Nestled in the heart of Detroit awaits a haven for bibliophiles, John K. King Used and Rare Books. This historic place houses within its walls over a million books, making it a must-visit destination for all lovers of literature and history.
John K. King's bookstore journey started in 1965 when he began selling books from his car trunk. As demand grew, he opened his first store in the Michigan Theatre Building. However, as the years passed, his collection expanded, and he needed more space. In the early '80s, King relocated his bookstore to its current location at West Lafayette and the Lodge, a converted old factory.
King's bookstore houses over a million books across 900 categories on four spacious floors. Adjacent to the main building, once the Otis Elevator Building, is a collection of rarer and notable items accessible by appointment only.
King told "Detroit Is It" that his lifelong love for books stemmed from his childhood experiences exploring Detroit's bookstores, where he was fascinated by touching and reading books dating back over 100 years.
King credited his success to the late Elsie Freitag, his high school guidance counselor. Elsie encouraged him to pursue his passion for buying and selling used books and antiques as a career.
Visitors are captivated by the vast selection by walking through the maze of books housed within the bookstore. Speaking to "MLive," King stated that finding books in his store is akin to treasure hunting. The store contains a variety of rare books, leather bindings, and books you cannot find in new bookstores. For King, reading outside or in venues other than houses enhances the reading experience.
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In a "CBS News Detroit" interview, reflecting on his journey, King expressed gratitude, stating that he felt fortunate. His store manager, Debora Lee, echoed this sentiment, describing the store as a reflection of King's lifelong dedication. She also remarked that the bookstore is King's life encapsulated in a couple of buildings.
Lee noted the excitement in customers' eyes as they discover hidden gems. The unique charm of King's bookstore lies in its rich history and strong sense of community. As patrons explore the shelves, they invariably sense a profound connection to the myriad stories nestled within the pages of the books.
Despite the rise of digital media, King remained passionate about the business of books. He believed that used books offer a wealth of knowledge and ideas that cannot be replicated online. He expressed that selling other people's books is enjoyable because of the abundance of ideas and knowledge contained within these used books.
Looking ahead, King has no plans to slow down. He noted that while others may consider his business successful, he viewed success as an ongoing pursuit. He explained that he might consider quitting if he had already achieved success.
As National Reading Month culminates, visiting John K. King Used and Rare Books is a memorable experience. The store remains a cherished destination for book enthusiasts, embodying the enduring joy of reading and discovery.
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