Dog Star Books

There are certainly good books here. I didn’t buy when I went, but it wasn’t because of the collection. The man behind the counter was rather abrupt and unhelpful. After listening to him harshly treat an elderly couple wanting to sell their used books, I admit I couldn’t bring myself to buy from him. Even though I had picked out a few books. Also, you should be aware that the books are priced fairly competitively — you won’t really find good "deals" here, so there’s not much incentive to prefer this shop to online retailers. Thankfully, there are no furry animals (cats, dogs) for those who are allergic. Only the smell of dusty old books. Oh, and the specialty or rare books tend to be old German and English books, particularly Pennsylvania Gesangenbücher. I did find a copy of Arndt’s Wahren Christentum, from 1866, but it was a little on the expensive side, which was exciting. There is also a relatively good collection of Arthurian and some modern theology (Barth).

A perfect used book experience as soon as you walk in and get the slightly contained chaos of shelves overflowing with an excellent selection of all genres. We walked in expecting to find a couple good deals and left with a bag-busting haul. The owner even was able to eye our purchases and slyly offer up first editions and signed copies from the authors. I love a shop with an intimate knowledge of their inventory.

Upon walking in, the cavernous, dimly lit shop FEELS, and looks like an old-school bookstore. Indeed the shelves are well stacked and organized, though there is the ever present clutter of yet-to-be-sorted stock everywhere in the shop. The shop meanders, up a few stairs toward the back, left, and branches off toward far-off places with an abundance of options - it does have a charm. What doesn't have ANY charm is the old, misanthropic dolt who runs this shop. He makes for a lackluster, to say the least, book hunting experience. Nasty, unhelpful, churlish, he is the reason and purpose to turn around, and to walk right out of the shop. Fortunately, I wasn't there for him and his good manners; I was there to see what he had - and he had plenty - I had little use for him, and so I went about my business.

Dog Star Books was an incredible find. It is full to the brim with great options, very reasonable prices, and a huge selection. I was able to find a number of books that I've been looking for for years, as well as a few pleasant surprises to take away. The staff was very helpful, but be prepared to do some searching or to ask for help, as the layout of the store is not necessarily intuitively obvious. I love visiting used bookstores, and it's been a long time since I found one as full as this one is. I will definitely go back again when I am next in Lancaster.

If you love bookstores you're going to love dog Star books. From the moment you walk in it feels exactly like a bookstore from the good old days the staff is friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable and even better they are engaging and helpful. If you're looking to sell your books no place will treat you more fairly . Sadly my life has come to a place where I can no longer house my own personal library. It was my favorite room in my house but do to circumstances beyond My control I was not able to keep my house and my books went into storage. Storing up my books for several years was costing me an arm and a leg. Finally I made the decision to part with my collection and I tried a couple stores before I found dog star. It's never fun to let go of your precious belongings with sentimental value but honestly I almost feel as if I handed them down to family and got a bag of money in return. They were fair and understanding and I would recommend them to anyone else who has fallen on hard times. If you're shopping for books now is a great time to visit them because you have a chance to buy my collection of science fiction and horror. I can't tell you how much it softens the blow of parting with things you love when you know they're going to the right people and Will be Loved again by many more.

The store itself is large and well organized, but when my husband asked about a specific type of book the gentleman basically just told him he wouldn’t find them in used bookstores and he should just look online. I DID find two books I had been looking for, but when I'm got to the counter I was told they were not priced for sale and he was trying to complete a set and sell it whole. I don’t know why they were on the shelf if they weren’t for sale - it’s not like I rummaged through a back room or anything. They were displayed with other books I assume were for sale. Very disappointed and see no reason to return if they don’t actually let me purchase books.

Great selection and fair prices, just don't expect the staff to remeber their own shelving system haha.