Used book shopping
By Cara Slingerland
Because of the slight extra effort that scavengers of used bookstores put forth, the rewards inherent in the books that they find are that much sweeter. Two affordable stores exist within walking distance of one another downtown, and their vast selections only help to enable this habit.,”
Because of the extra effort used-bookstore scavengers put forth, the rewards inherent in the books they find are that much sweeter.
However, sometimes all that effort isn't necessary, although the reward will still be as sweet.
Two affordable stores exist within walking distance of one another downtown, and their vast selections only help to enable you to find what books you're looking for.
Downtown Books, located at 327 E. Wisconsin Ave., carries books from every imaginable genre, from the extensive comic book collection upstairs, to the well-lit occult section downstairs.
Though the term "used" isn't always synonymous with "old," the store's collection of Shakespeare's plays on vinyl (too obscure for even vinyl snobs) and copies of National Geographic that date back to 1915 seem to aggressively support the connotation.
Keith Pajot, owner, obtains the selection from "friend's of the library book sales," in addition to having an advertisement in the paper and thrift stores. He describes pricing the store's selection as "more of an art form than a science," but said that most paperbacks are priced at 25 percent to 50 percent below list price.
He also lists the advantages of the brick and mortar shop over online enterprises because of the immediacy.
Despite the fact that there are numerous books-turned-movies and far too many people thought someone else would enjoy their old Danielle Steel novels, the selection makes it impossible to simply stop in for a quick browse. Employees blend in with the quiet surroundings, only asking if you need help if you look especially perplexed, which lends to a serene library-like atmosphere.
Whether it is sheet music, art prints, how-to guides, old magazines, LPs or children's literature, Downtown Books carries it, and then some.
In terms of organization, Downtown Books has made significant strides over the last few years by alphabetizing more of their collection, as has Renaissance Book Shop, 834 N. Plankinton Ave.
Through the ubiquitous musky smell present in both shops, Renaissance has a more uniform look to it.
Renaissance also carries every imaginable genre, but the separation and selection of hardcover books at Renaissance is also noteworthy. But the prices for authors who show slices of recent Americana such as Raymond Carver, are steeper than list price, as if the store figures demand into its pricing.
As is also the case with Downtown Books, certain books can be found cataloged under more than location. Ann Rynd is often found under both fiction and philosophy, and Richard Wright's works under both fiction and African-American studies. This helps to make browsing the huge selection more manageable. Employees are situated on each level of the store and offer their assistance to nearly every customer.
Renaissance also has a location at General Mitchell airport, which is said to be the first used book store in an airport.
So is Milwaukee big enough for two used bookstores within blocks of each other? The answer depends on what you are looking for, but either store is worth a try before paying full price at a non-local chain or dealing with the impersonal nature of online bookstores.
Price comparisons (based on a previously determined random selection)
Downtown Renaissance
Return of the King, list price: $6.99
sold for: $3.95, paperback List price: $12
sold for: $6, paperback
As You Like it list price: 4.99
sold for: $1.95 paperback, $6.95 on vinyl List price: $1.95
sold for: $2.50, paperback
Rolling Stone from the 1990s (N*Sync cover) $1.99 N/A
“