Bitchin' Blog Posts
The Hunt for Ideal Romance Bookstores
by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | February 02, 2009 | Monday at 11:02 am | 88 CommentsScrinnameless sent me a wonderous account of a used bookstore in Mobile, Alabama, that got me thinking. Get a load of this:
While waiting on my cousin to get out of work (my day to pick her up), I walked over to a nearby used bookstore I’d been in before, and, thanks to your influence, I began to notice the romance novels.
...And, holy fuck, The Book Corner is loaded. Hundreds of Silhouettes, and hundreds again of Silhouettes special editions. Two shelves of historicals. A shelf of contemporaries. Old-school novels out the wazoo.
I am not exaggerating when I say my hasty figuring on the back of the business card puts them at a couple of thousand romance novels. Next time I’m out that way, I’m bringing the camera so I can take some pictures for you.
Anyway, it’s kind of a small, out of the way place, so I want you to put the word out to the Bitchery: Next time they’re in Mobile, or if they’re ever in Mobile, they have to stop by this place and buy some books.It’s the Book Corner, at Schillenger Road and Airport Boulvard, found in a corner in that strip mall between Airport and the Wal-Mart.
I have never had cause to go to Mobile, but now I totally want to go. Like damn.
And Scrinnameless (who promises me pictures of Ye Heaping Big Selection of Romance) has given me a good idea, but I want your opinion: do you think a collaborative map of Bookstore With Good Romance Selections (Used and new!) would be of use to Ye Fabulousse Bitchery?
I can name two good bookstores near me, one used, in New Jersey, and one new, in Manhattan. I’ve started a map (see below) and would welcome your suggestions as to where we romance readers can find good used and new romance selections.
It would seem to me that with independent bookstores closing frequently now, we should make it as easy as possible to find the romance.
If you’d like to contribute, please feel free - anyone should be able to edit that map. And I welcome your contributions—all the better for me to plan a Smart Bitch Road Trip when the book comes out!!
Filed: General Bitching, The Link-O-Lator
Tagged: walmart, pictures, bookstores, bitch
SonomaLass said on 02.02.09 at 11:26 AM • [link]
Great idea, SB Sarah! Alas, I have not been able to find a store where I live that is worthy of being on the map. Bookstores around here are snobs about romance, in my experience. But this would be a great resource when I travel.
Road trip? Book tour? Make it to NorCal and I am SO THERE, at the bookstore of your choice. I’m still not over missing the Bitchin’ fun at the RWA conference last year (stupid wedding!).
Mari said on 02.02.09 at 12:47 PM • [link]
I can’t give you the exact address but in London, Charing Cross Road, there is a bookstore that specifies in romance novels and mysteries. Their basement is stuffed with all sorts of crime, the first floor has nothing but romance.
I’m sure someone else knows it too.
An Goris said on 02.02.09 at 12:51 PM • [link]
yay! fabulous initiative. I would love such a map! Unfortunately nothing to contribute. I’d like to know the name of the Charing Cross Road store, ‘cause I’ve been there and nothing immediately comes to mind so it seems I’ve been missing out on a gem.
Cat Marsters said on 02.02.09 at 12:55 PM • [link]
Mari, it was Murder One on Charing Cross Road. Emphasis on ‘was’, unfortunately. They closed 24th January. I went there for a Sherrilyn Kenyon signing last Christmas: the staff were awesome and even brought us hot mulled wine as we queued outside in the freezing cold (the shop was too small to contain the queue!). My non-romance-reading friend was astonished at the number of titles—and the amount of man-titty on display.
SusiB said on 02.02.09 at 01:12 PM • [link]
I think this is a great idea. Unfortunately, we don’t have that many used bookstores in Germany, at least not in my hometown, which isn’t exactly small with its more than 580,000 inhabitants. But I really like to make a tour of the local bookstores whenever I’m travelling abroad. This is one of my favorites in Florida:
Book Bank USA
Largo Mall
10500 Ulmerton Road
Largo
And then of course, there’s
Haslam’s Book Store, Inc.
2025 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, Florida 33713
Mari said on 02.02.09 at 01:17 PM • [link]
Thanks for the info, Cat.
Such a shame. I’ll be going to London in a couple of weeks and I’d counted on going there.
KCfla said on 02.02.09 at 04:31 PM • [link]
My favorite UBS, in the heart of “Historic” downtown Melbourne, FL.
On The Shelf
824 E. New Haven Ave
Melbourne Fl 32901
They have TONS of romance novels. Along with about any other kind of book there has ever been lol!
And it’s just as you would expect. Crammed like OMG to the rafters, and with that cool smell/atmosphere a book lover just knows is a good thing!
Lori S. said on 02.02.09 at 04:43 PM • [link]
Hmmm. Why can’t I get my local ubs to save on the map? I must be doing something wrong. Anyhoo, here’s my fave:
Harbar Book Exchange
1033 Semoran Blvd # 137
Casselberry, FL 32707
(407) 834-0153?
Awesome used book store! Not only do they have a bajillion romance novels, but the two ladies who run the store are mega-knowledgeable in all things romance. Love one author and want to find another who writes in a similar style? These ladies should be able to help. Love, love, LOVE this bookstore! They’re the single biggest reason for my TBR mountain.
Meredith Duran said on 02.02.09 at 04:54 PM • [link]
Hmm, that map is only showing up for me with one landmark denoted: Nariman House in Mumbai.
So, where oh where is this UBS in New Jersey? I just moved out here, and I can think of nothing better than a Saturday spent trawling through a good bookstore for OOP wonders!
