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Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
10 reviews for Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore
If your into books and you happen to find your self in SLC then there are only two places you need to go; Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore and Ken Sanders Rare Books.
Sam Weller's is pretty good size and every time I've been in it I have been impressed once again by some of the things I have found there. They have nice stock, is well organized and it's a joy to scan their shelves.
An excellent bookstore, Sam Weller's holds its own with the best of many much larger cities, including Chicago and San Francisco. Their enormous fiction section is guaranteed to have whatever you're looking for. History is nearly non-existent, but they have a large comics section and plenty of children's books, plus a few rooms of jumbled bargain books in the basement.
Most of the stock is new or gently used, so consequently, the prices are a bit high. You will pay list for the new books, so if you're looking to save money, stick to the used selection (still not terribly cheap though, as the used books are all in good shape).
They have some odds and ends like letterpress cards near the front, as well as a small cafe area. I could spend hours in a store like this.
There's not much to add here that hasn't already been said, except: if you like pre-1965-or-so paperbacks, DO NOT MISS the dedicated section upstairs. If I'd had the time, I could have spent a couple hours just in that little nook.
New & used book hunter paradise, a la Miles of Books in NYC or Powell's in Portland, albeit way smaller. Field notes: This is NOT a religion bookstore despite the name * Street parking is ample (& free) after 6pm, tougher on weekdays * Great coffee shop (Coffee Garden) attached w/free wifi * Cool rare book room with nerdy-hot librarians upstairs * Treasure trove basement if you prefer chaos & serendipity over Dewey decimal uber-order * Unexpected & interesting "staff picks" shelf
Can't believe a place like this exists in SLC - even the philosophy section has a diverse selection of real books that real philosophy people would read. Most of these used bookstores just have crap, and a lot of it, but here there's a lot that you may actually want to buy. Cute downtown location, and prices aren't too bad. A must stop if you're a bibliophile in downtown SLC.
When I hear the term "used bookstore, I envision an overwhelming mess. Thus, I was delighted to see how well organized Sam Weller's is. It reminds me of a new bookstore, but with much more interesting content. Sam's many categories and sub categories, as well as the uncluttered bookshelves, made it easy for me to browse through books of topical interest to me. It helped me quickly find a gem of a book that I doubt could be found anywhere else, and I even received a surprise 25% discount when I checked out. I wish more used bookstores would put such an effort into improving the user-ability of their collection.
this place is most definitely a salt lake heirloom. they've got everything you're looking for and with the new addition of the coffee garden to their store, no reason not to check it out and support the local business.
i would say if you're looking for a book/card/magazine/hang out spot down town...check out sam weller's...you will not be disappointed.
it's got the old bookstore feel with wall to wall books. there's a downstairs that's quasi overwhelming but amazing and a rare book section with practically one of a kind rare printed books...incredible!
go! really, you'll fall in love. :)
Legendary Utah bookstore that's been around since 1929. With so much change that has occurred downtown, and the despair I felt when downtown became a ghost town with the development of the 2 enclosed malls near the top of Main, that this wonderful bookstore even survived is a miracle. Downtown SLC was such an amazing place when it was thriving and vital. I remember going to Wooly's and Mom buying dresses at little boutiques, lunch at the Shakespeare Sandwich Shoppe, movies at the theatres, and walking blocks and blocks, window shopping, and stopping for a coke, and marveling at the water fountains on the corners that never stopped. Things are looking up with the Farmer's market, neat locally owned restaurants and stuff west on 2nd south, Broadway shops and theater, Gallivan activities, Trax access and more businesses locating downtown, but I'm scared what the new downtown City Creek development will be like - have they learned from the ZCMI and Crossroads debacle? I am not sure, what with the soul-less Gateway - piped in (out?) music, still more of the same old stores found in every-town, this time in an outside mall. And now with the 'cleansing' of Sugarhouse - the sweet little local shops that made Sugarhouse so interesting are being swept away. Step away from the malls, step away from the Barnes & Nobles, go local, go Weller's. Shop and support downtown and utah's independent merchants.
This bookstore is amazing, with rare, new, and used books, and a wonderful, helpful staff of book experts. I love wandering around in here, and enjoy that no matter how much time I spend in here, no one bothers me. But, watch out, this place is a dangerous time suck - walk in and suddenly 4 hours later, you realize you have lost 4 hours! Events, coffee shop and gift certificates for your favorite bibliophile. Go, see, linger, and enjoy a classic Utah legend!
Without question, this is the best bookstore in Salt Lake City. Books sell for 25 a pop--with great titles, like "Navigating Medicare," published in 1983.
The store grabs your attention quick, with new books right up front along with staff recommendations. The southeast corner is now occupied by The Coffee Garden, so you can grab a drink while diving into your latest purchase. The Coffee Garden even has a walk-up window on Main Street, allowing you to order a drink without even entering the building (what will they think of next?).
The best thing about Sam Weller's, though, is the basement. An incredible selection of the old mixed with the new. You can find some pretty funky editions of classics and it is a rare occasion when the store doesn't have a copy of the book I want in stock. You don't have to have a book in mind, though. This is book browsing at its best for this town. (Powell's is probably book browsing at its best, period.)
Don't get lost in the basement. The floorplan is a bit helter-skelter and you might end up in the bargain room, which has a distinct odor--but not so distinct that it can be safely placed . . . .
This is my favorite bookstore in Salt Lake. It's an independent bookstore that's been around here for decades! The staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable. They're always ready to help you find that precise book you're looking for. There's also a small caf on site so you can sit down relax and read. The bookstore has a charming second floor that's kind of small, cramped and the floor makes squeaky noises, but that adds to its charm. There's also a lower level with a varied selection, including foreign language books and discounted books. This place is great because it's unique with an incredible assortment of books--new,old,used and rare! It's easy to spend hours in here browsing books forgetting what time it is. Sam Weller's is also conveniently located in front of Gallivan Plaza and a TRAX station! I highly recommend it!
