I come to this B&N frequently. It's a great place, there are only a few issues. One is that they…read morereorganize the books CONSTANTLY. You will go there once and return a few weeks later and it will look like a whole different store, which makes things difficult to locate. They also change what amount of a genre they have frequently. I use to come and they had DOZENS of classics in the penguin classic model. They would all be the little black penguin paper back, all together in one place. But now there are barely any classic novels on the shelves, and they no longer offer a large selection of the paperback penguin classics. They're all cloth bound, hardback, or leather. Which is pretty, but not super concert if you're not looking to drop 30-40 dollars on a book. They have a ton of YA books to choose from, but I rarely see many people wandering that aisle, it's usually the classic aisle that I see more people I have to squeeze through. Another issue is that the workers can get kind of annoying. I know they're just doing their job, and if they don't then they will probably get fired, but sometimes I will no joke have workers seeming to follow me throughout the store. One minute you're looking at Brontë and the next someone pops up, "Finding everything alright?". I get it, they can't help it but it gets a little strange. I was once in the section near the register looking at some of the Smithsonian books, and a worker was just lurking. Not stocking shelves, not arranging anything, just lurking. I had no idea why. She didn't even ask me anything, she was just watching me like a hawk. Surely she could trust I wouldn't steal anything-- those Smithsonian books weigh a ton! It was kind of creepy. This really is a good B&N though, only critique is the weird rearranging and harassment.

Awful customer service!!!! I have been a customer for years, the lady today that checked me out…read morenot only embarrassed me because it was crowded but convinced me why the summit B&N is definitely more professional.

If you love getting lost in a good browse, 2nd & Charles is such a fun spot to spend an afternoon…read more It's like a treasure hunt every time you walk in--books, vinyl, games, and random gems you didn't even know you needed. The vibe is super chill, and the staff has always been friendly and helpful when I've had questions or needed recommendations. If you're into books, music, or just a little retail therapy with personality, this is definitely a spot worth visiting. Just be prepared... you probably won't leave empty-handed!

The service was very family friendly. The selection was a wide variety, of books'. The value was so…read moreworth it. I will go back again.

It had all the books that I needed, which is hard considering I have a lot of different opinions…read more When I didn't know or something, was somebody always came to me and helped me find whatever it was. Plus, the prices of the books were pretty cheap.

I love to read! You'd think I'd be in a place like this all the time, but sadly, I've succumbed to…read morereading e-books. However, I do enjoy a physical book periodically. I stopped by this location yesterday in search of some specific children's books. As I entered the store's entrance, I noticed a section of really cool children's activity kits. I spent at least five minutes looking at the kits. I eventually got myself back on track, but I'll be back to more close look at those items. They'd make great stocking stuffers. I went to the counter in the middle of the store to get help locating the books. A really nice employee walked me over to the area where the books would be. She even looked through the books with me to find the exact ones I wanted. I truly appreciate great customer service like that! My checkout experience was easy. My Barnes and Noble membership had expired. I didn't renew it then, but it's only $25 so I may start it back up in the future since it gives you discounts each time you shop.

It had all the books that I needed, which is hard considering I have a lot of different opinions…read more When I didn't know or something, was somebody always came to me and helped me find whatever it was. Plus, the prices of the books were pretty cheap.

This store sits in one of the last remaining "MALLS" in Birmingham, AL and in what USE TO BE the…read moremost prestigious shopping area/location. With that said, THE STORE appears to be FAIRLY CLEAN but the RESTROOMS are ABSOLUTELY and I mean POSITIVELY DISGUSTING! Please please don't allow your love ones to use these facilities... stop on the side of the road and use a bag or bucket so you won't risk the contamination. You're Welcome

The assortment is Huge! Very good assistance & knowledgeable.pricing seemed very fair. Cant wait to…read morevisit again.

If you need a map, this is where to get it. Period…read more Carto-Craft is unique for three reasons: 1. it is locally owned 2. they are actually cartographers (map-makers) who design and publish incredibly detailed maps of Alabama and surrounding areas... aka they are experts 3. aside from their own line of maps, they offer hundreds of other selections (for example, they have maps of Iraq, a city map of Durban, South Africa, and an array of European roadmaps, city maps, etc)... they even have valuable antique maps that would be perfect in any personal library or study. I went in to get a map of my own city, Birmingham, and to pick up something for Father's Day, and my dad is a bit of a map-a-holic. This is one of his favorite stores, not only for its expertise and selection but also because of its total hole-in-the-wall, out of the way location in Bluff Park. Luckily, my navigation system was able to take me there- for the record it is located in a shopping center featuring a Piggly Wiggly, and is in the back corner of the parking lot in a stand-alone building. The man who helped me has worked at Carto-Craft for 25 years, and filled my time there with stories about his family, his vast collection of over 5000 books, and more. He showed me all of the Carto-Craft maps I (because of my dad) was already familiar with- the incredible and huge laminated views of Smith Lake, Lake Martin, Weiss Lake, the Bankhead National Forest, the Sipsey Wilderness, and other areas of Alabama. Then he pulled out some impressive National Geographic surveys showing the battle patterns from the Civil War, trail maps, and told me about their most recently sold out item: a map series showing the Lewis and Clark trail (of course then I wanted one, but hopefully they will get more!). So, ultimately, I walked out of the door with exactly what I needed: an inexpensive ($4.95) and hard to come by detailed map of Birmingham, and a unique gift for my dad (an old topographical map of Alabama) and a Survival Guide (we like to watch Doomsday Preppers so I found it to be a funny yet useful item). If for nothing else but the experience, go to Carto-Craft, talk to the knowledgeable staff, look around, and experience a true map-lovers paradise. oh- but be ready- they do still use a printer with the perforated edges for receipts... so this trip will not be a quick one... but it will be well worth the time.