Book Bazaar is an amazing, wonderful independent second-hand and antiquarian bookstore with character and heart. It is not dusty, not stale smelling, and is nicely lit, with an ambiance that is fantastic. The store features endless aisles, stacks, alcoves, and narrow aisles reminiscent of old London, packed from floor to ceiling with a bajillion books. The collection is impressive across all genres and disciplines, including many other sections like picture books and coffee table books. There is a nice selection of rare books and first editions that are shelved with love, loads of paperbacks, hardbacks, obscure trade publications, and even a section of Literary Criticism. The books are used but in excellent-to-unread condition. The staff is super welcoming, very friendly, kind, and helpful. They allow customers to browse, roam, and explore the store at their leisure and are amazingly knowledgeable, seeming to know where to look for individual titles. It is a great place to meander into and browse for a few hours, with so much to see that one might not have the time to look through the whole store. The experience of browsing through the meticulously arranged old books is worth it for many. However, the books are not bargain priced at all; prices reflect their original msrp and can seem strategically high, like tourist trap high. Some books could be purchased elsewhere for a fraction of the cost. It is suggested to step in to browse and perhaps buy one or two books, but not to load up on over-priced previously owned books, especially those without prices written in. For those with old libraries, it is also a place to leave books you don't want to throw away. If you love books and everything about them, this is a favorite place to visit and support.
I love looking around here, I don’t think I’ve had the time to actually look through the whole store yet, there is so much to see! I love going every time I’m in downtown Sarasota. One of my favorite places for sure! ?
November 2022
Character and heart. This bookstore has first edition books that are shelved with love. Great place to meander into and browse. And, if you have your parents or grandparents library, this is the place to leave the books you don't want to throw away and don't have the space to hold onto.
November 2022
A. Parker's is an amazing bookstore. I've been a customer since I was in college, and just visiting is like a second education. Their rare books are second to none, and their staff can find anything.
