-
February 2024 by Lincoln T.
Blue whale books is a super aesthetically pleasing bookstore focused on historical and nonfiction literature. The store is organized very well with clear labels and signs designating each area of the bookstore, including the small prints and maps section, which includes original local and country-wide maps. The highlight of this bookstore (for me) was the dollar-shelf where every book was only a dollar. I found two exceptionally interesting books which set me back virtually nothing. The person working the store was helpful in checking out although he expressed disbelief when I tried to pay using American dollar coins (innovation dollar series) which was completely understandable.
-
August 2023 by Bob Blecksmith
Sometimes parking can be a bit of a challenge but don’t let that dissuade you. This is one of my favorite used bookstores for several reasons: the variety and selection, as well as prices. You might not find a “bargain” but you will always find a quality, well cared for used book for a very reasonable price. The store is organized, clean, and free of clutter. The owner is always helpful. A great bookstore.
-
July 2023 by Hsiao Man Tao
Great used bookstore you cannot miss is at historical old street in Charlottesville! Enjoy your time for reading and finding treasures here.
-
July 2023 by Rachael R.
A very fun and eclectic bookshop in downtown Cville. We stopped in to look around and had a lot of fun checking out the books and art/drawings. The woman working there was also very kind and helpful.
-
June 2023 by James Slaughter
The best bookshop in Virginia. On a par with the small bookshops in London north of Leicester Square. Well worth a visit.
-
April 2023 by Kevin Dufresne
During my trip to Blue Whale Books, I experience good customer service; an employee is chill, conversational, and helpful. I find the quaint book store has a variety of texts as well as pieces of art available. Chill Vibes.
-
March 2023 by Sarena R.
Great selection of prints and books! Wish there were more historical science books from the greats, but great selection of modern books regardless. Lovely time browsing!
-
January 2023 by Devin Logan
Great bookstore with well-curated collection. Plus, the building (especially the sci fi room) was really cool! Books are in good shape and fairly priced. There’s also a lot of neat prints and maps available.
-
January 2023 by Sarah Kushnir
Great bookstore downtown, there’s a little something for everyone. If you are into vintage prints for decoration, this is your spot. So many local maps, botanical references, medical charts and more. Very unique!
-
January 2023 by Marc Miller
This is a lovely, quaint little bookshop with a large variety of books. I highly recommend that you check it out!
-
December 2022 by Jericho McLeod
Excellent store. The proprietor assisted me in locating a book I have been searching for with little luck. There is a good sized collection of interesting works and prices are quite reasonable.
-
December 2022 by Paul P.
This store is a treasure! In the center of Charlottesville, Blue Whale Books can keep me enthralled for hours shopping. And for someone who hates shopping, that's saying a lot! I pour over new and used books greedily every time I go, and the map collection keeps me searching and searching. I highly recommend you visit (especially if you have time to spend enjoying literature and history in a both classy and classic bookstore).
-
November 2022 by David Abraham
Years ago I used to spend hours in bookshops, reading titles etc. Then I spend time going to the big modern stores such as B***and ***. Not the same. This...is a real bookstore! I spend some happy time browsing the books, finding something to read, bringing it home to read when outside it's dark and cold and inside warm and cozy. You know when you just enter the shop that it is great. Oh and de lady who runs the shop is nice too.
-
November 2022 by Jessica Handy
Loved the variety of books as well as maps and other prints for sale. The shopkeeper was extremely helpful in finding a fairly niche policy book for a gift and even offered some online options not available in store. Highly recommend a visit and supporting this local gem.
-
October 2022 by Homeagain Jiggity Jig
This is a nice bookstore on the Downtown mall area. If you are into books, this would be a great place for you to visit. The walls and floor to ceiling bookshelves are full of all different types of books. Some vintage, some modern. They have a section with kids books. They also have vintage prints, maps, etc that vary in price. It's a fun place to go if you have time to browse. There's no telling what you might find there. The person working was nice, but he didn't bother you while you were browsing.