Brandi said on 02.02.09 at 05:04 PM • [link]
Jerry Clouiter Used Books in Woodland, CA has a huge mass-market romance section, and while their book buyback only pays in store credit (but they took a lot of books I couldn’t get other nearby bookstores to look at—it may just be that Davis, being a college town, tends to glut its used bookstores’ inventory), they’re very generous about how much credit you can use on mass-markets (but only mass markets—they have to make a profit *somewhere).
They also have very large military fiction, Western fiction, and SF/fantasy sections.
ev said on 02.02.09 at 05:06 PM • [link]
I have at least 3 used bookstores around me (one is actually a sci-fi/fantasy store but actually does carry romance) and I will need to double check the stock on the other 2 stores first.
I would love to see this map since I am making my cross country tirp in March and if there are any on my route, i will definately stop in! And then mail the books home to myself. LOL
Iasmin said on 02.02.09 at 05:34 PM • [link]
SB Sarah queried:
I think yes, but there has to be something that really makes it worthwhile to go there. Is sheer volume the deciding factor? Is it that both used and *new* are available? If the first is true then I’ve a faboo location near me:
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
145 East Fourteen Mile Rd
Clawson Mi 48017
(248) 307-0226
The selection? Rows upon rows upon rows of used. Now, for your other criteria of new books, well…this is where they fall down. There’s a small but good selection but technically used for the most part. I think their trade in policy is generous and reasonable for everyone, though some people might need to ask for it to be explained. Knowledge of the owners? Pretty darn good in my book considering that the typical conversation that I’ve heard sounds a great deal like a HaBO entry. Do you count parking? Easy access and dangerously close to one of the area’s best sushi places.
So, does it count? It would in my book but maybe other people may be judging by different criteria.
You might want to talk to site owner SSBiggie at Lunchinabox.net, who implemented her .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). The concept isn’t that much different in my eyes from a romance novel store locator.
Kathy said on 02.02.09 at 05:39 PM • [link]
I am super inept this morning and cant figure out the map :(
My family and I have been frequenters of The Almost Perfect Bookstore in Roseville, California for over a decade. Not only do they have aisles (and aisles and aisles) of romances of all flavors, the staff (specifically the owner) are SUPER knowledgeable and always have great suggestions for new authors or new books.
The Almost Perfect Bookstore
1901 Douglas Blvd # 82
Roseville, CA 95661
GrowlyCub said on 02.02.09 at 05:49 PM • [link]
I’ve been to that bookstore in Mobile, in 1995, and I remember it very fondly! :)
Here are my recommendations:
The Book Rack
3501 Dayton Blvd
Chattanooga, TN 37415
Lovely old store with separate Regency and Gothic sections that carries old series back to No.1 and a big bargain corner. It was slated to be closed in March, much to my dismay, because the owner wanted to retire after 34 years in the book business, but her customers convinced her to keep it open! 50%, 25% trade-in credit, 80/20 split on trade/cash when buying.
Grumpy’s Music and Books
3905 Hixson Pke
Chattanooga, TN 37415
I’ve found real treasures there for very little money. They also carry vinyl and CDs.
MacKay’s Books and CDs
6435 Lee Hwy
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Real deals to be had on newish categories and they also carry CDs, games and DVDs. Their parking lot is always full, as in can’t find a spot regardless of time of day. They don’t give much credit (that’s how they sell some of the things so cheaply) and they don’t carry older categories, but I’ve found some fabulous textbooks there and some treasures in the Regency section.
They are moving soon to a bigger store (further down Lee Hwy).
America’s Thrift Stores
6401 Lee Hwy
Chattanooga, TN 37421
While it’s completely unorganized, they have a humongous romance section where I’ve found a few treasures.
The Book Legger
4001 Holmes Ave Nw
Huntsville, AL 35816
Very good sized romance collection, quite some older categories. 50%, 25% trade-in credit.
The Bookshelf
Madison Plz
Huntsville, AL 35801
Mostly romance and mostly new(er) stuff, but I heavily shop their bargain section (3 for $1, 2 for $1) and have found quite a few great new-to-me authors that way. 60%, 30% trade-in credit
I can’t wait for that map! :)
Collette said on 02.02.09 at 05:52 PM • [link]
Oh yes, that would be lovely. And if someone could point me to a great used bookstore in Chicago (I’ll take Chicagoland!), it would be great. I have some wonderful used (and new) bookstores in my neighborhood (Hyde Park) but none, except for Borders, that carry romances. At all.
Courtney said on 02.02.09 at 06:01 PM • [link]
I think a map is a fantastic idea!
Other than the two online sites (that I assume most people already know):
http://www.paperbackswap.com
http://www.bookmooch.com
There is also a great used book store in Manassas, VA with a terrific selection of all used books, but especially romances. My mother loves getting her Intrigues there for a quarter each. They also sell DVDs and CDs and do also take trade (though they don’t give you much for it).
McKay’s Used Books
8389 Sudley Rd
Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 361-9042
Karen said on 02.02.09 at 06:02 PM • [link]
I used to live in the NY/NJ area, and I had a list of about 30 bookstores within driving distance of my house. Unfortunately, most of them have gone out of business since then - very sad! But there is one that I still visit:
Book Trader
494 Inman Avenue
Colonia, NJ
They used to be located in Rahway on St. Georges Avenue, but they moved a couple of years ago. Their prices are a little high, but they have great selection and a good trade-in policy.
These two stores are in the northern NY suburbs, and I haven’t visited them in a while, but I think they’re still around.
M&M;Paperback Exchange
2294 State Route 208
Montgomery, NY
Bookworm
1797 Route 376
Poughkeepsie, NY
Both very romance friendly, with a lot of older books.
There used to be a great store in Connecticut, with a huge selection of older books, especially Regencies. They also had all the old series books, including Candlelight, Second Chance at Love, etc. The last time I went there, the store was gone. I hope some romance lover got those books, because I hate to think of them being trashed.
