The Dusty Bookshelf - Manhattan

The Dusty Bookshelf is absolutely the best used bookstore ever. They are finally re-opened after a devastating fire, so are rebuilding their extensive selection, but everything is nicely arranged with book types clearly marked so its easy to find what you are looking for.
Hard and softcover books and lots of other print items are available and a nice children's selection
Their staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and very helpful, they know books!! Its a roomy place with areas to sit and peruse possible selections. Prices are very reasonable. If they don't have something you want, they will try to find it for you, which is wonderful.
It's a book lovers paradise and will get even better as they rebuild their stock.

Coffee is always great, but much like the books, overpriced.

On one of my visits to the store, I overheard one of the owners (not a manager) disrespecting a staff member. If I worked there I would feel so demoralized, and unmotivated being talked to in such a dehumanizing way. Pretty sad, especially for how little they pay their staff. Ive asked a few baristas about pay when I was interested in applying, and it always fell slightly above minimum wage.

The decor in there feels/looks so cheap. Unpainted particle board counter tops and some bookshelves. Thrifted uncomfortable furniture. Its like they are going for some "progressive" vibe but missed the target by a mile.

After seeing how the staff was disrespected, I wont be returning. If you are looking to work at Dusty or Public Hall, I would highly recommend ANYWHERE else.

Hope things change.

Perfect style for a little bookstore, great atmosphere and many genres to choose from. The books could be organized slightly better/more clearly in genres, but I'm sure that will come with time since they just reopened. Their pricing is super nice, I love being able to find books for under $5. I'll be back often!

This is one of my favorite places to go. Between classes my sister and I would meet up here and just hang out and browse books. After the fire we were devastated, but they came back quickly and better than ever. Since covid their doors have been closed, but through pick up I got a mystery bag. Cheap for 5 random books. As fate has it I got a book that is based off of one of my favorite movies that I have been meaning to read. I couldn’t be happier. This is one of my favorite places in the world. I can’t express how much I love them and their dedicated staff.

It's back! And better then ever! The dusty bookshelf, a town gem burnt down a few years ago has been restored to it's past glory and more. There's coffee, which is great, plenty of seating and the best part, lots of books!

This place has gotten so much better after the fire but it still has room for improvement in terms of book stock. The cafe is adorable and so are tables and atmosphere. High points for the tables with NY times bestseller - very good. One might imagine one is in a larger town when stepping in here. It has music but not too loud. I also like the upstairs rummage section although I am not sure why they have not organized it into sections. It is sad that their cheesy romance section (pls throw it out!) is larger than the arts section or social science and literature. This is a college town afterall with a high percentage of professors and grad students (we have PhD's! and write books) - 1000's and it might be apt to have an seciton with academic journals or more books that cater to that audience (who right now borrow or buy online). Why not add a section with books the professors at K-state have published? Look it up in our profiles. Do some book reading events -w e are all here in town. The section in social science and literature and still small. The art section is a joke, but HAS become better, although it seems to be limited to painting and sculpture. Get some books by Phaidon, some published in the last 10 years on public art, landart, conceptual art, something post 1970 at least? There is no art theory, no photography section (not how to but monographs, look for Aperture - the publisher- for ex.) and what is there is very traditional populist and limited. Maybe the manager should visit the architecture library at K-state or even the photo section at Hale library or the public library to get some ideas and or attend conferences and book fairs in the field to educate. themselves on what to buy to make this place live up to being in a college town. Otherwise those of us who are scholars might stay away or bring our own books bought online to enjoy the great athmosphere.

Was very disappointed. I arrived with my service dog and was told at the door he would not be allowed in due to their store cat. When I told her he would have no issue with the cat as he is highly trained she repeated that no other animals were allowed in the store as the cat is aggressive. So glad we drove an hour out of our way to visit and be turned away. Maybe post on your website to fellow travelers don’t waste their time.

So cute! They have books, quirky gifts for all ages, a lounge area, coffee, and snacks. It is such a welcoming/cozy vibe. I love it!

The staff are super friendly and so helpful. Justin rocks! Had a huge selection of books laid out for me

An excellent mix of new and used books. Well organized variety of books. Has a coffee shop go boot and plenty of places to sit and relax. A great throwback to how bookstores used to be.