When we arrived in Raleigh last week, my mother-in-law started going over potential outings. She shared the names of a few thrift stores she thought I might want to check out and she mentioned that my niece, Lizzy, could give me a comprehensive tour of the best-used book shops in the area. Well, I perked up at that! Lizzy and I have always had a lot of interests in common from theatre to crochet. Now, we share a love of poking around used book stores to build our personal libraries. We chatted about what kind of books I look for (art, design, decorating) and she knew just the spot to take me – The Reader’s Corner.
I was actually so distracted at the thought of all of those used books that I forgot to bring my cell phone with me, so I couldn’t take pictures! The one above was sourced online. Let me paint the picture for you of The Reader’s Corner. First of all, the books on the outside are the bargain books. The ones to the left of the door are 25 cents each and to the right are 10 cents each! There were some great books on those shelves and Lizzy and I scoured that section first. I found a couple of books that were possibilities, but I am trying to be aware of my current nomadic existence. No matter how great the price, I need to stick with buying books I really want.
When we finally made it inside The Reader’s Corner shop, I asked about their art section. The gentleman behind the counter pointed me to a u-shaped section of shelves behind him. “Right over there.” Ah, yes. This was my kind of store. The art, design, and architecture section was generously filled and there were two rolling chairs parked in front, so I could sit and roll my way down the shelves, looking at each book and stacking the ones I wanted to buy on my lap. The prices varied depending on the book, but most of the books I picked out were between $5 – 15.
The major downside to not having my phone (other than the fact that I couldn’t take pictures for this post) was that I couldn’t look up which books I already own (those are cataloged HERE) and which ones were on my wishlist! I also couldn’t double-check prices to make sure I couldn’t buy it from a used bookstore online for dramatically less. There was a book of Picasso’s early works at The Reader’s Corner, for example, and I couldn’t remember if I owned it or if I had it on my wishlist. Not wanting to buy the same book twice (which I did before I used a system), I left it on the shelf. It was, indeed, on my wishlist! Don’t worry, though, I ordered it online for $3.00 to be shipped to my parent’s house. (I know you were really worried.)
Lizzy bought a few books from the bargain shelves outside and I bought a small-ish stack of art books.
I’ve had a lot of luck finding Maurice Prendergast books lately! I only had one in my collection and was able to find one at a bookshop in PA and THIS ONE at The Reader’s Corner.
I also bought this book on Great French Paintings from the Barnes Foundation. It’s a wonderful collection of paintings from many different artists. I like books like these so I can study several different artists and learn about ones who are less well known.
I was pleased as punch to see this book – Willard Metcalf Yankee Impressionist. I’ve had it on my wishlist for a while, so it was a good find at a great price.
The most interesting book I purchased was on Janis Rozentāls. This is an artist I had never heard of, but I looked through the book and loved the style of the paintings and the quality of the plates. I decided to buy it based on that. When I got the book back to my in-laws’ house and I started reading it, I realized it wasn’t in English! After a bit of research, I found the book is in Latvian! So, I won’t be able to read more about the artist in this book, but the paintings are wonderful to study and I always enjoy learning about a new-to-me artist.
I love this painting of a dog…
I just might have to do a study of him.
I was happy with my book purchases from The Reader’s Corner and told Lizzy we would have to go back to “our bookstore” the next time I visit.
If you’re a book-lover as we are and you’re in the Raleigh area, I would suggest checking out The Reader’s Corner. You can also shop from them online on Abe Books.
You have “discovered” my favorite book store of all time!! The one I compare ALL other used book stores to.
I have lived in Raleigh NC off and on over the years…. and bought and donated many many books from and to them!! ??
I think I “discovered” them in 1998 ?
Have never found another like them any other places I’ve been….and I have been a lot of places too! ?
I’m in Milan, Italy and enjoying this bookstore! Kudos for your scores.
I’m always interested in your selection of books. I’m 71 and starting the process of doing serious clearing out. In fact I just donated 20 books of art and cooking to a fund raiser today. I hope you get many years of joy and inspiration from your treasures. I know I did.
There’s another good shop in Clayton NC – Pauper’s Books. Especially good if your boys enjoy comics and graphic novels. Don’t know about their art book inventory though.
Great pics of my brick front porch steps.
Consider it your brush with fame……you made it to Marian’s blog post!!! haha!!!…They are lovely steps!
Just interested into how you started painting. Did you take a class or just read particular books on painting?
You have grown a lot and have done some beautiful paintings and I know at one point you were doing sketches over and over again.
What would you recommend to a new artist ,a late bloomer ,as to how to start to paint in oils. I assume you use oils? What kind do you use? Are they the new water based ones?
I would love to delve into painting. I had two aunts that did . They did beautiful paintings. However, they are no longer living so can not ask them about it. Fortunately I have two paintings of theirs and cherish them.
Thank you kindly
Pat
Maybe you could type or copy some of the Latvian book text into your computer and use Google translate to find out what it says?
If you value independent bookstores, refrain from price shopping and ordering online while standing there in the store. I hate seeing people do that. Invest in your local indie and pay the extra few bucks if it is important to you. They need us to survive.
Oh, trust me, I absolutely buy from local used bookstores. When I’m comparing prices, it’s typically so I can edit my stack! When buying online, I mostly still buy from used bookstores and small sellers, too.
I would have absolutely fallen into pieces in that store. Yes, when traveling (especially if not by a car you can fill up!) you have to make careful choices but oh my! I love used book stores and we have a few good ones locally but it’s almost more fun to find them on vacation! I always go for the art books, too, those and the mysteries! This one is a gem!
Google translate has a real time translator using your phone camera — so you’ll be able to read the beautiful book as well!
Yes, I thought about that. I’ll have to give it a try!