8 Magical Bookstores That Every St. Louis Book Lover Should Visit

By Riverfront Times Staff on Tue, Feb 16, 2016 at 1:07 pm

Few things are more magical than a book -- the stories between the pages can send you on far-off adventures, teach you mind-blowing facts, give you a glimpse of the world through the eyes of another, or take you to a universe that only exists within the realms of imagination. In a world overtaken by e-readers and tablets, these local bookstores keep that old-fashioned magic alive -- and every St. Louis bibliophile must visit them. Editor's note: This slideshow has been updated since its original publication to display Afterwords Books' new address.

Few things are more magical than a book -- the stories between the pages can send you on far-off adventures, teach you mind-blowing facts, give you a glimpse of the world through the eyes of another, or take you to a universe that only exists within the realms of imagination. In a world overtaken by e-readers and tablets, these local bookstores keep that old-fashioned magic alive -- and every St. Louis bibliophile must visit them.

Editor's note: This slideshow has been updated since its original publication to display Afterwords Books' new address.

Photos by Harlan McCarthy

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Harlan McCarthy

Main Street Books
307 S. Main Street
St. Charles, Mo. 63301

Through location changes and three different owners since its opening in 1993, Main Street Books has never ceased to provide the charm of an independent book seller to the people of St. Charles.

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You can find gift items such as greeting cards, card games, journals, children's toys and bookmarks. They also accept donations of used books that are in good condition. Bonus: all used paperbacks are $2, and used hardcovers are only $5.

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Main Street Books hosts a number of author events each month. They bring in local favorites in addition to nationally known writers.

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Mary Piazza assists a Main Street Books customer. Some patrons also meet for a book club at the store once a month, and all are welcome to join.

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They also have a consignment sales program for the area's self-published authors.

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The Novel Neighbor
7905 Big Bend Blvd.
Webster Groves, Mo. 63119

At The Novel Neighbor, owner Holland Saltsman seeks to bring the sense of connection from her Kentucky hometown to her Webster Groves store.

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Opened in 2014, The Novel Neighbor offers a variety of classes and events in addition to books. Here, Saltsman and employee Lauren Lane examine one of the books on display.

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Craft lovers will be all over "Craft Night Out." Grab some friends, pick a craft, pick a date and spend an artsy evening at the Novel Neighbor.

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David Goeres and his son sit and chat with Rev. Chris Abel at The Novel Neighbor. The Novel Neighbor serves as space for numerous organized gatherings as well, including book clubs for tweens, teens and adults. Check their calendar for other events -- you never know when you'll find a Harry Potter Night, Essential Oils class or a Paint and Wine Mixer on the schedule.

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There's room to play at The Novel Neighbor, as Brayden and Kaylee Walters show here. Need a birthday party location? They offer that, too. Let them know your child's favorite book, or choose one of the store's themes, and they'll plan an entire party around it.

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Patten Books
10202 Manchester Rd.
St. Louis, Mo. 63122

Upon entering Patten Books, you're immediately immersed in a book lover's heaven.

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Keith Patten, pictured here at the desk, is the owner of the store.

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Looking for a particular book, but intimidated by the endless shelves before you? Give them the title and author of the book, and they'll find it for you.

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Patten Books sells new as well as used books. Give them a call before bringing in books to sell.

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Subterranean Books
6275 Delmar
St. Louis, Mo. 63130

Never neglect a stop at this gem in the Loop when walking down Delmar. Woman-owned with a small staff of dedicated readers, Subterranean Books is always working to provide the next great book they think their customers will enjoy.

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