
Best Bookstores & Libraries in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
1. Left Bank Books
A locally-owned bookstore with three locations offering new and used books in various genres. Features author events.
- Wide Selection: Offers a vast collection of books across multiple genres.
- Community Focus: Fosters an engaging community atmosphere through author events and discussion groups.
- Support Local: Supports local authors and the local economy by being a locally-owned business.
2. Saratoga Books
An antiquarian bookstore specializing in rare, out-of-print, and collectible books. Provides knowledgeable staff for recommendations.
- Rare Finds: Offers a variety of rare and hard-to-find books that may be difficult to locate elsewhere.
- Expert Staff: Knowledgeable staff who can help customers find the perfect book based on their interests.
- Collectible Items: Provides collectible books that are valuable additions to any library or collection.
3. St. Louis County Library
A public library system with multiple branches offering books, media, and community programs for all ages.
- Free Access: Offers free access to books, media, and community resources.
- Community Programs: Provides a wide range of programs for adults, children, and families.
- Resource Center: Serves as a central resource center for educational materials, computers, and research assistance.
4. Subterranean Books
A used bookstore hidden underground with a diverse collection of books, records, and unique finds.
- Unique Location: Located underground in the Central West End, offering a unique and memorable experience.
- Affordable Prices: Sells affordable used books, records, and other items.
- Community Gathering Place: Serves as a community gathering place for book lovers and music enthusiasts.
5. Coffman Memorial Union Library (Washington University)
A university library open to the public offering extensive research materials in various subjects.
- Extensive Research: Provides extensive research resources for academic pursuits.
- Public Access: Open to the public, making its resources accessible to a wider audience.
- Study Spaces: Offers ample study spaces for quiet and focused work.
6. St. Louis Public Library Central Library
The main library of the St. Louis Public Library system featuring a large collection of books, research resources, and community events.
- Large Collection: Features an extensive collection of books, media, and research materials.
- Community Events: Offers a variety of community events such as author talks, workshops, and children's programs.
- Research Assistance: Provides research assistance for academic and personal projects.
7. St. Charles City-County Library
A public library system with various branches offering books, media, and community programs in St. Charles County.
- Community Focus: Fosters an engaging community atmosphere through author events, workshops, and discussion groups.
- Free Access: Offers free access to books, media, and community resources.
- Resource Center: Serves as a central resource center for educational materials, computers, and research assistance.
8. University City Public Library
A public library serving the University City community offering books, media, and community programs.
- Community Programs: Provides a wide range of programs for adults, children, and families.
- Free Access: Offers free access to books, media, and community resources.
- Resource Center: Serves as a central resource center for educational materials, computers, and research assistance.
9. Washington University Medical Library
A university library specializing in health sciences with extensive resources and rare collections.
- Health Sciences Focus: Specializes in health sciences, offering a vast collection of books, journals, and other resources.
- Rare Collections: Houses rare collections related to the history of medicine and healthcare.
- Research Assistance: Provides research assistance for academic and professional pursuits in health sciences.
10. Washington University Olin Library
A university library offering extensive resources and services for academic research.
- Academic Focus: Focuses on supporting academic research in various disciplines.
- Research Assistance: Provides research assistance for academic and professional pursuits.
- Study Spaces: Offers ample study spaces for quiet and focused work.
11. Washington University Knight Library
A university library specializing in social sciences, humanities, and arts with various resources and services.
- Social Sciences Focus: Specializes in social sciences, humanities, and arts, offering a vast collection of books, journals, and other resources.
- Research Assistance: Provides research assistance for academic and professional pursuits in the social sciences, humanities, and arts.
- Study Spaces: Offers ample study spaces for quiet and focused work.
12. Washington University Mudd Library
A university library specializing in engineering and architecture with various resources and services.
- Engineering Focus: Specializes in engineering and architecture, offering a vast collection of books, journals, and other resources.
- Research Assistance: Provides research assistance for academic and professional pursuits in engineering and architecture.
- Study Spaces: Offers ample study spaces for quiet and focused work.
13. Washington University John M. Olin School of Business Library
A university library specializing in business and economics with various resources and services.
- Business Focus: Specializes in business and economics, offering a vast collection of books, journals, and other resources.
- Research Assistance: Provides research assistance for academic and professional pursuits in business and economics.
- Study Spaces: Offers ample study spaces for quiet and focused work.
14. Washington University Danforth Campus Library
A university library offering resources and services across various disciplines on the Danforth Campus.
- Multidisciplinary Resources: Offers a diverse collection of resources and services to support academic pursuits in multiple disciplines.
- Research Assistance: Provides research assistance for academic and professional pursuits across various disciplines.
- Study Spaces: Offers ample study spaces for quiet and focused work.
15. Washington University Knobloch Oral History Library
A university library specializing in oral history with unique collections and resources.
- Oral History Focus: Specializes in oral history, offering a vast collection of oral histories, interviews, and personal narratives.
- Unique Collections: Houses unique collections that provide insight into historical events and personal experiences.
- Research Assistance: Provides research assistance for academic and professional pursuits in oral history.