Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Bookstore in Wichita Since 1957
Established in 1957, Al's Old & New Book Store has been a cornerstone of Wichita's literary community for over six decades. Our store offers an extensive collection of 40,000 new and used hardcover and paperback books, specializing in local history, rare titles, and diverse genres ranging from classic literature to modern fiction. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, who are dedicated to helping customers find specific titles or explore new literary interests. Our commitment to preserving literary heritage is evident in our curated selection of collectible books, signed editions, and historical volumes.While our physical location has moved over the years, our mission remains unchanged: to provide quality books at accessible prices while fostering a love for reading in our community. We offer special order services for hard-to-find titles and maintain a customer-centric approach through personalized recommendations and organized inventory systems.
Services
Bookstore
Used Books
Rare Books
Local History Books
Special Orders
Details
- Year established: 1957
Highlights and features
- We've served Wichita's literary needs for 67 years with unmatched book expertise
- Our 40,000-volume collection includes rare and out-of-print titles unavailable elsewhere
- Specializing in Kansas and Wichita history books with expert curation
- Offering special order services for hard-to-find titles at competitive prices
- Maintaining ADA-compliant accessibility in our historic 102-year-old building
What people say
Extensive selection
Helpful staff
Local history focus
Treasure trove
Great prices
Services
Bookstore
Our physical store offers immediate access to 40,000 carefully curated books spanning fiction, non-fiction, and specialty genres. Customers benefit from our organized shelving system and staff expertise in locating specific titles. The store's layout facilitates easy browsing across multiple categories including history, science, and literature.
Used Books
We maintain a vast inventory of pre-owned books in various conditions, offering affordable alternatives to new editions. Our selection includes vintage titles, academic texts, and collectible volumes. Each book undergoes quality assessment before being added to our inventory to ensure reading satisfaction.
Rare Books
Specializing in valuable editions, we offer Easton Press collections, signed first editions, and limited print runs. Our inventory includes Franklin Library sets and Reader's Digest World's Best Reading series. These titles are displayed in secure cases and available for both purchase and research consultation.
Local History Books
As Wichita's premier source for local history, we stock over 200 titles documenting Kansas and Midwest heritage. Our collection includes Arcadia Publishing titles with 10% discounts for local history enthusiasts. Staff maintain specialized knowledge about regional authors and historical events.
Special Orders
When we don't have specific titles in stock, we offer special order services to locate requested books. This service extends to out-of-print and international editions through our network of book suppliers. Customers receive timely updates throughout the sourcing process.
People
Anita Siemer
Owner
Anita acquired the store in 2005 to preserve its legacy after the founder's health issues. She has expanded inventory and improved organization while maintaining the store's historic character.
Helen Woodward
Founder
Established the store in 1957 under the 'Al's' name tradition. She built the initial collection and established the store's reputation for quality book selection before retiring in 2005.
Ben
Staff Member
Part of the current team managing daily operations. Provides customer assistance with book searches and maintains inventory organization systems.
Abby
Staff Member
Assists with inventory management and customer service. Helps maintain the store's organized shelving system and participates in book categorization.
Jae
Staff Member
Supports store operations with book handling and customer assistance. Contributes to maintaining the store's welcoming atmosphere for literary enthusiasts.
Questions
What are your current store hours?
We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The store is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Do you carry new books?
Yes, we stock new local authors and history books alongside our extensive used book collection.
Can you help find specific books?
Absolutely - if we don't have the book in stock, we can usually special order it for you.
What local history titles do you recommend?
Our collection includes 'Mayday Over Wichita,' 'Wichita Haunts,' and 'A History of McConnell AFB' among many others.
Are there parking options available?
Yes, we offer free parallel parking on both Millwood and Douglas streets west of the railroad tracks.
Do you sell collectible books?
Yes, we have Easton Press, Franklin Library, and Reader's Digest World's Best Reading series in our collection.