Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States. It’s a vibrant place with all sorts of cultural events and activities, including plenty of large and indie bookstores where book lovers can find true gems and sell their used copies.

Today, we’ll continue our series about cities and their bookstores. In this article, we’ll tell you about the best places in Houston where you can trade novels, textbooks, rare editions, and other items.

1. Where to Sell to Brick-and-Mortar Stores in Houston
2. Where to Sell Textbooks in Houston?
3. Where to Buy Books in Houston?
4. How to Sell Books Online in Houston?

Where to Sell to Brick-and-Mortar Stores in Houston

Kaboom Books

Address: 3116 Houston Ave., Houston, TX 77009

Kaboom Books states, “We sell, buy and trade. (Books only).” The store offers an extensive collection of over 100,000 titles from 84 sections, mostly general-purpose books. They purchase gently used books in a wide range of genres, including fiction, history, and art.

Their buyback process is simple, though it’s always best to call ahead to confirm they’re accepting books and to learn their terms. They are open every day from noon to 6 p.m.

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The Book Attic

Address: 15222 FM 2920, Tomball, TX 77377Located just 3rd Light West of 249, The Book Attic is Tomball’s beloved local bookstore. They specialize in offering a wide range of new and used classics, school reading books, and vintage finds. While they don’t buy books for cash, they offer trade credit, where you can earn 25% of the selling price.

They also have a great selection of unique and handcrafted items, such as journals, tiny books, and fairy houses made by local artists.

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Quarter Price Books

Address: 3820 S Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77098As its name implies, Quarter Price Books offers discounted books and buys used books in good condition. They often have sales, and locals love them and often stop by to check for new reads.

They don’t seem to have a website; however, we recommend you contact them at (713) 520-5009 to understand what they can offer for your titles and when is the best time to bring them in.

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Half Price Books

Address: 10915 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042

Half Price Books has six stores in the Houston area. As usual, they buy books from the public in the stores and online. We’re positive you know the chain well, as it’s one of the oldest booksellers in the US. They accept various books and offer fair prices. Come in person to get your books evaluated. Also, check our top 16 questions about Half Price Book stores.

Katy Budget Books

Address: 870 S. Mason Rd #101, Katy, TX, 77450 

Katy Budget Books doesn’t buy used books for cash; however, they offer a trade credit, which is calculated as half the book’s original price and can be used for paperbacks, hardcovers, or audiobooks. Though, some restrictions may apply. If you need a book drop-off, please make an appointment.

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Where to Sell Textbooks in Houston?

The University of Houston Campus Store

Address: 4455 University Dr., Houston, TX 77004 University of Houston Campus Store offers textbook buybacks to students. You can expect fair buyback offers most of the season, particularly for books in good condition. Please check in person whether they are buying back at the moment.

The University of Houston Bookstore Downtown

Address: 1 Main St Suite 351, Houston, TX US 77002-3651

To sell your books to the University of Houston Bookstore Downtown, make sure they are in good condition, without torn, missing, damaged, or marked pages. Book values depend on demand. You’ll get higher offers during peak buyback periods (up to 50% of the original price). Even outdated or less in-demand books might be accepted if they meet specific criteria.

Barnes and Noble—River Oaks

Address: 2030 W. Gray St, Houston, TX 77019

Learn all about selling textbooks with Barnes & Noble before you go there. This bookstore chain buys used textbooks based on current demand, making it ideal for students, especially during finals or at the semester’s start. Not all books may be accepted, so check their online store locator for the nearest location in Houston and visit the  Sell Your Textbooks page for current offers.

Houston Community College Bookstore

Address: 1215 Holman Street, Ste 102, Houston, TX 77004

Houston Community College Bookstore offers a buyback program very much with the same conditions as all other college bookstores. Check their working hours on the website, bring your textbooks for appraisal, and get up to 50% back.

The Homeschool Store

Address: 12315 Ann Ln., Houston, TX 77064

The Homeschool Store offers a wide selection of educational materials and personalized advice from experienced homeschool parents and consultants. You can sell your used curriculum and educational materials for cash or store credit year-round. Simply bring your items to the store for review and get an offer based on demand and condition.

The store typically offers 25% of the retail price; payment is on the same day. They purchase “current editions of curriculum across all school subjects plus various editions of classic novels, picture books, early readers, and phonics-based readers used in the programs we sell… educational games, flashcards, materials, and supplies and other non-curricular items.”

Where to Buy Books in Houston?

In this section, we’ve compiled a short list of booksellers in Houston where you can purchase books. While these stores don’t seem to have any buyback program (or they don’t mention it on their websites), we decided to include them in our list nonetheless. Perhaps some of your readers will find this list useful, too.

1. Out-of-Print Bookstore

Address: 1500 Hadley St., Unit 3534, Houston, TX
 Phone: 713-526-8616
 Website: Out-of-Print Bookstore
 They specialize in rare and antique books and state they can “find the book you need!”

2. Forgotten Lore

Address: 628 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, TX 77546
 Phone: 281- 993-8902
 Website: Forgotten Lore
They specialize in “rare and antiquarian, the occult, decorative bindings, literary first editions, Texas and the American West, signed books, and a few more.”

3. Becker’s Books

Address: 7405 Westview, Houston, TX 77055
 Phone: 713-957-8088
 Website: Becker’s Books
 They specialize in used and rare books and offer titles in over seventy genres.

4. Murder by the Book

Address: 2342 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX
 Phone: 713-524-8597
 Website: Murder by the Book
 They specialize in mysteries, from new and used books to first editions. It’s one of the largest mystery bookstores in the US.

5. The Paperback Shop

Address: 1500 Hadley St., Unit 3534, Houston, TX
 Phone: 713-526-8616
 Website: The Paperback Shop
 They specialize in general theme books and have been in the industry for fifty-four years. The store will be closing at the end of 2025; however, their website—IMailtoPrison—will remain active.

