Readers World Bookstore

This shop is a must stop for us when visiting the Holland/​Saugatuck/​Douglas area. We love the selection of periodicals, which must exceed 150 different titles including British publications. We always find interesting and different books for our grandchildren, and always leave with bags full of books, buttons, magazines and such.

I always had great feelings about this place, until today. Having a locally-​owned downtown book store with a solid selection and huge newsstand in a city the size of Holland is a real boon, especially these days. The local history selection is fantastic. I’ve been going here since I was a kid. It has always felt like a sort of progressive oasis of literary and political freedom in a fake-​smile gift-​shop zone…
However, doing some last-​minute holiday shopping today, I was pretty shocked overhearing the clerk (not sure if it is the owner) loudly conversing with another customer something apparently (relievedly) about how «the black guy is gone» (a neighbor?), followed by inquiries about tonight’s church service, the new pastor, and the like.
Thanks for reinforcing every negative stereotype outsiders have about my hometown, ladies. I thought a different worldview was behind this store, but I am less than sure now. Maybe it was just one clerk, so I won’t write this business off forever, but I was really put-​off and shocked as a customer to be subjected to gossipy possibly racist church ladies… I guess because I looked «like them» they felt comfortable.

Not huge inside, but they will order practically ANYTHING for you, even if they have to research and track it down.
PLUS** if you order from them you get a discount! It’s often cheaper than ordering online.
They carry an interesting selection of books and a massive selection of magazines, one of the biggest we’ve seen around.
The staff is super friendly and helpful. Impressive for a quaint bookstore.