Black Swan Books

I love this bookshop.

I have been shopping there for at least 15 years.

Always an excellent and unexpected selection of books.

Support local and independent booksellers!

Absolutely lovely selection.
I was a turd and didn't think to check the hours before driving a 30 - 40 minute drive to stop by.

When at the door I noticed "by appointment" and decided to call, luckily they were in, and kindly allowed me in to see the books.

The owner is very gracious and will help you find what you're out for, even if its on 10 different subjects.

I was down there last weekend. You usually have to give a used bookstore a little latitude in terms of organization, customer service, atmosphere, that sorta thing; they're small businesses and it's hard to keep up with big chains and Amazon.

Unfortunately, Black Swan doesn't appear to be even trying. Musty, dusty, poorly organized, overpriced; it was a real disappointment. Too bad too: Richmond could use a little facelift with some better businesses, but Black Swan isn't it.

This is not a used book store - it's a rare book store, so adjust your price expectations, and don't be surprised to stumble across some listings that cost more than your first car... and maybe even one or two more than your current one.
It's gorgeous, and well appointed. It really celebrates old books in a way that a museum might, but you can pick many up, and even leave with one.. for a price. Granted, that price can be as low as $20 for some books. The wandering aisles mean that there are more books here than you think when you walk in.
Here is the only downside - book stores like these often celebrate history and absorb a certain flavor of the local book collections they buy from. Unfortunately, with this book, there are many older books of questionable racial sensitivity. Yes, this is historically accurate, and of interest to many, but I always question profiting off this history of racial disparity.
Of course, I also would wince at the idea of cleansing history in any form, so I'll recommend you stop by, and maybe even buy a book or two as long as when you walk in you realize that much of the country was built on the backs of many of the people some of these books make light of.

Have never had a good experience here. Staff is incredibly rude, Books are overpriced. Chop Suey is much better

This bookstore is a hidden gem! If you love books, especially antiques, you will love this place! The first time I visited, I spent hours walking and examining the bookshelves, and was in heaven when I saw the collectibles! Hunter is so helpful! My husband is in the medical field and we are searching for specific texts to start his collection, and anytime Hunter thinks we may be interested in some new arrivals, he emails me- what great service! Highly recommend this place to everyone!

When roaming around, don't forget to go to the far corner from the entry. This is where they put all the real old books and exceptionally unique items.

My wife is an exceptional book lover and admirer. Going here was very much a must as it has roots similar to the very old bookstore in Ireland. When you first walk in the "bookscape" is very nice and open. I liked the feel of how it invites you to check the place out.

The faculty are very friendly and aren't against you looking at or reading the books. Overall, this place is definitely a place to check out if you're a bookfan!

Don't forget to say hi to copyright! :) (good doggie)

Please note, they are only open Friday-Sunday. I only say this because I live in NC and planned a special trip to see them on my way home from DC... on a Monday. Luckily they were still able to squeeze me in (whew). I would drop thousands in that place, if I could. They have some REALLY cool stuff, and being able to see books in person is worth more than finding a questionable copy cheaper on the internet.

Gorgeous book store. Tons of really old books. The staff was super nice and let me look around for 15 mins after they closed.

Next time I'm there, I'm budgeting extra money in my trip to a few books.

An old school book store with collectable books... I would say it's more like a museum than a simple book store, including old French classics and antique editions.