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Antigone Books
Categories: Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Cards & Stationery, Bookstores [Edit]
411 N 4th AveTucson, AZ 85705
(520) 792-3715
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 7 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Antigone Books
Review Highlights
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"The notebooks and knick knacks are all cute/funny..." In 6 reviews -
"I always find something no one else has." In 3 reviews -
"Cute little local bookstore on 4th Avenue." In 3 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Corey D.
Updated - 4/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Before I move Antigone, I'm taking a minute to bump you up. Feels nice, huh?
Well let me just say, it's felt nice to wander your wide selection, feel like you'd order anything if I asked, and eye over your crazy collection of journals. That's what brought me to 4th Ave this weekend, and although I didn't leave with one, I was amazed that there are so many options. Ruled, unruly, leather, paper, recycled, sketch, the place has more pads than a Always factory. I do wish the store stocked some local artists because there are folks in town that make journals using recycled papers and reclaimed materials, but I get that might not be their bag.
In 6 years, Antigone proved to be an amazing option for local book buying and a great friend to Yelp when we introduced The Yelp Literati in 2012. I think some folks tend to get wrapped up in the fact that service isn't always stellar, but think back to your childhood librarian, was that person the most effervescent and bubbly? Probably not. These guys know books. That's their thing, and like anyone who specializes in something so specific (ever try to carry on a conversation with a pool tech about political discourse) they're passionate about one thing, one thing only and sometimes passion can come across as, "I know more than you." But let's be honest, they probably do.
Shop local. Support the little guys. Before you buy on Amazon, consider making the trip to your neighborhood shop to see if they stock or can at least order the paperback you've been dying to thumb through.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/26/2010
Two words. Bargain. Books.
The selection might not be as large as those big box booksellers, BUT, the… Read more »
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Review from Lauren K.
2/19/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My first visit to Antigone completely surprised me. I don't like 4th Ave. It's fairly dingy, dirty, and crawling with people, some of which are highly questionable, particularly when the sun goes down. Therefore, I thought Antigone would be more of the same. But not so! The store is large, clean, and inviting. Their book selection is solid. They have tons of quirky and whimsical tchotchke type items. They have lots of novelty items like bumper stickers and such. It's a very interesting store to walk through.
Their prices are generally what's marked on the cover of the book per the manufacturer, so I wouldn't say they're great in that regard, just run of the mill. They do have decent used and sale sections, though, so don't forget to look through those books!
The service was cold. Very cold. I expect a LOT more from a local bookstore if you want me to come back to that store. Particularly a store that's in a frustrating area, with little to no available/convenient parking.
Overall, Antigone is a decent independent bookstore. I'll definitely go in and maybe buy something when I have the displeasure of being on 4th Ave. -
Review from Jennifer E.
Tucson, AZ
2/3/2012
I definitely have a love/hate relationship with this place! I love all the books and stuff they have at Anitgone but the service isn't always that great and isn't always given with a smile.
I recently went to Antigone to get a book for Yelp's book club. My bff and I were doing the Meet at Maynard's (MMM) event so we walked in on our way back to MMM. I had forgotten what the name of the book was so I asked the girl behind the counter about Antigone having books for the book club. She was clueless. Someone walks from some other part of the store and shows me the book and was really not very happy that I had interrupted her work. My BFF asked if they were a part of the MMM discount and they had no clue what we were talking about.
On the up side I was browsing around the cash wrap area and they have cute little mustache and pig flashlights and a small book on acronyms in the new tech world. The best thing they have at Antigone in my opinion are the Frida and Gandhi puppets. I need to go back for those! -
Review from Laura D.
5/26/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Antigone Books is a great, small business. They have so many books and organized into great little sections, as well as a variety of gifts, blank books, CDs, and bumper stickers. I recently wanted some books they didn't have, so they ordered them for me. The books arrived in less than a week. The staff there is always helpful, always sweet, and knowledgeable. When I leave Tucson, I'm going to miss the pants off of Antigone, and when I come back to visit it will be my great pleasure to make it a stop.
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Review from Aishan S.
Tucson, AZ
4/1/2012
I love wandering down 4th Ave to this bookstore on a weekend morning stroll. Their quirky variety of books (my favourites that I came across were Filthy Shakespeare and Goodnight, Keith Moon; I also once found Toilets of the World) always perks up my day. They are also great about promoting local authors, new writers, and books featuring our beloved Tucson.
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Review from Jennifer P.
