Books Revisited - St. Cloud, MN

Books Revisited, St. Cloud, MN

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I'm over 300 bookstores into my journey (and now pushing 400) and I can't believe I haven't discovered this bookstore until now.  How did this gem escape my attention?  And its not like it just opened either.  This is one of the "survivor" indies that's overcome many challenges over the years, opening in 1991 and serving St. Cloud in its current downtown location for over 20 years.  The good news is that its no longer a secret to me and if anyone in the St. Cloud area doesn't know about it yet, maybe this will help them find their way through the doors.

I have a feeling that for many of the store's regular customers, this place is legendary in St. Cloud.  They offer a few new books but most of the inventory is used books.  Customers can receive store credit or cash for the books they bring in but most customers will take the credit for the better deal.  They don't aggressively pursue used books (estate sales, e.g.) because as bookseller Jacki told me, the books find the store.  Books Revisited also offers a pretty good inventory of collectible and vintage books, many of which can be purchased through their website.  I saw a few book related jigsaw puzzles here but other than that, there were few or no sidelines.  If you're a serious book person, this is your place.  And you'll have plenty to pick from, approximately 100,000 books on the large main level with even more stored in the basement.  They also work with students from St. Cloud State University offering a text book buy back and reselling program twice a year.  This is especially beneficial for the store in January when business can be slow.

In addition to the regular customers, the store sees tourists here, many who return on an annual basis. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and owner Jon L. is the best.  A great guy to talk to about books and bookstores which makes this store and this visit a 5-star experience.

If you're in the St. Cloud area and haven't been here yet, wow, get with it.  You're missing out on a store that deserves national attention.  You're going to meet super people and have a great experience.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Tattooist Of Auschwitz, Heather Morris.  Based on the true story of Lale Sokolov who survives because he knows several languages and also put in the position of the camp tattooist.  He meets his future wife at the camp and survives to marry her.  He's also an angel for the survival of many.  A testament to love and humanity under the darkest of conditions.  This book is outstanding.  Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING:  The President's Hat, Antoine Laurain.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  German Boy, Wolfgang W. E. Samuel.

I always enjoy seeing the bookstore sidewalk chalkboard signs.  

Another exterior view of the storefront and the massive display window.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

Neatly arranged table display near the front entrance.  

All things Minnesota.  

Some of the store's new books can be found on this display.  

I like this book display but I REALLY like this old dresser that they use for it.  

Agatha Christie fans should definitely visit here and check out this full set.  

Including Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Lord Tennyson.  

Bring in your books so you can get more books!

The long aisle from the front of the store to the back.  

Include this indie among the many others that are located in historical spaces.  

If you're a Stephen King fan, look for this display.  

One of the many book nooks.  

A couple of great places to sit and take a book for a spin.  

This is an elevated space on the right side of the store.  Lots of books and chairs to try them out.  

A partial view of that elevated space.  

Partial view of the children's section.  

The elevated space looks down into the children's section.  

Don't plan on leaving the store any time soon.  You'll have a lot of books to look through.  

Looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance.  

Overview of the store looking toward the front.  

With Jon on the left, the fine owner at Books Revisited.  Thanks for a great visit.