Dog Star Books

4.6 (105)

401 W Lemon St, Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 823-6605
dogstarbooks.com

Claimed
Used book store
Rare book store

From the business

  • Small business

Service options

  • In-store shopping

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

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Kevin

2024-01

I ordered a book last minute as a Christmas gift. I did pay for the fastest shipping offered, but still had my doubts that the book would arrive in time so I figured I would send the seller an email and ask for whatever help they could provide. I was blown away by the quick response and very grateful for how fast they shipped my order. The book arrived with days to spare! I don't buy very many books, but I will be buying from them again.

Michelle Garman

2023-11

I love books so this store was very fun for me! The two men working were super helpful. The book selection available was awesome. Purchased some hard to find books and left a happy customer! Definitely going there again! Thank you!

Ben Fitzkee

2024-01

This is an awesome bookstore that is surprisingly spacious. The way the building meanders on the inside just invites you to explore it’s voluminous shelves for hidden gems that are sure to be found.

David Teitelbaum

2022-05

Upon walking in, the cavernous, dimly lit shop FEELS, and looks like an old-school bookstore. Indeed the shelves are well stacked and organized, though there is the ever present clutter of yet-to-be-sorted stock everywhere in the shop. The shop meanders, up a few stairs toward the back, left, and branches off toward far-off places with an abundance of options - it does have a charm.What doesn't have ANY charm is the old, misanthropic dolt who runs this shop. He makes for a lackluster, to say the least, book hunting experience. Nasty, unhelpful, churlish, he is the reason and purpose to turn around, and to walk right out of the shop. Fortunately, I wasn't there for him and his good manners; I was there to see what he had - and he had plenty - I had little use for him, and so I went about my business.

Grant Erickson

2024-01

Love these old school bookstores. Always try to find one when I visit a new town. Quite a selection.

Amy Nottingham

2022-05

Excellent. I ordered, online, a set of books, published in 1887, from Dogstar Books. The description was very accurate and helpful. The photos of the set were also a great help in my decision. Communication from Dogstar was complete, timely, and efficient. My books arrived promptly and so meticulously packaged. Plastic, cardboard, bubble wrap inside more wrapping in a box. I am so happy to have my books and so pleased that they have been so lovingly cared for. Thank you Brian!

K S

2023-05

Went here looking for a few vintage books- the seller was extremely helpful and he found me what I was looking for, along with some dream items- at a super affordable price! The best book seller in our area!

Thomas Lopez

2018-05

I've only been here once so far and I'll make any adjustments as I visit more but this place was amazing! I felt like I stepped into wonderland the moment I crossed the threshold into this blessed place. There were so many books, common and rare, I had no idea where to start. Well start I did and I was not disappointed in the selection or organization of the books. When I had my book and was ready for checkout I received amazing service from the gentleman staffing the checkout counter. Loved it, I'll most certainly be back.

Josh Weber

2022-05

Lovely book store with a big selection. I always find a few books each time. Prices are good. Decent amount of old and rare books too. A regular spot we go to every few weeks.

Matt Stuart

2023-05

This place was amazing I was looking for an obscure topic and the salesperson guided me to the exact location, let me sit and immerse myself in the books. Finally ended up leaving with 10+ and just loved everything about the place.

Bonnie-Marie Yager

2018-05

This is a great, local used-booked store. Large selection and decently organized by subject and then by author. Good prices too! I had been looking for Shelby Foote's 3 volume set on the civil war and saw it in the window as we were leaving. Excellent price and in great condition--very excited to find it and support the shop.

Tom Johnson-Medland

2020-05

This was like dying and going to heaven. This place is out of this world. Has to be one of the best used bookstores I have ever been in. The staff are not only helpful, but friendly and EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE when it comes to books and all things bookish. I really was amazed at all of the quirky books I found on the quirky subjects I love to put bookstores to the test on. Old Hardy Boys books, books on Kabbalah, Shakers, Quakers, every stage of American History, first editions, collector's editions, bound series, on and on and on. Every thing I looked for, I found something relevant. Thank the heavens and get to this bookstore IMMEDIATELY. It is a gem and a one of a kind. And, it is right here in Lancaster.

