Shaw's Books — Local services in Grosse Pointe Park

This place is a special gem of a bookstore. This store is worth a visit if you're a bibliophile in the Detroit area. However, a few things you need to know before you go are that they are currently only open on Fridays and Saturdays, and they only take cash, checks, or Venmo. The owner Hank, a charming older gentleman, also noted that customers should call first to double-check that they are open before driving any distance. I feel like this makes it a speakeasy-style bookstore. Those hurdles aside, this bookstore is worth all five stars.

This store is the archetype of a collectible used bookstore. Over 15,000 titles are carefully curated, collected, and organized by section into seven reading rooms set up as libraries. Hank is a rare bookstore owner who is well-connected in the book world, knowledgeable, experienced, and super friendly. The shelves are loaded with quality titles of every available topic. If you're looking to buy slightly messed up copies of books for less than $10, this is not the place for you. However, if you're looking for quality out-of-print titles in the $15-$200 range, that is all I saw here. To comprehend that building a collection of books of this quality and quantity would take someone an entire lifetime and is entirely impractical should be apparent to most people who shop at used bookstores.

I would also note that this store came close to being completely wiped out by the flooding in the area that happened this year. Considering this unique collection and how close the community came to losing it, you should try to experience this shop while...

Admittedly, I'm a book nerd, and I absolutely adore "old school " bookstores. I spent much less time here than I would have liked, but I definitely will be returning. When I walked in, I was greeted by the charming store owner, Hank! He graciously gave me the "lay of the land" as a first-timer and made a point of letting me know that I had full access to the store. Even the items that are in cabinets! A huge selection of rare books, this place is a collectors dream. Several chairs are placed in various corners, inviting visors to sit and stay awhile. It's easy to lose track of time in a place like this that seemly transports you back in time.

Open on Friday and Saturdays, but make sure to call ahead for any schedule changes, especially if coming...

Wow. I had been meaning to visit for years, and finally did a couple weeks ago. Today was my third visit already. The store is overwhelming in a positive way, as it takes a tour (that the owner provides) and multiple visits to understand the layout and sections. But then it is important to pull books off the shelf and flip through them to discover how special many are. Some books are rare and pricey, but plenty of great bargain finds as well. I learned from the owner that the oldest book in the shop is from the 1590s, and there are hundreds...