Maria’s Bookshop

Oh, we had the best time at Maria’s. We stopped in just before Christmas, killing time before going to see the new Star Wars movie. It was the best time killer ever. We enjoyed the local Durango selection and their kid section was TDF.
The guy checking us out was knowledgable and friendly, and he told us that there was free gift wrap service at the back of the store. So off we went to get our presents wrapped.
The lady gift wrapping was also friendly and chatty, and I got a chance to visit the best public restroom I have ever used in 45 years. It was homey, immaculate, and they had a soap that smelled like heaven. Seriously, if any place ever deserved five stars because of their delightful bathroom, it’s Maria’s.
They were just unwrapping a huge plate of tasty homemade cookies and treats as we were gathering our wrapped presents. Such a great reminder of why independent retailers are the BEST. We found 3 – 4 more unique things while we were waiting and left with a thinner wallet and heavy, heavy bags. So happy to have found this place. Thank you!

Wonderful bookstore. Went in to get some detailed maps and guide books for off-​roading and hiking. They had a great selection. Also picked up a history book on San Juans that I surprisingly can’t put down. Good customer service.

By far one of the coolest bookshops I have ever been to. It is independently owned and carries a A large selection of books. Not only that the staff put cards in the books of ones they recommend why they recommend. The people who work their problems on the most knowledgeable on current authors as well as past.
We make it a point to support this business and buy books from them can’t recommend it enough you should check out!

This is what a bookstore should be — welcoming, warm, intimate, and well-​stocked in its specific sections. And the staff is nice, too.
Maria’s is on Main Street in Durango and caters quite a bit to the tourists, of which I was one. Sections near the front of the store focus on outdoor activities in Colorado, the history of Colorado and the region, and western history in general. The rest of the store has the usual sections, such as categories of fiction and nonfiction.
I enjoy seeing the employee reviews/​recommendations, and I bought a book called «The Last Gunfight» based on a staff recommendation. When I went to purchase it, the guy who recommended it handled the sale, and we had a pleasant, short conversation about the book and other Western histories we liked.
Definitely worth a visit while you’re in Durango.
By the way, I absolutely loved «The Last Gunfight» and highly recommend it to anyone who’s interested in the real history of the West and some of its most famous names. Everything you’ve heard on TV and movies is wrong!

One is much more likely to go out of their way to write about a bad experience, than a simple review for an adequate one. Unfortunately, Ive been disappointed in Maria’s enough to hunt down my Unilocal password to write this one.
I love their product (books, are great, right?) and the atmosphere. If they don’t have what you want, then they can order it for you. So as a bookshop, it serves it’s purpose.
A lot of people have mentioned the «friendly staff» but I have to wonder if they are talking about a different store. It’s they only bookshop in town, and we all want to buy local, so I’ve been in there many times in the last year. Every time I’ve walked into Maria’s Bookshop, I’ve left feeling belittled by one or more of the staff.
Look, I get it. You work in a local book shop. You probably read a lot. You’re probably super smart, and super hip, and know why anything I ask about or buy is super dumb. But for the love of the money I spend in your store — wipe that smug look off your face.

Wonderfully friendly service, always willing and able to assist with all of my book needs. Great local shop to support.