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New Orleans Birthday Trip = Memories Uptown
Our first stop after the tour of places once lived around the Tulane campus was a quaint little local book shop that's really someone's old house converted, as most good places in New Orleans are. You walk up the rickety steps to the door where the handle's in the middle for a reason, and the feeling of calm washes over you as you step into the quite of the summer reading selections.
Venue:
Maple Book Shop is adorable. Let me just throw that out there. For you New Yorkers, it's like Strand, but smaller, same overwhelmed by books feel. There are books everywhere, and let's just say that if I were playing The Sims and set up a store like this, they'd never be able to walk around. Bookshelves are angled every which way, and there is a bit of, "oh my god, that could fall on me" sense of impending doom, but chances are it won't. New Orleans isn't prone to earthquakes.
Still, if you can weave your way into the back, there's a little lounge. Not very big, but an enclosed porch, where you can relax and read and look at all the old newspaper clippings on the walls. There's free wi-fi nowadays, but the book readings and club nights are still around. I've been told this gets crowded during the school year when students decide the library's just not the atmosphere they're looking for, so stick to summertime excursions.
The children's Maple Book Shop is right next door, so go pick up a copy of Good Night Moon, or in this case, Good Night NOLA, like we did.
Selection:
I was impressed by their travel section, and their classics. Seeing as they cater to college kids, the need for philosophy and Greek literature is abound, but they also have some other stuff that I don't remember reading in school, but on my own time, which is good. Promote the reading!
The sections on things like science and mathematics and psychology were lacking, as was, oddly, their nonfiction (what I predominately read because I'm weird), but they had a lot of recent books as well as odd finds I wouldn't have found at a Borders. If you're looking for a quite spot to peruse for that book you've been hoping to find somewhere, anywhere, then this might work. If you're looking for that book you forgot to read for your final tomorrow, this might work. If you're looking for obscure texts and things no one has ever heard of because they're so dammed specialized, then try the internet.
A mixed bag of choices here. The layout of the store is a bit of maze, but not in the selection of books - they are clearly marked. It reminds me of the Menil Collection's bookstore in that it's old house with floors that are less than flush.
All the different sections are clearly marked from the latest NY Times Best Sellers to historical choices germane to New Orleans and Arcadiana in addition to the rest of the world. Russell Brands' new "Booky Wooky" was sitting by the register in its hot pink glory at full list price.
The two staffers were friendly enough though their shelf stocking seemed a bit more important than a customer who might potentially buy a book.
Fun to wander through if you're on this side of town. Good for that odd find but no bargains to be found.
Summary: More of an experience than a bookstore.
I completely understand that this place is an institution, that it has a great ambiance, and that I am supposed to root for quirky, charming little places like this.
I don't have the heart to give it less than four stars, but I went all the way uptown for this place and completely struck out on everything I wanted.
It's small. And while it definitely is crammed full of books, they just can't possibly have a wide enough selection in a place of this size.
True: they've a great selection of local topic books-- same with art books. Also (international) guidebooks. But if you aren't looking for the preceding or a well established novel, they probably won't have it.
In short, it would be a lovely place to go with friends/family from out of town or a casual friend/date for browsing or something.
But if you don't live in the area, don't trek up there expecting a bonanza. McKeown's is not quite as cutesy, but it has a better selection.
SORRY! I feel like a jerk!
I think that my love for books and bookshops is directly related to the MANY times my mom would take me to the Maple Street Bookshop as a little kid. When I was slightly older, we moved away and I sadly hadn't been back until a few months ago. It hadn't changed a bit. It was odd, when I walked inside the main store, I was hit by waves of nostalgia. Replete with the dressed up, life-sized stuffed doll with no buttons for eyes. (I was terrified at age three.)
I really like the two houses. I like that the children's shop is in its own house. Good for children to enjoy story time on the front porch, and good for not disturbing the adults perusing and reading in the main house. The main house, over a hundred years old, is chock full of books. In fact, there were so many bookshelves full of so many books, that it was a little hard to stoop to see the bottom shelves in the main room.
I love that they are supportive of local and sort of local authors. There is a large selection in the front room dedicated to several authors, including Walker Percy and Ellen Gilchrist. There is also a rather long list of local authors in the front garden. There is another list of the authors on their website, along with a note, "Local Authors: Please come in throughout the year at your convenience and sign your book(s) and let us know if we are running low on your titles, or if we have left you off our list. Thanks!" How cool is that for supporting local?!
If you are in need of a book on any aspect of New Orleans' history, you will find it here. There's an entire small room brimming with such material.
Finally, do not miss the back room. Full of couches and chairs for reading, creaking floor boards, and window unit. Another reviewer mentioned the room is creepy. It is, but it also contains the history of the store. Definitely worth a gander.
Oh, don't forget to buy a t-shirt or bumper sticker. How can you not with the phrase, "Fight the Stupids!"
My least favorite of the local bookstores. If you're not a regular don't expect good service.
I really dig this place and really can't put my finger on why exactly. The nice ladies that you can chat it up with, high quality selection of books including most local favorites and the back room where you can just chill out. I wish I could simply move in and read and hang out for as long as possible. Check it out and support a local establishment.
Great book shop, great ambiance, knowledgeable staff. Big local selection. Has been around for a very long time, support this shop for sure.
Best selection of books on Louisiana and New Orleans I've yet to find under 1 roof. This bookstore and its staff represent every reason you should support a local neighborhood bookshop.
Probably one of the only places I go to get books, unless I need something late at night. They have a good selection and are willing to order it if they don't carry it. It's one of the last remaining neighborhood bookshops so we should all support it.
Maple Street Book Shop is yet an incredible book store. The staff are knowledgeable and have read something more than the latest Harry Potter novel. There is a room in the back for reading, but I personally have always found it to be slightly creepy. They have an expansive New Orleans and Katrina related section. I whole heartedly think that you should make at least one trip here.
Also, Maple Street was open right after Hurricane Katrina. They supplied free coffee to everyone in the neighborhood because all of the coffee shops in that area were closed (PJs, Starbucks, etc.). They get bonus points for that. On Tuesdays or Thursdays they offer discounts to college students.
Need a book? Sick and tired of suburban shits who haven't even read a book in the past five years ringing you up? This is the place for you. Home to both bestsellers and obsure texts, Maple Street Book Shop will please your literary side. The employees are willing to bend over backwards (sometimes literally...it's a small place) to help you find what you need. Be sure to take a free peppermint and bumpersticker on your way out. Fight the stupids!
I really regret not getting one of their "Fight the Stupids" stickers. I wonder if you can find them online... Anyway, this place is great. It has plenty of local authors, as well as national bestsellers. There's nothing like a bookstore full of friendly folk who will do everything in their power to make sure you get that perfect book. Plus, since I grew up across the street from it, they have my baby picture in the Children's Book Store! :)
an institution. go buy stuff. fight the stupids!
New Orleans, LA
Category: Bookstores
New Orleans, LA
Category: Bookstores
New Orleans, LA
Category: Bookstores
New Orleans, LA
Category: Bookstores
New Orleans, LA
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
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