Left Bank Books

The age of the bookstore seems to be waning, making Left Bank Books even more of a gem.
If I’m going to go buy a book, why would I want go support some big chain like Barnes & Noble when there’s a quality store out there that’s also a member of the St. Louis community?
I’ve always really enjoyed going into LBB and taking a look around. I suggest you do the same.

Left Bank is a cute book shop in the CWE with tons of offerings. They have a really good selection of new releases and local authors, and they even have a solid selection of older books available to check out. Additionally, Left Bank has used books available on the cheap. To top all this off, Left Bank is heavily involved in the community. They support tons of great causes, bring in authors — both local and national — for signings, and in my opinion provide a huge cultural addition to the otherwise food and drink heavy CWE.
While Left Bank has some interesting used reads occasionally it’s mostly cheap paperback novels. Basically, its selection of used books is pretty lacking. Nothing wrong with that at all, but don’t go expecting a hard-​to-​find author or recently published major work for cheap. Also, I’ve haven’t had the opportunity to check out signings yet but have heard nothing but good things even though it’s a fairly tight location.
Regardless, every time I’ve gone to Left Bank I’ve found everything I wanted. Last time I had a vague idea of reading a random book from a specific, dead author, and within 10 minutes of perusing I found that author and a book I’d never read before. Before that visit I came with specific, new books in mind and found them both front and center by the door. Left Bank’s definitely my go-​to bookstore in St. Louis.

I had not been to LBB for awhile, and with their recent renovation, I truly must down grade my star ratings because now, it just feels like another bookstore. It’s nice with the new carpet and paint, etc., but it’s lost it’s old charm that it had. The downstairs is still the same; however, the upstairs is completely different. Their subject sections have been rearranged, and they have a larger children’s section upstairs. The literary magazines that once were on the magazine wall are gone; I could not find them; however, on the flip side, they always have the specific books that I want or need when I go there. That is a huge plus as far as I’m concerned because other bookstores tell me that they have to order it.
It’s always pleasant seeing the cat and playing with him when he’s in the mood to play. That bookstore is his entire world.
I like it, but I don’t love it anymore.

In the era where physical bookstores are becoming obsolete, Left Bank Books is still a standing establishment. Why? Because the customer service at this place is impeccable.
If I was rich and owned a lot of property, I would seriously buy every book from this place. There are shelves of books literally everywhere. If you cannot find the book at another chain bookstore, then this place probably has it.
This place also supports the LGBTQ community, which is an added plus.
I also highly recommend coming to a book lecture, if this place ever hosts one. The last lecture was a haunted Missouri lecture, which was very educational.
Also please don’t forget to pet the very beautiful cat that roams the place. Highly recommended.

I like this bookstore in theory, but I have never had a good experience with the staff, especially the owners. Hello or Welcome goes a very long way. The selection is great, but could you be a bit nicer? Are you glad I am buying from you & giving you money?

Left Bank Books doesn’t have the biggest selection of books, nor is it the best price, but what it does have (in spades) is character and the fact that it’s one of the few independent book sellers left in St. Louis.
Whenever it’s a birthday or holiday and my aunt gets books for us, I know that they came from Left Bank Books — she’s a big supporter of local businesses and for that I applaud her.
Going in to Left Bank is like stepping in to a candy land for adults and book lovers. I could literally spend all day in there just perusing all the interesting titles they have, saying, ‘Hi’ to the resident kitty who hangs out in there and reading snippets of this and that. It’s a dangerous black hole that way.
Another cool thing about Left Bank is that they host lots of authors on various nights, both local ones and traveling ones, and they’ll order any book you can ask for if it’s not in stock.
While I can’t say the ease of the Internet booksellers isn’t extremely tempting (and I use it often, I’ll be honest), there’s something so comforting and familiar and friendly about walking into Left Bank Books and walking out laden down with new books knowing I just contributed a little bit more to St. Louis commerce.

I love this place. They have so many unique things, and they have great book recommendations.

Last weekend I visited St. Louis for a cousin’s wedding and had some free time to explore. A close friend took me to the Central West End and made sure to stop at Left Bank. I can’t imagine a more perfect book store. The selection was great; the write-​ups for the staff picks were really interesting and a diverse set of books was featured. There’s a great local section featuring St. Louis and Missouri writers. The staff were exceedingly friendly. They also had a beautiful card selection, important for last minute wedding and mother’s day card shopping! I will make sure to come back here next time I’m in St. Louis!

Customer service went out the window when I went. Woman who opened the register was rude and not helpful. Ending up leaving without purchasing anything & won’t be returning.

Every area of every city should have a place like Left Bank Books. It was forever ago, but I still remember when I was working at Starbucks in the CWE down the street and Left Bank was having an event for the midnight release of Harry Potter. Witches and wizards running amock! They have events like that often — you just need to watch out for them. (They’re good at updating their events on their website). And they have a fun location — down the street from a lot of good shops and eateries so you can drop in and then get a coffee or a drink or whatever.
The selection is huge in terms of any area, but the one thing I will say is that I wouldn’t go here to bargain hunt. Even the used books are a little pricey — it’s not like you’re going to Goodwill for Books by any means. But hey, buy a new book and it’ll end up used anyway, so I wouldn’t worry too much about paying the extra few dollars than you’d pay if you snagged the same title on eBay. To a degree, Left Banks is about the experience; and also, with the selection, you have a lot to choose from.

