Albion Book Co

My first experience with Albion Book Company was when my parents bought me a complete 4-volume set of Carl Sandburg's Lincoln: The War Years which I still have and enjoy.

I soon visited the store on my trips to Vegas - and found it to be a booklovers dream in the middle of Sin City. The last time I was there, hmmmm, it had to be 1998, I believe. At that time I purchased two more books, including a selection of Lincoln's speechs from the Franklin Press - they had a complete sets of Franklin Press works.

I was planning to visit Albion on my next trip to Vegas, which I had planned for November, but to my dismay have heard that they are no longer in existence. Can anyone tell me if they re-located, or what happened to the two owners - a young, very friendly and very knowledgeable couple.

As of this writing (September 15th, 2007) Albion Books is no more. The entire section of the complex it used to occupy is an empty, gutted store front. Quite sad, as the store was a scant few minutes from my apartment. When I inquired to the neighboring shops, I was re-directed to Paradise books, which was a very inconvenient alternative, as it is located on Flamingo some 30 minutes away, however the book selection was adequate.

On 4/30/2007, I went to this store, the door was closed with a red sticker from the Courts forbidding anyone from cutting it. There is a big "for lease" sign but no explanation. I suggest you call before going there. The books and shelves are still there but no further information. A call to the telephone listed goes unanswered.

I have only been in Vegas for 2 years, so when I found this store, I was absolutely delighted. I found a book I was interested in and asked the clerk about the price. When I noticed that he was on the phone(and also by the snarl on his face), I backed off(I have manners). After he got off the phone, I asked him how much a book was. He replied,"the price is in the inside-first white page you find". After looking for this price, and very obviously having a hard time, I told him I could not find the price. He grabbed the book from me and said there was no price-he would have to ask the owner. He then sat down at his desk and ignored me. I asked if I could get help from the owner. He replied'Look-I'm in the middle of a project and he's in the back and you are going to just have to wait". I stormed out of the store and told him that he was very rude. I called the owner later and he said that he was sorry-that he was on a conference call. I told him that was no excuse for how I was treated.

This is a great independent book store. They mainly deal in hardcovers and rare books.

There is a large selection that includes non-fiction, fiction, Cliffs notes, rare mystery books, paperbacks, audiobooks, and pulp paperbacks. The prices are way below what you would find in a Borders or Barnes & Noble. I'd say the average price for a hardback fiction novel is between $6-$9.

The shop is quiet (with occasional classical music playing) with a rexlaxed and friendly atmosphere. There are some comfy chairs and you are free to browse through books before you buy.

Be sure to sign up for the store's mailing list at the desk. Every few months the store mails out a postcard stating that they're having a big sale with most items marked down and a raffle for free gift certificates.

Albion is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

this store is great and has a large selection of used hardcover, paperback, first editions, used sheet music and they buy books everyday at the highest prices. Open everyday 10a.m.-6p.m. I have even impressed Eng. teachers with books from here.

PROS: take the time to browse...
CONS:

What a great selection of hard to find books. I truly love this place. If I can't find it, they will find it for me. Truly affordable prices and titles of all genres on display. A warm and very professional staff helped me to locate an out of print book. Without the help of the friendly staff, I'd still be looking for my book. I will continue to shop at Albion's. If you are a booklover, please locate this bookstore and indulge.

PROS: Service and Selection; Warm and Friendly Staff and Enviornment
CONS: It's hard to find fault with this company.

They have it all. If they don't have it, they find it. Their prices are very competitive and the entire staff is very knowledgable on practicly every subject or question you have. I've been going there for years and have nothing but high praise for them.

PROS:
CONS: There are non that I can see