West Side Books - Denver, CO

West Side Books, Denver, CO

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There can be no better endorsement for a bookstore than that from one of their customers.  Throughout my journey I've had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with many customers.  Very few know why I'm in the bookstore which makes it even more refreshing when unprompted they tell me about the store.  Richard came into West Side Books to pick up some books he ordered.  After we talked about the weather, unsolicited he told me this bookstore was awesome.  After a few minutes of singing the bookstore's praises he concluded by telling me they have 80,000 books.  He was an older gentleman and I could tell he clearly enjoyed being in the bookstore.  Readers, isn't that what its all about?  Enjoying the moment, the quiet, the books and people like Matt, the store manager.  As Richard told me, this is the best bookstore in town.  

Denver is definitely a good bookstore town and West Side Books is part of that scene, located in the Northside/Highlands neighborhood.  They're located on a very busy street surrounded by multiple small businesses which is always a positive for most indies.  They've been in business for 25 years, a great achievement for any small business.  They survived the pandemic the same as other indies by offering side door pick-ups (or as Matt calls it, the book prohibition era), appointment browsing, no entrance without ringing the doorbell and other similar strategies.   

Most impressive in their 25 years is that they've done it all by carrying mostly books and little else.  They offer new and used books with most of the new up front and most of the used in the back --- two large rooms on one level.  They have a good supply of posters, greeting cards, and journals but that's about it.  They have a large core of regular customers and if they bring their books in they can receive store credit or cash.  They also carry vintage, collectible, and signed 1st editions.  Many of their books can be purchased online if you can't visit the store in person.

I didn't get to meet co-owners Lois and brother Jim this day, but Matt was a terrific person to tell me about the store and the area.

If you're in the Northside/Highlands area and haven't been here yet, check it out.  You've only had 25 years to discover this super bookstore, a store that one customer says is the best.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Miss Benson's Beetle, Rachel Joyce.  A delightfully charming adventure about two women who couldn't be more opposite when they first met.  Margery and Enid embark on a journey to find out if a rare beetle actually exists.  Their travels take them from London to the remote mountains of New Caledonia and is filled with drama, trauma, and more than a few challenges for two women who realize in time they have more in common than they thought.  Very readable and recommended to me by many people like Cheryl M. and Jill P. who are usually spot on.  Highly recommended. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Faith, Jennifer Haigh. 

 

Beautiful storefront.  The entrance is not here though, go around to the side. 

Lots of display window space. 

This is the side of the store and now you're headed to the entrance. 

Cute little display window on the side of the building. 

Looking into the store from the entrance.  Now your journey begins that takes you through a maze of bookshelves. 

Following the path into the store. 

After emerging from the maze, this is the view looking to the right. 

If you become entranced in a book and forget your way out, follow the exit signs on the floor. 

Always ask your booksellers about gift certificates or gift cards. 

One of the many winding book aisles.  This is a very fun store to explore. 

The store offers many books of local interest and by local authors. 

You're going to be here awhile. 

This is the view from the back of the store looking toward the front, street-side part of the building. 

A few of the greeting cards available. 

Overview of the large room in the front of the building looking to the right. 

Overview looking to the left in the front room. 

Many unique posters available here. 

Display of recent arrivals. 

Another overview of the front room.

A great way to display the magnets offered. 

Read it and watch it. 

An overview of the children's area in the front room. 

One of my favorite pictures. 

Where oh where will they put more books!

An award-winning store.  Way to go West Side!

I encourage everyone to follow their favorite bookstores on social media. 

Looking for a journal?  They've got you covered. 

With Matt on the right, one of the fine people you'll meet at West Side Books.  Thanks for a great visit.