Left Bank Books

Went here for the first time last night only to find out that it’s closing next month. :(The mezzanine was empty, as were some of the bookcases downstairs, so I don’t have a good impression of the store at its best.
The inevitable comparison to the CWE store: I guess I was expecting the same feel as the CWE store, but downtown. That’s not exactly what I got. The store is very open rather than cozy like the other store.
Parking was something else (two sporting events downtown plus their event made parking near the store impossible). I had to park by Central Library. Now I remember why I don’t like driving downtown.
I was greeted when I entered, which is nice. I wasn’t assisted (or pestered) by staff, as they were gearing up for an event, but I didn’t need help anyway. The selection was limited, but good enough: I left with two books.
I am sorry to see the store go. While I like the idea of bookstores downtown (and bookstores pretty much everywhere else), downtown is simply inconvenient for me shoppingwise. I wish LBB the best of luck in the future.

Great place! Wish their religious section had a better selection. Staff was friendly and helpful.

I was very surprised when I walked into Left Bank Books, as I had not heard of it before and had no idea what to expect. I was instantly greeted and probably because I’m sure I looked overwhelmed, I was asked what I needed help with. I told the employee what I normally love to read and he took me to several different sections. I was in and out within 15 min with a handful of books, though I’m sure I could’ve spent hours in there. The prices are slightly higher than other local bookstores, but for being downtown and having such great service, I will definitely be back!

It’s really just a bookstore. It has a nice sort of hip feel to it and it’s in a nice part of town. It feels good to walk in and browse. But there’s no indie stuff there, no used books. No quirky additions. It’s just a small bookstore. Granted, bookstores these days are pretty terrible because of, you know, the internet and stuff. So once upon a time these places were wonderlands of information otherwise inaccessible. I did actually quite like their selection. But it is just a bookstore and I can’t give them more than a three for that.

Nice enough staff and I like to support local stores, but when every other bookstore is discounting, they are marking up the books to more than suggested retail. I’ll continue to browse there until they go out of business, but will purchase from major chains. Why should I pay $ 8 for a $ 7 paperback when I can get for $ 5 somewhere else. I’ll give you the suggested retail price to support local business, but I don’t want feel like I’m being gouged.

Left Bank Books is a a great addition to downtown Saint Louis, they are a true independent neighborhood bookstore with a great selection and amazing staff. The location is not quite as complete as the Central West End location, however they do their best here to keep the selection fresh and diverse in the limited space they have. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and always willing to offer up a suggestion, be sure to check out the Staff Picks.

Every city seems to have that one, great bookstore. Unless it’s Edinburgh, in which case, there are about a dozen. Where I’ve gone, I’ve always sought to search out that one bookstore. When I lived in DC, it was Politics and Prose. In Denver, I stopped by Tattered Cover, one of the most inspiring layouts anywhere. Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn is a worthwhile stopover if you’re in that part of the world. And then there’s the West Coast highlights: Powell’s Book in Portland, Elliot Bay Books in Seattle, City Lights in San Francisco.
Along those lines comes St. Louis’ Left Bank Books, named in honor of the riverbank a stone’s throw from the store. It’s easy to find: look for the Arch and walk toward it. The downside to this store is the limited selection, both in terms of used and new books. But the prices are competitive enough to stay alive while still being local. You might turn to Amazon to grab a book you can’t find on their shelves, but with these prices, you shouldn’t have to turn to Amazon to find a better price.
Left Bank could be a little more reader-​friendly. I’d love to see a café sprout up, or a little more room devoted to the roaming readers among us, but overall, it’s still an amazing spot to shop for gifts and a good read — whether for yourself or someone else.

Really helpful staff. I wandered in here while waiting for a table at Rooster. I am always looking for good young children’s books and the staff pointed me to a couple of good ones. Good lighting for browsing. Not too cramped.

A small bookstore in downtown. Small means personalized service, character, and a place you generally love having around, even if it does mean you don’t have the largest selection of every book ever read on hand on the shelves.
The folks that work here have always been really helpful and friendly.
In the end, I’m a kindle user, and 90% of my reading is done via e-​book; but I do enjoy paperbacks for certain things and I always like to support this local place when I need one.

My conversation with the 39^th U.S. President went like this: «Hello,» said he; «Hello,» said I. Considering that I was about the 300^th person in line, I was impressed that he said anything at all. In the time it takes you to read this dependent clause, he had penned his signature in a book; in the time it takes you to reach the period, he had signed a second copy, and I had moved on. You, too, can rub elbows with famous and not-​so-​famous authors at LBB, site of frequent book signings. Actually, it’s a fun way to spend a late afternoon /​early evening. If you’re NOT there for a book signing, then don’t miss the used book section, up the stairs, for some pretty good deals.

Ohhhh, how I love Left Bank Books…
I purchase books quite a bit for the lucky people on my Christmas list so I ended up making a few stops in before the holidays hit. One thing I’ve always noticed is that if you go anytime during the week, it’s likely you’ll find a meter or two that are right outside so you don’t have to walk too far. Or, you can do one of my favorite Sunday morning activities and just walk down after having brunch at Rooster. It’s a win-​win situation, y’know?
First of all, the employees here are awesome and you can tell they love working there, which automatically makes me feel glad to be there as well. They’re very friendly, extremely knowledgeable on the items they have to offer, and I always appreciate the unwavering customer service. On my most recent trip I found the New York Times 2011 Photo Book (jeezus that thing is expensive, not LBB’s fault but good lord!), Ellen Degeneres’ new book, and I picked up a couple for myself that I hadn’t seen anywhere else. Definitely check out their used book section as it’s a) extremely interesting and diverse, and b) it’s much, much, much cheaper.
Bonus points to the store’s organization and the ease of finding specific categories, and also for the area just for St. Louis books… If I could buy them all, I would. So many choices with gorgeous photos that would be perfect for any coffee table.
LBB’s mindset is «Read Globally, Buy Locally» and I can’t help but be on board with that. Check out their website because they always have cool events, including some different reading groups. I’ll be back soon!
P. S. The gift wrapping during the month of December was a lifesaver — thank you!

