Octavia Books

316 reviews

513 Octavia St, New Orleans, LA 70115

www.octaviabooks.com

+15048997323

About

Octavia Books is a Book store located at 513 Octavia St, New Orleans, LA 70115. It has received 316 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10AM-6PM
Tuesday10AM-5PM
Wednesday10AM-6PM
Thursday10AM-6PM
Friday10AM-6PM
Saturday10AM-6PM
Sunday10AM-6PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Octavia Books: 513 Octavia St, New Orleans, LA 70115

  • Octavia Books has 4.8 stars from 316 reviews

  • Book store

  • "What can I say about Octavia Books? I love the personal attention they give to each and every customer"

    "Great local bookshop! Friendly and well informed book nerds"

    "I wandered into Octavia Books today for the first time, and I'm glad I did"

    "This store deserves five stars for atmosphere; four stars for an unusually wide selection"

    "I love Octavia Books"

Reviews

  • Omnivia

What can I say about Octavia Books? I love the personal attention they give to each and every customer. It's like you are really about of the Book family. Dosen't take long to get help and they know where all the books are as if it's a mental database. I adore the fact that its private owned and local. To me, that gives it a more personal feel. The atmosphere is great. It sits in the back of a huge building on the corner of Laurel and Octavia (picture included) and once you purchase a book from their wide selection of authors and titles, you can go grab a bite to eat from the cafe up from. I highly recommend this store to all the bookworms out there.

  • Autumn Montgomery

Great local bookshop! Friendly and well informed book nerds. Found them via an author's announcement for a book tour event and enjoyed the store and its resident staff so much I will most certainly return with frequency. One of my favorite things about this shop is the particular way the buyers fill their shelves. There are popular titles but there are also a great many titles that step just aside of traditional and grab your attention. Whether they are fiction or nonfiction, they are not "standard fair". I was consistently taking photographs of book covers to remind myself of what I wanted to purchase in future return visits.

  • M.C. Barrett

I wandered into Octavia Books today for the first time, and I'm glad I did. It's larger than I anticipated, with well-organized and artfully arranged shelves, friendly staff, a range of genres and interests represented, some writing supplies (journals, pens, etc.), other standard bookstore novelties (puzzles, pins, greeting cards, etc). It was neither sweltering hot nor ice cold, which are often the only options for store temperatures in New Orleans in the summer. It was such a nice space that I found myself wishing they had a bit more space for tables and chairs to allow folks to sit down and do some work cafe-style.

  • allan turner

This store deserves five stars for atmosphere; four stars for an unusually wide selection. However, there's trouble in paradise -- namely the staff. Employees of this place cant be bothered to be helpful. In fact, one can pretty much count on being ignored and -- confoundingly -- treated brusquely even as he forks money for a relatively big purchase. Small, independent bookstores are wonderful, except, of course, when they're not.

  • Kate

I love Octavia Books. It’s a quaint bookstore nestled in a residential neighborhood uptown. They have a great variety of books with a large selection of local authors. They also do regular book signings with a lot of the local authors. The staff were very friendly and one of them was also a Stars Wars expert and could help my friend with his purchase. I can’t wait to go back - I could stay here for hours looking at the books.

  • Emma Simon

This is one of my favorite places. The staff is very knowledgeable and happy to assist with anything, from finding exactly what you need to suggesting something else you may enjoy. If the book you're looking for isn't on their excellently-curated shelves, they'll order it for you and it can be at the store within the week. There is a wide selection of local authors, kids books, new and popular, and gifts. I'll be back soon!

  • Paige Davis

Went in looking for a reference book by a local author. They didn’t have the book I was looking for in stock, but kept my info to let me know when if they’re able to restock it and the very knowledgeable staff helped me find something else which would work for my purposes. Wonderful selection and lovely atmosphere. Very positive first time experience and I’ll definitely return! Highly recommend.

  • Paul Teall

The ideal neighborhood book store - awesome selection, great atmosphere. They've got a nice variety of books that are either focused on New Orleans/Louisiana, or written by people from the area. Knocked off one star for the prices, which are obviously going to be higher than ordering online. That's the price you pay if you prefer to do your shopping in an actual physical location.

