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Read a Book STL
Your community hub for affordable books and shared stories in St. Louis.
5(5 reviews)
$
retail-store
bookstores
community-service-non-profit
Affordable books across genres, with an average price of $5, including popular and classic titles.
Request specific books not in stock, and we'll help you find them through our ordering system.
A free outdoor cart stocked with quality books for the community to take and enjoy.
Discounts offered to educators with a valid work ID to support learning and accessibility.
Monthly events like tarot nights, crochet sessions, and book clubs to engage and strengthen the local community.
Collaborations with nearby small businesses to promote shopping local and support the Meramec strip.
Your community hub for affordable books and shared stories in St. Louis.
No photos available
Read a Book STL is a beloved independent bookstore located in the heart of Dutchtown, St. Louis, dedicated to salvaging books and keeping knowledge accessible and affordable for all. We offer a carefully curated mix of new and secondhand books at unbeatable prices, with an average of $5 per title. Our clean, well-organized space provides a peaceful retreat for book lovers, and we host community events, book clubs, and activities to foster local connections. Owned by the welcoming Brian and Ellen, we pride ourselves on being more than just a store—we're a sacred third space where everyone can find their next great read.
Omg! I get a chance to write a review on my favorite bookstore! I visit this store at least 3x a week! I've had the pleasure of purchasing some amazing books here! I've gotten a couple of free books which they place on a free book stand outside of the store! It's nice, quiet, and beautiful people who run this establishment! They have activities here and there on certain days and they do have notices for those particular dates! They recently had a tarot night and I was told they will be doing it again next year in 2026. Crochet and sewing activity days! Check this place out if you are a reader,love books, and interacting with different people.
This is a beautiful bookstore! I love how easy it is to navigate—it’s not too big, but the selection isn't limited either. I highly recommend checking them out for affordable options. Since they offer a mix of new and secondhand books, some may have notes in the margins, but if you don't mind that, go for it! The shop is in a great location in a charming, community-oriented Dutch town. The owner, Brian, was also very kind. I only ended up buying a game this time, but I’ll definitely be back to spend more time browsing the books!
Read A Book STL is a weekly staple in our household. Book wise, they have something for everybody. There has not been a holiday or birthday since I found RAB that a person has not gotten a book from them. With more affordable prices than most thrift stores these days, and the idea that non-physical media will not be around forever (sorry kindle lovers), I could not think of a better place to go to grab a classic or even a new read! Even in a small space, they have jam-packed more genres than you can imagine. But this place is more than just a book store, it is a sacred thrid space. Honestly, a week without a stop at RAB is a little emptier than the ones that are filled with the books and regulars and conversations with Ellen and Brian that a quick (or not so quick) visit bring! Brian and Ellen, the owners, host community events and book clubs monthly to help strengthen and build upon the Dutchtown community that it already present. They have partnerships with other small businesses on the Meramac strip to help support shopping small and local, and are always raving about whats good down at Urban Eats. If you become a regular here, which I highly recommend, you will come to realize they just want to be a giant little free library like the one they stock. A resource for those that need a read, a quick escape, to learn something. A refuge for those who need it, just like a good book.
I love to read yet I’ve never paid attention to this bookstore. Today I had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners, Brian. He was so welcoming and courteous! Let’s first start off with saying what caught my eye: There was a free book cart for the community and they weren’t trash authors either. These were great books! Upon entering, I was welcomed and immediately at ease with the mass assortment of this small bookstore. The books are neat and they at great prices. This store offers new and used books. The store is clean and full peaceful. If you are a bookie, you know how much peace is needed when browsing for books 😉 I will forever be returning to the gem for future books. Bonus: they offer a teacher discount with your work ID…. Win win win 🏆
Read a Book STL is a gem in Dutchtown, St. Louis. I learned about this new store when the owners visited another local-to-me bookstore and immediately added it to my agenda to visit. We stopped in an hour before closing on Valentine's Day 2025 to browse their selection and I was instantly impressed not only by their available selection (for a new bookstore), but even more so by their affordable prices. Brian and Ellen's (owners) mission is "dedicated to salvaging books and keeping knowledge accessible and affordable for ALL" and they are doing an outstanding job putting this into practice. Countless popular and recognizable titles are available in-store, with an average price of $5 per title- absolutely astonishing in today's economy. I found a nonfiction graphic novel for my purchase. Their neighborhood is infinitely blessed by their business. The store is clean, well-organized with clear signage, and it feels like it's been a bookstore for decades. I snapped a photo of a cute, framed picture of the alphabet on their wall and later recognized it in a local artist's tent at a street market for sale; another reason to love this spot- small businesses supporting small businesses! Frequent this business as much as you can if you care about making literature/knowledge accessible to everyone! If you can't find what you want, they do take special orders.
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