Where to Find Books on the Missouri Side of Kansas City

Most of us know where the closest Barnes and Noble and Borders are, but we shouldn't overlook the alternatives. Whether you are looking for the newest novel by your favorite author, a travel guide, or a rare old book of poetry, you'll probably be able to find it somewhere in Kansas City, and maybe meet some new people and learn a bit more about your community along the way! Here are some great places to start, be sure to click through to their individual websites (linked to their titles).

Prospero's Books - It's worth a trip to Westport just to check this place out, but definitely don't pass it by if you are already there getting coffee. You'll find everything from new to used, popular to local, books to audio/visual here at this unique store. You may have heard about their recent book burning - it made national news! They are full of ideas to bring people together around the spoken and written word and often host local artists right in their store. There are plans to expand soon, which means room enough for 10,000 new books!

Reading Reptile - If you have kids and want a change of pace, this place will wow you. The owners know what they are talking about and you'll find treasures for your little one's you didn't know existed. Located in Brookside, they have free story hours, book clubs, writing contests, and more.

Bloomsday Books - If used and rare books are your thing, or you just wanna check out some awesome stuff, head to 313 E. 55th St., near the intersection of 55th and Brookside Boulevard. They offer antique books of many varieties, but focus on history, travel, adventure, writer biography, classics, science, regional works, biography, art, architecture and contemporary fiction. They will also give you a fair price for your own old books.

Spivey's Books - Another place to try for rare gems is David Spivey's place in Westport. The hours are a little shorter there and you may have to do some assisted digging, but you can't beat his old maps and first edition treasures. You can also find most of his collection online.

By The Book - If you are in the northland on a Saturday , or have free days during the week, make the trip to the Historic Liberty Square. You'll find restaurants, antique stores, small specialty boutiques, and the best little book store around. By the Book has the best environment to meet over coffee and a new book, or browse through used paperbacks in the afternoon. There is almost more seating than shelving! They serve pastries and breakfast items along with coffee and ice cream, and if you come on Saturday morning, you can step right out the the Liberty Farmer's Market.

Other Alternatives:

MidContinent - The Library system has 30 branches all over the KCMO area, so there's sure to be one close to you. They have an impressive inter-library-loan system than ensures that you have access to anything you might need, and their events calendar is always full. In addition to internet access and a quiet place to study, library branches make an excellent central place to meet with friends and colleagues.

Craigslist - If you haven't discovered this local online classifieds site yet, you've been missing out. Check out both their book and their free section, you'd be amazed at what treasures might be hiding in your neighbors attic!

Freecycle - This is another popular place to find free things locally, but be careful if you are trying to purge at home - free stuff is hard to resist!

Hope this list helps you in your book-finding endeavors!