The Eclectic Reader - Fort Collins, Colorado

Jessica M.

If Heaven opened a branch on earth, it’d probably be this bookstore. I was on a mission to find Patrick O’Brien’s The Fortune of War. Amazon didn’t have it (unless I wanted to wait 6 weeks) and Barnes & Noble was like, “Patrick O’Brien….uggh?” So I googled bookstores in Fort Collins, called this shop, and they had it. (I got the impression she took a cordless phone over to the shelf… no computer in sight when I went in.)

I thought I’d just pop in, grab the book, and leave like a responsible adult. Instead, I walked in and immediately got sucked into the vortex of temptation and charm. I couldn’t help snapping a picture and a nice lady- who turns out to be the owner- told me books were stacked on the floor because she had to downsize due to high rent, which is a bummer but for me the whole “books everywhere” vibe was perfect—like a place where you’d half-expect a cat to curl up in your lap while you sit on the floor reading a first edition. Turns out there is a cat there, too. He was probably in the back smoking a pipe or something.

The selection was incredible, full of quirky surprises, rare finds and curated titles- not just everything on the NYT Best Seller list.

When I finally reached the counter, I noticed a jungle of plant cuttings thriving in yogurt cups and wine bottles. Naturally, I asked if I could buy one, and the owner Cynthia not only sold me a $5 looking glass begonia (seriously- this would have been at least @20 anywhere else), but also gave me advice for saving my sad monstera at home, and a look at the mother plant’s baby pictures—yes, in an actual photo album. I mean, who even owns photo albums anymore? Cynthia, that’s who. She said if I kill the plant to come back in and she would give me another cutting. What planet am I on?

Oh, and the prices? Ridiculously reasonable. Honestly, they should charge more just to afford a bigger space—but the charm factor of stacks of books just tugs at my heartstrings. This shop may be in a sad strip mall, but step in and you are on a different planet.

Do yourself a favor: go there. buy some books, adopt a plant, slow down your day. Your life—and your bookshelf—will be richer for it. ❤️

Jenni H.

Came in searching for a book recommendation and the lady scoffed at me for asking for that because she "didn't know anything about me." I asked if she heard of two new, popular authors and she laughed at me and asked if they were new.. I said yes but told her I was open to some fiction recommendations... she took me to the fiction section and as we stared at the books she then told me that "I wasn't into literature but modern books." I left without purchasing anything. I felt it was so incredibly rude and as someone who enjoys reading for leisure, I felt so judged. I definitely would not recommend this shop to anyone.

Lacy B.

I only gave a 4-star review because the store it's self is cluttered, with books being in boxes all over the floor. BUT when I called and asked about a certain style of book, the lady was more than willing to go look through a few books. I highly recommend checking out this wonderful bookstore.

Julie S.

Small, crowded, beloved lil bookshop filled to the brim with books that are begging to be discovered again. Owner is sweet, smart, and has a passion project in this store. Will be circling back again & again to see what's newly stacked on the shelves!

Jaymee W.

Amazing used bookstore - something for everyone. Modern authors, the classics, children's, out of print! This place has it all!

Pricing is exactly what I would expect for certain books - and a few steals, too!

Card and cash accepted, though cash is discounted (price in the book is the price you oay+taxes); cards are charged a small percentage processing fee which is completely acceptable and expected with small, local businesses.

10/10 will visit again!

Anneesa F.

I love this book store!
This store contains many beautiful vintage books. My first visit here was greeted by the owners lovely black cat, who was quite friendly. I walked around the store with my older sister and her friend. Her friend was looking for some books on plants and found a wide variety. I saw many genera's and types of books: non-fiction, fiction, romance, plants, cooking, children's books, etc. Some of the books even have research on them within the books from the store owner about: the date the book was published, the author, the subject, and more.
All in all if you're a lover of reading, books, vintage things, and a furry friend (the owner has a cat) then stop by The Eclectic Reader.

Andrea P.

What a perfect little book shop! Cynthia was so sweet and we had such a lovely chat. Also found some books on my list which I was very excited about. I can’t wait to visit again!

Kevin K.

I've been here several times before and the store keeps are always very friendly. Prices are good and books are always in good condition. I am into hardcover fantasy series, which they always have a small selection of (altho they have plenty of paperbacks) and I come in mainly to see if I find something interesting, which I always do. Definitely recommend to local book lovers