6. Basket Books & Art

Address: 115 Hyde Park Blvd., Houston, TX
 Phone: 281-846-6017
 Website: Basket Books & Art
 They specialize in books that reflect the intersection of literature and art. The store offers a unique experience for both book lovers and art enthusiasts.

7. Bookstore

Address: 2421 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX
 Phone: 713-523-0701
 Website: Brazos Bookstore
 They specialize in a curated selection of books across subjects like mathematics, pets, literature, and more, “a hub for the most creative, intelligent and engaged readers in Houston.”

8. Kindred Stories

Address: 2304 Stuart St., Houston, TX
 Phone: 713-396-2396
 Website: Kindred Stories
 They specialize in works by Black authors, including graphic novels, cookbooks, nonfiction, and YA fiction.

9. The Menil Collection Bookstore

Address: 1520 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX
 Phone: 713-535-3180
 Website: The Menil Collection Bookstore
 They specialize in rare and unique books on art, architecture, design, and children’s literature, often tied to the Menil Collection’s exhibitions.

10. Magick Cauldron

Address: 2424 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX
 Phone: 713-523-0069
 Website: Magick Cauldron
 They specialize in books covering astrology, witchcraft, herbal sciences, and other magical subjects.

11. Tomfoolery Toys and Books

Address: 4854 Beechnut St., Houston, TX
 Phone: 832-879-2461
 Website: Tomfoolery Toys and Books
 They specialize in children’s books and toys and offer a wide range, from picture books for toddlers to elementary-age nonfiction.

How to Sell Books Online in Houston?

If you’re looking for a more convenient and often profitable way to sell books, doing it online is the best solution. Another benefit is that you don’t have to be located in a specific city or state, so this method offers more flexibility and freedom. If you don’t know any trusted online booksellers, we’re here to help you out.

• You may start with Amazon. We’ve got a ready-made map for you to check out: how to sell textbooks on Amazon.
• The same goes for eBay. Read our eBay: a short step-by-step guide to understand how to approach the platform.
• ThriftBooks is one of the largest independent online booksellers with a buyback program. Check our review on how to sell books on ThriftBooks: Q&As to understand their buyback policy.
• Chegg is a large textbook solutions provider with a textbook buyback program. For more information, go to our post about selling books and textbooks to Chegg.
• ValoreBooks and eCampus are also considered great alternatives, though we haven’t yet reviewed them separately.

BookScouter

Yet again, we suggest you check out BookScouter first.

This price comparison platform displays offers from 30 vendors (including the ones we’ve mentioned above), so you can easily choose the best one.

BookScouter is not location-specific. It’s an online service, so you can use it anywhere in the US, be it Philadelphia, Denver, Florida, New York, Ashburn, Boston, etc.

The platform also allows you to check one ISBN at a time or upload multiple ISBNs to view all offers in a single chart. To better understand how it works, let’s look at an example. Here is a collection of comic books and graphic novels that could be on your bookshelf:

• Absolute Watchmen (ISBN-13: 9781779524492)
• Maus I & II Paperback Box Set  (ISBN-13: 9780241455166)
• The Book  (ISBN-13: 9780578377452)
• Tomb Of Dracula (ISBN-13: 9780785134305)
• Tintin on the Moon(ISBN-13: 9780316494823)
• Dragon Ball (3-in-1 Edition), Vol. 7 (ISBN-13: 9781421564722)
• The Art of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (Deluxe Edition) (ISBN-13: 9781506739618)
• Wicked Collector’s Edition (ISBN-13: 9780063391086)

Let’s find them a new home and calculate how much money you can get for these titles.

Method #1: Enter one ISBN

We’ll start with checking an individual ISBN. For instance, WoB offers you $26.26 for Absolute Watchmen (ISBN-13: 9781779524492). Other vendors are less generous, and if you click the link and proceed to all the available offers, you’ll see that the majority is lower than $11.00.

Method #2: Enter multiple ISNBs

Let’s now check all eight ISBNs by entering them in the search field (separated by return, space, or comma).

You can immediately see the best vendor offer and your total maximum payout. Quite convenient, isn’t it?

Currently, no vendor is interested in purchasing all of your books. However, you can earn $67.77 by selling four of your comics to BooksRun and the remaining books to WoB, which will give you a total of $72.12.

Alternatively, you can send six out of your eight books to WoB. While this option pays a slightly lower total, it requires only one shipping instead of two. Be sure to check each vendor’s shipping terms to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Final Thoughts

We hope our guide to Houston’s bookstores will help you find places to sell your used books. From local gems like The Homeschool Store, Katy Budget Books, or The Book Attic to Houston college shops and online options, we’ve done our best to research the places that have any sort of a buyback or trade-in program.

Since there are not as many as we expected, we also included the bookstores that don’t mention any buyback; nonetheless, we encourage you to check each place individually.

For more tips on selling books and exploring literary hotspots, check out our posts about other cities, including San Diego, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, Seattle, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, as well as our resources for selling books online through platforms like Amazon, eBay, and ThriftBooks.

Today, let’s discuss the bookstores in Philadelphia where you can sell your used books.

Before we get to the list of stores with buyback offers and the places that buy textbooks, comics, and rare titles, we suggest you take a look at this wonderful Philadelphia Bookstore Map.

It’s a brilliant collaborative project by booksellers, book lovers, and the City of Philadelphia. It’s also the beautiful artwork by Henry Crane that showcases the city’s wealth of bookstores.

Here, you can find the 46 brick-and-mortar shops that live and breathe books in Philadelphia.

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The map contains information about the city’s independent bookstores, each with its own story and character. We hope that you’ll find it useful in your walks around town and when you just need a new read.

