Yes, sometimes Barnes and Noble can be a good thing. But when you have a choice, it feels so good to go local. Schuler is exactly what you want in a local bookstore. The space is cozy, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the coffee is tasty. When you're in the mood for a good book but don't have anything specific in mind, this is the perfect destination. That said, if there's something you want that they don't have in stock they'll order it for you. They have interesting events, inspiring readings and a kickin' kids section. read more

I like their used selection of books for both grown-ups & kids. Nice Michigan-themed t-shirts. Great magazine selection. Nice seating area. Helpful employees. A policy against concealed carry. WiFi. read more

I was devastated when Barnes & Nobles closed their wonderful store and moved to the mall. So I tried Schulers. No doubt in my mind that Schulers is now far better than the B & N. They have a wonderful selection of used books and a selection of signed editions. They have periodic author signings and seem very "user friendly". Downside is the lack of sales or membership cards that gave me discounts at B & N. Full price is tough to swallow with Amazon and Costco in the game. read more

A local bookstore dedicated to the art of reading. This full service bookstore has an impressive selection of books, magazines, music and gifts. The cafe is a nice place to enjoy a light fare and cup of coffee. The children's section is a wonderful reading room stocked with beautiful books and resources. The staff is very helpful, knowledgable and eager to help. They have an easy to navigate website, too. read more

I absolutely love coming to Schulers book & Music here on 28th St, but i had the the most annoying time her today 6-23-20 ( time between 3- 5pm) as I have been sitting in the cafe drinking my coffee and snack trying to read the magazine i had purchased, the staff of girls behind the cafe counter were sooo loud, it was extremely annoying as they laughed and giggled at a rediculous volume. I'm there was a teen and her mother doing homework at the table next to me, and i could hear the staff way over anything the table next to me. Maybe it's just me but part of the allure of a bookstore is the quiet atmosphere, Yes, there have been times when a group ( pre Covid) would be kind of loud, but this was just an unpleasant experience, as it was seemed to be the girls really wanted everyone to hear and the overly loud laughs were just annoying, i have been coming here for many years and never been this annoyed read more

Walked into Schuler Books on 28th Street in time to see them printing off an author's on-demand print job. It prints the pages and cover, glues the book together, and trims it, all within the one printing unit. Fascinating to watch. What I learned from this is that not only can I find all the latest new books from Schulers, but now books that were out of reach because they were out of print are suddenly within reach and just a drive away. Remember when you would ask to buy a book and you'd find out it was out of print? That usually meant hunting down a copy online or at a used book store, or waiting for the day - if ever - a publisher would print a new run. Not anymore. Many publishing houses are opening up their files to on-demand publishers like Schuler Books, shortening the process and time - and cost - for getting that book! And they have access to Google's file of books. Maybe Barnes and Noble is backed by New York's vast warehouses, but they don't have Schuler's resources! read more

I was skeptical, but I liked it ultimately. This is surprisingly big for an independent bookstore, with a decent selection. It is apparent that the staff is literate as they have displayed favorite reads with brief reviews (a la Borders, etc.). Good selection of literary fiction. A few rows of used books at reasonable prices (i bet the staff gets first dibs). read more

Good selection of books, competitive with any of the bigger chain book stores. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Staff is always friendly and helpful. There is a nice selection of retail items for home or gifts. They often host music events by local bands, book signings, and children's activities. Local authors have the opportunity to get their work pointed and sold here. The coffee shop is a great place to relax or meet with others. read more

This place made me wish I lived in or near Grand Rapids - I'd be here on a regular basis. Books, Music, Cards, Gift items - and all of it wonderfully selected and displayed. A welcoming place... read more

I enjoy the atmosphere and the used book selection. But the prices for new books are high. I asked if they price matched and was met with a rude "no, if we did that we'd go out of business" Because of that, i found new books for half the cost elsewhere. And Schuler lost a customer. Price matching isn't going to make any store go out of business. Its good customer service. I dont see how losing a customer wont hurt your businese, but price matching will. read more

I have tried super hard to continue to support Schulers, even through Covid and even though it takes a lot more effort (and some more $) not to use Amazon. I tried not to be impatient when they removed all the seating, because you know, we're all a lot more infectious when we're seated , and I was SO excited when the cafe finally re-opened. I love to bring my granddaughters, get them a treat, look at books together, and let them each select one to purchase. Except, oh yeah, it turns out we're also WAY more infectious looking at books while seated in the cafe than looking at books standing in the aisles! I'm pretty much giving up on a 30-year love affair with this store. I have pretty significant knee problems so browsing while standing is challenging, and with my little girls it's hard to keep track of them unless I can corral them all at a table while we look through books. This prohibition is STUPID, lazy, and nonsensical. It doesn't keep anyone safer, and makes Schuler's useless to me. Amazon, you got me finally! read more

Lovely local bookstore. Wonderful gift selection and cafe. But I really miss the roasted tomato, goat cheese and eggplant sandwich.

Came here for some programming books to take back home and read and have a nice afternoon in. The place is great and this was my first time in it. I found the 4 foot section on "computers" and tried finding what I needed. 2 books later and a bit of disappointment I left. The books were great and all but I was a bit down with the selection they had laid out. I get it, it's a book store for all the other sections but the computer section should have been a bit better. read more

Pretty good location to get into. friendly and helpful staff whenever I have a question or would like help finding a book. works with the book club I am a member of so we have seating and even discounts on our books for the month. read more

The atmosphere is perfect. They have a fireplace, comfortable seating and it is always very quiet without being uncomfortably so. The coffee selection and the hot pressed teas are amazing. They have a variety of vegetarian soups that which is very nice. The food is great and there is always a great selection of desserts which are delicious but not exactly low calorie. Barnes and Nobles used to be our favorite but then they joined the mall and we just don't want to go there anymore. They became commercialized and cold and there is even a security guard sometimes. Schuler's is cozy and you can sit in an oversized comfy chair and browse through books. They have some used books and some new books. The selection is decent, but not amazing. They showcase local authors which is nice. There is some unique and interesting giftware for sale. We stayed for a small concert once and the acoustics were perfect and the musicians talented. Schuler's is like a small, private, tranquil, pleasant and unique universe. We love being there. read more

Go to this store before going to a chain. It literally has everything that a borders or barnes and nobles has. There is a nice cafe, friendly staff, every new book you could want AS WELL as a good selection of used books. Great place. read more

SUPPORT THIS STORE! It's amazing! The coffee shop is great, with good coffee and great pastries and also their book variety is superb! They are a lot like borders and I just felt Nostalgic walking in there. read more