Tucson, AZ
2/16/2012
Love to see an independent bookseller still surviving in this age of online books and big megastores. Even better that it's located on 4th Avenue! Antigone has books, gifts, cards, and whatnot. About a year ago, I bought 2 hanging screens for my home with sayings by Mahatma Gandhi and a wise Chinese sage that I love. Also, love my hippie purse from Antigone also. Yesterday, I went in to purchase Feb. Yelp Literati book, "Super Sad True Love Story" and got 20% discount to boot. Hope you'll join me in supporting this lovely local little guy on 4th Avenue. I bet you'll feel as good as me when you do.
Listed in: An Ode to 29 Days of February…
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Review from Heidi S.
9/26/2011 ROTD 3/18/2012
Cute little local bookstore on 4th Avenue. Grab a coffee at Epic Cafe, then wander down to Antigone...great store for browsing, reading, and buying.
My favorite part about this place is the Second Sundays book club. Focuses on women fiction authors. A diverse group of about ten ladies. Very laid back...they sit in a circle in comfy chairs and compare notes. Everyone is very friendly and you get to meet people you probably normally wouldn't. Fosters a great sense of community. -
Review from Emily B.
Tucson, AZ
7/30/2011
Antigone books is a required stop for me any time I happen to be on 4th avenue (which is pretty often). I don't always buy something, but the shop never fails to entertain. They have a great selection of quirky gifts and bumper stickers as well as a good, if not somewhat small selection of books. They also have a varied selection of cards and calenders, and a large variety of journals and planners.
Although (compared to big box stores) their book selection is limited, the few times I've wanted something they didn't have they were very happy to order it for me. They have a phenomenal selection of children's books, including all of the classics and their bargain book section is a great way to discover new titles and authors. There are some chairs scattered around the shop to allow you to browse through the books and just relax in the cool and quiet atmosphere. The staff have always been pleasant and helpful and I always find something new when I go. My only complaint is the parking situation--they do have their own lot but it is usually full. -
Review from Chris S.
6/2/2011 1 photo
Ah, there was so much to look at I am not sure of where to start. Let's start with I got a nice massage from the Tingler that they had on display for sale. If you don't know what a Tingler is, it is a massager that massages millions of nerve endings in your scalp with its spider-like copper arms. They have a ton of cards for any occasion which is why I went in here.
Of course they have books, puzzles, art, mugs, posters, magazines, knick knacks, and t-shirts to mention a few. Basically if you are looking for books this is a good local off the sidewalk shop to come into. If you are running out of time and need to head back to Phoenix and have not yet gotten anyone anything, you can also come here and gift shop. They have plenty of items for everyone.Listed in: 4th avenue rocks!
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Review from Jon B.
Tucson, AZ
3/18/2012
I wish they devoted a little more space to books and less to toys and novelty items, but otherwise this is a great store. I especially appreciate the diverse and thoughtful staff recommendations. Costs a little more than Barnes & Noble or Amazon, but well worth it for the much better shopping experience. (And by the way, using a store like Antigone to find what you want to buy and then ordering it from Amazon to save a few bucks? Pathetic!)
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Review from E F.
Alexandria, VA
9/5/2011
The creep factor in this bookstore is way too high. I agree with other reviewers that there is a good selection of cute gifts, bumper stickers, and refrigerator magnets. There is a sign at the door asking that you leave your bag with the cashier while shopping, which I did promptly. Nonetheless, an employee shadowed me everywhere I went. As I was making my way to the cash register, my husband entered the store. I began to show him a few funny items that I had found. When I turned to leave the store (after making several purchases), I noticed the shadow woman. My husband said that she had followed me the entire time. I then regretted having ever entered the store. It is a sad commentary that shop owners feel that they have to follow customers around, but those of us who voluntarily hand over our bags and make purchases? Seriously. Won't be returning.
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Review from Claire D.
Tucson, AZ
9/6/2008
You don't have to be queer or queer-friendly to dig this place, but it surely doesn't hurt. Window shop and enter, straighties, you won't turn gay or freak out just by going inside. We're a friendly kind.
Jewelry, books, gifts, THE BEST MAGNETS AND PINS SELECTION IN TOWN, cards, slightly new agey fun stuff, a great staff, and great recommendations from them.
I came here for the first time when a U of A professor required us to buy a book from this place and have been a grade A fan ever since. Oh, you women's studies teachers.Listed in: Get to 4th Avenue or streets…
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Review from Bonnie G.