Karen
bookwormom said on 02.02.09 at 06:55 PM • [link]
My favorite UBS is:
C & W Used Books Inc · (703) 491-7323 · 14583 Potomac Mills Rd
Woodbridge VA
They’ve a good selection & it’s shelved out by subgenre: paranormal, contemporaries, historicals & categories. There’s a small selection of traditional regencies, but it’s shrinking. The store is also good for SFF & mysteries. Sometimes there are a few romances in the audiobook section.
The manager told me they’ve only signed a 5 year lease (as opposed to the usual 10 years) because the landlord can’t keep an anchor store in the shopping center. They’ve been there for ages, but now I’m afraid they’ll disappear due o lack of traffic. :(
Carmen said on 02.02.09 at 07:21 PM • [link]
Dog Eared Books in Independence, MO has 1/2 of the store dedicated to romance books! And it is not a small store. I could spend half a day there looking through all of their books. They have historicals, contemps, categories, paranormals - all separated by category and alpha.
Dog Eared Books
3623 S Noland Road
Independence, MO 64055
816-833-8889
Mary G said on 02.02.09 at 07:36 PM • [link]
Thank you guys - especially Lori S for the address I might be able to use. One thing I thought I’d never find over here was a good old Aussie style book exchange! My Mum was addicted to romance novels (no surprise where I got my own compulsion from) and we used to take bags full of them to the book exchange in the little country town we lived in every couple of weeks - that place was 3/4 full of romance novels (there’s a word for that… nirvana)! Nothing like cheap books and being able to offload the non-keepers for some credit against more books.
My aunt (she lives here in FL too) finds most of hers at thrift stores. If you like the decades old Harlequins and Silhouettes then that might be a good choice too :)
As for new bookstores, Barnes and Noble and Amazon keep me in more books than I can handle :)
Jordan said on 02.02.09 at 08:02 PM • [link]
Just delurking to add my favorite UBS in the Metro Atlanta area, which is also the only UBS I know of in the area.
Book Exchange
2956 Canton Road
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 427- 4848 ph
They have a really great selection of both romance and non-romance books. If you can’t find it, just ask the owner and she can tell you exactly where it is. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable, not to mention extremely person. The second time I went into her store about a year and a half elapsed since my first visit, but she remembered who I was.
Alas, I have recently moved from Atlanta, but luckily, I found a great UBS just a mile down the road from where I work which just also happens to be named Book Exchange.
ksquard said on 02.02.09 at 08:05 PM • [link]
Great idea! Yes please send addresses for any UBS in Northern New Jersey. I’ve been longing to find a good one in this area for some time.
Tilla Ocotilla said on 02.02.09 at 08:10 PM • [link]
COAS in Las Cruces, NM lots of Romance
2 locations one on the Downtown Mall and one on South Solano
http://www.coasbooks.com/
Almost Perfect Booksellers
1901 Douglas Blvd Ste 130
Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 781-7935
half the store is romance, you name they should have it.
Tabitha said on 02.02.09 at 08:10 PM • [link]
I’m all for a map of used bookstores. There are 2 near me (I’m in PA) which I will have to look up the names and location when I get home…but I know of one where I have been ordering from online and the service is quick and friendly, and the books are super cheap. The store is call Abooktrader and they’re located in FL.
Abooktrader
The website is: http://www.abooktrader.com/
Location: 41 3rd Street NW, Winter Haven, Florida 33881
I’ve never been to the actual store so I can’t say how big their store is. From what I’ve been looking for and ordering for the past several years, they have a pretty good selection. Furthermore, if there are any books that are not listed online, an email to the store have yielded additional selections.
Polly said on 02.02.09 at 08:16 PM • [link]
There’s an absolutely huge used book store in Midlothian, VA. It’s in a strip mall, and the size of two or three strip-mall-size stores. Forget shelves and shelves of romances, they’ve got rows. I mean, like 10 rows of various types of romances novels—everything from old (and I mean old) Harlequins, Zebras, etc, to historicals, paranormals, and everything in between. It’s also got one of the best trade in plans I’ve seen, since they give you 25% credit for your books (the store near where I live only gives you 10%). Books are all half-price. They’ve also got a good selection of mysteries, fantasy/sci-fi, classics, and children’s. Pretty much like many used book store, just bigger.
It’s just called Book Exchange, and the address is 13198 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113.
If you’re in central VA, it’s definitely something to check out.
SusannaG said on 02.02.09 at 08:29 PM • [link]
There is a good used bookstore near me, with two locations:
The Carolina Book Rack
1332 North Pleasantburg Drive
Greenville, South Carolina 29607
23 Shoppers Drive
Greenville, South Carolina 29607
Trade-ins are good for store credit. About half the store is some variety of romance - series, regency, general historical, contemporary. They also have a limited selection of new books. There’s a bargain table up front that usually has a good number of romance titles on it.
Vanessa said on 02.02.09 at 08:38 PM • [link]
im always on the hunt for awesome used book stores. there’s one minutes away from me, and their romance selection is monstrous! ive known of it for a few years now and i’m fairly certain that i still haven’t seen even half of their inventory lol
i’m almost 100% positive that this is it (i always forget to catch the name, i just know where to go by memory)
U-Trade-M Book Centers
2706 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY 11756
Phone: (516) 796-3131
i don’t know if he has any system of keeping inventory, i don’t see how he could, its all kind of choatic, but i keep coming back cause i’m always finding hard to get books there :D
Roslyn Holcomb said on 02.02.09 at 08:40 PM • [link]
Thank you Jordan! I’m in Dunwoody, but willing to travel to Marietta for a good UBS. The one nearest me on Holcomb Bridge is a clip joint. Their exchange policy is absurd.
If you’re in Huntsville AL check out my two faves which I miss like family. Note, the black romances are at Bookshelf 2.