  • Amanda Letaw

FANTASTIC local selection, from NOLA/LA history, food/recipes, art, music, Katrina books (ugh), courtyard gardens - best selection of local books I’ve found in the city. The rest is good, but not books/stationery/etc. you can’t find anywhere else. Worth going for local!!! The staff are great, too. Helpful and friendly but not obnoxiously attentive.

  • Paul V

Such a great bookstore. Wonderfully curated selection - the books they carry are really quality and you can tell they've been thoughtfully selected. Amazingly helpful and enthusiastic staff - you can tell these are folks who love books and are very knowledgeable, with extensive suggestions. A wonderful place, and I'm so glad they're expanding.

  • Andres Barcelo

Quaint little book shop that you would miss if you blinked twice. The owners definitely put care and time into both their book selection and their design. Stepping through the doors is like crossing into a book lover's paradise with a fantastic local selection of authors and a cute kids section in the back. I definitely recommend it.

  • kathleen kamphausen

Such a lovely shop in a cute area of the city! I've received porch drop offs and pick up orders from here, as well as placed orders to be shipped out of state. All of my orders have bee fulfilled SO quickly and I'm so appreciative of all the help I've received from Octavia. I'd highly recommend supporting this shop!

  • Wayne Boyko

I took my wife to the book shop during mother's day. Although it didn't appear large from the street, it was surprisingly large once we were inside. The book categories and topics covered were expansive as well. Definitely a great alternative to the big box bookstores that we will be returning to, often.

  • Adrianne Montoya

Well-curated selection, including a pleasantly surprising number of titles by high-quality small/indie presses. Lots of fascinating local interest titles. Great kids' section.Staff is helpful and friendly but unobtrusive, and they're happy to order titles for you.Clean, cozy, bibliophilic space.

  • Katarina Merlini

This store has a great vibe. Very curated selection with a diverse offering of local and national titles. In addition, they offer great local stationary and gifts for out-of-towners. I was a little disappointed with the poetry section, but c'est la vie. Support indie bookstores!!

  • Nicole Fuller-Smith

I came across this neighborhood bookstore while living in New Orleans. Staff are friendly and helpful. Even after relocating from the area, I still consistently order from here. I specifically love the free gift wrapping option for books I buy and ship to others.

  • John Lundquist

The owner and staff are very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They helped my teenaged daughters find books that they were interested in and made thoughtful recommendations. This Independently owned bookstore has a large selection and is beautifully designed.

  • Mabel Jane Hoevker

One of my favorite bookstores that I try to hit up every time I'm in the city. Very friendly and helpful, it makes my heart feel good they've survived 2020. Great selection of local based books, too. I even picked up a few puzzles to bring home with me!

  • Milana A

Super friendly staff and tons of events for aspiring authors to meet published ones. I love the location and space. Also great book selection. They were one of the only places carrying Zora Neale Hurston's new book and I snagged the last one.

  • CJ BLACK

This is my favorite book store in New Orleans. If they don't have the book you want, they will order it. I'd rather support our local vendors than the big corporations any day. The people who work here are very helpful, AND know their books.

  • Mary Marshall Brame

beautiful, well-appointed bookstore with plenty of incredible selections, as well as a robust local New Orleans section. helpful, friendly staff, and an easy online ordering platform makes for the perfect bookstore experience. shop local!

  • Lisa Rene' DeBenedictis

The staff is warm and welcoming and sophisticated about new and classic literature. A great place to meet authors and to discuss literary texts, biographies, and new fiction and factual prose. Great place to find gifts for old and young.

  • Alexander Andréson

My favorite book store in New Orleans! My go to place to browse the stacks. Staff has always been super helpful. Everything is so well organized and right where you would expect it to be. Lovely atmosphere! Would reccomend to anyone!

  • Terri Gregory

Quaint bookshop. I love looking at all the new stuff and I'm left alone to browse and greatly helped when the need arises and when I find the perfect read I take it to lunch cuz Toast is just around the corner. Toast!

  • Alex Mikulich

A Favorite independent bookstore in New Orleans with the Community Bookstore. Too rare these days of digital media! Great people! They take care in what they do! Order your books here rather than as amazon!

  • Marius Commodore

As a fan of Politics and Prose and 53rd street books, this place has that kind of selection and quirky knowledgeable booksellers that those stalwarts have. Loved my first visit....there will be more

  • David Kay

Great variety with a strong collection of local and regional authors and subjects. Knowledgeable, helpful staff who also let you indulge in the profound pleasure of browsing a good bookstore.