Tempe, AZ
Updated - 4/28/2009 1 Check-in Here
Well, every time I go to Tucson, I have to stop by Antigone or I feel the trip wasn't complete, so I have to upgrade to 5 stars!
I still am not crazy about all the other "stuff" here at the bookstore, but I recognize that is my own personal taste. Other people (and friends I go with) love playing w/Frieda Kahlo finger puppets, and posters, and mugs and various cat paraphernalia. I prefer a bookstore just to be a bookstore, but if you are looking for gift items, their selection and quality is pretty superior to most (although Blue Willow has a bangin' weird kitchen utensil section...but not with a lesbian angle).
I find their staff selections of particular interest, I always find a sociology book or women's studies book or economy book worth my time and interest. I love their work and displays, and they have a size able Graphic Novels section. I always buy my magazines here (bust, bitch, readymade, venus, etc) and Papaya cards.
In fact, I realize I should be grateful for all the stuff they have for non-book enthusiasts to pay with, so I can browse and read in peace!Listed in: Me and Tucson have Domestic…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/24/2006 First to Review
I really like this bookstore! Journals, cards, finger puppets, candles, magazines like Bitch and… Read more »
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Review from Amanda B.
Tucson, AZ
4/6/2008 1 Check-in Here
When reviewing Mostly Books on Speedway, I realized that I've never gotten around to writing about Antigone's. The other reviews covered it, but I wanted to reiterate: A queer's paradise, completely with a wonderful kids section filled with Todd Parr books.
For those as nerdy as I: Antigone's also sells the Little Thinker dolls from the Unemployed Philosopher's Guild. Sometimes all you need is an Eleanor Roosevelt doll. -
Review from Alice A.
Tucson, AZ
2/3/2009
I found this place when I first moved to Tucson. Just the title had me intrigued. I miss the local bookstore with local flair. Borders and B&N have put a majority of these stores out of business. Thank you to the alternative scene in Tucson!
Yes, they have great books on a variety of topics. Most are alternative lifestyle centric. This is the first place I go for that special book or journal for important people in my life. I always find something no one else has.
They also have a large selection of bumper stickers, pins & magnets that are socially/politcally focused. Some are hysterical and I can't help but read everyone - everytime I go inside.
I would recommend this for anyone who loves interesting finds. -
Review from Nicholas H.
Hollywood, CA
9/28/2008
What more could one want in a local bookshop than quirky anti-Republican postcards, gay-friendly literature and unique southwestern cookbooks all in the hippest area of downtown Tucson?!
Antigone Books is for the lil' protester in all of us, the part of our mind that screams ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT while not presenting itself as such. Cast aside your expectations filled in by corporate Barnes & Noble chains (love them as I may), Antigone serves a different purpose. Take a stroll inside and you're sure to find gifts for nearly any cool-headed individual, books you can't find elsewhere and a generally chilled environment to peruse in. Also, the pins/magnets are pretty fab. What are you waiting for? Go! Go now! -
Review from Joyce C.
4/9/2011
First of all, I love independent bookstores. But a 100% solar-powered store with new and used books, multiple themed book clubs (including Democracy & Dissent and Buddhist) and cool events really gets my attention. I look forward to visiting as often as my book-buying budget allows.
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Review from Samantha D.
Washington, DC
7/6/2008
Antigone...you make my heart smile.
I love this bookstore. Every time I buy something here, I get some sort of additional surprise that makes me appreciate the world that is Tucson and the fresh breath of liberal air they provide to az.
I think their selection is pretty large for being an indy store. I typically run into books in their women's and glbt section that I wouldn't find outside of an academic bookshop. Not to mention that they carry and feature lots of local artist reads and trinkets. I picked up a really nice planner here published by La Primavera (grassroots social justice npo in tucson) and the entire cost for the planner went directly to the org...it was a no-sale for Antigone...that to me shows a commitment to your community.
Love this place...15 cents donated to a local cause every time you don't use a plastic bag. Added bonus. -
Review from Roberta L.
Tucson, AZ
1/1/2011
Looking over the reviews it seems we all pretty much enjoy the same features that bring us here over and over again. I LOVE dropping in here and most especially when I am not on a "mission." It's a great place to browse and, as others have said, although not a mega sized shop, it is neatly packed with fabulous items in addition to books. This is really the place to find a special greeting card , boxes of incredible stationery, gorgeous prayer flags, interesting t-shirts, etc. No one is there to pester you, only to help if you ask. The selection of interesting paperbacks including staff picks, is amazing (I never buy hard cover books) and I love supporting not only a locally-owned business but one that supports local artists of all kind. (I wish I could afford those exquisite felted hand-bags)
And, let us not forget that they support local writers of both prose and poetry (maybe other literary forms too) in their reading series which are intimate and comfortable.