Bookshelf 2
256-830-4424
Madison Plaza
930 Old Monrovia Road
Huntsville, Alabama , 35802
Book Shelf 1
256-881-5040
5000 Whitesburg Drive
Huntsville, Alabama , 35802
I love the way they even break down the subgenres. Hella cool.
Karen said on 02.02.09 at 08:50 PM • [link]
Since a couple of people mentioned Atlanta, I have to add my favorite Atlanta-area bookstore. It’s a ways out to Snellville, but it’s worth the trip - a huge selection of romance, especially older Regencies, series books, etc.
Paperbacks
1977 Scenic Highway N
Snellville, GA
The Book Nook chain has a hit-or-miss selection of romances, but I’ll never forget the day I went into Book Nook and found a dozen Mary Balogh Regencies, sitting on the floor. Score! I tried not to do the happy dance until I got out to the parking lot.
Shmemily said on 02.02.09 at 08:59 PM • [link]
I’ve got a couple good UBS in Lexington, KY for ya’ll.
The Thrifty Bookworm is my favorite. Excellent selection and great trade in policy. They have a semi-annual sale where every book is 75% off the cover price. They’ve been in business for over 20 years and know their stuff!
http://www.thriftybookworm.com
Reincarnated Books
285 Southland Dr
Lexington, KY 40503
Has a very good romance selection.
Becky said on 02.02.09 at 09:00 PM • [link]
It’s been a while, but I’ve spent many hours haunting the aisles of Katy Budget Books in Katy (Houston), TX. http://www.katybooks.com/
KBB handles the book sales at my RWA meetings, and if memory serves, they also handled the sales when RT was in Houston a couple years ago.
When I first started seriously reading romance- both for pleasure and to study the market- this place was a god-send. They had tons of titles, and I was able to tear through many a backlist with their help.
Samantha said on 02.02.09 at 09:02 PM • [link]
I think the map is a great idea and I am going to put in a shameless plug.
My boyfriend and I run a used bookstore. We have a large romance section with a variety of sub-genres and category romance titles.
We have a fair trade policy for mass market paperbacks. We also have a quantity book deal for mmpb as well. The more you buy, the cheaper each books gets.
We also have a selection of hardcovers and trade paperbacks in our romance section.
Books of North County
1011 S. Santa Fe Ave suite H
Vista CA,
92083
http://local.yahoo.com/info-20849647-books-of-north-county-vista
Nancy said on 02.02.09 at 09:20 PM • [link]
Ah I love me some old bookstores. I spent Sunday at one and it was STACKED with romance novels! So muchly awesome. It was nirvana for me and I had to restrain myself to not buy all of the pitties.
Manda said on 02.02.09 at 09:25 PM • [link]
Hey! I live in Mobile and I didn’t even know about that UBS! I’ve been going to:
Bookstop
6345 Airport Blvd # 0
Mobile, AL 36608
...since I was a kid. If anybody wants old school regencies they’ve got a zillion. I’ll have to make the drive out to WeMo (West Mobile) and check this other place out!
darlynne said on 02.02.09 at 09:26 PM • [link]
Reno has several UBS’s, one of which has a huge—to me—romance selection: three+ long rows of very tall shelves. I’m not much of a category reader, but I was impressed that their Harlequin SE’s and other categories were arranged by number instead of author name (perhaps that’s the preferred method anyway). Anyway, their staff is very knowledgeable about all subjects and while the store is a little claustrophobia-inducing—all those books, so little space—they always know where to find what I’m looking for. SciFi/fantasy and mystery are also well represented. Their exchange policy is based on a points system that completely baffles me, but seems to work to everyone’s benefit.
Paperback Exchange
131 Vesta St
Reno, NV 89502
Another UBS has a great 1x2 exchange policy: get one used book in exchange for two used books plus 50 cents. Their romance section covers multiple rows, but they don’t have any categories.
Book Gallery
1203 Rock Blvd
Sparks, NV 89431
Years ago, there were so many mystery bookstores around the world that someone published a mystery bookstore directory. It was fabulous, something I packed for every city to which I traveled. I’m heartbroken that Murder One has closed; I was at their new location just last year, a required stop on all my trips to London.
GrowlyCub said on 02.02.09 at 09:53 PM • [link]
I second the recommendation for the Paperbacks in Snellville, GA. Whenever I get down to the Atlanta area, I make sure I swing by there.
Karen, where’s the Book Nook? I still waiting for a religious experience like you describe, grin. I’ve found 2 Mary Baloghs that way, one at a Goodwill, one at Grumpy’s in Chattanooga, but never hit pay dirt like that before. :)
I’m only missing 19 of her OOP books, but I wouldn’t mind finding them all in one place just waiting for me to pick them up, grin.
Nadia said on 02.02.09 at 09:53 PM • [link]
If you are in the DFW area, there’s a UBS smack in the middle that I love. Excellent selection of romances, lots of old, old stuff. They do have a trade-in discount, which I don’t use so I don’t know the specifics, but last time I was there I was told about a discount based on accumulated purchases. Yay!
The Book Rack
(817) 274-1717
2304 W Park Row Dr # 15
Arlington, TX 76013
Janet Mullany said on 02.02.09 at 10:04 PM • [link]
I recommend BJ’s Books in Warrenton, VA, in the strip mall opposite the hospital. They have a fab selection of all kinds of books, and a romance section lovingly arranged by subgenre and then alphabetical by author.
ZehWulf said on 02.02.09 at 10:13 PM • [link]
In one of the northern offshoots of Houston is Book Land, a used bookstore with a crazy romance section that takes up most of the middle of the sizeable store. There are so many subdivisions there’s even a labeled “paranormal romance” section where all the Laurel K. Hamilton books lurk. It has an impressive sci-fi / fantasy section as well. The only drawback to the store is that it’s in a seriously shady strip mall devoid of most of its tenants. Still, I make sure to stop by whenever I’m in town.