  • Jack Valentine

Awesome selection of local books about New Orleans and all the bestsellers you'd expect. The staff was very helpful in providing recommendations and helping find what I was looking for.

  • Gina MacLaren Realtor

I am always able to find what I am looking for at Octavia Books. Great little neighborhood bookstore with excellent selection of books of local topics. Always nice to support local!

  • John White

I could’ve spent hours in here, it was so peaceful. Charming space with a delightful staff. The store offered a wide variety of genres and gifts if that’s what you’re looking for.

  • Mary Ricci

This store almost always has the book I'm looking for! If you call ahead they will even put it behind the counter for you. Super convenient uptown location with on street parking.

  • Lisa Gray

Beautiful little neighborhood book store. Love their Louisiana/New Orleans selection. Take some time to walk around the block while you're there. Enjoy the beauty of area. :)

  • JM

Absolutely love this book shop, it has a very present charm and the book selection is varied and relevant. They're organized and the people at the register were so helpful.

  • Mike Whalen

I really love this bookstore! It's independent, small... But has one heck of a selection. Nestled in the garden district it has all the character you need in a bookstore.

  • Sam Wagner

Orleans’ best bookshop Nestled Uptown, street-shared name Octavia Books #Nola_Haiku @OctaviaBooks #BookShop #AuthorEvent #Haiku #BookSigning #IndependentBookStore #Nola

  • Jeanne Howe

The sweetest cozy bookstore that makes you feel like you’re in a movie! Tons of selections, helpful and friendly staff, plus they do book signings. Many local options!

  • Dov Glazer, DDS

What a book store should be. Huge, but not overwhelming amount of local interest books, with a knowledgeable, helpful and friendly staff. Love the vibe of this place!

  • Anna England

Loved this well stocked store and guttted I missed Jeanette Walls who is one of my favourite authors. I didn't even know she had a new book out until I came in.

  • Kenna Hadley

A great place to buy gifts and find fun, local treasures. The staff was very helpful and nice. Walking into this store felt like a hug. Would highly recommend.

  • Josh Adams

What a secret jewel tucked and hidden away... beautiful store, friendly service... great store! Lots of local books and books about New Orleans history, too.

  • Diamond Maultsby

I loved this store, they had a great selection of books and collectibles! The customer service and conversation are easy going and very genuine as well.

  • John O'Neill

Great little neighborhood book store set in an interesting building. We found it very welcoming and enjoyable. They had a nice array of book selections.

  • D'Anne Witkowski

Small but mighty indie bookstore with friendly and helpful staff and good selection. They have a lot of books about New Orleans for kids and adults.

  • Joshua Burns

Always great to be able to shop at a local book store. I wish there were more. This is an experience far too many people go without these days.

  • James Orbeck née Watkins

Fabulous selection, staff is super friendly and really helpful without being intrusive. BEAUTIFUL location. Really eclectic stock, as well.

  • Amy

Amazing selection in a small space. The staff are always helpful and have great recommendations. They will order what they don't have.

  • Garland

Great neighborhood bookstore with helpful employees eager to help find and order books. Nice selection of New Orleans culture books.

  • Camille Seyler Brookman

Amazing local bookstore. Great service, lovely atmosphere. They give good recs and will order you anything they don't have in stock.

  • Eliot kamenitz

Nice offering of books. Help is like Mr. Cranky pants, but one should buy your books here to support the local independent venders.

  • Kandice Cole

Must visit bookstore in New Orleans. Great selection of books especially kids section. Lots of local authors and topics too!

  • Farah Momin

A really lovely and well curated neighborhood bookstore. Glad to have them as a local option to support instead of Amazon.

  • Kate Scheuermann

Comfortable, small local bookstore with a great selection of books and gifts. Lots of author events. Street parking only.

  • Mike Rodgers

Friendly and well curated bookstore. I always make a point to drop in and pick up something new to read when I'm in town.

  • Alison Rutsch

Great selection, very helpful people working at the desk. Brought a big bowl of water for my hot dog to drink outside :)

  • Patrick Armstrong

One of the best bookstores in New Orleans. Great selection, helpful staff, and a great local vibe for bookstore lovers.

  • Larry Thibadoux

Employees talk to each other and ignore customers questions. Then left store unattended! DO not bother with this store

  • Leiana Quintero

If you don't know about this bookstore its because regulars love it and want to keep it secret! Its awesome, a gem.