Yet, not all of these shops buy books back. That’s why we’ll now move on to the descriptions of the ones that do. We hope the following list will help you get rid of the titles that you’re either tired of or just no longer need (e.g., old textbooks). First, we’ll discuss brick-and-mortar bookstores without any specialization (e.g., comics only) or specific buyback requirements.

1. Where to Sell Books to Physical Stores?
2. Where to Sell Textbooks in Philadelphia?
3. Where to Sell Comic Books?
4. Where to Sell Rare Books?
5. How to Sell Books Online in Philadelphia?

Where to Sell Books to Physical Stores?

Brickbat Books

 Address: 709 South 4th St,, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Brickbat Books is a bookstore that sells and buys “new and used books and records in Queen Village, Philadelphia.” They also have an online store, Balancing Man Ltd.

They accept a wide range of literature, including literature and fiction (both paperbacks and hardbacks), genre fiction (such as science fiction, mysteries, detective stories, spy thrillers, and pulp), poetry, non-fiction (including essays, philosophy, spirituality, religion, history, popular science, music, and film), children’s books, art books (especially on modern and contemporary artists, photographers, and architects), comics, graphic novels, cookbooks, and rare or unusual books and ephemera.

However, they are selective about what they choose to buy. All items must be in very good condition—no underlining, writing, torn pages, or cover damage. Please note that we do not accept bestsellers, fantasy series, textbooks, or self-help titles.

Cathy’s Half Price Books

 Address: Manoa Shopping Center, 1305 West Chester Pk. (Rt. 3) Havertown, PA 19083

Cathy’s Half Price Books is an Indie bookstore that has been offering all sorts of books since 2004. It now has over 60,000 titles in stock and a great choice of CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. It also buys back used books from the public for store credit (or half that amount in cash) or in the form of a donation. You can call 610-924-0988 to schedule an appointment.

Philly Area Book Recycling

Phone: (267) 726-4795

Philly Area Book Recycling buys books and textbooks in and around Philadelphia. They’re not technically a bookstore; however, they specialize in buyback and are ready to pay nicely for non-fiction (their preference) and recent college editions. They typically pay about $1–$2 per book for an average paperback or hardcover and more for textbooks, depending on their condition and year of publication.

To get the estimate, use the contact form on the textbook buyback page. Enter the ISBNs of each textbook you want to sell, and they’ll contact you back with a quote.

Book Corner

Address: 311 N 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

Book Corner was established in 1991 as a program of the Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia. This nonprofit organization helps Philadelphia residents get access to library services in the area. They have a great selection of new, rare, out-of-print, and quality used books. While they don’t have a buyback program, they accept donations.

House of Our Own Books

Address: 3920 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104

We’re not sure whether this store buys books, but we encourage you to visit it either way. House of Our Own Books is located in a Victorian house on the grounds of the University of Pennsylvania.

You can find new and used books at different prices and on various subjects: fiction, non-fiction, biography, scholarly texts, and more. Since they sell used books, they might be interested in your titles.

Bookhaven

Address: 2202 Fairmount Ave Philadelphia, PA 19130

At Bookhaven, there are “2 floors, 7 rooms, & a hallway of literature, philosophy, poetry, art, history, & more!” They have a great selection of books, “two of the fluffiest cats,” and they also buy books for store credit. Send them a message on Instagram or visit to get the offer.

The Book Trader

Address: 2202 Fairmount Ave Philadelphia, PA 19130

The Book Trader doesn’t technically buy used books. They give 10-20% of the original sale price of books in store credit. You’re limited to 2 standard grocery bags or small boxes, and while small trades can be made during weekdays without an appointment, larger trades require calling ahead.

They accept most books in good condition but do not take ex-library books, heavily marked or damaged books, textbooks, or books we already have in excess. Also, they accept LPs, DVDs, and CDs in good condition.

Molly’s Books and Records

Address: 1010 S. 9th St., Philadelphia, PA  19147

Molly’s Books and Records is owned by Molly Russakoff and Joe Ankenbrand. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s iconic Italian Market, it has a lot to offer. You can find all sorts of literature, children’s books, nonfiction, and a great collection of cookbooks.

They buy, sell, and trade vinyl records and CDs. Check their Instagram page for buyback information.

Mostly Books

Address: 529 Bainbridge St, Philadelphia., PA

Mostly Books might be interested in some of your books, so you can give this store a try. Though they mostly get donations, you can get up to 35% store credit for eligible titles. On average, you can expect $1–$2 per book. However, keep in mind that they are very selective even about donations, so no damp or mildewy copies.

Newtown Book & Record Exchange

Address: 102 S State St., Newtown, PA 18940

Newtown Book & Record Exchange accepts gently used paperbacks (no hardcovers, except for kids’ books and bestsellers) and LPs in good condition. They offer 20% store credit based on the original list price, which can be used for in-store purchases only. They do not offer cash.

Where to Sell Textbooks in Philadelphia?

Community College of Philadelphia

Address: 700 Spring Garden St., Pavilion Building, Philadelphia, PA 19130

The bookstore of the Community College of Philadelphia accepts last-semester textbooks for buyback. It has a typical for all Follet campus stores buyback program: you can bring your books in good or like-new condition and get up to 50% of their original price. They don’t accept heavily worn books, damaged copies, or titles that are not in demand.

The University of Pennsylvania Official Bookstore

Address: 3601 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104-3895

The University of Pennsylvania Official Bookstore buys books from students for up to 50% of their original price if you bring them in during finals week. Make sure they are in good condition without any signs of damage.

Barnes and Noble

Address: 1708 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

Barnes & Noble has a buyback program for used textbooks and trade books, though not all titles may be accepted. Use the online store locator to find the nearest location in Philadelphia. Don’t forget to check the Sell Your Textbooks page for current demand. For further details, see our earlier posts on selling textbooks.

Where to Sell Comic Books?

