South Congress Books is a pricier used bookshop with an awesome selection of collectible, rare, signed, and out-of-print books, which sets it apart. It caters to book lovers and real book readers, offering hard-to-find editions, unique editions, and absolute gems, including first editions. The shop has a great selection of hardbacks with potential for collectors. Every book feels like it has had its own life. The staff is super nice, friendly, very knowledgeable, and can make visitors feel very welcome. The store recently moved to a new location across the street from the original Kerbey Lane Cafe. The new location is in a house with adorable winding rooms, though the visual charm of the old location has been reduced. The winding rooms can be difficult to navigate and are not super accessible for every person, especially when busy. Street parking is available nearby, but there are no sidewalks and the street is quite busy. They also have a large collection of near-perfect condition posters of live music flyer promotions for the Austin area. It is definitely worth a browse and a must-visit for any and all bookworms. While some may not buy anything, and a shopper noted a lack of engagement, it is easy to get lost for hours roaming the aisles. Many find great books in wonderful condition and plan to return.
It’s a pricier used bookshop and we didn’t end up buying anything, but it’s definitely at least worth a browse, and the rare copies are impressive. Plus, they were super nice.
May 2024
Even better spot than their last location!! Great selection of collectibles / special editions
December 2023
Super cute book store right across the street from the original Kerbey Lane Cafe with a great selection of hard-to-find and out-of-print books it's easy to get lost for hours roaming the aisles... the staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. A must visit shop for any and all bookworms!
