You’ve Never Experienced Anything Like This Quirky Bookstore In Small Town Arizona

We think most small towns have that one person who is eccentric enough to earn the title of town legend, and Quartzsite, Arizona is no different. The town's website bills the location as the "RV Boondocking Capital of the World," but Quartzsite is famous for at least one other thing: the Naked Bookseller.

The owner, was passed away a few years back, was famous in these parts for coming to work naked. To be fair, he was not totally naked, and he did sometimes get a chill, prompting the need for at least a shirt... but Quartzsite's naked bookseller was famous — and so is his bookstore.

The bookstore deals in new and used reads, and accepts trades. It's loaded to the hilt with a variety of books, posters and memorabilia. But many tourists didn't always exactly go for the books.

Prior to his death, they used to stop in to meet the store's owner, Paul Winer, who celebrated his birthday every day of the year by donning his birthday suit and a single sock placed over his privates.

Winer was also an accomplished pianist, which comes as no surprise. He proudly owned both his creativity and his quirky side.

The store itself is a bit quirky as well. Many of the items inside the warehouse are used, but are tucked inside plastic sleeves to preserve them from the weather and dust. Cardboard cutouts of aliens and celebs stick above the shelfscape offering added eye candy.

Have you heard of Arizona's (previous) naked bookseller or his quirky book store?

The store is located just off I-10, approximately two hours west of Phoenix.

The address for Reader's Oasis Books is 690 E Main St., Quartzsite, AZ 85346. Get more information from their Facebook page.

Love exploring the bizarre side of the Grand Canyon State? Check out these 13 Bizarre Route 66 Attractions In Arizona.

Editor's note: Since the original publication of this article, Mr. Winer has sadly passed away. His bookstore remains open. We've updated the article to be more reflective and respectful of Mr. Winer's past presence and present absence.