1. Garden of Earthly Delights

Address: 7907 Bustleton Ave, Rhawnhurst, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 332-3321
Website: Garden of Earthly Delights
Buys/Sells: Sports Cards, TCGs, board games, coins, comics, action figures, etc.

2. Brave New Worlds

Address: 45 N 2nd St., City Center East, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 925-6525
Website: Brave New Worlds
Buys/Sells: Photographs, memorabilia, pictures, author readings, collections, in-store events

3. Atomic City Comics

Address: 638 South St., Wharton-Hawthorne-Bella Vista, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 625-9613
Website: Atomic City Comics
Buys/Sells: Comics

4. Ontario Street Market

Address: 2235 E Ontario St., Richmond, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 288-7338
Website: Ontario Street Market
Buys/Sells: Comics, graphic novels

Where to Sell Rare Books?

1. Bauman Rare Books

Address: 1608 Walnut St. FL 19, City Center West, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 546-6466
Website: Bauman Rare Books
Buys/Sells: Rare books, accounting, gifts, sales, collectibles, collections

2. The Last Word Bookshop

Address: 220 S 40th St. Frnt, Cobbs Creek, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 386-7750
Website: The Last Word Bookshop
Buys/Sells: Used and out-of-print titles

3. Philadelphia Rare Books

Address: 5301 Tacony St. Ste 314, Frankford, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 744-6734
Website: The Philadelphia Rare Books & Manuscripts Co.
Buys/Sells: Used books, rare books

How to Sell Books Online in Philadelphia?

Selling books online is another option whether you live in Philadelphia or anywhere in the US.

You can opt for universally known resources and marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, Better World Books, ThriftBooks, or BooksRun; if you have textbooks to sell, try Chegg, eCampus, or ValoreBooks.

Alternatively, you can check local services that cater specifically to Philadelphia and nearby areas. For instance, the Mayfair Hub service center has a buyback program for Philadelphia residents. They buy textbooks from students and residents of Philadelphia for cash. Mind that you have to contact them personally to understand their quotes.

Alternatively, you can list your books on such resources as Bx-zone.com, which serves as some sort of a mediator between you and book buyers looking for second-hand books.

BookScouter

However, do not forget to check BookScouter. This price comparison platform collects data from more than 30 vendors and provides you with the most up-to-date price information about your used books. One of the benefits of the service is that you don’t have to do all this manual search, browsing the buyback offers of different sellers one at a time. You can do this online from any location in the US. You can do the same thing whether you’re in San Antonio, San Diego, Seattle, or Ashburn.

Let’s take a look at the example. If you’ve always been fascinated by crime stories and have recently been quite impressed by Mindhunter (2017) and Through the Darkness (2022) Netflix series, you may have a few books on profiling. However, it makes little sense to keep them once you’re finished with them, right? Other profiling enthusiasts may enjoy your copies. So, here’s the list of books you may be looking to sell:

• • Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis (ISBN-13: 9780123852434)
  • Criminal Profiling: How Psychological Profiles Help Solve Crime (ISBN-13: 9781838862206)
  • Wordcrime (ISBN-13: 9781441193520)
  • Profiling and Serial Crime: Theoretical and Practical Issues (ISBN-13: 9781455731749)
  • Crime Classification Manual (ISBN-13: 9781118305058)
  • Mindhunter (ISBN-13: 9781501191961)
  • Journey Into Darkness (ISBN-13: 9781787465145)
  • Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking (ISBN-13: 9781119433385)

Step #1: Check ISBNs one by one

Checking ISBNs individually one by one is okay. But we recommend it for cases when you have one or two books, as it won’t take much time.

Step #2: Check all your ISNBs at once

If you have more than three books, we recommend using multiple ISBN search. You simply enter all your SBNs in the search field and click Add ISBNs.

And here you go:

You can easily see that only Crime Classification Manual (ISBN-13: 9781118305058), Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking (ISBN-13: 9781119433385), and Profiling and Serial Crime: Theoretical and Practical Issues (ISBN-13: 9781455731749)

will earn you the most cash at the moment, with offers from $10 to $16, while your other titles aren’t exactly high in demand now.

If you sell all the books now, your maximum payout can be $44.15. Your most convenient but less profitable deal will be with Wob, which is willing to take all the books but for $34.66. Selling separately clearly gives you more.

If you choose the best offers, you can also see that three of your books can go to TextbookManiac, three books that don’t seem to be in demand now—to BooksRun, and Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking (ISBN-13: 9781119433385)—to BlueRocketBooks.

The incredible Mindhunter (ISBN-13: 9781501191961) is now worth less than a dollar, so we recommend waiting for a better offer. Demand for this or that book often increases or decreases.

By the way, if you’re a seasoned reseller and want to be on top of all buyback prices, you can also check BookScouter’s Pro Tools and the Buyback Price History feature, where you can look up all the ISBN history since 2016. For example, here’s the price history chart for Mindhunter for the past year. You can also check the entire history available for this ISBN.

Final Thoughts

We hope our list of Philadelphia brick-and-mortar bookstores will help you find a great place to sell used books or pick up something new. We also hope that our review of BookScouter and its potential will help you get the best deal if you decide to look for online alternatives.

For details on bookstores in other cities, explore our posts about Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Florida, Boston and New York.

Our today’s destination for bookstores that buy used books is San Antonio.

If you read our previous post about Denver, you may remember Clever Real Estate’s report on The Best Book Places in the U.S. (2022 Data) we mentioned. Unlike Denver, which ranked favorably, San Antonio was listed among the ten least reader-friendly cities out of the 50 most populous. In fact, San Antonio ranked 8th in this category. With just 77 libraries per 100,000 residents and 13 indie bookstores, the city only offers about 0.5 indie bookstores per 100,000 residents.

This simply means that San Antonio has a different focus but still has a few places to sell books. In this post, we have compiled them all into one list.