  • Gabriela Swanson

I LOVE this bookstore. It's such a special place to go browse and inhale the happiness that is hundreds of books.

  • Zane Katsikis

Fine independent bookstore with a large, eclectic selection of books and knowledgeable, convivial booksellers.

  • AMB

A great employee knew exactly where the book I was looking for was. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you.

  • JAMES BRADY

I don't get the + reviews of this place. They are frequently rude and seem put out when you ask them for help.

  • Giki Galore

Great place for a book nerd - friendly staff and a cozy vibe. I was impressed with the books on NOLA culture.

  • Georgie Waters

Wonderful little bookstore. Staff was so helpful and willing to order books you want! I will be back …

  • Kate S

Love that there are still a few good local book stores in residential neighborhoods. This one is top notch.

  • Melissa L. Petzel Rose

Beautiful store! Great local section. Awesome staff! Be sure to support this local independent bookstore.

  • Leah Williams

Always love stopping by & perusing Octavia Books when I’m in town! Cozy, inviting, & full of great finds!

  • Christiana Thomas

Friendly, helpful staff. The store was well-stacked with a wide variety of titles and inviting displays.

  • Jonathan Praeger

A bookshop that not only doesn't carry a single bible, but also a rude individual running the store.

  • Ezekiel Martin

Broad, diverse selection in well-labeled sections. Helpful, friendly staff. Great local business.

  • Anthony oxFord

staff keeps to themselves, nice selection of local books to browse, enjoyable author events etc.

  • atheist southern

Good independently owned book store. Great local section. Book signing events with many writers.

  • Marjorie Pokorny

This is a lovely bookstore. They are very supportive of local writers. Always a welcoming vibe.

  • Sara Perry

Incredible selection of books in a small store. I can always find something new and intriguing.

  • Annabell N' Betty

Had every book I needed and the staff was very helpful and welcoming. Great bookstore …

  • Lorilei Bozeman

Great people. Great ambience. Great selection. Great location was from the bustle of things.

  • Margaret Pope

Be Very helpful ordered a book for me They are very polite and look for Anything I request.

  • Rylan Domingue

Love this book store. Very helpful staff. Everything is displayed well & great selection.

  • Eric Noriz

I stop by once a week and it's the same clean, awesome, bookstore each and Everytime. :)

  • Chloe Frank

Favorite bookstore in the city. Extreme knowledgable staff, and they offer gift wrapping

  • Tyler Patin

Great bookstore and attentive, friendly staff. Will definitely visit here more often!

  • Catherine Hunter

Beautiful bookstore. Super space for booksignings. Great place to engage with ideas.

  • Helena Mouskouri

Such a cool place! Great collections and found some really unique arts and journals

  • Anthony Hill

This is a great independent bookstore. Nice large unique selection. Don’t miss it.

  • Dov Glazer

Friendly, knowledgeable staff, pleasing environment and impressive book selection.

  • James Hendrick

Excellent book store. We go there every time we're in New Orleans. Great staff.

  • Bill Davison

This is a very comfortable, local bookstore with a good vibe and a solid staff.

  • margene minor

A cozy, true book store that is well stocked and friendly. Love the place!!

  • Anthony Zimbicki

Awesome old fashion bookstore. Can't wait to come back after the expansion

  • Andrea F

Great local bookstore with friendly staff and a nice selection of books.

  • Evan Broussard

Nice neighborhood bookstore with a great selection and friendly staff

  • Sean Henry

We loved the cozy atmosphere and the staff was helpful and friendly!

  • Kim Bryson

Best book store. So glad they are there. Really good newsletter too.

  • Damaris Botwick

Wonderful selection for adults and kids great independent book store

  • Karen Spahn Jorgenson

Best bookstore in New Orleans! Great selection, knowledgeable staff.

  • Angeli Elliott

Great bookstoee- fantastic selection and staff are super helpful.

  • rod beauchamp

These people are lovely and kind and hold frequent author events

  • Lydia

Beautiful store with a great selection and super helpful staff!

  • Marjorie Pokorny

Nice space and friendly staff. Jockomo launch was entertaining.

  • Patrick Hrabos

Friendly staff, enjoyed browsing the selection of local books.

  • Nicole Dolly

Adorable bookstore. Staff are very friendly and accommodating.

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