The third and fourth levels of the MSU Main Library can be a creepy place. The silence rings in your ears, old books tower above your head, and smells of grandmother's attic reach to potent levels.
East Lansing's rare and specialty book stores are similar to these unique qualities. Towering old books and musty smells still reign, but that creepy feeling ceases to exist.
Two East Lansing book shops can take credit for that library feel, Curious Book Shop, 307 E. Grand River Ave., and the Archives Book Shop, 517 W. Grand River Ave.
Ray Walsh is the owner of both.
Walsh started the book business back in 1969 when he was a student at MSU, studying communication.
He read so many books in the summer of '69 that he sold them for profit.
"I had a job where I had a lot of free time (to read)," Walsh said. "And at the end of the summer, I sold books at garage sales."
With that, the communication major started up Curious Book Shop in January of 1971, just before he graduated from MSU. The Archives Book Shop came later, because "we needed more room," Walsh said.
A customer since the 1970s and a 1978 MSU alumnus, Doug Kilner said the store is well-rounded in its merchandise.
"I can't think of a better bookstore in three states," Kilner said. "It's one of the few bookstores that sells old books and magazines." Walsh said it's also one of the oldest bookstores in Michigan.
At both book shops, Walsh said he sells everything from paperback to hardcover and collector's items to first editions.
"We have a wide variety and large selection of different types of books," Walsh said. "We also carry cookbooks, mysteries and fine bindings," which are leather bound books.
Those looking for cheaper, more outdated textbooks may want to check out Gibson's Book Store MSU, 128 W. Grand River Ave.
There are several MSU textbook stores around the area, such as the Student Book Store, The College Store and Ned's Book Store, but Gibson's, family-owned since 1955, is a little different.
"We deal with mainly older textbooks with the MSU campus," said Gibson's owner Dave Poquette. "There is a lot of supply of outdated and out-of-print books, those no longer being used with no value."
Poquette said many of the books are used as reference guides for studying. There are also cheaper editions of common literature classes.
"(We) have a wide variety of literature that might be used for an English class," Poquette said. "But it may not be the specific edition."
