Detroit’s Literary Treasure: Exploring John K. King Used & Rare Books

Flux City takes you inside John K. King Used & Rare Books, Detroit’s legendary four-story bookstore, for a rare conversation with the man himself—John King—and longtime manager Deborah.

From selling his first books in the 1960s to turning a former glove factory into a maze of over a million volumes, John King has built one of the country’s most fascinating independent bookstores. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, the challenges of surviving Amazon and big-box bookstores, and the priceless stories behind the rare books and artifacts that fill his shelves

You’ll hear about:

The early days of starting out in Detroit and Dearborn.
How estate sales and collections shape the store’s inventory.
Stories of rare finds, from Tiffany lamps to African American literary treasures.
Why King believes bookstores should avoid the trap of becoming coffee shops.
The art annex, antiques, and unique items that make the store more than just books.
Co-Manager Deb’s perspective after 27 years working alongside King, and her insights on the future of books and young readers

More than just a bookstore, John King Books is a cultural landmark—a place where history, art, and community intersect. This episode is part history lesson, part behind-the-scenes tour, and part love letter to Detroit’s literary soul.

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