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December 2023 by Alan Parish
Wow. I had been meaning to visit for years, and finally did a couple weeks ago. Today was my third visit already. The store is overwhelming in a positive way, as it takes a tour (that the owner provides) and multiple visits to understand the layout and sections. But then it is important to pull books off the shelf and flip through them to discover how special many are. Some books are rare and pricey, but plenty of great bargain finds as well. I learned from the owner that the oldest book in the shop is from the 1590s, and there are hundreds from the 1800's.
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November 2023 by Joe Drinkhorn
Absolutely great place to purchase antique and used books. There are so many titles and rooms to explore. Really good conversations to be had as well.
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September 2023 by Starpointe Photography
Admittedly, I'm a book n**** and I absolutely adore "old school " bookstores. I spent much less time here than I would have liked, but I definitely will be returning. When I walked in, I was greeted by the charming store owner, Hank! He graciously gave me the "lay of the land" as a first-timer and made a point of letting me know that I had full access to the store. Even the items that are in cabinets! A huge selection of rare books, this place is a collectors dream.Several chairs are placed in various corners, inviting visors to sit and stay awhile. It's easy to lose track of time in a place like this that seemly transports you back in time.Open on Friday and Saturdays, but make sure to call ahead for any schedule changes, especially if coming from a distance.
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June 2023 by Bradley Bauer
Very cool bookstore for rare finds. Lots of sailing related content too!
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April 2023 by Mark & Jan Buhr
Great help in looking for what I needed. Friendly folks.
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December 2022 by Andre Pulford
This place is a special gem of a bookstore. This store is worth a visit if you're a bibliophile in the Detroit area. However, a few things you need to know before you go are that they are currently only open on Fridays and Saturdays, and they only take cash, checks, or Venmo. The owner Hank, a charming older gentleman, also noted that customers should call first to double-check that they are open before driving any distance. I feel like this makes it a speakeasy-style bookstore. Those hurdles aside, this bookstore is worth all five stars.This store is the archetype of a collectible used bookstore. Over 15,000 titles are carefully curated, collected, and organized by section into seven reading rooms set up as libraries. Hank is a rare bookstore owner who is well-connected in the book world, knowledgeable, experienced, and super friendly. The shelves are loaded with quality titles of every available topic. If you're looking to buy slightly messed up copies of books for less than $10, this is not the place for you. However, if you're looking for quality out-of-print titles in the $15-$200 range, that is all I saw here. To comprehend that building a collection of books of this quality and quantity would take someone an entire lifetime and is entirely impractical should be apparent to most people who shop at used bookstores.I would also note that this store came close to being completely wiped out by the flooding in the area that happened this year. Considering this unique collection and how close the community came to losing it, you should try to experience this shop while you still can.
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November 2022 by Andre P.
This place is a special gem of a bookstore. This store is worth a visit if you're a bibliophile in the Detroit area. However, a few things you need to know before you go are that they are currently only open on Fridays and Saturdays, and they only take cash, checks, or Venmo. The owner Hank, a charming older gentleman, also noted that customers should call first to double-check that they are open before driving any distance. I feel like this makes it a speakeasy-style bookstore. Those hurdles aside, this bookstore is worth all five stars. This store is the archetype of a collectible used bookstore. Over 15,000 titles are carefully curated, collected, and organized by section into seven reading rooms set up as libraries. Hank is a rare bookstore owner who is well-connected in the book world, knowledgeable, experienced, and super friendly. The shelves are loaded with quality titles of every available topic. If you're looking to buy slightly messed up copies of books for less than $10, this is not the place for you. However, if you're looking for quality out-of-print titles in the $15-$200 range, that is all I saw here. To comprehend that building a collection of books of this quality and quantity would take someone an entire lifetime and is entirely impractical should be apparent to most people who shop at used bookstores. I would also note that this store came close to being completely wiped out by the flooding in the area that happened this year. Considering this unique collection and how close the community came to losing it, you should try to experience this shop while you still can.
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September 2022 by Natasha A.
This place is never open, you need to call or get in at the right hour. I think it's in a sleepy neighborhood which was traumatized by Covid (we all were) so it's hard to get folks in but gosh. Move past it please
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September 2022 by Emily Chrostowski
AMAZING! The man running the store seems like he has been doing it for years and gives everyone the rundown when you walk through the door. Small place with a lot of books and so much to look at. The bathroom also fit with the old creeky vibe of the store with much character. There are also chairs you can sit in and read/look at the books which makes it even more than just a store! The walls and walls of books seems never ending but is sorted very well for the large collection of books and there is also other paper items for sale as well.
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August 2022 by Jason Gibbs
This is the kind of bookstore real bibliophiles love. There are many rooms filled wall to wall with old volumes, many of them rare and the decor in each area is appropriate and adds a lot of visual interest. The owner is very friendly and helpful. Check it out!
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July 2022 by Megan S
Very cool store a lot of old rare books he also let's you know how much your books are worth
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March 2022 by Maddie Buckley
Really amazing! The owner only takes venmo or cash :)
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October 2020 by Roger I.
My wife and I walked into Shaw's books for the first time the other day. I love this kind of used bookstore. It has books that would be reference material or old printing's. I spent an hour just looking at two bookcases. Stop by the owner and get a quick overview of the bookstore. If there is something in particular that you are looking for, he will guide you to the section. We went in October 2020. He said he was only open Fridays and Saturdays. Not sure if that is because of the times or because those are his normal hours. If you really wanna know for sure, give McCall and find out if he's open. And enjoy that old box smell!
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September 2020 by Suzanne W
Charming and magical. The books of course are abundant and you’ll find what your looking for on classics and editions. What makes this place was the owners interaction, so knowledgeable in classic literature. Books are a passion, this store enhances the experience of the treasure hunt.
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July 2020 by Juan Munoz
I've visited City Lights on many occasions and always come away with at least one new and interesting book that I hadn't heard of before. They have a great translated fiction section, great recommendations, and I like that they organize fiction by world regions so you can look for something you wouldn't find elsewhere.