Brian Frey

2019-05

I could get lost in here. If you enjoy books be prepared to spend some time. 📔📖📘

Jonathan Weller

2023-06

One of the best selections around. Besides Philly/Baltimore/NYC you won’t find a used bookstore half as good in the area.

Jaime

2022-05

Bought book via the online store. Shipping quick and product as described. Packaged wonderfully and couldn’t be happier with interaction. Staff there was wonderful. Will definitely buy more books in the future.

Eliot White

2016-05

This is hands down one of my favorite indie bookstores I've been to--and pretty much eveywhere I go I seek out bookstores. They have something for everyone: history; great collectables; excellent contemporary fiction selection; local poetry. Brian has been dealing with books since he was a kid, and the passion shows in his ability to survive in today's Barnes and Noble climate. A must see destination for locals and visitors alike.

Sammy Jo

2023-05

Awesome selection! Some very old and rare books. I'm disappointed I didn't know about this place before!

Amanda B

2023-06

This place is so much bigger than I thought that it was! They have an extensive collection of classics and are well organized.

Jasmine Kelliehan

2023-05

I love this place!It is a great place to kick back , read , and talk about exciting books ! Thank you so much for being there for the community.

nerdyBookster

2019-05

Really nice place. I loved the variety in the selection from very very old books to newer publications. The proprieter was very helpful in answering questions we had about stock and getting us checked out. Definitely plan to make another stop down at Dogstar when I'm in the area next.

Jeanette McKenzie

2017-05

it is a very very beautiful place I could be there all day just looking at books! But went to sell a few books my mom had and the guy was very rude. Like snooty rude ... No one else but us were there and when we were leaving someone came in and he was very nice to them not sure what we did but made me feel like never going back

russell frost

2018-05

Badly run, understaffed vanity business from an ebay and online seller. His poor staff try to run a bookstore but the owner is more interested in his kid's softball games than actually running the store. It's a big place and it's stuffed with books, many of which are not even offered for sale because said owner can take more than a year to actually put them out. I've had several meetings with him, in every case his dealings were wrought with the kind of bad ethics and juvenile behavior more akin to a angry grade school bully than a bookstore in beautiful, downtown Lancaster.Bottom line, his prices are not competitive. Dealing with the owner, who has to approve or do most everything (because he won't give his usually very nice staff the power to do anything) is tedious. You may as well buy online and, ironically, you may end up doing business with him anyway.I've lived in many cities with genuine book stores and Dogstar is not one of them. It's a pretend place.

Tyler Burkhart

2021-05

Dog Star offers a really great variety of high-quality books in a cool setting. Fun place to just look around! The owner is also very helpful.

James “JT” Taylor

2022-05

If you love to get lost in books, you'll love this place. Many hard to find items and rare books. Wide selection of used books at great prices.

Liz Hopkins

2023-05

A haven for bibliophiles! Dog Star has everything for everyone. Fantastic art, metaphysics, rare and antiquarian books. I never leave empty handed!

Carol West

2020-05

Quaint hole in the wall with a varied selection of books. Wide variety of books dating over 100 years. A pleasant surprise & a lovely way to spend two hours browsing.

Rebecca Wagner

2022-05

If you are a book nerd like me...OH my goodness! The walls are books the step rails are books...not literally but it looks like it. It was AMAZING!!! Stop by it is so worth it.

James Allen

2023-05

So many books so little time. Great assortment of books for all ages

Nicholas Hopkins

2018-05

Great selection from fiction to history, art, biography, etc. Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Wonderful shop to wile away a few minutes or hours in.

Amberle Hughes

2018-05

Best bookstore around. It is well organized ...but somehow retains that feeling of sifting through stacks for literary treasure. Knowledgeable and helpful staff.

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 11 AM-4 PM
Wednesday 11 AM-4 PM
Thursday 11 AM-4 PM
Friday 11 AM-4 PM
Saturday 11 AM-4 PM
Sunday Closed

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