If you’re a bookworm looking for a book to read, here are 10 of the best used bookstores in Texas.
1. Kaboom Books
Located just a few hundred meters away from downtown Houston, Kaboom Books is a petite haven for book lovers in all of Houston. With over 30 years of serving local customers, the bookstore offers an eclectic collection of over 100,000 volumes, including rare out-of-print editions in 84 different genres, each with its own sub-genre. The most popular subjects include fiction, arts, architecture, social sciences, and natural sciences.
The store sells books only, but it also hosts local events from time to time. They currently sell books at their brick-and-mortar store. For the events schedule as well as for any inquiry into a specific title, you can try contacting the owner here.
2. Becker’s Books
Cozy and homely with warm décor and a genial vibe, Becker’s Books is a little big treasure trove for all bookworms. Opened in 1993, this family-owned bookstore is the largest and oldest independent bookstore in Houston, dealing in used and second-hand books only. The store boasts a wide collection, ranging from bargain books costing only $2 to rare and out-of-print manuscripts that could fetch up to $1000. The available genres include fiction, encyclopedias, natural sciences, mythology, cars, and more.
The store does not allow you to buy books on their website, so you have to visit their store on Westview Dr to catch a look at their impressive collection. You will not regret it for sure!
For more information about the bookstore, visit their website right here.
3. Cheever Books
Nestled in a corner on Broadway, San Antonio, is Cheever Books, a homely destination for bookworms all over the town. Since its establishment in 1986, Cheever Books has always been offering an eclectic collection of rare second-hand books, including out-of-print editions if you are lucky. The available genres are children’s books, fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. All books are reasonably priced, so you will not have to worry about the price tags!
Cheever Books does not sell books online, so you will have to go to their brick-and-mortar store to make purchases. You might want to avoid visiting the bookstore during peak hours, as the store is quite busy during these hours. Before visiting the store, contact them here to see if they have a specific title that you have been looking for.
4. Nine Lives Books
Whether you are looking for rare books or some really awesome DVDs, Nine Lives Books might have just what you need. Boasting a vast collection of a wide range of topics, including architecture, arts, sciences, fiction, science fiction, and much more, the store offers a genial and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home. The store’s staff is exceptionally knowledgeable when it comes to books, so if you have a title in mind that you have been searching for, they will be glad to help.
Nine Lives Books currently sells at their brick-and-mortar store only. You can, however, contact them here if you want them to keep an eye out for a special edition.
5. Lucky Dog Books
Since 1974, Lucky Dog Books has been exceptionally famous to the locals of Dallas, TX, for its high-quality selection of rare and antiquarian books, making it a haven for local book collectors. The store offers the usual genres such as science fiction, fantasy, children’s books, etc. There is also a unique collection of out-of-print titles written by local writers, so if you are interested in the cultural life of Dallas, this store is the place to be.
Lucky Dog Books also hosts some local events from time to time. You can check out their website here for the schedule of the events as well as for book requests if necessary.
6. Half Price Books, Dallas
Though it is a bookstore chain, not an independent bookstore, Half Price Books is so popular in Dallas that it is hard to give it a pass when you are in search of rare editions as well as used books at an affordable price point. Since its establishment in 1972, the store has been offering not only new and used books but also DVDs, records, magazines, and video games. Available genres include children’s books, fiction, business books, science fiction, and more.
The bookstore allows you to place orders online as well as to buy products directly at their brick-and-mortar store. You can check out their stock here.
7. South Congress Books
A quaint little corner in Austin, South Congress Books is unique in that its collection boasts some of the most gorgeous out-of-print editions in arts, music, and photography. If you are into “quirky” aesthetics and other strange art styles, take a stroll around their shelves, and inspiration might just be right around the corner! The store also sells first editions as well as bound volumes for gift-givers and collectors.
The bookstore allows you to order books on their website as well as to buy them at their brick-and-mortar store. You can contact them here.
8. Monkeywrench Books
If you are interested in social and economic justice books, you just can’t miss out of Monkeywrench Books. Located in Austin, this collectively run bookstore features an impressive collection of books on social sciences, economics, and rare hard-to-find titles. The store is very popular with local activists, so if you want to meet interesting people, this is also a great spot.
The store will occasionally host events and study groups to discuss a theme. You can only buy books at their brick-and-mortar store. They are available for contact here.
9. Barber’s Book Store
As one of the few remaining independent bookstores in Fort Worth, Barber’s Book Store has been offering rare and weird books since 1925. The available book subjects at the store include American Western and Indian American heritage, but these books come and go, so you have to be quick if you want to nab them!
The store currently sells books at their brick-and-mortar store only. You can contact the owner here to see if they have a specific title that you need.
10. Half Price Books, Fort Worth
The Half Price Books chain has several locations in Fort Worth, but the one on Sherry Ln has received plenty of praises for its top-tier selection. Other than the usual collection of fiction, journals, and magazines, the store does have a very good selection of books about lady Diana, enough to fill an entire section!
As with its other locations, the store allows you to order books from their website as well as from their brick-and-mortar store. Try contacting them here to see if they have the title you need.