Happy New Year Antigone. May you grace 4th Ave. for many many years to come. -
Review from Lyndsey G.
Tucson, AZ
4/29/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Antigone get's a lot more of my money than I should be spending...but it's so worth it!
The book selection is great and the staff is very helpful (in fact I go there so often they've started recommending books better than Amazon).
The notebooks and knick knacks are all cute/funny/worthwhile.
It might be more slightly more expensive than chain stores...but hey that's to be expected at an awesome independent store. -
Review from DEBORAH S.
Tucson, AZ
5/26/2011
Antigone is a wonderful bookshop -- and gift shop. They provide a stellar variety of unusual and dissenting points of view, and they have a great selection of local authors. They have always given me a very generous discount on materials for my classes. I have no complaints.
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Review from Aaron M.
12/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
Sweet little book store and gift shop. I spent a long while looking around at everything they had to offer. The staff was very friendly and even offered to put my postcard in their outgoing mail so I didn't have to look around for a postbox.
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Review from Frances L.
Los Angeles, CA
8/5/2010
Cute little bookshop on 4th Ave. next to all the bars and restaurants. Easily a place you can kill some time at while waiting for friends to catch up,but not really my taste in books. Tons of novelty items and knick-knacks,prices seemed average. I wished they had a better collection of contemporary fiction; last I checked, they had more mass market than independent publishers, which was odd because it's such a quaint little shop. I guess they cater to the town and the college students at U of A-- lots of copies of Eat, Pray, Love type of mainstream feel-good, Oprah Book Club type of crap. At least it's an independent bookshop...
Listed in: Bookworms Unite!
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Review from Saba B.
9/7/2008
Funniest damn birthday cards on the planet, and you'll overpopulate your fridge with their witty magnets...they even have an entire display of photoshopped bush-hatin' cards (the Rocky Horror Bushenfurter is the schnizz). Be ready to pay more than you'd like for hard-to-find items, and the novel selection is right on. You won't find these tomes at B & N. And no, you don't have to be gay and that dyke isn't checkin' you out, she's lookin' at Frieda Kahlo cards. Patronize!!
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Review from Eric G.
7/18/2010 7 Check-ins Here
Cool little local bookstore. The selection of books is eclectic compared to chain stores. They might not have the novel you want to buy, but if you are looking for something quirky or off-the-wall, you just might find it here. I went in looking for books on local plant life and walked away with a stack of books. Really great! And the way I found those books was to ask the friendly and extremely helpful staff.
This place also sells all sorts of eclectic knick-knacks, cards, stationary, etc. Also sells tickets to local concerts occasionally which is nice (I hate ticketbastard).
If things look a little pricier than you might think they should be, try to remember that you're supporting a local business. And even better, you're supporting a local business in the one part of town where you can walk from shop-to-shop-to-shop. So after buying something, head over to Che's and buy yourself a congratulatory pint for doing something good for downtown Tucson. -
Review from Campbell B.
Los Angeles, CA
4/10/2008
This is the best bookstore ever! I am so in love with this place. I grew up in Tucson, but I live in California now. I went to this bookstore almost everyday after school at Tucson High. They have a great selection of all kinds of books. The have an impressive selection of children's books as well as queer books. They also have journals and trendy gifts.
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Review from Erica H.
Los Angeles, CA
11/19/2009
I love the spiritual selection here. Motivational to lifestyle books...they have books for most personal tastes in literature as well as knick knacks and cards/stationery. It's a quaint, cute little place, I reccommend for anyone who hasn't been here to browse around one day when you're on 4th
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Review from Jen-Jen R.
Santa Monica, CA
10/16/2008
I was in Tucson on business. Stopped in here. And I LOVED the place. I went back like 3 times. I felt sooooo comfortable. The selection was FAB!!!! I bought a few books and cards. I did not have my baby then, if I had, I would have bought for her there. The children's section was GREAT. It was so great that a woman with no kids, and none on the horizon remembers it. Plus the staff was friendly. I would soooo go back there if I were a local in Tucson.
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Review from Tiffany T.
Long Beach, CA
4/9/2009
tucson is spoiled to have this amazing bookstore. who would go anywhere else, great staff picks. cute journals and gifts too!