What’s not to love?! Walked in here one day with the boyfriend while walking back to our car from breakfast because I had a «Hey, I saw this place on Unilocal!Let’s go in!» moment.
It’s lovely. I like the two story loft-​like setup. Nice selection. Lots of great greeting cards. We happened to be there on a day that they were doing a charitble event to buy books for a center that cares for underprivileged children… I don’t even remember what the place was called, but I am big on encouraging reading in children.
We browsed their wishlist, bought handfuls of books for the chil’ins (including some from my childhood that made me über nostalgic), the staff was very friendly and grateful for the donation, we snacked on some of the free food they had out for the event, and peaced out, having felt good for supporting both a local business and a good cause. I’ll hit this place up before any Barnes and Noble any day!

Honestly, it’s hard for me to dislike a cozy little bookstore. Especially a bookstore with a cat! And Left Bank Books is no exception.
The used book collection upstairs is great — always changing, reasonably priced, and full of titles people actually want to read. The staff is friendly and always with a recommendation.
One of my favorite sections it the card section; they have a great selection of greeting/​birthday/​shower cards, all of which are cute/​witty and unique. I love them!

I struggled — four stars, or a five-​er? In the end: five. Why? I am thrilled to have a local, independent book shop in the center city. Are they a full-​service book shop? Not quite. But that’s OK. What they do, they do well.
Left Bank, it has to be said, has a somewhat limited selection. I’ve encountered this both in magazines and travel books. The staff are super friendly, though, and when I’ve asked about certain titles they have solutions: they are looking for a distributor who will allow them to stock my magazine and they were able to special my order my book.
More often than not I just wander in needing new reading material but in search of nothing in particular; I always walk out with an armful of the «Staff Picks». Great suggestions for every taste.
I love their minimalist reuse of the building — concrete floors, partial second level, pine book stands. Don’t be surprised when they ask you to check your bag at the door. As for parking, there is a small lot at the corner of Olive and 10^th; I’ve never had trouble finding a space, but meters are are another option and the garage over Culinaria is an easy walk. Wifi is free. Bridge Tap House/​Wine Bar is right next door; you can buy a new read and you don’t even have to step outside to grab a nibble as you break the binding.
Ch-​ch-​check ‘em out!

Left Bank Books is a local staple.
A tip next time you are in Left Bank Books:
Ask to read a letter written by Barry Leibman who was one of the owners who recently moved to the west. I read his retirement letter and after swore by the store. I also asked for extra copies after my eyes filled with tears and sent copies to people who love books and shopping locally.
Another tip with this store:
They have great postcards and is my GO TO for funky birthday cards or just when I am feeling like sending snail mail to people I love.
This store is great and again another St. Louis hot spot with its heart in the right place.

I kind of stumbled across this location when I saw a sign for Left Bank Books on a street corner. I wasn’t aware that they had a shop downtown. I must say it’s a nice addition. I love book stores, but sadly spend most of my money at Borders because they can afford to be so much cheaper. However, I will try to support this independent book store more.
The space was much more wide open than the CWE location and didn’t feel cramped. It also adjoins The Bridge Tap House and they have a little seating area next to the restaurant. I didn’t really get this though because I wasn’t sure if people actually ordered at the restaurant and ate in the shop or what.
They have a used book selection upstairs and that was my favorite part. I love used books and these were all in really good condition. Most seemed to be about half price, so not a bad deal. The workers were friendly, too. I really hope that this book store can stay in business.

Local businesses are awesome. Especially when there’s more than one location of them.
LBB downtown is spacious, with a lot of things to browse, and has comfy places to sit and stay.
I also really appreciate the kitschy, quirky factor. Well done, guys!

Downtown is nicer and far more spacious than the Central West End location. The new book selection seemed pretty comparable. However I was mostly interested in used books, and the section here was minimal and pretty mediocre across all genres; it was probably ¹⁄₈ as large as the other location’s, and came nowhere near filling the allocated mezzanine.
There is a free parking lot just south of the store, a nice perk given the location.

I was skeptical that Left Bank would open downtown. Would it be watered-​down? Could they possibly recreate or improve upon the great little bookstore vibe of their original locale?
I stopped by to get another book to read during my jury duty. It is a great store! The space is large and very bright with a definite big city vibe. They have a pretty good selection of new books and a large mezzanine with used items. Besides the brightness and downtown feel, this branch is much more open with lots of room to move around.
The people here are just as friendly and helpful as the original. My favorite is that they have another cat at this spot, too! It’s an old line that all my friends have heard me say before, but if reincarnation is frealz, I hope I come back as a bookstore cat!

Loved the Used Book section upstairs!
Not the usual Borders or Barnes selection as stated already… but had enough to keep me busy for a few hours! The workers were so friendly and helpful!
Check out the Food/​Cooking nook! I was pleasantly surprised!