If you love browsing books in used bookstores, then this post is for you. Below we’ve featured 10 of the best used bookstores in San Diego.
1. Verbatim Books
Verbatim Books is located on 30th Street. It was set up in 2015 by owner Justine, and since then it has expanded into the store next door! This gives them over 5000 square feet of book-selling space.
You can find all sorts of used and antiquarian books here. Verbatim Books also looks to support local authors and zine creators, so there is always something a little different for you to discover. They also host and support a range of events in-store and in the local community.
Reach out to Verbatim Books.
2. Pennywise Books
Pennywise Books was set up by owner Doak in 1982 and is situated on Garnet Avenue. You can find a large range of genres of used books here, including children’s and chick-lit. There’s also a selection of non-fiction too, in topics such as history, crime, and memoirs.
You can also sell your pre-loved copies to Pennywise Books, and even trade for another book! If you are looking to read some of the newest book releases, but can’t wait for the paperback to be released, they also offer a hardback rental service.
Give Pennywise Books a call (they’re old school like that)!
3. La Playa Books
La Playa Books is owned by a father-daughter duo. They were set up in 2016, and are located on Rosecrans street, where you can find a mixture of new, used, and rare books on sale. They have a large children’s and young adults section, but their selection of genres is expansive.
They offer a book-trade-in service in order to get store credit to buy more books. La Playa Books also hosts many events for the local community, including storytimes, book clubs, and author meet and greets.
Send them a message to learn more.
4. Bluestocking Books
Bluestocking Books is located on 5th Avenue and has been owned and managed by Kris Nelson for 23 years. The store itself has been a book shop for a lot longer though: since 1967 in fact!
They have all sorts of used and new books on offer, alongside some gifts, cards, and stationery. They have a great children’s section and aim to make the book shop feel like home for many readers. Bluestocking Books also have a baby book drive, to provide books to young ones to aid in their development as part of their pediatric care.
Get in touch with Bluestocking Books.
5. Friends of San Diego Central Library
Found on the first floor of the Central Library in San Diego, volunteers sell a range of books for the benefit of keeping the main library itself running. They operate the store 6 days a week and host a range of events in conjunction with the library below.
You can find all sorts of used books here, alongside other media such as CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks. They accept donations at any time, and as a result, their stock is always changing. On their online store, they also sell donated specialist titles and rare books if you are looking for something a little more specific.
Feel free to ask them a question or two.
6. Book Place
The people behind Book Place have been selling used books for over 30 years. The shop itself has had different locations and names over the years, but the premise remains the same: to be an independent book shop selling a good read or two.
They have all sorts of genres on offer and also have a trade-in service. As they take in hundreds of books each day you’re certain to find something different every time that you pay them a visit! Your furry friends can also pop along, as on a Monday you are welcome to bring your pets!
Say hello to Book Place.
7. D.G. Wills Books
D.G. Wills is the place to go if you are looking for academic and scholarly titles. They have a selection of new and used volumes for you to browse, and the place is crammed with books on every wall and surface.
Not only is it a place to buy a book, but D.G. Wills Books is also a cultural hub that has had a lot of famous visitors over the years! The list has included Nobel Prize winners, Poet Laureates, columnists, actors, and more!
Explore D.G. Wills Books for yourself.
8. BOOKOFF
BOOKOFF has multiple locations across the US, including one in San Diego on Kearny Mesa Road. They sell all sorts of used books and media such as CDs, DVDs, and various electronics.
BOOKOFF buys you books from you too: great if you are looking to free a bit of space on your shelves! This also means that you can find things you might not expect at different times depending upon what has been brought in previously!
Start a conversation with BOOKOFF.
9. Maxwell’s House of Books
Maxwell’s House of Books has been in business since 2003. It’s owned by Craig Maxwell, who aims to help everyone to be able to explore and get lost in a good book or two. They were even voted one of the top 50 book stores of 2017 by the Huffington Post!
As they are a used bookstore, you can find all sorts of things here, from the classics to more obscure titles. Maxwell’s House of Books is also happy to buy your books from you, providing they meet their criteria.
Have a chat with Maxwell’s House of Books.
10. Footnote Books
Footnote Books is situated on University Avenue and is owned by Troy Beaver. They have a range of book collections and categories for you to browse, including some for specific interests or subject matters.
They will also buy books from you, so enquire with them as to whether they will accept what you are offering. Their online selection is different from what they have in store, so to get the best of both worlds it is always worth paying them a visit.
Inquire with Footnote Books.