Used Book Stores
By Nona Morris
@nonersays (3329)
United States
September 9, 2016 4:24pm CST
How do you feel about used book stores?
We have one we visit every 2 or 3 months. I'll usually get 4 or 5 books and my hubby will get 2 or 3.
Yesterday we found out they were going out of business. Closing doors forever in December. It made me sad.
Today we went to get a few more books. We wanted to go at least one more time before they were gone for good and since the holidays are busy for us this could be the last time to go.
We did spend about $30 on books there.
The place was DARK. They had painted all their shelves black, so it was always dark, but so many lights were out it was darker than usual. And the shelves were a hot mess.
I told my husband, "I want you to buy me this used book store!"
I've always wanted to own a business of my own. They type of business changes, but book store comes up a lot. Ever since I was a little girl.
After we left I started telling my husband everything I would do to that book store if it were mine. Starting with painting all the shelves in there white, doing some organizing, and I even listed off a few sales I'd run such as buy 2 books from one author and get a 3rd one free. Or, they can buy a "bookmark" for just $1 that is a punch card, and they get a punch for every book they buy and when the bookmark is full they get a free book.
Of course, I'll probably never own my own used book store, and I'll miss this one when it is gone.
There is just something special about a used book store that sets them apart from the big guys like Barnes and Nobel.
6 people like this
7 responses
@nonersays (3329)
• United States
13 Sep 16
True. Nobody buys some things. I have plans for that too. I'll date when a book is shelved and if it sits there for too long I'll either discount it. (books for a quarter ya'll!) or wrap them in brown paper for a "blind date with a book" for a buck or something so people are surprised with what they get.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325913)
• Rockingham, Australia
14 Sep 16
@nonersays Those are both great ideas. You definitely need a used bookshop of your own!!! 
@much2say (53954)
• Los Angeles, California
9 Sep 16
I love used book stores, but unfortunately most of them (mom and pop shops) have closed down around here. Now we go to libraries and thrift shops with used book sections. There are some book stores that sell new books at a cheaper price (not sure how, but maybe they are older but unused books?) - and there is a charming one out here that have fun little programs throughout the year. I do enjoy the big guys too - but I look at the prices and scream!
1 person likes this
@nonersays (3329)
• United States
13 Sep 16
Big business is putting all kinds of little shops out of business. That is why buying from local business owners is so important!
Sometimes the little guy has to charge more than the big guys to try to stay head of the game. Thats a sad thing. But you can always get books cheaper at a used book store.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53954)
• Los Angeles, California
14 Sep 16
@nonersays Yep - unfortunately I think many are finding this out (buying from local biz owners) after the fact! It's so sad to see so many shops (not for just books) gone!
@CinnamonGrl (7083)
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
9 Sep 16
I really love them. I hardly ever get new books, unless I am given them as gifts. I just need to get back to reading. I watch so darn much on TV and streaming.
1 person likes this
@nonersays (3329)
• United States
13 Sep 16
Other than Stepen King, used books are the only way I get a "new" book. The rest of what I read comes form the library so I don't get to keep it in my collection.
@MKAlubs (455)
• United States
9 Sep 16
Yes, I agree that the shelves should be painted white. I owned and ran a bookstore for 9 years and every shelf in my store was painted white. It makes a huge subconsciousness impression.
Needless to say, I too am a lover of used bookstores. I might open another one some day but for now I just have my online used bookstore. Books are an addiction with me. Someday bookstore will be very, very rare. I hope you get to have a used bookstore some day. It's a fantastic experience.
1 person likes this
@nonersays (3329)
• United States
13 Sep 16
I've never had ANY luck selling books online. With pretty much every novel available on Amazon for just a penny, nobody is gonna pay anything more than that.
@Meramar (2695)
•
9 Sep 16
Nowadays, it's not easy to maintain a (second hand) book store with all the technology around. But, I also love them and with a bit of imagination, maybe you could make it growing. Having an own bookstore or library is a great dream many people wished to have.
1 person likes this
@nonersays (3329)
• United States
13 Sep 16
Technology is great, but there are still a lot of old school book lovers around. You just have to do something to make your shop a little more special.
1 person likes this
@nonersays (3329)
• United States
13 Sep 16
Yep, getting books for half the price, or less. I saved $8 on a book in PERFECT condition. I love it. But used book stores also yield treasures to me....random old horror books that youre never going to see in a new book store because they only want the current stuff.
