Book Thing of Baltimore Inc
Book Thing of Baltimore Inc things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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I packed up my family of 4 this morning and drove over an hour to Book Thing. We found nothing specific that we were looking for...but boy did we find books that we might have otherwise not considered reading. And I think that is the real magic of this place. Yeah, it would have been great scoring a Stephen King or Michael Crichton book, or the Betty White book that's I oddly enough am obsessed about reading lol, but I didnt... and I am totally ok with that! I can not wait to read my new finds. I was amazed by the cleanliness and organization of the Book Thing. You will have to search for books (we were there for about an hour. I would have stayed longer if not for my meddling kids 🤣), but the genres are pretty well defined. There was more than enough space to accommodate the midsized crowd. People who love to read and have an appreciation for books seem to follow a code when it comes to browsing. This crowd was no different than one you might come across in a paying book story. There were large fans to help with air circulation. I can imagine that it could get plenty stuffy otherwise. I was most surprised that there was no weird old book store smell! Nothing! I've been driven out of used book stores by rancid smells lol. Parking was tight but not impossible. We found parking on our first pass. If you have the option of driving a sedan rather than an SUV, go with the sedan. Note: Do not park behind the building with the paintings of the ASL hands. That is a tow-away zone. Signs are placed around the store but they are not glaring. We will definitely be returning. Next time we will likely make a day of it and visit the harbor. 8/3/19- Just got back from another trip to Book Thing! I got there right at 9am and found most of the books on my list...then treated myself to a few indulgences lol. Visit this place!
T. B.
00
I took my daughter and her friend to The Book Thing for the first time in April 2024. It was an easy process with many friendly and very helpful people to guide us through before and once we entered. It really is overwhelming to see how many books are there for anyone to take. So nice. The girls each chose 4 books and we left shortly after that. The checkout process was super simple too. The next part, wasn't great. After we jumped in the car, we drove around back to the donation area. There was a small lot, a pop up tent and a few people working. I parked and hopped out with 2 bags of books we were going to donate. I walked up to the table and the man working there told me they were not taking donations... that it was after 2pm. It was 2:10, ok. However, the tent was out. The doors were open. People were working and taking books in off of the tables. Others were picking up boxes of books off the ground. And the SIGN THAT SAID "DONATIONS" WAS STILL ON THE STREET. I asked If I could drop off since they were all still there, still picking up books and still moving them inside. He said "no". I said, but your sign is still there saying that you are taking donations... Are you telling me you don't want my books? He said no. So, I took my books back to the car and left with a bad taste in my mouth and a bad impression of this seemingly lovely service. Too bad.
Edward Zarkowski
00
Have been visiting this place for over 5 years! Absolutely one of my favorite places to go! Unfortunately they only do book giveaways once a month now but it's still not a big issue and doesn't take away from the wonderful experience the community and I receive. I had to take one star off because one of the volunteers always seems to have an attitude. The last 2 times I've been which was Aug and Sept she's seemed irritated! The other volunteers have been absolutely wonderful tho! It's a small space and sometimes get crowded I'm certain areas but they do a pretty good job at controlling the amount of folks inside! Either way we will be back next month! Would highly recommend!
Yarnise O (Toni)
00
I can't day enough about this place. Truly free books. Hardbacks with dust covers. Audio books. Shelves and shelves of non fiction separated from fiction and semi sorted by genres. Probably not enjoyable to someone walking into expect a boom store with everything alphabetized in its place but heaven on earth for book lovers looking to peruse for treasures. It is totally free but donations are appreciated so bring a little cash to leave as a thank you. This place is AMAZING!
Heather Staley
00
Once a month this is the most exciting place in the city. Free books, all you can carry! Great selection spanning several genres. Expect to wait in line for at least a few minutes as they only let people in, in waves of 100 every hour. Everyone is line is always delightful to talk to, the employees are kind, and them limiting people inside keeps it from being too crazy. It’s a fantastic experience and opportunity. Can’t recommend it enough
Morgan J
00
Bring your books to drop off 24/7 then go in and grab an unlimited amount to take home. Old, newish, and hard to find books of all types can be found here. Be prepared to spend at least an hour browsing, more if it's your first time or are a bibliophile! Arranged and ordered like a massive bookstore. No reselling of books permitted.
Alexis McKenna
00
Nearby Attractions Of Book Thing of Baltimore Inc
Baltimore Museum of Art
32nd Street Farmers Market
Lux Nail Spa & Hair Salon
Polished Nail Spa
Nine East 33rd Apartments
Wyman Park Dell
Memorial Field at the Y
Long Nails
Our Playground at Stadium Place
#1 Nails and Spa
Baltimore Museum of Art
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32nd Street Farmers Market
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Lux Nail Spa & Hair Salon
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Polished Nail Spa
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Nearby Restaurants Of Book Thing of Baltimore Inc
Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse
Pete's Grille
Terra Cafe
sweet27 bakery and restaurant
Peabody Heights Brewery
Tamber's Restaurant
York Pizza, Subs & Wings More
Charles Village Pub
Taste This
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Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse
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Pete's Grille
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Terra Cafe
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sweet27 bakery and restaurant
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
3001 Vineyard Ln, Baltimore, MD 21218
Map
Phone
(410) 662-5631
Call
Website
bookthing.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.8
(549 reviews)
Ratings & Description
"cultural"
"entertainment"
attractions: Baltimore Museum of Art, 32nd Street Farmers Market, Lux Nail Spa & Hair Salon, Polished Nail Spa, Nine East 33rd Apartments, Wyman Park Dell, Memorial Field at the Y, Long Nails, Our Playground at Stadium Place, #1 Nails and Spa, restaurants: Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, Pete's Grille, Terra Cafe, sweet27 bakery and restaurant, Peabody Heights Brewery, Tamber's Restaurant, York Pizza, Subs & Wings More, Charles Village Pub, Taste This, Gertrude's
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