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August 2023 by Cleo Norman
An amazing selection! always fun to dig around
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November 2022 by David Solomon
I fancy myself a bit of a bookstore connoisseur and this place inhabits a very unique and wonderful category. If you enjoy the hunt and adding elbow grease to your browsing, you won’t mind the multiple rows of stacked books blocking other books or boxes piled up or a little bit of dust on your hands afterwards. I always walk out with some unique gems. Highly recommend. Bring cash or Venmo!
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October 2022 by Austin Fitzgerald
I don't feel like ruining this business's perfect 5-star Google rating, but I do want to say that regardless of what kind of mess the current owner might have inherited, and regardless of whether she knows where every book is, the place feels, smells, and looks like a dirty mess. Towards the back, books are piled comically high in a hoarded, mildewy pile that reaches nearly to the ceiling (which itself looks to be falling apart in places). This is no way to treat books.Some weeks ago, I noticed the owner at a book sale at the State Historical Society. She got there right as it opened and already had boxes full of books within something like five minutes. That's fair game, I don't begrudge anyone taking advantage of a deal. But knowing that those books were going to end up in that building, stinking of mold and must with volumes flung into piles like garbage, broke my heart a little bit. I realize Adams Books is something of an institution in Columbia, and if your primary interest is to gawk at the mess, then more power to you. But there are other independent bookstores in town that take care of their books.
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August 2022 by Josh Hendren
Every time I check this lovely place out, I walk away with at least two or three new finds. There's literally no way to know what you'll find, and no way you'll ever see it all. If you are a reader, or just want to see one of the damndest bookstores you've ever seen, go. Please.
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November 2021 by Serf Ally
Only for those that enjoy 1. Reading 2. the adventure of finding. 3.potentially saving money
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March 2021 by Josh Hiles
Hands down the best bookstore in town. An every Saturday trip for my wife and I when we were in college at Mizzou!
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December 2020 by Goob
absolutely unique place, worth a visit no matter who you are
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May 2019 by Kevin B
Every book deserves a good home.
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April 2018 by Dean L.
Limited hours, but worth finding the time and arranging the afternoon around a visit. Don't come here looking for something specific. Just browse and see what finds your hand. There is something here for everyone.
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January 2018 by Kristi Harp
I love Adams Books. A book lovers haven, books of all kinds on the walls. The woman who owns it knows where all of the books are and can help you find something if you're looking for something specific. She also changes the displays in the window every week. Too bad it's only open on Saturdays. Great place to go and explore. A great part of Columbia's history!
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August 2017 by Rebekah Hadlow
Unique place to get a classic, used book. Nancy is an amazing person and a wealth of knowledge.
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July 2016 by Rebekah Hadlow
This is the best book store I've ever been too. Nancy, I believe, is the owner and she is helpful, patient and so much fun to talk to. If you are looking for a book, check Adam's books. Be aware that they are only open Saturdays from 2 to 6pm and they only take cash.