I just went by the American Book Center to check out its new location, right on the Spui. The store is huge and impressive, and even bigger than their last location on Kalverstraat. I exclaimed over the 3-for-15-euro calendars, but managed to resist. I searched for a few items in fiction, but unfortunately didn't find what I was looking for, despite the large selection. On the way out my eyebrows shot up as I noticed the erotica book section on prominent window display. Hmmm....I don't remember that section in their old store.

Anyway, I decided to check out their website to see if the books were available or if they could be ordered. Disappointingly, it seems that my first query would take 4 - 6 weeks to deliver. My second choice fared a bit better - 7 to 10 working days. To wait or not to wait? The jury's still out on that one.

Despite leaving empty handed, I still believe that ABC is a great place to go if you're on the hunt for English-language books. And don't forget to check out the "stereotypically Amsterdam" selection of books in the window on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal side of the building.