1. Where to Sell Books to Stores?
2. Where to Sell Textbooks in San Antonio?
3. Where to Sell Rare Books and Collections in San Antonio?
4. How to Sell Books Online in San Antonio?

Where to Sell Books to Stores?

Nine Lives Books

Address: 7959 Fredericksburg Rd Ste 119, San Antonio TX 78229-3431

Nine Lives Books moved to a new location in 2020. You can find them near “Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy in the shopping center with Chase Bank.” The store accepts all sorts of merchandise for store credit, including books. You can bring your titles for evaluation to understand how much they can offer you. Mind that they might not accept your books if they don’t fit their condition requirements or depending on what they have in stock.

Half Price Books

Address: HPB North Central, 125 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78216

Half Price Books offers the option to sell your books both locally to their stores and online through their website. Established in 1972, HPB is a well-known name in the industry and one of the largest family-owned bookstores in the U.S. They accept a broad variety of books and typically offer fair prices. In San Antonio, there are four HPB stores; you can come in person to any of these branches to get your books evaluated.

Nelco Comics

Address: 1134 N Flores St, San Antonio, TX 78212-4909

If you have comic books to sell in San Antonio, check out Nelco Comics. To get a quote, fill out the form on their website or call them at (210) 863-0360. This place was founded and is run by people passionate about comics who are willing to gather like-minded fans in one place. They host comic signings and themed parties and have an unparalleled selection of comic books, including rare Silver and Bronze Age comics.

Crazy Lady Used Books & Emporium

Address: 10660 W FM 78, Schertz, Texas 78154

Crazy Lady Used Books & Emporium is a real find for book lovers and collectors. The store itself is unique: it’s located inside a former 1940s church. There are plenty of real gems in the collection—from classics to genres like Texana, military history, science fiction, and fantasy. They also sell vinyl records, antiques, and other collectibles. We couldn’t find any specific information about their buyback policy (if there’s any), but we encourage you to check it out in person. The owners are helpful, and there are plenty of good reviews online.

BookCellar

Address: The Friends Used Book Store is in the Central Library Basement—Central Library, 600 Soledad Street, San Antonio, TX  78205

BookCellar, part of The Friends Used Book Store, is located in the Central Library Basement. They have “thousands of new and recycled books,” and though they don’t buy stuff, they accept book donations. You can bring your titles and media from Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Alternatively, you can call them at (210) 227-9519 to schedule curbside pick-up.

Guadalupe Latino Bookstore & Gift Shop

Address: 1301 Guadalupe St, San Antonio, TX 78207

Guadalupe Latino Bookstore & Gift Shop is a unique place where you can immerse yourself in the Latino culture. It’s not a commercial bookstore; however, you can check their book-buying policy. They “focus on Texas Latino writers, Mexican American Studies, Chicano Scholars, and Icons” and offer various events in the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.

Where to Sell Textbooks in San Antonio?

The University of Texas at San Antonio—Rowdy Campus Store

Address: 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX US 78249-1644

One of the first places that comes to mind when one wants to get rid of last-semester textbooks is a campus bookstore. For example, the Rowdy Campus Store of the University of Texas at San Antonio offers a buyback program that welcomes books in good or like-new condition and offers up to 50% of their original price. Mind that the demand and the offered depend a lot on the season.

San Antonio College Bookstore

Address: 402 W Dewey Pl., Loftin Student Center, San Antonio, TX 78212

San Antonio College Bookstore also buys textbooks from students. The same terms apply here: items should be in good condition, and offers are up to 50% of the original book price. The demand is seasonal, so it’s best to bring your books when they are more likely to be accepted.

Barnes and Noble

Address: 6065 NW Loop 410 #185, San Antonio, TX 78238

The store chain has a buyback program for used textbooks and trade books. However, they don’t promise to accept all books that might be brought to them. Use the online store locator to find the closest Barnes & Noble in San Antonio. You can also check the Sell Your Textbooks page to understand the demand and offers. Mind that you have to bring at least $10.00 worth of books to sell. Read more about selling textbooks with Barnes & Noble from one of our earlier posts.

St. Mary’s University Official Bookstore

Address: One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228-8540

St. Mary’s University Official Bookstore also has a buyback program for used books. They offer pretty much the same conditions as all other college bookstores.

San Antonio Homeschool Curriculum Buy/Sell/Trade (Facebook Group)

Address: San Antonio

San Antonio Homeschool Curriculum Buy/Sell/Trade is a Facebook group where members can buy and sell new or gently used items that may be helpful to homeschoolers in the San Antonio area. If you have textbooks or study materials that you want to sell, you can join the group. Be ready to meet with the members interested in your items in person in San Antonio or ship them at the buyer’s cost.

Where to Sell Rare Books and Collections in San Antonio?

In this section, we’ve compiled a short list of appraisers and booksellers in San Antonio and nearby locations in Texas who can help you appraise your collection. There used to be more options for rare book appraisals (such as Dorothy Sloan Rare Books and Antiquarian Book Mart), but unfortunately, those are no longer available.

MacDonnell Rare Books

Address: 9307 Glenlake Dr., Austin, TX, 78730. The store is open by appointment only. Contact them by email at any time: info@macdonnellrarebooks.com
Website: MacDonnell Rare Books

They specialize in books about books, first editions, and autographs of “tMark Twain, Henry David Thoreau, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, the Brontes, Herman Melville, Walt Whitman, Edgar Allan Poe, Henry James, Emily Dickinson, William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, and other major authors.“

Cheever Books

Address: 3940 Broadway St., San Antonio, TX 78209. Contact them at 210-824-2665 or directly by email: cheeverbooks@att.net

Website: Сheever Books

They specialize in used and rare books: “top quality used and rare books, including first editions and out-of-print titles.”

The History Shop

Address: 713 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78205, 210-229-9855. Email: jdg@thehistoryshop.com
Website: The History Shop

They specialize in Texas History, the Civil War era, WWI & WWII. They also offer research and repair services.

