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Our story
A magpie’s eye
for good books
Emporia Collectio is a small, independent bookshop without a storefront, based in Ann Arbor. We find books in attics, estates and private libraries, research every one, and send them on to readers and collectors around the world.
Why the magpie?
Magpies are famous collectors: clever, curious, and drawn to anything that glints. Our magpie holds the keys to a closed book under a guiding star. That’s the job as we see it: open up collections nobody has looked at in years, and find what’s worth keeping.
What we do
- Rescue libraries. We buy whole collections and pick them up for free around Ann Arbor.
- Appraise. We tell people what their books are worth, with evidence.
- Sell. Hundreds of books at a time on eBay and other marketplaces, and here for less.
- Share the finds. On Instagram, and soon on YouTube and TikTok, with the stories behind the books.
Shop visits and local pickups are by appointment. Book a pickup or drop-off, or get in touch.
Co-founder
Zekya Clare
Buys collections, researches and appraises books, and answers most of your messages.
Co-founder
Laura Haeussler
Buys collections, researches and appraises books, and finds the one book in the box that matters.
