This is one of my favorite bookstores...I can aways find exactly what I want and there are so many helpful staff ready to assist. It seems when I go to buy books I always find little unique gift... More

This is one of my favorite bookstores...I can aways find exactly what I want and there are so many helpful staff ready to assist. It seems when I go to buy books I always find little unique gift items to tuck away for the holidays or to send to a friend. Members of their club now enjoy up to 40% off on many new hardback books...They have a wonderful store and the coupons can be printed from your computer for use in store too... If shopping in a retail store the environment seems to be comfortable and inviting....I am impressed with the knowledge of the staff as a whole..They are not afraid to find someone else to assist you if they feel you are needing information out of their range of expertise...I appreciate that immensely!!!! I have grandchildren and this store really encourages young readers...they hold story hours and have regular activities for children. All in all I find that using B & N satisfies my reading needs and also provides a learned staff to help me when I'm searching for an unusual book... I support independent stores when I can...but over all this is the place I head when craving a new read!!!
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It's so darned big! Really big! The interior is pleasing to the eye, not cozy, and bespeaks the sort of civilized mindset that arises wherever the majority of residents reads, thinks, and learns. ... More

It's so darned big! Really big! The interior is pleasing to the eye, not cozy, and bespeaks the sort of civilized mindset that arises wherever the majority of residents reads, thinks, and learns. But it doesn't seem as selective as smaller, independent bookstores; I don't recommend it when you're wanting a unique find, a one-of-a-kind. However, it's a great place to find gift items because there are more "sale" books on their shelves than many bookstores have in their whole stores.
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I prefer to buy my books elsewhere, but when in a pinch Barnes and Noble is a great place to go. Their magazine section is extensive and their book selection is second-to-none. I would much rather... More

I prefer to buy my books elsewhere, but when in a pinch Barnes and Noble is a great place to go. Their magazine section is extensive and their book selection is second-to-none. I would much rather shop at Elliott Bay, as it has a more intimate, comfortable feel. To me, Barnes and Noble is the department store of bookstores. At least you know you'll always find what you want!
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The 800 lb gorilla of bookstores (Amazon not having a storefront in which to browse), Barnes and Noble's University Village location is a pleasant experience. Apart from the selection and variety... More

The 800 lb gorilla of bookstores (Amazon not having a storefront in which to browse), Barnes and Noble's University Village location is a pleasant experience. Apart from the selection and variety one might expect, the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. We especially enjoy the large cut-rate section where the slow-moving books go to live (briefly). A nice café is upstairs, and there's a reading area in the northwest corner if you need to sample a few pages before committing to a purchase.
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