Book Land
7135 Louetta Rd Stuebner Airline
Spring, TX 77001
Dawn said on 02.02.09 at 10:16 PM • [link]
they were trashing this commercial on the morning news program. no one liked it.
Bre said on 02.02.09 at 10:17 PM • [link]
Ooo…there is a great book store in Miami that offers three full rows of all the Harlequin lines and romances in general (there are about 8 rows in total, not a big store, but a great selection )
The Book Barn Exchange
10597 SW 40th St
Miami, FL 33165
(305) 223-0531
Another good one, but not as wide of a romance selection is, they do have a great classic selection.
Kendall Bookshelf Inc
12558 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL 33186
(305) 596-5353
Karen said on 02.02.09 at 10:22 PM • [link]
GrowlyCub, there are several Book Nook’s in the Atlanta area, but the one I went to was at 1547 Roswell Road in Marietta GA. It doesn’t really have a huge romance section, but the people who run the store have no idea what’s rare and valuable, so you can sometimes find real gems.
wook said on 02.02.09 at 10:25 PM • [link]
Bookman’s is a fantastic chain of used books here in Arizona. Their romance sections are amazing. My favorite Bookman’s to visit is the location at:
3733 W. Ina Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85741
The romance section is ginormous and their mystery area is almost as large. They’re well-laid out, have a fairly knowledgeable staff, easy access, brilliant parking and fantastic deals.
Corrine said on 02.02.09 at 10:38 PM • [link]
The Paperback Reader in Kankakee, IL (sorry, no website) is a used-book store that is mostly romance. They have a whole room of H/S titles and a wall and two sides of ginormous shelf full of single-title romances. And if you have a question, just ask the owner - she’s read almost every romance book, and if she doesn’t know, her daughter probably will.
Paperback Reader
1015 N 5th Ave
Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 932-1147
Jessa Slade said on 02.02.09 at 10:56 PM • [link]
Powells City of Books in Portland, Oregon has a wonderful mix of new and used. Despite their occasional snideness about romance at their main store, they have two big stacks including a whole wall dedicated to paranormals. Their store in Beaverton is more romance friendly (I’ve been to a couple of great group signings there) with solid selection.
Powells has a huge online presence if you want to support independents.
http://www.powellsbooks.com/
I’ll add to the map.
wineforowls said on 02.02.09 at 11:04 PM • [link]
I love, love, love the Book Mark in Escondido, CA. I haven’t been back in ages (I’ve moved waaayyy out of the area), but last I heard, it was still in business. The Book Mark has a large room dedicated to romance novels. Huge. Massive. Beautiful.
Book Mark - The Paperback Book
(760) 746-6362
153 E Grand Ave
Escondido, CA 92025
RebeccaB said on 02.02.09 at 11:21 PM • [link]
I live in Columbia Missouri and we have a great new/used bookstore.
Nancy’s Trade-A-Book II
21 Conley Road #Q
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 449-6164
Website: http://www.nancystradeabook.com
This book store is loaded with over 100,000 books and many of them are romance. They also sell books on-line. Love it.
Megan said on 02.02.09 at 11:21 PM • [link]
Anyone passing through Southern Maryland should swing by Ellie’s Paperback Shack! She has an astonishing selection of romance novels in a very small storefront right off the highway. I’ve found all sorts of older titles, especially Kleypas books, that I can’t locate through the chains or BookMooch.
Ellie’s Paperback Shack
2700 Crain Hwy
Waldorf, MD 20601
I’ll try to add it to the map, but for some reason I find it very challenging today! Brain want no work properly.
NancyB said on 02.02.09 at 11:29 PM • [link]
GrowlyCub, the big UBS near my house is a Book Nook—it’s at the corner of N. Druid Hills and Clairmont, Atlanta. I’m pretty sure I took you there…
Not a huge romance section relative to the store size, but it is a big store. They limit the categories that they stock, don’t do well on organizing Regencies, but there’s a full aisle of non-category romance.
JenB said on 02.02.09 at 11:42 PM • [link]
I second Nadia’s recommendation of The Book Rack in Arlington (Pantego), Texas. That store is heaven for a romance reader. They carry several thousand used romance novels, and they arrange them by type. They even have a separate room full of category romances and hard-to-find paperbacks. The place is like a giant book maze, and it’s easy to get lost in there for hours (which is a good thing!). The store offers a discount credit system for trades and they will also special order new books at a discounted price (10-15% off).
http://www.bookrack.org/planet.htm
Samantha said on 02.03.09 at 12:22 AM • [link]
My boyfriend and I run a used bookstore. We have a large romance section with a variety of sub-genres and category romance titles.
Most of our books are mass market paperbacks but we also have a selection of hardcovers and trade paperbacks in our romance section.
Books of North County (Camelot Books on the sign outside we are in the middle of a name change)
1011 S. Santa Fe Ave suite H
Vista CA,
Staple said on 02.03.09 at 12:27 AM • [link]
McKay Used Books and CDs (Knoxville)
230 Papermill Place Way
Knoxville, TN 37919
Also
The Booklegger
4001 Holmes Ave NW
# C
Huntsville, AL 35816
I’ve only been there once, but I found some nice SF/F…didn’t look in to the romance section.
Sami said on 02.03.09 at 12:46 AM • [link]
I’ve been to this store once, it’s on the way other side of town but wow, more than half the store is dedicated to romance, used and some new (like samhain and ec). Every flavor of romance I knew existed and some I didn’t. But she also carries series books in western and sci-fi fantasy sections, just the series so people can find their missing parts.
Of course I never bothered to look at the name til I went searching for it.
