Book Den

Amazing staff, they really like doing their jobs. They talk to the people that go in here and try to help them find what they are really trying to find. more

We found this as part of a two-week excursion visiting used bookstores across the South. (We own one in SW VA, called Tales of the Lonesome Pine. Yes, like the rest of the world, we're on Facebook.) Joyce, the lady who runs the shop, is not unfriendly; she spent an hour chatting with us about her store, which is obviously her pride and joy. I described it in my blog about the road trip as ""as neatly executed as a cross stitch pattern."" The bookstore itself is a gem. I think Joyce is not much interested in computers, which gives it some eccentricities. My chat with her is written up on my blog (google Wendy Welch, Big Stone Gap) under the heading ""Dashing Through the Rain"" if you want to see how she appeared to strangers in town. But this is a great place to shop, and if you try a little smiling, Joyce may grow on you. We sure liked her! In the interest of full disclosure, I wrote a book about running a used bookshop, called ""The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap"" (St Martin's Press, Oct 2012). Joyce's shop doesn't appear in it, but we've visited many bookstores, so we're not disinterested bystanders. We were very taken with the obvious pride Joyce felt for her shop because we feel the same about ours. Go, Joyce! more

I hate to write a bad review especially when small businesses are struggling these days, but maybe these owners do need to hear how they are coming across to people. If they're only friendly to people they've gotten to know well, they're going to lose a ton of business. I went in there for years and always felt uncomfortable because there is a an unwelcome atmosphere in there. Finally one day when I came to the counter to check out a book, the owner was busy ""checking in"" some new arrivals, a big box of stuff. She would not stop and let me pay for my purchase even though it obviously was going to be awhile. I finally laid it down and walked out. Have never been back. I'm sorry but that is just stupid. You guys need to pay attention to these reviews. The 2 stars are for good inventory but the markup is also too high. You wouldn't have to do that if you were nicer. more

I've been a customer of the Book Den for nine years and love this store. The employees (owners) are quiet but very helpful. I can always count on great reading recommendations from them and have never been disappointed. They will order books that they don't have and save me a ton of money when it is time to order the books my children need for required reading. I'm not sure why anyone would say they aren't friendly because if you give them a chance you will find that they are warm, caring individuals. They have lived interesting lives so give them a chance and you will find out what interesting people are behind the quiet persona. more

I have been going to the Book den for almost 15 years. If you give the staff a chance, they are helpful and friendly. Just sort of shy at first. I can call in and ask for books, and they will order me any book I need. I always try here first before going to a main chain. I highly recommend them, give it a try! Pros: Helpful and well stocked more

After reading some previous reviews of this place, I thought maybe some people were over reacting. Not the case. I visited the store today for the first time, and I'm not sure if I will be returning. The two store workers who were tending the store I found to be very unfriendly. Neither one acknowledged my existence when I entered the store, even after I said hi. I waundered around for a while trying to find what I was looking for, and neither one offered me any help. The only communication between the two of them was bickering and disgruntlement. Needless to say I was shocked. The store itself is very quaint, and they do have a large selection, but I felt more like I was in the way and very unwelcome. When I found what I was looking for, the lady at the checkout desk barely looked at me. With such poor customer service, it's amazing this store is still in business. Pros: Large selection; good condition Cons: unfriendly; argue in front of customers more

Happened upon this little store last week-could not believe the employee/owner that was there -very rude, acted like I was wasting her time with questions.Books were way overpriced for their condition.Would go back to Mega Books on 8th Ave in Nashville anytime - wouldn't waste my time here. Pros: decent selection Cons: worn out books very rude workers more

I have been shopping at Book Den for probably around 8 years now since I moved to Franklin and have NEVER had a bad experience! They always have what I need even when no one else has it and it is out of print and the prices are ALWAYS great. I have never had a bad experience with the people there either; they have always been willing and able to help me with any questions I had. With my experience in retail some people go in stores disgruntled, probably not unlike the previous review! The ONLY drawback of this store is that they don't take credit/debit. Also they have moved to the next shopping center down, which is Williamson Square and they are next to Kroger and Pearl Vision. Pros: Great prices, Great Selection, Great customer service Cons: Don't take credit/debit more

This stor is very small but has alot of books. I is a little cramped but if you are looking for a particular book they can tell you very quickly if they have it or not. They also have many of the required books for schools that kids have to have and the prices are cheap. more

There's just no good excuse for poor customer service, grouchy attitudes, acting like you're doing the customer a favor, and just general indifference. I'll forever take my business elsewhere and make sure that all of my Franklin friends do the same. Cons: , attitudes, grouches more