59/100 – Prospero’s Books
1800 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Cost: $
Features: 3 floors of secondhand books, movies, music and more.
Good for: Hours of book browsing.
Tip: Don’t rush to leave. There are chairs scattered throughout the shop to get lost in your book.
Prospero’s Books is an independent, secondhand bookstore in Kansas City, Missouri. With three floors of books, music, movies and more to meander through, an afternoon in Prospero’s is easy to fill.
About Prospero’s Books
Prospero’s Books is located on 39th Street, near Miami Ice and Mud Pie Bakery. The independent bookstore adds to the quirky community wonderfully. The store puts bookshelves outside each day for people to browse as they walk down the street. They host poetry and literary events regularly. They offer a space to explore and discuss.
Most of the time, you’ll find the workers hidden behind the desk with their nose in a book. Don’t hesitate to interrupt them with a question about an author or help finding a book. They’re very knowledgeable about the store and literature in general.
The décor in the store includes old pictures and newspaper clippings tapped to the shelves, typewriters and quotes etched on the shelves by customers.
The books are relatively inexpensive and extremely varied. On the first floor, you’ll find stacks of books, tables with books to catch your interest and DVDs. On the top floor is a huge open space with records, more books and couches to curl up on and enjoy your new book. In the basement, you’ll find even more books – SciFi and Kansas City history. While the selection may not be all-encompassing, you truly never know what you will find at Prospero’s.
The History of Prospero’s Books
Prospero’s Books opened in 1997. Housed in the historic, century-old Johnson Hardware building, Prospero’s features a beautifully restored pressed tin ceiling, original hardwood floors and stacks and stacks of books, complete with rolling library ladders.
If you have the slightest love for books, stop in ultimate haven for book lovers. xx, Libbie.
