Harry Alter Books

Bill Cummins

2020-05

I recently visited Harry Alter Books and was amazed. I visited one afternoon after hours and had to make a repeat trip and I am glad I did. My area of interest is art/artists which generally occupies an area of 1/2 shelf in most independent bookstores. I discovered about 4 bookcases!!!! All the books I purchased were works I found priced at or well below online prices. Two books I bought were less than half online prices. Before I left I checked out other genres and was surprised at the range offered by this bookseller as well as the quality of his stock. Harry is both friendly and helpful and at the same time allows you to browse uninterrupted at your leisure. This shop is a great place for people who love books. Will definitely be back.I have returned to this store many times since my original posting and my experiences only get better. You've got a great business Harry and it continues to be a joy to patronize it.

Louise Cottrell

2024-01

Do NOT pass up this gem of a bookstore! We loaded up on so many specialty and vintage books that I know we never would have found elsewhere AND we didn't break the bank. The owner was knowledgeable and friendly and helped us find JUST what we were looking for (and a few things that we weren't!).

Rebecca Matthews

2020-05

I bought a book when I visited recently, and the staff was incredibly helpful in suggesting where to look for the type of book I was referring to. I love old books, and his store drew me in with the wonderful old tomes in the display windows. I will visit this store every time I am in town if at all possible, to see what treasures I can find.

Alex Carson

2023-05

This is hands down the best book store I have been to, ever. I usually have a very hard time finding books that are in my wheelhouse but the selection here was incredible. I was blown away by the rarity of some of the texts and the wide range of topics. The prices were very reasonable considering the treasure trove this store is.

Leslie Bertucci

2023-06

Absolutely my favorite used bookstore in the US! This is my first stop every time we visit Sylva. Mr. Alter is gracious, knowledgeable and very helpful. I always come away with unexpected treasures.

William Hendry

2019-05

This is an excellent bookstore with an amazingly eclectic selection. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience. The one caveat to my review is that I did not, like any rational person, try to bring a dog into a bookstore. If you are someone that wants to bring a dog into a bookstore, Harry Alter Books may not be for you. Otherwise, highly recommended.

Amy Barnes

2022-05

We tour all the bookstores in three different towns every time we come to the mountains, and Harry Alter's is ALWAYS our first and best stop.I'm a bit of a bookstore fiend (okay, okay, being honest I'm a little worse than that,) and this one is hands-down the best, most eclectic, and perhaps PUREST bookstore I've ever seen. No cafè, no chimes and incense, no distractions or add-ons, just books upon books upon books.And oh my gosh what books they are.He's got everything one could imagine and then some, from classics to pulp favorites, and an enormous selection of truly unique finds, many from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. The smell alone is magic!You will find books you'd never expect, and if you ask him about ANY author or subject he's an inexhaustible well of information. To call him a genius and a true bibliophile (not to mention a gracious gentleman) would be an understatement.We will continue to visit every time we can, for as long as we can, and we encourage you to check this place out! You'll be so glad you did.

Valarie Winkleman

2021-05

Super cool selection! My sister and I were looking forward to visiting this place as soon as we came in town and it was such a delight that they were open when we were leaving. Loved that we got to check this spot out! Will definitely have to return. The books were so amazing! Be prepared to want more than you can afford. But the quality is well worth it! Thanks so much!

Kathy Taylor

2022-05

If you have hours to kill you may find a treasure. Overpriced treasure in poor condition, but you might find it. I recommend the friends of the library book store two doors down. The gentleman there was very friendly and the store was better organized with books in better condition.Don't charge 75 dollars for a book you're leaving on the floor instead of putting on a bookshelf.

Ann F.

2017-05

Harry's bookstore is an unexpected treasure trove of fun and fascinating books. I spent two hours in there and barely scratched the surface of what's on offer. Probably for the best, though, as I bought five and couldn't reasonably carry any more. This place is a must-stop-and-peruse if you're in town or traveling nearby.

Jeremy S

2023-08

This is the kind of place at the beginning of a fantasy or horror film where a book gets opened that sets shenanigans into motion! This bookstore and its proprietor are magical.

Henry Rich

2022-05

Since my kids moved to the mountains I look forward to stopping at Harry's on every visit. I always find a handful of high-quality books. Worth a trip.

Robyn O'Neal

2018-05

There are books and maps, magazines and many more, stacked and piled in eye-catching ways. I always find something interesting and stop by often to see what's new and different. This shop is a great asset to WNC with lots of guides and information on plants, animals, topography, insects, hiking, trails, horticulture, and so much more for the local area.

L Cardinal

2023-11

Nice shop!

Bridget Capparuccia

2022-05

Always a great selection of books! Unfortunately Harry is suffering from prolonged mask psychosis. We hope for recovery at which time I will be able to peruse and buy the books I love.

Christopher Wilcox

2017-05

Mr. Alter brings decades of book knowledge to downtown Sylva. I always love visiting this welcoming Main Street bookshop, stacked high with tantalizing volumes.

Joel Glasgow

2023-05

Received a copy of a book in used but excellent condition from Mr. Alter. Thank you very much.

Lyric Antio

2022-05

Extensive collection, significant amount of place-based history and lore. Lots of older prints with character. Helpful and informative

Tiffany Jourdain

2019-05

Very bad experience. Not dog friend and the staff was incredibly rude and short. An older lady was very rude about my dog and I fully intended to support and purchase fromThis local business. What a shame

James Cummings

2023-05

Proprietor is lovely and a true bibliophile

Melinda Russek

2022-05

Wonderful selections 😀

David West

2019-05

Always find a treasure.