Romantically Inclined
3830 La Sierra Ave
Riverside, CA 92505
Kristie said on 02.03.09 at 12:49 AM • [link]
A bit of shameless self-promotion on my part. :)
I am the owner of Nancy’s Trade a Book II in Columbia, MO (Thanks RebeccaB) and as a devoted romance reader I carry tons of romance here. I sell what I read :) Percentage wise I would say 85% of my 150,000 books are romance. We offer series Harlequin / Silhouette from #1 through current. We do carry all genres but we specialize in Romance.
If you do indeed map the stores please put mine down as very romance friendly.
Kristie Elliott, Owner
Nancy’s Trade A Book II
21 Conley Road Suite Q
Columbia, MO 65201
http://www.nancystradeabook.com
rebyj said on 02.03.09 at 12:57 AM • [link]
Another McKay’s here in Nashville, I’m a frequent shopper there because it’s about a mile from me. Squeeee! Large selection of newer romances , an aisle of contemporary, two of historicals, two of best sellers, sci fi/fantasy,3 rows of hard back fiction a bargain section, African American section and an erotica section.
You can trade and buy books, cd’s , video games , dvd’s etc.
McKay’s
5708 Charlotte Pike
Nashville, TN 37209
http://www.mckaybooks.com/nashville.htm
Kelly C. said on 02.03.09 at 12:59 AM • [link]
Here are the ones that I frequent and all have very good to excellent romance sections.
Second Story Used Books
(586) 773-6440
17920 E 10 Mile Rd
Eastpointe, MI 48021
Brown’s Family Bookstore
(586) 773-7370
27309 Harper Ave
St Clair Shores, MI 48081
Paperback Outlet - New & Used Books
(586) 751-7228
29170 Hoover Rd
Warren, MI 48093
Enjoy!
Maya M. said on 02.03.09 at 01:21 AM • [link]
map not working. can’t tell if it’s from your end or mine (too cyberclueless to figure out) just says mozilla can’t show it.
Danielle said on 02.03.09 at 02:36 AM • [link]
I work at a UBS in Glen Ellyn, IL which is about 25 miles just west of Chicago and right across the street to the train Station.
Bundles of Books and Gifts
560 Crescent Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630)545-0069
Sharon Buchbinder said on 02.03.09 at 02:37 AM • [link]
In Punta Gorda Florida in a strip mall, there is a great UBS, with all the vacation reads, including a large romance section.
John’s Pennywise Books & Art Supplies
http://www.pennywisebooks.com/
John or Nancy McGrath
3941 Tamiami Trail Ste 3153
US41 & Burnt Store RD
(2 doors down from Publix, Next to Eye Center)
Punta Gorda , Florida 33950
United States
Phone Number: 941-639-5646
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
He has frequent buyer cards in addition to 1/2 price paperbacks, buy backs, and some new ones. I can spend hours in there.
Cynthia Eden said on 02.03.09 at 02:47 AM • [link]
Hey!! I live in Mobile and I know this store—and it truly is awesome! A great used store, one I’ve visited for over 15 years now. The owner is a super nice lady. When I first began my mad romance craze (that would have been—cough, cough—that 15 years ago thing), she was even kind enough to take me into the back and let me search for JAK and Elizabeth Lowell categories. Old school at its best!
Alex said on 02.03.09 at 02:59 AM • [link]
That’s Vada May, all right!
I’m going to try to visit tomorrow to get some pictures…
Murasaki said on 02.03.09 at 04:38 AM • [link]
My absolute favorite is:
The Book Rack
865 Santa Cruz Ave
MENLO PARK, CA 94025
(650) 323-3877
The owner is absolutely delightful, it’s a lovely, friendly atmosphere, and anywhere that has its very own Regency section is my kind of place.
I’ve also had decent luck at:
Book Buyers
317 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA
(650) 968-7323
This is just a superb general used bookstore, with great holdings in almost every category.
The Book Alcove
15976 Shady Grove Rd.
Gaithersburg, Maryland
(301) 977-9166
also has a very good romance section.
So does:
Book Barn
41 West Main St.
Niantic, CT 06357
(860) 739-5715
http://www.bookbarnniantic.com
which is actually five barns full of books. And goats in the summer. Who could ask for anything more?
And I’ve just made the discovery that:
Reading Books
27 S Squires Street Sq.
Rockford, MI
(616) 866-1319
http://www.booksinrockford.com
has a great website from which all sorts of romances can be ordered.
Lisa said on 02.03.09 at 04:40 AM • [link]
Alexandria, VA: Not a huge selection of romance, but when I lived there they at least had a whole wall, which is more than any other bookstore had:
Already Read Used Books
2501 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Snowball said on 02.03.09 at 04:45 AM • [link]
Half-Price books always has a lot. They have series as well as single-title. You can often get lucky and find the single title books in the back on the clearance rack for just 50 cents or even a quarter. You can often get single title for $1 or $2. I’ve been to these:
2656 Brice Rd.
Reynoldsburg, OH
Village Square Mall
4000 Oxford Dr.
Bethel Park, PA
219 Summit Park Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA
Their web site is here: http://www.halfpricebooks.com/find_a_store.html and they have stores all over the country. I recommend anybody check them out.
Jody W. said on 02.03.09 at 04:46 AM • [link]
This is the one that’s closest to me. It doesn’t compare to McKay’s in Nashville but Reb already mentioned that one. It’s pretty small, hard to find, and the owners aren’t particularly chatty, but I usually find what I want there.
Book Den
1113 Murfreesboro Rd # 308
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 790-9656?
