With 3 Floors and Unique Hidden Treasures, Prospero’s Bookstore Is a Must for Missouri Booklovers

If you’re the type of person who could get lost for hours in a bookstore, a visit to Prospero’s Bookstore in Kansas City, Missouri, is a must. You never know what you will find in this behemoth three-story independent bookstore, from towering beanstalks of books to live psychic readings. Plus, it is set amid the eclectic West 39th Street neighborhood, known for its arts district, dive bars, foodie-approved restaurants, and vintage shops.

I consider myself a bookstore connoisseur. Whenever I visit a new city, I try to find a local shop. Blame it on the fact that I was an English major and a librarian. What I like best about independent bookstores, especially those that sell new and used books, is that it’s like a treasure hunt of the best kind. It’s not all about the books, though; a place like Prospero’s has a magical living history, where stickers are stuck on the bookshelves, local art hangs on the walls, and someone has placed reading chairs in perfect patches of sunlight. Even the graffiti somehow adds to the magic at Prospero's.

Prospero’s Bookstore first opened in 1997 and has survived the rise and fall—and rise again—of independent bookstores. What keeps customers coming again and again? First, there are the books, over 50,000 of them spread across three floors. The store claims to carry everything from “Dr. Seuss to Dr. Gonzo,” making it perfect for readers of all ages. As someone who prefers to hold a real book in my hands, browsing the shelves of Prospero’s allows me to visit old friends and make new ones. I like to see the different cover illustrations, spot the oldest editions, and find new books to add to my endless to-be-read pile. 

Aside from browsing books, you can also flip through bins of used CDs and albums. Like print books, vinyl records have experienced a rebound, and my sons always enjoy hunting for their favorites at Prospero’s. If you want to get teenagers and young adults talking, let them show you the albums they like. You can show them what was popular when you were a kid, as the vintage vinyls and CDs always have fun finds.

While corporate bookstores tend to have the same atmosphere at every location across the country, independent bookstores create unique spaces. Like snowflakes, no two are alike. I love how each nook and cranny at Prospero’s has its own vibe, from the airy top floor, with hardwood floors salvaged from a basketball court, to the dungeon-like basement, with cozy coves.

Have you ever heard of a bookstore burning books? Prospero’s once set piles of books ablaze on the sidewalks out front. Does this shock you a little? It is supposed to, as the owners decided this was a colorful way to draw attention to fading interest in reading. The performance art piece was called to a halt when the fire department arrived and put an end to the permitless burning. No beloved books were harmed in the fire, as the owners purposefully selected spares from a massive stock they compiled from buying out closed bookstores. When I worry about the future of reading, as Prospero’s once did, a visit to their bookstore restores my faith.

Aside from performance art, Prospero’s regularly hosts other live events. Check the store’s Facebook page for up-to-date information on poetry readings, concerts, book releases, and more. Another hidden treasure, psychic Janet McLaren hosts readings and reiki twice a week on the third floor. As I said earlier, you truly never know what you will find in this unique Missouri bookstore!

After you've had your fill of books, wander out onto West 39th Street to explore more of the neighborhood. I can personally recommend the Hi-Dive Lounge, where an eclectic menu matches the eclectic atmosphere. Yes, it has a dive-bar vibe, but the food far exceeds the typical dive menu, featuring items like portobello tacos, gouda mac and cheese, and fried brussels sprouts. It’s not all fancy, though, as you can also snag a smashburger, fried pork tenderloin, or meatloaf platter.

Though Prospero’s has set opening hours each day, they stay open later whenever customers pack the place. Come to Prospero’s for the books, but use it as a springboard for exploring a hip area of Kansas City. Then, venture out to find more of the city’s unique things to do.