Park Hill Community Bookstore - Denver, Colorado

Addyson R.

This is such a special place! Be warned you might end up spending hours here looking through all their books! It’s such a cool concept! They sell hardbacks for $3 and paperbacks for $2. The new books at the front are priced individually though.

They take donations and have membership options too! I left with a stack of books, and honestly can’t wait to come back!

Did I mention it’s the oldest 2nd hand bookstore in Denver!

Steve R.

This beloved bookstore was previously known as the Park Hill Cooperative Bookstore. It was founded in 1971, the same year as the Tattered Cover. It's the oldest continuously operated nonprofit bookstore in the Denver metro area. But it's not really a co-op, so the name was changed in 2005 and now it is known as a "community bookstore." It's open to the public, but there are distinct advantages for members, who receive used book credits and discounts in return for giving time to organize the shelves, process the inventory, and of course operate the cash register. If it weren't for this model, the store would have shut its doors long ago. Luckily for Park Hill (and for all of us), it remains open.

The store carries about 30,000 books. It has nearly 500 members currently. No paid positions. There are three levels of annual membership. Seniors and students pay $15 per year, individuals $20 and families $25. Bookstore volunteers receive a 20% discount on all purchases. The pricing structure is simple: $1 for paperback romance novels, $2 for all other paperbacks, $4 for hardcovers. In the recent past, they have given out ten free books to any teacher, and they have partnerships with nearby high schools, offering free memberships to students through school libraries.

I found the inventory to be rich and interesting. There were good books everywhere I looked. The store has three floors - a crowded, labyrinthine basement... a crowded but more comfortable first floor, with artistic touches abounding... and a small nook of a second floor. Which is also crowded with books, naturally. The store also sells art, curios, jewelry, cards.

The children's section is particularly strong, although I suppose that could wax and wane with the rotations of the inventory. Classic literature is well-represented, and history books. A year or so ago, the store updated its heating system and added air conditioning and improved lighting. This quaint and curious neighborhood gem is now comfortable, too.

A well-done article about the store is "A Bookstore’s Tale 40 Years in the Making” by William Porter (The Denver Post, May, 2011). Almost ten years old, it would be nice to read an update!

Lily C.

Park Hill Community Bookshop has been around since 1971, and it’s the oldest not-for-profit bookstore in the Denver-metro area. The local bookstore offers a variety of books, from children’s books and popular fiction to history and biographies. It’s worth visiting.

Brooklyn C.

If I could give ZERO stars I would. DO NOT SUPPORT!!! ***The owner was running late and I parked in the specified "bookstore parking". My toddler and I LOVE to visit book stores and libraries. We were unloading from the car when this woman jumped out and verbally attacked me for parking in her spot for "bookstore" parking which I explained is where I was going...she shouted disgustingly how this was STAFF parking (not marked at all) and I said sadly- too bad we were going to visit the bookstore and now you've lost me, and everyone I know. Unacceptable behavior that scared me and made my child cry. Soooooooo disappointing. Please steer clear. NOT worth supporting with your time or money.

LS S.

What a sensational bookstore! We got a quick orientation from the staff and then descended on the travel section and left with four great used books. They’re in really good condition and the price was only three dollars each. Can’t wait to come back, but we might have to consider membership!

egg D.

A true community institution, this store is run by the kindest folks and is a strong contender for best bookstore in town

Liz N.

This place is magical. We stopped by on the way to a coffee shop while visiting Denver from the East Coast. It’s the best stop we made all trip. The woman who runs the shop spent at least 30 minutes with my three kids helping them find the perfect book. The perfect bookstore experience!

Kat H.

This bookstore had the best books and the nicest people. What a treasure