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Discover the Best Used and Independent Bookstores in St. Louis

Do you want to build upon your literary collection and support independent bookstores in the St. Louis area at the same time? If this sounds ideal to you, then you should check out some of the best used and independent bookstores throughout St. Louis to find your next treasure. You will be delighted and amazed by all that they have to offer. 

Here at Southpointe, Sappingtons premier apartment community, we love to help residents discover new activities and adventures throughout St. Louis. As bonafide bookworms, we decided to create a list of the best used and independent bookstores in St. Louis so you can support local shops while building out your personal library. Its a win-win! Lets take a look at our favorites. 


Left Bank Books 

This store was first opened all the way back in 1969 by a group of graduate students who wanted nothing more than to provide a place where the residents of St. Louis could find a diversified array of books to select from. It was their dream and vision that people from throughout the area would have the opportunity to discover literature that might not otherwise have ended up in their collection. 

These days, Left Bank Books offers a full collection of new and used books as well as gifts, cards, toys, and services. You can find whatever you might want to make your reading experience that much more enjoyable. This store also puts on more than 300 cultural events each year as part of their commitment to be a part of the community as well as a retail store. Pop in and see what they are all about today. 

Distance to Southpointe Apartments:27 mins 

A book store with a variety of books on display.

Dunaway Books 

Book lovers will really appreciate this place and the nearly 80,000 volumes that are contained within. Dunaway Books has worked hard to expand its collection over the years to help ensure that there is something available for every type of reader. You will be amazed by the broad collection and by the fact that you can find books that you might not have been able to locate in other stores. 

Sections of the store include History, Biography, Literary Criticism, Fiction, Poetry, Psychology, Philosophy, Religion, Science, and Art. That is just the tip of the iceberg though! Dunaway Books is always adding even more volumes that might not fit neatly into one category. You can always ask a friendly member of the staff about the latest additions and see if there is something that sparks your interest. 

Distance to Southpointe Apartments: 20 mins 

A stack of books is on a table in a library.

The Book House 

A fun name for an outstanding store. The Book House is the place that you want to be if you are into the cozy feelings that are prompted by being among so many literary volumes. 

The Book House was founded in 1986 and converted over to its current downtown location in 2013. You can browse through the stacks and stacks of volumes here and continue to find new and interesting things that you never expected. For example, there are often rare and/or unusual books amongst others that you can uncover as you explore. You might even find something that you didn't know you had an interest in until you started to explore. The Book House will even make special orders for out-of-stock books if you simply ask a member of the staff. 

Perhaps the best surprise of all when it comes to The Book House are the two resident bookstore cats. Gatsby and Zelda, a pair of sibling black cats, first arrived at The Book House back in 2021 and have remained there as permanent residents ever since. They are very friendly little kitties and love to greet visitors as they come through the doors. Make sure you stop and say "hello" to them as well! 

Distance to Southpointe Apartments: 18 mins 



Leviathan Bookstore 

Billing itself as "an independent bookstore for independent readers", the Leviathan Bookstore is the kind of place that offers a healthy dose of personality to go along with all the books that are for sale. 

The owners of Leviathan Bookstore, James Crossley and Amanda Clark, have an extremely high level of experience in the literary field. James served on the board of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association and has more than 20 years of experience. Meanwhile, Amanda worked as the frontline bookseller, among other roles, for The Novel Neighbor in Webster Groves. She hosted author appearances for them with audiences that ranged between 5 to 5,000 in number. Both help to make the store much more enjoyable for all guests, and you should check it out if you have the opportunity. 

Distance to Southpointe Apartments: 21 mins 

A group of people sitting together, each reading a book.

Enjoy the Comforts of Southpointe Apartments 

There you have it folks! We hope you find a local book shop to love within this list. 

If you’re looking for your next apartment home in St. Louis, visit us at Southpointe Apartments in Sappington. We offer cozy 1 and 2 bedroom floor plans that serve as the perfect reading nook for residents. Every home is fitted with amenities like energy efficient appliances, hardwood-style flooring, plush carpeting, large closets, and more. 

Schedule a tour today and discover your next home at Southpointe Apartments. 

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