into Literati while in the neighborhood and ended up browsing for twenty minutes, which felt like too short an amount of time given all the interesting books lining the walls. While I didn't venture upstairs, the first floor--which was essentially one open space with shelves lining the walls and table fixtures in the center--had plenty of varied options to check out. Other patrons seemed to feel the same since on a Sunday afternoon this place was fairly bustling. I especially loved the hand-written reviews by the staff, attached with little cards under many selections. For the fiction books, these gave intriguing insight into each book, generally disclosing the premise and a couple themes but without giving too much away from the plot. They really lent a personal touch and were a terrific way to pique potential readers's interests! I hope to be back soon to buys a couple books! read more

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What a delightful bookstore! There are three levels that feel very welcoming and homey. There were a lot of people in the store at our visit, which was great to see. We spent a lot of time upstairs, where they have fantastic kids and young adult sections, with some nice seating and plentiful book choices, plus additional gift items. The staff was friendly at checkout. read more

Love this store. Staff is amazing with recommendations and have loved all the books I have gotten here. Can't wait for another visit

Adorable bookstore. We stopped in because it was dog friendly. We stayed for the books. My kiddo took time going through the large selection of graphic novels upstairs. Nice sticker and card collection. Very friendly customers and customer service. We would come back. read more

Literati Bookstore - Literati is puppy and kid approved. - Bookstores Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Cute multilevel downtown bookstore, nice selection of new and older titles with staff recs. Fun and cheerful selection of art prints, greeting cards, and stickers. Friendly staff, highly recommended! read more

An absolutely wonderful -- thoughtfully curated -- bookstore. If Clare is representative of the rest of the Literati crew, the store is staffed by terrifically knowledgeable, generous book lovers. Clare's love of reading and wide ranging knowledge of books and writers is evident in every syllable she utters. Her recommendations were absolutely perfect. Stores like Literati make the world a better place! read more

Ah! So glad they reopened right before I happened to be there for work! What a neat ode to the classic bookstore that disappeared when Borders and Barnes and Noble hit the scene in the late 90s. I love that they still have their typewriter downstairs for people to type anonymous notes. The upstairs kids section was thoughtfully organized with a good mix of books, stuffed animals, and games for kids of all ages and educators. I came in just before closing on a weekday and they were quite the popular spot. It would seem that they need to stay open later as I saw at least 8 different people try to open the door after they locked up and I was outside waiting to be picked up. I picked up a few great picture books for my nephews and nieces and a non-fiction book for myself. I'm so glad they got the support they needed to get through the pandemic and I hope they are around for generations to come - what a gem! read more

Oh. My. Cute. Little. Bookshop. Floor to ceiling shelves of books, ranging from fiction to sci-fi to poetry to biographies. The staff have hand-written personalized notes for their fav books, which is a nice touch for personalizing the so even more. Check them out it you're in need of a new book (or 5)! read more

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Exactly what an independent bookstore should be! As an avowed fan of all things literary and of small, independent bookstores everywhere, I found Literati to be the epitome of what an indie bookseller should be. I love everything about this store, from excellent customer service with a personal touch and decent prices to the varied inventory to the layout and be prime location downtown. I shop in here pretty much every time I'm back in Ann Arbor, often picking up a new book or two or occasionally giftware etc (and often a latte upstairs in the cafe). I like this shop because it's not homogenized cookie cutter boring, not it's large enough to carry a nice array of fiction and non fiction, plus giftware and reading accessories, but it's not too large and impersonal, either. It definitely isn't lacking in regards to the personal touch that is the hallmark of small, independent business and I like that. If there's something they don't have in stock, the staff will order it. If you're looking for a new book recommendation, they'll offer it and it will usually be a pretty much solid tip. Oh, and I love the cozy reading nook downstairs and I still love that old typewriter they have down there where you can type up a quick note (if you can actually use one- I am clueless, but I like the concept). read more

My beloved Literati! If I could, I would give Literati all the stars -- five just isn't enough! I will forever have an undying love for this bookstore, my favorite bookstore ever. This bookstore is what all bookstores aspire to be. Right when you walk in, you are hit with the wondrous smell of new books and coffee mingling together, the sound of the creaking staircases as people walk up and down and of the clicking of a typewriter nearby, and the sight of all those books just waiting to be chosen by you and those staff review cards sticking out under so many of those books to help you in your difficult decisions on what to read next. You walk through the store feeling the sturdiness of those gorgeous, floor to ceiling shelves they bought from Borders, and know that this place, despite being on the newer end, is filled with history. There are not enough words in the English language, nor am I eloquent enough, to capture exactly how wonderful this bookstore is in the span of one review, but know that you and your canine companions alike will have the most wonderful experience in this place. The employees work here because they love it. The owners are never too busy to stop and chat with the customers. This is a place built on love and passion, and it shows. I miss you, Literati. Every day this pandemic continues on, I miss you a little more. I'm eagerly awaiting the day when your doors will open so I can walk upon the black and white checkered floors once again. Until then, everyone continue to support your local bookstores during these challenging times! read more

