Erasmus Books

After moving to South Bend, I didn’t think I would find an independent bookstore that would come close to the great ones that were just around the corner from my Boston apartment. Luckily, Erasmus proved me wrong. This cozy store has a good selection of used books, including some first editions, and a wonderful staff. Additionally, the books are usually in good shape and are reasonably priced. While Erasmus might not have the latest best sellers, it has a personality and warmth that megastores just can’t match.

Excellent selection of books and knowledgeable staff (owner). The used books are in excellent condition, with a large selection from every genre.

Excellent selection and wonderful space. Not exactly cheap but reasonable. Very personable people who run it. All in all a South Bend gem.

Erasmus is fantastic — if you live in South Bend, you need to know about this place. It’s quite tiny (the basement and first floor of owners Philip and Bill’s house), but has a really fantastic selection for its size, particularly in the areas of philosophy and theology. Hours are rather limited, but make a point of going anyway!

I spent two years in this town, complaining there wasn’t a decent independent bookseller in this town.
Imagine my shamelaced delight when I discovered Erasmus Books a mere block from my house!
If you are a slightly-​dazed urbanite who somehow found themselves in South Bend, take heart, Erasmus Books stands toe-​to-​toe to whatever haunt you left behind when you moved here from Park Slope, Hilsboro Village, Hillcrest or wherever.
Yeah, the selection skews toward the sort of conservative tomes you’d expect from the estate sales of ND emeritus, but, people, beggars can’t be choosers. It’s here or books at the mall. I’ll take Erasmus any day.

The shinning jewel of South Bend.
When I come back to the area to visit family and friends, I consider Erasmus as both.
The store is inside a 1920’s German-​cottage style house (I could be wrong, but that’s my guess) and when you enter you can feel the warmth from the books. The proprietors, Philip and Bill, love the written word. This shows both through conversation and the items that they carry.
On the main floor you will find mostly hardback poetry fiction/​Lit, 1^st editions, Children’s and rare books. Downstairs are History, theology, nonfiction and paperbacks. I usually go there and look around, jumping from one section and and floor, to the other and maybe back. Never do I go with a book in mind, but wander and let the book find me. If you need a special book– just ask– it could be around, or they can find it for you.