There’s also a HalfPrice Books near me but since it’s sorta kinda a chain, I didn’t list it. It’s pretty good. I don’t to either of them often. Too dangerous :)
KatieOverseas said on 02.03.09 at 04:50 AM • [link]
Representing for the “romance diaspora” - What the Book in Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea: http://www.whatthebook.com/
I have no idea how to type its address (or even if it has one). You can browse in the store or order online and get free delivery over 15,000 Won. They’ll get new stuff shipped from the US at a fraction of the cost to have it shipped by Amazon because they get bulk shipping rates. Their used books are pricier than US used stores (usually 5,000W or more for trade paperbacks) but SO MUCH cheaper than getting them new in Korea (9,000W or more!). Also, they give a GREAT resale rate of 1,500W for a paperback romance (less for a series) which is oodles better than nything I ever got in the USA.
Megan Buckley said on 02.03.09 at 05:15 AM • [link]
I used to work at a great UBS in Woodbridge, VA. The NOVA area of Virginia, about 30 miles south of Washington, DC.—-C & W Used Books.
I don’t know that we had romance in the thousands….well I take that back. Category romance by itself most likely was in the hundreds. All the romance was split up so it made it easy to shop. Paranormal in one section, historical another and then straight novels or contemporary.
They work off of trade-ins so you could bring in old ones you didn’t want anymore and potentially walk out with free books! They have 2 locations, one in Woodbridge and one up in the Reston/Fairfax area.
Another decent one not to far from those in Manassas is McKay’s but their quality was a lot more sketchy and their employees aren’t nearly as knowledgeable as anyone who worked at C & W.
M-A said on 02.03.09 at 05:25 AM • [link]
The BookCase in Zachary, La. - I work there. We carry new and used books and we love romance readers. :) And we do trade-ins.
Our current address (we are moving this month, but just up the road):
5523 Main Street
Zachary, LA
senetra said on 02.03.09 at 06:09 AM • [link]
I stop by here whenever I’m home. It’s at 7 Mile and Middlebelt. New and Used, Credit for trade. Used books that are 1 year or newer are kept on one long wall, so if you missed it, it’s easily found. They have many of the old series and continuities.
Books Connection
19043 Middlebelt Rd
Livonia, MI 48152
Located just south of them for your listening pleasure:
Talking Book World
20245 Middlebelt Rd
Livonia, MI 48152
Anastasia said on 02.03.09 at 06:54 AM • [link]
Well, the only used bookstores I know of in Albuquerque don’t take romances (boo!) but the monthly Friends for the Library book sale always has a few hundred for around $0.25 each. It’s at the Main Library downtown, the second Saturday every month from 10am-4pm. Admission is $1 until 1pm, where it becomes FREE!
There’s also a biannual $3-a-bag sales where you stuff brown bags full of books and get the whole lot for, ha, $3. They’re normally in May and November, on the Sunday after the regular Saturday sale, 12noon-4pm, free admission.
Here’s the address for the Main Library:
501 Copper NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
SandyW said on 02.03.09 at 07:06 AM • [link]
Book Worm
Address: 618 E Walnut St, Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: (618) 457-2665
http://www.sibookworm.com/
Used books and local interest stuff. A nice selection of romance, including category. Neatly arranged. And Casper, the store cat, who strolls around being friendly. It’s not huge, but it’s pretty good for the boonies.
Wryhag said on 02.03.09 at 07:57 AM • [link]
I hope you all have looked into local charity shops like St. Vincent de Paul, Goodwill, and Salvation Army (if they still have stores) as well as privately owned, mom-and-pop resale joints. I’ve come across thousands of used romances, hardcover and paperback, in such places. Thousands. And they’re cheap.
SuzannL said on 02.03.09 at 08:01 AM • [link]
Two really terrific bookstores owned by superterrific gals:
Kathy Ross (an RT Bookseller of the Year)
Half-Price Books of the Ozarks
1950 S. Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65804
417-889-9042
http://www.halfpricebooksozarks.com
Nixa Book Mark
409-2 Northview Rd.
Nixa, MO (8 miles south of Springfield on Highway 160)
417-724-8182
TracyS said on 02.03.09 at 09:14 AM • [link]
There is a used bookstore in SE Wisconsin called ROMANTIC PAGES. 98% Romance books ba-beeee!! I love that place!
Jamie said on 02.03.09 at 09:32 AM • [link]
Goodwill Bookstore
7200 55th Ave E
Bradenton, FL 34203
At least, a couple hundred used romances everytime I go in there, all in the $1-$3 range. Always find 6-7 books to read and has been a good place to hunt for some of the out of print books I have been looking for.
Renee said on 02.03.09 at 04:33 PM • [link]
There is a great heaping collection of romance many thousands in fact at The Booketeria on Cleveland Ave. in Newark, DE also great collections of scifi fantasy and mystery and fiction, hell they’ve got a bit of everything but LOTS of romance.
Theres also a good one called The book corner (if i remember right) in Fredericksburg, VA
Renee said on 02.03.09 at 04:43 PM • [link]
Okay the book corner is actually…
Book Rack
10671 Spotsylvania Ave
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
(540) 898-7003?
Also a great one with that real old paperback smell and tons of old and newer stuff is
The Book Exchange
540) 898-8063
10663 Courthouse Rd
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Margie Hamrick said on 02.03.09 at 08:03 PM • [link]
Rainy Day Pal Books
711 E Main St
Lexington, SC 29072
Great store with tons of Romance. Good trade in policy in that he will take almost everything. Lots of $1 books. Also, the last time I was there, he told me that he has another warehouse of books! He has the inventory on computer and if you are looking for a book that is not in the store, he will look it up and see if it is in the warehouse! I bought so many books that day, I haven’t tried out that service yet, but I sure plan to!
ev said on 02.03.09 at 08:11 PM • [link]
Too bad, I would have put that on my itinerary when I hit Albuquerque next month on my road trip.