It's hard to believe that for a short time Ann Arbor - the town that Borders started in - lacked a new bookstore downtown (there were/are plenty of other used or niche bookstores downtown - just not an all around new bookstore). Literati has done a fantastic job of becoming THE downtown Ann Arbor bookstore. A cool space, an incredibly well curated selection and they host a lot of great readings. Here's to hoping the great coffee store they have upstairs reopens once the pandemic is behind us. read more

I can't say I've ever purchased anything here, because I'm a book blogger and my TBR pile is always insanely large, but I love browsing. There aren't really any "real bookstores" around anymore, and certainly not in the metro Detroit 'burbs (no, Barnes & Noble does not count). Whenever I'm in Ann Arbor and near Literati, I like to stop by and browse - they even have handwritten recommendations from their staff up by each of the books that they recommend. They do a ton of events here, too, in the basement area, and I believe the store itself is 2 or 3 levels - the basement, the main floor, and I think there's a kids floor on the 2nd floor, though don't quote me on that. Their Instagram daily story is always awesome as well, if you are looking for book suggestions. Definitely worth a stop if you're a book fan and in Ann Arbor! read more

This bookstore is like one you would imagine in a library both inspired by Harry Potter and a hipster dream. It also kind of reminds me of that fresh little wand shop in HP. The organization is impeccable, the vibe is so cozy (enough to make even people who aren't naturally inclined to the wonder if reading excited about being in a book shop), the aroma of the fresh pages is invigorating, the cafe is dope, the staff is inviting, and the ground level floor with books from lined up floor to ceiling is inspired. This book shop is everything that I could ever want it to be read more

Wonderful bookstore! They require masks indoors as an FYI. So many floors filled with well organized and staff picked books. Great selection of pens and journals. read more

A great little bookstore in the heart of Ann Arbor with a downstairs and an upstairs and an excellent children's section. read more

Literati Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I absolutely love this bookstore. Whenever I'm downtown, I try to stop by here to browse their books and stationary. I appreciate the effort put in to spotlight various books on a rotating basis with personal notes written by staff. Literati also carries great stationary such as Japanese brand Midori. There is a first floor and basement filled with books. In the corner of the basement, there's a fun old fashioned type writer many guests like to type little quotes and notes on sometimes staff will tape to the nearby wall. I love that there is a coffee shop on the top floor one can grab a quick beverage from to enjoy with their book. Definitely a gem of Ann Arbor, I wish this bookstore many years of continued success. read more

I love Literati, but twice the books that i have bought turned out to have a hole or tears in some of the pages. They have a great selection and organization of the collection. Had I not encountered this problem more than once, I would have given a higher review. read more

Literati Bookstore - Pages ripped of book purchased. - Bookstores Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

So appreciate this bookstore in our town - they continue to provide robust educational experiences for our community and outstanding service. read more

Indy rules! Borders Books was once the best bookstore before corporate mergers and gross mismanagement erased it from the face of the earth. Today Ann Arborites can enjoy three floors of fun chock full of books and simple but nice decor. Perhaps the periodicals section could be larger, but given the space they have I'd say any compromises are still in the consumers' favor. I particularly enjoyed the non-fiction section in the basement. Book-for-book the selection was a balance of established classics and new releases. The fact they exist downtown makes me very happy. Although smaller, Literati is comparable to Vroman's in Pasadena, CA. Both are independently owned and dialed in. Upstairs is the wonderful Espresso Café where book signings and other special events take place. I will review the café separately, but suffice it to say, if I had room in my suitcase I would have loaded up today. read more

Literati Bookstore - Foot of the stairs display. - Bookstores Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Purchased my first book and there coffee mug back in 2015. Love there coffee shop on the 2nd level. So many books to chose from, you won't be disappointed (: read more

Literati Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Whenever I'm in Ann Arbor, I never miss the opportunity to stop in at literati. The space itself is warm and welcoming, and the inventory never fails to disappoint. The poetry section, in particular, is well-stocked with multiple titles by the leading voices in poetry today. I also enjoy reading what shoppers have typed on the portable typewriters on display. read more