Michael Laird Rare Books LLC

Address: PO Box 299, Lockhart, TX (917) 747-5953. Email: info@michaellaird.com.
Website: Michael Laird Rare Books

They specialize in rare and antiquarian printed books and manuscripts and accept visitors by appointment.

You can search for appraisers on theAppraisers Association of America website, where, for instance, a search in the San Antonio area returns the above-mentioned Mr. Michael Shane Laird, AAA, based in Lockhart, TX. Another option is the International Society of Appraisers, which currently lists five appraisers specializing in books as of 2024.

How to Sell Books Online in San Antonio?

Selling books online is another option you have whether you live in San Antonio or any other location. Here are a few of the most well-known online bookstores and marketplaces you can opt for:

• Facebook Groups
• Better World Books
• Amazon
• eBay
• ValoreBooks
• eCampus
• Sell Your Book Back
• ThriftBooks
• Chegg
• Etc.

BookScouter

However, as usual, we suggest you check BookScouter first. With over 30 vendors, you can easily compare price offers for your used books with just a few clicks. It doesn’t matter if you’re in San Antonio, Denver, Seattle, Philadelphia, or Boston—the process works the same way.

For the sake of the experiment, let’s check how much you can get for your used meteorology textbooks. For instance, you’re looking to sell:

• Meteorology Today (ISBN-13: 9780357452073)
• Atmospheric Science, Second Edition (ISBN-13: 9780127329512)
• Midlatitude Synoptic Meteorology (ISBN-13: 9781878220103)
• Essentials of Meteorology (ISBN-13: 9780357857557)
• An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology (Volume 88) (ISBN-13: 9780123848666)
• Practical Meteorology: An Algebra-based Survey of Atmospheric Science (ISBN-13: 9780888651761)

Method #1: Enter the book’s ISBN

You can check each of these ISBNs individually one by one. For instance, An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology (Volume 88) (ISBN-13: 9780123848666) will bring you $30.50 (the best vendor offer). Not bad.

Method #2: Enter multiple ISNBs

You enter all these ISBNs in the search field.

That’s exactly where you see the whole picture.

Selling all textbooks to TextbookRush is more convenient and will earn you $137.22. However, since this vendor doesn’t have an offer for Practical Meteorology and there are more beneficial quotes for some items from other vendors, it might be wiser to sell them separately. Your maximum payout can be $148.03 if you do so.

Check each vendor’s shipping conditions to calculate the best buyback scenario.

Final Thoughts

We hope that our selection of San Antonio brick-and-mortar bookstores will be useful to you whether you’re looking to sell your old books or buy new reads.

If you need more information about bookstores that buy books in other locations, check out our other posts about Atlanta, San Diego, New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Ashburn, Chicago. and Florida.

While Providence, RI, is the #1 book city in America, with 139 libraries and 70 indie bookstores, Denver hasn’t gone that far from it: with 110 libraries and 278 bookstores (and taking into consideration the number of residents in both locations), it makes #13 in the list of the best book cities (according to Clever Real Estate’s report on The Best Book Places in the U.S. (2022 Data).

Denver scores higher in this respect, compared to Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Antonio and even New York, giving way to Boston and Seattle.

Some of the bookstores in the city sell new books or a mix of used and new titles, while others offer a buyback or a donation program. This data shows the city’s potential for this business and highlights the opportunities available.

In Denver, you have the option to sell used books and textbooks either to a brick-and-mortar bookstore or online. The first option is usually better suited for trade books, while textbooks get better offers online. Nonetheless, in this post, we’ll discuss both options so you can choose the one that works best for you.

1. Where to Sell Used Books in Denver? Brick-and-Mortar Stores
2. Where to Sell Textbooks in Denver?
3. Where to Donate Books in Denver?
4. How to Sell Books Online in Denver?

Where to Sell Used Books in Denver? Brick-and-Mortar Stores

Here’s a list of stores in where you can take your used copies for trade credit or cash:

Bookstore	Books They Buy
Capitol Hill Books (303) 837-0700 300 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203 Mon – Sun: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.	Used books, including fiction, non-fiction, and some rare books. Not accepted: Abridged books, computer books, hardcover mystery/thriller books, textbooks, ex-library books, anything out of date such as old travel books, formerly current events, obsolete technology, and books in poor condition. They do not purchase books for cash but offer store credit.  Contact the store in advance.
Printed Page Bookshop (303) 777-7653 1416 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210 Wed – Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sun: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.	They specialize in rare and antiquarian books but also buy gently used modern titles. Accepted: Hardback books with dust jackets that are free of any kind of damage; books in fine bindings, such as those produced by the Easton Press, Franklin Library, First Edition Library, and Folio Society. Not accepted: They do not purchase romance novels or heavily damaged books. Contact the store in advance.
The Book Stop (303) 423-BOOK 10840 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Mon – Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: Closed	Used books in good condition for cash. Average payments are up to 75 cents for paperbacks and $1 for hardcovers. Not accepted: Textbooks, encyclopedias, and reference materials are not accepted. They also take donations for those not looking to sell.
Black & Read (303) 467-3236 7821 Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada, CO 80003 Mon – Fri: 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Sat: 10 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun: 11 p.m. – 7 p.m.	Used books in good condition for cash or store credit. They also trade books for books.
The Hermitage Bookshop (303) 388-6811 290 Filmore Street, Denver, CO 80206 Mon –Fri: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.;  Sat: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Closed on Sundays and Federal Holidays	They specialize in used, rare, collectible, and antiquarian hardbacks. Accepted: Fine bindings, science fiction, fantasy, mythology, fairytale, and folklore. Not accepted: Textbooks, encyclopedia sets, magazines, yearbooks, or incomplete sets. Paperbacks are only accepted if they are fine or scarce originals. Contact the store in advance.
The Park Hill Community Book Store (303) 388-6811 4620 E 23rd Ave Denver, CO 80207 Mon –Fri: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.;  Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.	They don’t buy books back but have a trade-in system of sorts. They offer individual membership and give 10 book credits for books. ($20 for families, $10 for students and seniors). Paperbacks are 1 credit; hardbacks—2.   1/2 a credit is given for bringing in paperbacks and 1 credit for hardbacks.   Any books they don’t select are donated to area charities.
Denver Book Rack (303) 756-9891 4061 E Wesley Ave, Denver, CO 80222 Tue – Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed on Mondays	They offer store credit for books in good condition (up to 25%). Accepted: Used paperbacks and limited hardbacks (only children’s and young adult titles). Not accepted: Textbooks and encyclopedias.
The Bookworm (303) 449-3765 3175 28th St Boulder, CO 80301 Mon – Fri: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed on Sundays	Used books in great condition fortrade-in credit.  The price is generally half of the list price; a quarter of the list can be expected as credit. Not accepted: Hardcover fiction.
Trident Booksellers (303) 443-3133 940 Pearl St Boulder, CO 80302 Buyback hours: Mon – Thu: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Used books in excellent condition. Contact the store in advance.
Gallagher Books (303) 756-5821 1454 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80210 Mon – Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sun: Noon – 5:00 p.m.	The store specializes in rare, unusual, out-of-print books, vintage posters, and library-related antiques. There’s no direct indication regarding buyback, but you can contact the store to inquire.
The Read Queen (303) 974-5978 129 N Harrison Ave, Lafayette, CO 80026 Mon – Fri : 7a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat – Sun: 8a.m. – 7 p.m.	Used books for 30% of the price they set in RQ Dollars. Read Queen Dollars program offers 10% off new books, gifts, toys, stationery, and 50% off used books.
Friends of the Aurora Public Library (720) 747-7977 2243 S Peoria St, Aurora, CO 80014 Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.	The Friends of the Aurora Public Library Book Outlet primarily accepts donations of gently used books (in a wide range of genres like bestsellers, mysteries, and romance), DVDs, CDs, and records. No direct buybacks.
Mile High Comics (303) 455-2659 4600 Jason St, Denver, CO 80211 Store Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Comics Please email Pam Brandle at pamb@milehighcomics.com for information.
The Tattered Cover Bookstore (303) 322-7727 2526 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206   Mon – Sun: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m	Used books for store credit only, no cash buybacks. You can bring up to 25 books at a time; more by appointment only. Not accepted: Textbooks, dated materials like travel guides, or heavily worn/damaged copies.
West Side Books (303) 480-0220 3434 W 32nd Ave, Denver, Colorado 80211   Tue: By appointment	Used books for cash or store credit only. They currently only buy books on Tuesdays by appointment. Not more than three boxes. Not accepted: Textbooks, newspapers, or magazines.

Where to Sell Textbooks in Denver?

Here’s a list of campus stores and other places in Denver where you can sell your textbooks:

Bookstore	Books They Buy
Kilgore College Bookstore (903) 983-8277 1100 Broadway, Kilgore, TX 75662 Mon –Thu: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.	Textbooks Textbooks are bought based on condition and quantities needed by the store. Buyback is subject to demand; some books may be dropped from the buyback list without prior notice.
Barnes & Noble (303) 691-2998 960 S Colorado Blvd Glendale, CO 80246 Mon – Thu: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri – Sat: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.	Buys back used textbooks and trade books, though the availability of buyback services may vary. Check their Sell Your Textbooks page to understand their current demand.
Campus Store—University of Denver (303) 556-4286 1201 5th Street, Denver, CO 80217   Mon – Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Used textbooks in good condition with minimal highlighting or damage. The buyback offer may depend on demand for the title in upcoming semesters. Not accepted: Books that are water-damaged, missing pages, or excessively worn.
Pack & Ship etc. (303) 979-9121 9878 W Belleview Ave, Denver, CO 80123 Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sun: Closed	Textbooks for cash, especially during textbook buyback season. Areas served: students and residents of Littleton, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, Denver, and the Front Range. Not accepted: Heavily damaged copies.
Dream Books Co. (720) 767-2478 4250 N Broadway, Denver, CO 80216   Mon – Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Used books and textbooks from educational institutions (in bulk) (e.g., schools, libraries, etc.) They currently do not purchase books from the general public. Areas served: Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Lone Tree, Longmont, and Westminster.
University of Colorado Boulder – CU Book Store (303) 492-6411 1669 Euclid Ave 36 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0036   Mon – Fri: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.	Textbooks for cash. Not accepted: Damaged copies.
Bluebird Books 303-912-4559 8201 S. Santa Fe Drive #245 Littleton, CO 80120	High-quality used, rare, and out-of-print books—hardcovers (seldom softcover or paperbacks) in great condition in the Denver Area and the Front Range. Accepted: Classic fiction, Modern Library editions, Everyman’s Library editions, books published by the Limited Editions Club, Folio Society, Heritage Press, Easton Press, and the Franklin Library. Books about birds (bird art & photography, birding), Natural History, poetry, cookbooks, History, and Biographies. Not accepted: Self-help books, “How-to” books, etc.
Colorado Mesa University’s official bookstore 970.248.1422 1455 N 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501	Textbooks (in good condition to be eligible for buyback) for 15–50% of the new price (depending on a range of factors; check their buyback terms).
Book Driver–Coyote Ridge Books booths 303-665-0433 The Lafayette Collectables & Flea Market— 130 E Spaulding St, Lafayette, CO 80026	Newer textbooks for 20% to 50% of the resale value (in cash) in the Denver metro area, Boulder, Parker, and Castle Rock.
CSU Bookstore CSU Bookstore Inside the Lory Student Center: December 9-13, 2024 during Normal Store Hours.	Textbooks (in good condition) Not accepted: Damaged, defective, and no-value books. You can send those for donation.