KeriM said on 02.03.09 at 11:35 PM • [link]
If you are going to be in the Dallas area we have many Half-Priced books here, but the best of course is the biggest used book store in Texas
Half-Priced books at
Northwest Highway
5803 E. Northwest Hwy.
Dallas, TX 75231
They have awesome collections of everything imaginable. When my husband and I make the trip to that store, we can never get out of there for less than a 100$. :-)
But if you are looking for some cozy places to just browse, then my picks are:
Paperbacks Plus
108 E. Davis Street
Mesquite, Tx
They have a big historical romance selection, but the contemporary not so much and that is only because they can’t keep it in stock.
A Book Cottage
1456 Belt Line Rd Ste 115, Garland, TX.
The ladies that run the place are true readers and have alot of great romances including serial. Best of all they have all their inventory online, so if you don’t have time to browse, they can tell at a glance what they have in inventory…I LOVE THAT!
Emily said on 02.04.09 at 05:35 AM • [link]
I am so jealous. Our local UBS only has romance novels under a year old. The buyer generally doesn’t buy any of them. The other UBS is closing this week. And our three local Independent book stores have itty bitty tiny romance sections. We are a college town with a lot of bookstores. But romances seem to be only at the grocery store and borders. Fortunately for me, the local libraries take donations and sell them to raise money to buy library books. And someone donates some spiffy books in great shape.
raspberry_wench said on 02.04.09 at 06:10 AM • [link]
This bookstore is in the oldest, crappiest, falling-down barn-and-outbuilding complex ever to grace the hills of rural southern New Hampshire. It also has over 150,000 books OMFG. Many rare editions, every subject imaginable. Oh yes, and romance.
Old Number Six Book Depot
166 Depot Hill Rd
Henniker, NH 03242
(603) 428-3334?
Gill said on 02.04.09 at 07:17 AM • [link]
There are two used bookstores near me that have nice romance selections:
[a href=“http://www.book-rack.com/”]The Book Rack[/a]
13 Medford Street
Arlington, MA 02474
Phone: (781) 646-2665
They have historicals, contemporaries, paranormals and series romances, although I think they are no longer buying series titles.
Smaller but also good is
Annie’s Book Stop
193 Belmont St
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 489-3763
Definitely more hit-or-miss here. It just really depends what you’re looking for.
The biggest UBS/bargain bookstore in the Boston area has got to be
New England Mobile Book Fair
82-84 Needham Street
Newton Highlands, MA 02461
(617) 964-7440
(617) 527-5817
I think I was too caught up in everything else this place sells to notice whether it carries romance. But absolutely worth a visit for any bookworm.
Kell said on 02.04.09 at 07:28 AM • [link]
Bookworm Books
3261 Court St.
Pekin, IL 61554
There are only 3 other sections (about 9 shelves) of other genres. The rest of the store is dedicated to romance. It’s ran by a wonderfully knowledgeable woman named Robin who is always in the know about series orders and new books/authors of interest. She will special order anything for you, gives store credit, takes most used romances, gives 10% discount off new books, and if she doesn’t have it used she will collect your information and call you when a copy is brought in. I’ve spent half a day in there just browsing.
both96
Laurie said on 02.04.09 at 08:21 AM • [link]
If anyone is ever in Northern Ontario you have to visit the used bookstore I work at, Bay Used Books. We have roughly 150, 000 to 200,000 books on two floors plus more in storage.
We have roughly 20,000 romance titles. We carry Harlequins, Historical, Contemporary, Paranormal and Anthologies in all categories. The books are all sorted by category and are in alphabetical order by author. The majority are mass market but we do have some trade paperbacks and some hardcovers.
We also carry every other category of books you can think of from children’s books to scifi/fantasy, mystery, general fiction, nonfiction, etc..
There’s also a selection of new books that we stock based on customer demands (mostly romantica and paranormals) and we special order for customers with 10% off retail price.
There’s a credit system for anything you bring in. We price most of our books at half of retail unless they’re rare books.
Everyone who works here is book crazy. We all read as much as we can, whenever we can. Our favorite thing is to talk books with customers. We could talk books all day long!
I loved this store when I was a customer so imagine how I feel working here.
Come visit us: Bay Used Books
124 Elm Street
Sudbury, Ontario,
P3C 1T6
Canada
Help, I can’t edit the map. Sarah, can you pin us to Canada when you have a minute. Thanks.
Maureen said on 02.04.09 at 04:20 PM • [link]
Novel Idea Book Exchange
6310 Woodward Ave
Downers Grove, IL
630-963-8480
This is just about the only UBS that I’ve been to, so I don’t know how it compares with others. I remember going there with my mother about 20 years ago, she would bring in bags full of books to trade in. I just recently got into romance and no longer live in IL, so I only get there once a year. The store is mostly romance, about 3/4.
Alison said on 02.09.09 at 06:19 AM • [link]
The Book Exchange
1303 Jamestown Road
117 Colony Square Shopping Center
Williamsburg, VA 23185
The largest section in The Book Exchange is romance!
CJane said on 02.18.09 at 06:36 AM • [link]
I did my undergrad in Mobile, and The Book Corner is one of the things I miss most! (We don’t have a romance-friendly used store where I am now.) I got the best books there—it was where I got my hard-to-finds. I took my leftover tip money there each week. I loved Vada May; she was so sweet and I think she even gave me a discount when there was something I really wanted and couldn’t afford. Glad to know she’s still in business!
Also, if you’re in Decatur, AL, try The Bargain Book Shelf—it’s pretty much entirely romance now, with some other genre fiction mixed in. There’s a decent 25 cent selection, and my mom loves her because she has nearly every Sandra Brown and LaVyrle Spencer ever written.
2215 Danville Rd SW # N
Decatur, AL 35601
(256) 355-9139?
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