This place was packed at opening two saturdays ago! I was very happy for them and impressed. They are no longer a cafe from what I saw? I think they converted to three stories of just books. I bought some cool cards and a book while there. I didn't explore it all because it was so busy (and I already have so many books waiting to be read at home haha). I'll definitely be back though. It's right in the main downtown shopping area near cafes and restaurants and lots of other shops. Cute shop, great location. read more

I took a day trip out to Ann Arbor to explore some of the local bookstores and was not at all disappointed. This bookstore offers a welcoming atmosphere and is full of so many different genre options that everyone who steps foot inside is sure to find something that they're excited to leave with. With three levels stocked completely with books of all kinds, no one will be left wanting. The employees are friendly and excited about their jobs. Everyone I spoke to was happy to be of help and gave wonderful recommendations. Very happy with my experience here today. read more

Literati Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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If you love small little independent bookstores, you will not be disappointed in this location. My son wanted to support a local business while we were in the area, so we passed a few chain bookstores to get the book he was after. Unfortunately they did not have the book he was looking for, but they stated it could be ordered on their website. He already had their website open on is phone, so he just ordered for in store pickup. Not sure about nearby parking, as we lucked out and snagged a parking spot right in front of the store. Support your local businesses, and check this place out if you haven't yet. You'll be so glad that you did. I will definitely be back when I have a lot more time, I need to check their coffee and other levels out. read more

I've been into Literati countless times since they opened but I spent a particularly large amount of time in there around Christmas, picking out gifts for several people on my list. It. Was. Packed. All three floors had tons of people browsing, chatting, walking around and carrying armfuls of book each. I hadn't seen anything like that in years! And instead of getting annoyed by the crowds (which I normally do in busy shops) something magical happened--I teared up. Yes, I got overwhelmingly emotional. Why? Because the 15 year old suburban kid in me that used to hang out in Borders for hours, pouring through books and magazines, drinking coffee, and longing to be way older and more sophisticated than I was, came back with a vengeance. And you know what? I missed her. Sure, Borders was a chain, but it was a locally based chain and in the 90s, living in Dearborn Heights, it was the best I had. And it was actually pretty good. We had a shop full of people who knew their stuff. They held signings and readings and listening parties. You even had to take a test to just get an interview (I never got an interview). Spending my time there introduced me to worlds I never knew about. I stumbled upon a lecture and meet and greet with Lloyd Kaufman from Troma Entertainment one night (and thus a brief dalliance with Z-horror films was born), I made friends with the clerks over a shared love of Britpop (thumbing through Q Magazine and browsing the music biography section for a new Unauthorized Blur biography) and secretly caught up on the old YA series' I left behind (aka grabbing the latest Baby Sitter's Club book and skimming it in the corner, lest anyone see me). News of a bookstore's closing has always bummed me out, to be sure, but I never realized how acutely I had missed them until that moment. The moment when I saw Literati overflowing with readers, thinkers, and yes, a few loiterers. I never realized how much I missed a place to read the chicken scratch of "staff recommendations" on index cards (although the staff at Literati has VERY legible penmanship!), to thumb through the stiff pages of a new hardcover, and the joy of noticing a book I'd never heard of before but picking it up because the jacket looked cool (sorry, I know we shouldn't judge books by their cover but it happens!) and discovering it was actually pretty great. It's the best feeling, you guys! Remember it?! Sure, a few chain bookstores remain but there's no real soul there left. Those days are gone. It's time to go back to basics. To excellently curated shops with passionate clerks and a love of literature. To teenagers and adults and children (seriously, the children's section is the bomb) discovering new things about themselves through words. To lectures and readings, poetry and plays, cookbooks and economics, children's story time and book clubs, and a cozy basement level with a working typewriter so you can bang out some prose and tape it to the wall to share with others. That's what you'll find at Literati. It's glorious. And what a blessing to have them in our neck of the woods. Ignore the naysayers--the printed word isn't dying. It just needed to find a more nurturing home. And if 3 floors of shoppers packed in on a December evening is any indication, its future looks secure at Literati. And I couldn't be happier. Ps--if your inner teen also needs a coffee fix the delightful Espresso Bar on the top floor will take care of that for you. Another evening found me there, sipping a latte and catching up on a little work when (much to my surprise) my old high school debate team came in for their first public exhibition of the school year. In that moment I really DId feel 15 again! read more

Perhaps the best thing about Literati is their uncanny ability to not overwhelm the shopping reader. I wager I speak for many shoppers when I say that I don't know what I'm looking for more often than not. This becomes an issue when I step into a shop with endless walls of books shelved sardine style. For example, stop one--which is typically Fantasy--is clean an organized by author, and by popularity to a degree. There is no time to peruse thousands of possibilities. Thank you for providing a streamlined yet welcoming and memorable shopping experience. Job well done. read more