Description: Although the sign is very obvious, it feels very hidden and secretive when you enter Downtowne Bookstore. You have to walk around to the side of a building, and into a metal door that looks like a staff access door. Inside, the smell of old paper and leather combines with dust, and a large dog sits on the floor most days, merely looking up when you enter.
Downtowne Bookstore isn't my favorite of the used bookstores in Riverside -- its contents often vary in styles that aren't my own preference -- but it has a certain feel to it that makes it an interesting place to hang out and browse. Books are reasonably priced here, and the specialty (rare) books can still run you a small fortune. (They are gorgeous to look at, though.)
There are two levels -- an upstairs where many of the booksare arranged, dewey decimal system style, and the basement, where the real bargains are. Books in less pristine condition are down here, and I found an old Speedball lettering guide from the 1930's for less than $5 here. If your eyes and your wallet are open, you can find some great deals.
They will buy books occasionally from customers, though they will reject many to get the ones they want. They aim to be an antique bookstore, I believe, though it hasn't happened that way yet. Luckily for us.
Open nearly every day, Downtowne Bookstore is a nice way to kill an afternoon if you're downtown, and in the mood for some paperback reads or some antiquated leatherbound novels.
Close