This isn’t exactly your run-of-the-mill used bookshop.

Sure, there are a lot of books at The Courtyard Redux. About 20, 000 at any one time, according to owner Jack Kelly. From Science Fiction to History and everything between. There’s a book for every reader.

Upon entering, a rack of vintage, fabric-covered books beckons. Pick up one and the feel of it alone begs for the pages to be turned. Thick vellum pages, some edged in gilt, others in the ragged style, recall a day when books were considered luxuries. And these books still are to be treasured.

But, it’s the selection of books about the area which makes this shop a stand-out. Aside from the standards, such as James Michener’s "Chesapeake," William Warner’s "Beautiful Swimmers" and C. Milton Wright’s "My Harford Heritage" (and if you haven’t already read these, you’re cheating yourself out of a wealth of local knowledge), there’s also the Harford Historical Bulletin. This is only store in Havre de Grace which carries those.

Plus, there are numerous books by local authors, including cookbooks which feature local and regional cuisine.

“The best decision I made when I opened 20 years ago was the location,” Kelly said. “People just don’t shop on Main St. in Bel Air like they do here.”

This shop is an easy stroll from the nearest parking lot, and there is plenty of free on-street parking.

Not only have the locals enjoyed the store over the years, but, Kelly said, “The bulk of my business comes from tourists.”

That fact was evident when a couple from Carroll County visited, leaving with a book about sail boating and another by Shakespeare. They also asked where they could find a good crab cake. Unfortunately for them, that particular establishment was closed on the day they were here.

“Since we’re right off of Interstate 95, people get off and discover the town,” Kelly said. He likens Havre de Grace to being a miniature Annapolis, with the water and quality restaurants.

Browsing the store will take longer than expected since there’s quite a variety of books to peruse. Although the store stocks mostly hardbacks, there are plenty of paperbacks to explore, as well.

Signed editions and first editions can also be found, along with that long-sought-after, out-of-print book in the offerings here.

The most surprising find by Kelly was the signed first edition of President Eisenhower’s WWII memoirs. That was thoughtfully stored in a box in a barn. He’s also run across first editions by Langston Hughes, P. T. Barnum and James Michener.

Even without being a collector or a connoisseur, it’s tough to leave the store without something—even one of the 3D bookmarks with a shark on it.

Don’t forget to check out the bargain cart, where all books are a mere $1.