Regulator Bookshop

This is my favorite bookstore in the whole wide world. I have been going there for 28 years -- and I think the same people are working there. So they are kind of like family, I guess. They are kind of laid back and friendly and don't get in your business unless you ask or need a book. Just the right touch. They are a great place to hang out downstairs for some wi-fi -- and I love Love LOVE their sale table downstairs. The magazine section is great. Kid section is really nice -- my son is 12 now, but still likes to hang out on the couches and read about three books at a sitting. (I think he thinks it's a library). It kind of is his library -- but he always convinces me to buy a book on the way out. Plus -- they have a great Frequent Buyer discount -- I believe you only have to pay it once in a lifetime -- and your whole family can get a premium discount on books. Pretty sweet. I love them and hope I can bring my (future) grandchildren to the Regulator someday and hang out in the kids section. more

This bookstore is very conveniently located near Duke's East Campus. Their inventory obviously is not as extensive as the big chain stores, but they make up for that with their charm (and sometimes it's nice not to be overwhelmed with so many books). Their eating and studying area downstairs is also lovely. Also, the staff is very nice and willing to help you. more

This bookstore is kind of small compared to the big chains these days, but it maintains a unique small town feel. Also, you would be supporting an independent, local business! The selections are nice and they also have good sales. The eating area is also small but good. more

Regulator Bookshop is one of my favorite bookstores to find original books and also hard-to-find books. It is a small, independently owned shop and they sell a little bit of every subject. They usually will have to order specific books that I am looking for, but I just love to come here and browse. I have made many great unexpected finds here! more

I visited this bookstore since it was so close to Duke University. It seemed like a nice, cozy place with interesting book selection. In addition to your basic fiction, there are tons of other genres, including some that I would blush if I wandered into. I was pleased to see a very thorough cultural studies section. There is a magazine section as well as what looked to me to be homemade publications, which later someone told me were "fanzines." Those are quite amusing (though rather risque). In general, I had the feeling this was quite a liberal bookstore. The staff seem friendly, or at least they came by several times to ask if I needed help. There are lots of "staff suggestion" cards sticking out of their favourite books. I guess I was expecting this to be a used book store, not a regular one, so I wouldn't buy anything here unless it was a rare book. There is a cafe area, since coffee goes so well with books. I've also seen signs for book signings (former President Jimmy Carter came by to sign his novel) and readings, so this place, though small, is quite happening. Nice place to browse and waste a couple of hours, without the snooty Barnes and Nobles posers. more

Regulator is a reader's paradise. Lose yourself in stacks of magazines/fanzines and the latest releases. A chatty, knowledgeable staff won't hesitate to make a recommendation or steer you in the right direction. Drop by almost any night of the week and you're bound to find an up-and-coming writer, best-selling author or cult favorite reading. more

A mainstay of Durham for nearly 30 years the Regulator bookshop is independently owned and operated and carries a little bit of everything. When you've finished browsing through the upstairs (don't miss the wonderful kids section in the back) you can meander downstairs to their cafe (with internet access) and enjoy a cup of tea, a vegan lunch, and relax! more

Nice little bookstore. They expanded within the past couple of years to be two stories. Their science fiction/fantasy section is a bit limited, though they have a quite wide selection of local topic/author books and fiction. Store definitely has a left-leaning feel to it. They sell textbooks for Duke students too, during the year. more

The Regulator reminds you why the decline of the independent bookstore is something to be lamented. No seasonal compilation CDs spilling off of the shelves, no Starbucks giftcards placed conspicuously by the registers, and, perhaps most gratifyingly, the feeling that you're buying a book from a person and not a company. Among the other benefits for shopping here are: a great selection of books, reasonable prices, a great collection of magazines, journals, and great post cards, and helpful staff who know about the books they sell. Why drive to one of the megastores when the Regulator is right down the block? more