Patten Books - St. Louis, MO

Patten Books - St. Louis, MO

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When I visit used book stores, it can be a gamble.  Some are great and others not so much.  There's no gamble when you visit Patten Books in St. Louis.  This is one of the good ones.  Some used bookstores have that old book or musty smell that hits you the minute you walk in.  That doesn't bother me at all but if it bothers others you won't have that problem here.  This place is very neat, clean, well-organized, and well-lit.  All of which are some of the great reasons to visit this indie.

Patten Books has been around for about 23 years, the last 8 years in its current location on the very busy Manchester Rd.  There is an extensive inventory of almost any genre, approximately 50,000 books.  You can also find rare and collectable books.  If you don't come to the store, check out their website and place an online order.  There is a nice collection of leather-bound books and their section of military history is particularly strong.  In a far room of the store there are many titles of older children's fiction.  But if your bookstore visit needs to include things other than books, this is not your place.  Greeting cards?  Nope.  Journals?  Nada.  Whoopee cushions and fake mustaches?  Zip.  Books?  You better believe it!

The best thing about my visit was meeting Keith P., the owner, and talking to him.  He told me a lot about the store and the history of bookstores in general in the St. Louis area.  His book inventory is provided by customers who bring in their books in exchange for cash or store credit, a great deal for people who frequent bookstores.  Patten Books shares its location with a few other businesses and you'll be able to find ample and free parking.

Looking for a good used book at a bargain price?  Looking to visit a bookstore with a large selection and many genres?  Looking for a knowledgeable and friendly owner?  This is your place and it is a very browser-friendly store.  Add this place to your list the next time you're in St. Louis and enjoy visiting an enduring and successful independent bookstore.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  Year Of Wonders, Geraldine Brooks.

JUST FINISHED:  Light Between The Oceans, M. L. Stedman.  Outstanding.  This novel presents a moral dilemma and you'll understand all angles, but how do you decide?  A young couple living alone on an isolated island discover a new born baby washed ashore in a boat.  What should they do?  This would be a great pick for book clubs.  Highly recommended.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Darkest Hour, Tony Schumacher.

Another exterior view from the parking lot.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

Nice collection of leather-bound editions near the front entrance.  

Looking through the store from near the check-out counter.  

Need an audio book?  Lots to pick from here!

This store has a good selection of older children's books, these are only a few.  

A portion of the books of local interest and local authors.  

With Keith P. on the right, the fine owner at Patten Books.  Thanks for a great visit.