The most awe inspiring used book store that I’ve ever seen.
Housed in a huge building that is four, five stories (not sure) this place has over a million books. When walking down the aisles/isles, you turn on the overhead lights yourself and definitely get reprimanded if you forget to turn the lights off as
you continue your browsing. You can find traditional literature of all sorts (you’d have to check their category listing that they have taped on the walls at every stairwell) and the staff is generally very helpful. If you are looking for a particular book, genre, subject matter section, etc. the employees are equipped with walkie talkies and will communicate with other employees that are stationed at different locations throughout the building. If you are a lover of paper, books, ephemera, maps, pamphlets, old newsletters, newspapers, magazines ... be prepared to want to spend an entire day here. Or more. I’ve gone in the place looking for a single paperback and left with
a box full of titles like “A Bibliography of Unfinished Books in the English Language,” and “Love Your Parakeet” ... During the cold months wear gloves because the building isn’t heated all
that well. Also bring tissue because your nose will run. If you ask very nicely, they might let you into the rare book rooms.
In contrast, there is a ‘free box’ outside in the main entrance vestibule where I have found all kinds of strange remnants.
Quoted from Design 99's A People's Guide to Detroit
