by far, the most interesting bookstore i’ve ever spent time in
john k. king used & rare books
is a bookstore out of its time
located in detroit on 4 floors
of what used to be the advance glove company building
filled with over 1 million volumes
completely uncomputerized collections
organized into more than 900 categories
by a team of energetic and helpful staff members
each floor has a manager who is responsible
for knowledge and maintenance of the categories held there
upon entering you are handed a map and directory
you are free to wander you way through the floors
until closing time.
john began collecting and selling books as a teenager
selling them out of the trunk of his car
and he continues to this day
on my recent visit to the store
staff members said he was in his car
headed to cincinnati to acquire a new collection
every time they sell a few books, he takes on more
he’s now purchased the old otis elevator building
behind the store to use as
an annex for his art and rare book collections
this is a store and experience not to be missed.
“i thought i’d go to a bookstore and see what moved me.”
-erik larson
—
credits: john r. king books
Sounds just wonderful
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oh, it’s an amazing place.. when talking to the staff, it’s clear they all love this intelligent eccentric and the book haven he’s created.
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Oh my. I’ve always heard about this place but have never been
>
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you guys need to go their soon, and take susie too )
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If that store was around here, you’d have to drop me off and then pick me up about a week later!!
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same, it’s hard to leave –
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Love that store.
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it is something special –
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so good, ralph – perfect!
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lol. Send it on to them, I am sure that John would have a laugh about himself.
Have a lovely Sunday dear Beth 🙂 ❤
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will do! )
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Cool! A stateside Shakespeare & Co.- minus the tumbleweeds
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yes!
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I’m now a fan of John and his life’s endeavor, Beth. Thanks for sharing with us.
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great )
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I love old bookstores. Looks like a great place to get lost 💛🌼
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the perfect place to get lost )
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How incredible and wonderful. Thank you for that.
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you are very welcome )
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How wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Beth.
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my pleasure )
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I hear Detroit calling me again.
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c’mon up!
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I will let you know when I do!!
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Do you think they actually make money? I mean, I know the population base around there is a wee bit larger than my <30K town, but I think the only way the used bookstore here survives is that they have turned into primarily a comic book/graphic novel haven which also has used books. (I mean, Amazon and Kindle and the time-sink of FB and whatnot seem to have almost killed bookstores–but I hope I'm wrong).
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yes, and they’ve been around for years, they have a very loyal customer base that is growing all the time. in ann arbor, where i live, north of detroit, we have 4 independent bookstores, all doing well –
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Amazing and wonderful..
You are blessed to have it in your city..😋😋
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it is a wonderful place – about 30 miles from me in detroit, but easy to get there
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My kind of place. I’d love to spend the day there. I’ll start making my list. 🙂
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you could lose a day there, easily –
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i want to go….but I would never be seen again…which is maybe a great idea?
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get roy to take you and i’ll call you both at closing. )
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I’ve spent many pleasant hours in such places. May they live forever.
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i so feel the same!
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So very cool! It’s now on my list of “to-visits”. Thanks, Beth 🙂
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you’d enjoy it, ryan –
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So awesome! My hubby would be there for days.
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we’d have to go in and get him out )
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LOL
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I wish I lived closer, so I, too, could experience it in person! I’m glad to have a chance to experience it vicariously, and reminded to visit my nearest bookstore. (I don’t think I’ve been back since Littler was born–d’oh!)
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yes, always good to support the local indy stores )
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How far from you is this book building, Beth? It sounds amazing!!
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it’s in the city of detroit, so about 30 miles from me –
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i’ve bought from him–years ago when we ran a book business
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very interesting keep blogging your great also if you would like to see my blog just search up janoblogsite.wordpress.com
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thank you, jana –
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!
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)
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