Thank you to Unilocal[ers] for leading me to Left Bank Books when I had a free afternoon during a conference in St. Louis. This bookstore is amazing; one of the coziest I have ever been to (even more cozy than Harvard Book Store, which is widely beloved). The staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and the displays are wonderful. I love the wide array of staff picks. I left wanting to throw away my e-​reader because a great bookstore like this one reminds me how much sensory pleasure one gets from holding a book and reading it. Thank you, Left Bank books, for reminding me that reading is a complete joy!

This bookstore is a personal favorite! Their collection is suitable to any kind of reader! They have used books which are of course cheaper, but are still very much displayable in your library or coffeetable!
They do not put your purchase in plastic or bag. They wrap them in brown paper and tie it with a pretty ribbon. They also have a cat! What can be more amazing than books AND cats?!

I love a good neighborhood bookstore, and this fits the bill. Upstairs, you’ll find a wide range of selections, including a wall of books for reading groups. Downstairs, you’ll find quiet shelves of used books (surprisingly hard to find in St. Louis!). Wandering around the store you’ll find the store cat — squeee! The only thing that could make this place better would be a few more chairs to sit in and flip through your books before you decide which ones to purchase.

Great independent bookstore in one of the best, most walkable neighborhoods in st Louis. This store is a true joy to browse. Its nicely curated and has a good choice of local/​regional books to choose from. The staff is friendly and helpful. It kind of reminds me of a smaller version of the old Library LTD.
Don’t forget to check out the basement for even more books to browse including a used book section.
This store is known for having a lot of book signings, including some big name authors. Its important to support local, independent bookstores as there are so few left.

They giftwrapped my books for free. Not by putting them in bags, but with wrapping paper and ribbon.
When my friend checked out, they let her purchase apply towards my loyalty points, or whatever the program is called.
They’re so cool!

A friend and I randomly found this place walking through a neighborhood in STL. Oh, what a gem we found! First of all, kudos to Left Bank Books for being what seems like one of the few independently owned bookstores around. Based upon my first visit, I can see why. They have a wide range of books across genres. It was like a bookworms paradise. I especially enjoyed all of the staff recommendations posted and various displays because I was able to discover books I might never have heard of otherwise. The staff is also very friendly and ready to help you find your next good read. Now downstairs is the used book section. So many unique books, with great prices! On the day of my visit, there was an extra percentage off on used books. Um, winning! I was a bit confused as to where to find the price, but it is located on the inside cover. I was bummed to have to leave. I left with so many new book options to add to my reading list. Such a fun store!
Although I love Barnes & Noble dearly, if I had a Left Bank Books in my city, I would go there instead. STL please support this gem. You guys are so lucky to have them. Whenever I am in town, after stopping for cupcakes up the street at The Cup, I plan to stop at Left Bank Books to stock up!

I don’t really know how to give a bookstore less than 5 stars. I wanted book, they had book. Twice.
On my first visit, the lady at the register told me that I would get 10% off because I was buying a novel that one of their clubs was discussing. She actually invited me to come back and join the club. Bless her heart but I can only imagine myself at a bookclub:
«Hemingway’s prose is unlike anyone else’s. However, I quickly noticed that the book didn’t have pictures so I stopped reading after page 6. When do we pass around the cheese and crackers?»
The second time I came in looking for Don Quixote by Cervantes (alriiiiight I wanted 50 Shades of Grey… by Cervantes). I found what I was looking for in their used section and it only cost $ 5.
The used-​book section is located in the basement. I read about it when researching Left Bank but after watching the beginning of Ghostbusters I have tried to avoid going anywhere near library or bookstore basements. However, I’m also cheap. So I decided I would battle the ghosts in order to save money. I lucked out. There were no ghosts… this time.
Apparently there is a cat here. I haven’t seen it in my two trips. That amazes me. My family has about 47 cats so strange pussies usually find their way to me. I guess they can identify a person that can make them happy. Just another reason why they are so great.
Left Bank gets bonus points for handing out a bookmark with each purchase. Before coming in here the last three bookmarks I’ve used were: a KFC receipt from 2007, a used napkin, and a Delino DeShields baseball card. I can tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Delino DeShields because of that card.

First off, I’m just glad we still have local bookstores around. Especially right in the CWE! So cool.
Left Bank has a huge selection all from used to brand new. I was just in for a quick peruse but they had a ton of great options. The layout of the store was really neat, too. They have multiple stories! What, what?!
The best part of this place is that they have a cat. This is the chillest cat you will ever meet. It’s big and it’s beautiful. I can’t wait to come back… for the cat… and maybe some books.
But mainly for the cat.
I like cats.

What’s the first thing you should do when you have to get reading glasses? Buy new books. What better place to do that then an adorably charming and quaint local bookstore?
Honestly, I was bummed when I finally had to admit that I needed reading glasses. But when I got them, it was a total relief and I wanted to get back to reading as soon as I could. I really love the laid-​back vibe here, and it’s cool to take your time to wander around and see all of the different sections.
I walked away with a cool selection of stuff… a few hardcover fiction books, a few things political, and an autobiography. My purchase certainly wasn’t cheap, but it was money well spent in more than one way. And, bonus, I left with three boxes of cool Christmas cards to use this year that were created by MOMA!
Snag a couple of their free bookmarks ’cause you’re gonna need them.
Also, there’s definitely a cat there, because I went from calm and collected to sneezy and swollen in about fifteen minutes. But it was still worth it!

Left Bank Books is a true independent neighborhood bookstore with a large selection and amazing staff. The selection is always being updated, allowing you to find that perfect book. The selection is very diverse, allowing you to find any type of book for yourself or a unique gift for someone. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and always willing to offer up a suggestion.
If you are looking for a used book be sure to check out the basement, they have more to choose from along with a large selection of used books. This is the perfect place to stop when in the Central West End and browse, odds are you will leave with some new reading material.