Prospero's Books — Local services in Kansas City

Outside, you'll likely be greeted by shelves of dollar-buys and featured authors on rolling carts on the sidewalk, as the store is veritably overflowing with literature, and inviting in the discerning reader.

Within the doors, you'll be struck first by the pillar of books that stack nearly to the ceiling, almost as if to suggest, perhaps intentionally, that the store is held up by those thick novels and paperbacks that formidably reach upward. Then, your gaze will likely be guided to the shelves lining the walls, and the books loosely alphebatized and categorized a long them. The main floor is surrounded by these fully-stocked shelves, and there's a pretty good featured selections table just inside with potential next reads stacked upon it.

The upstairs is a quiet reprieve from the bustling roadside of 39th, and if you go at the right time, the sun will careen in through the West facing windows and reflect off of the charmingly squeaky hardwood floors, casting a magnificent orange throughout the space.

Theres a basement as well, the low ceilings beckoning anyone who dare look for their next paperback autobiography among custom built bookshelves that line the perimeter of the establishment, each lovingly imprinted upon with sharpie marker either praising prospero's, citing pop culture references, or merely stating "Jenny was here".

The staff is friendly, warm, well-read, and helpful to the degree that one may help, there are so many books in this place, itd be near impossible to check the location of a specific print. Expect your literature to come at the cost of a search, which would be an issue if the place weren't so darned charming and inviting to be enclosed within.

Prospero's is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to seek that new read and support a book store that has been a staple in the Kansas City community for years. I can't walk out of here without at least two books, and I...

The coolest bookstore with the most interesting things I’ve ever see! Close to KU so you can take a peek over your lunch!

There are three floors. All to be walked so get ready and walk your lunch off! Many off beat books such as How Stupid Wars started and many others I don’t recall. That was just the first one I saw! Unfortunately they don’t serve libations in this bookstore.

We went down stores which is lined with a pool table ball railing. Plants, a vintage rotary dial phone, a large stack of books balancing to the ceiling and yes, more books!!

Travel up to the main floor, walk to the other side of it, and climb the small and tight fligh of steps to the third story. Along the wall there’s a hole in the wall with a light within to showcase the interesting pieces of art, toys, and objects inside. There’s a corner area to read ur book while looking outside one way or two pictures of adult art…watch out!

It was a cool place to check out while you are out and about in 39th street. Before or after you have the best cocktail at Rabbit &...

Last Saturday night I came in to purchase the cheap box of CD'S AND DVD'S and the cashier told me to go upstairs and speak to Will. I of course found some excellent books immediately. However, I am disabled and have a traumatic brain injury and uneven surfaces make me really dizzy. I tripped when I was upstairs and a sweet young womanl, she is tall with blonde hair, she had a cute hat on she helped me down the stairs, down the street and into Jazz Restaurant where my wife was waiting for me. Her name is Leigh. I just wanted to thank her for her exceptional care and compassion. I would like to buy her a gift certificate from there if you have them, to pass on to her. If you know who belpped me, could you let me know? No need for me to contact her but if you know her, I would love to pay it forward for her kindness. I have been disabled ten years and no one has gone so out of their way to be so kind. Thank you and your staff for your exceptional service as well. We need independent booksellers to survive and...