Where to Donate Books in Denver?

Alternatively, you can donate your reads to organizations that support people and give opportunities to those who have limited access to education.

Denver Public Library

10 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
Denver Public Library accepts donations for its book sales, with proceeds benefiting the library. “When you invest in the library, you invest in critical support for free literacy programs, lifelong learning, workforce development, and equitable access to resources and knowledge for the millions of adults, children, and youth of Denver.”

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ARC Thrift Stores

1515 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210 and other locations ARC Thrift Stores accepts most things, including books, which help fund programs and “enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” Drop off is available at any ARC location.

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Goodwill Denver

21 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
Just like in other locations, Goodwill stores in Denver accept book donations. These copies are then sold to fund job training and education programs.

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Friends of the Aurora Public Library

2243 S Peoria St, Aurora, CO 80014
Friends of the Aurora Public Library supports the Aurora Public Library by selling donated books at their Book Outlet. They accept books, CDs, LPs, DVDs, audiobooks, puzzles, and sheet music four days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BookGive

4890 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80221
BookGive is a nonprofit that accepts books in good condition and distributes them to underserved communities.“We’ll make sure they find their way into the hands of people—your neighbors—who would LOVE to read them.”

The Salvation Army

2085 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80227
The Salvation Army accepts donations that they sell to support their social programs. Make sure you bring items in good condition.

How to Sell Books Online in Denver?

For some people, selling online is faster, easier, and more convenient. This is understandable, especially when it comes to textbooks. Campus stores may not accept anything off-season, and independent stores may not accept textbooks at all (as you may have noticed, there are plenty of places where textbooks are specifically mentioned as “not accepted.” Naturally, people turn to online services.

While online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, as well as booksellers like SellBackYourBook or TextbookRush, are quite reasonable solutions for buyback, we have another suggestion.

Using BookScouter can make things even more convenient and help you sell your books even more profitably. This comparison platform shows offers from more than thirty vendors all over the US, not just in Denver or Colorado. One of the greatest benefits of the platform is that it gives you a very broad picture of buyback prices. You simply enter the ISBN and see all available offers right away.

Let’s take a look at an example. If you’ve been taking part in the Japanese program at DU to improve your language and cultural communication expertise or might have an MA in Asian Languages and Civilizations—Japanese, you must have plenty of Japanese literature and study materials left from your classes. For instance, you’ve long passed N1 and N2, so you probably don’t need Genki 1 Third Edition: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese 1 Textbook & Workbook Set anymore. Let’s see how much you can get for it:

Ok, not much, but let’s add all your Japanese-related textbooks and course materials to the list and get all the offers in one place. Simply enter the ISBNs in the search space separated by a return, space, or comma:

Ok, Japanese books might not be that popular, but still, it’s almost $50:

BookScouter also offers a free mobile app where you can scan book barcodes and get this information even faster. It’s more convenient if you’re a book scout and resell books as a side hustle. If you’re a seasoned reseller, you may consider Pro Tools offered by BookScouter, where you can review the book buyback price history, access the best deals, remove your excess stock profitably, and use versatile book data to improve your sales strategy.

Conclusion

As you can see, Denver has plenty of used bookstores with a trade-in program or those that offer cash. Not all of these places accept textbooks, so we’ve placed these stores separately for your convenience. We hope you find these lists useful. We also hope that you check BookScouter when you consider selling books online.

Whether you’re in Florida, Philadelphia, or Ashburn, we have detailed guides to help you find the best places to sell your used books.

Today, we’ll discuss another location quite popular among students and graduates—San Diego. We’ll also share a list of the best places where you can sell used books and textbooks to local stores and online.

Just like Seattle, which we recently discussed, San Diego also attracts a large number of students every year. There are plenty of reasons for this, and apart from the obvious—great education opportunities—San Diego boasts fantastic weather, the beautiful Pacific Ocean, stunning beaches, and plenty of other stuff that makes it an ultimate destination for college students.

All in all, NCES’s list includes 33 schools and colleges in the city, including prominent examples such as San Diego State University (SDSU). The third-largest in California, it offers exceptional education and “provides more than 37,000 students with the opportunity to participate in an academic curriculum.” It’s also famous for its amazing architecture and fantastic campus grounds. We’ve once mentioned it when we were discussing the 10 most beautiful college campuses.

With so many colleges and students, the city has to offer plenty of places for the latter to concentrate on campus grounds and outside. And it does, as you can learn from our post about the top 11 best study spots in San Diego.

It’s also important for San Diego to have many bookstores that cater to all students and their needs and spots that sell and buy back all kinds of literature. Although finding a bookstore with a selection of great reads isn’t usually a problem, finding a place to sell used books can be hard. In this post, we’ll focus on places that offer a buyback program and discuss brick-and-mortar stores and online services in San Diego.

1. How to Sell Books in San Diego?
2. Where to Sell Used Books in San Diego? Brick-and-Mortar Stores
3. Where to Donate Books in San Diego?
4. How to Sell Books Online in San Diego?

How to Sell Books in San Diego?

Just like in any other place, San Diego offers two options: you can sell used books and textbooks to a physical bookstore (by visiting it in person) or do it online. The choice usually depends on your preferences and the books (genre, condition, etc.).

Where to Sell Used Books in San Diego? Brick-and-Mortar Stores

Bookstore	Books They Buy
Verbatim Books (619) 501-7466 3793 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 Fri and Mon: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.	You can bring up to 50 books to sell/trade without an appointment. Accepted: Recent and classic novels, horror, contemporary romance, SF/Fantasy, decorative antiquarian books, recent architecture, art, photography books in good condition, and children’s board books in like-new condition. Not accepted: textbooks, encyclopedias, damaged books, books with moisture damage, dirty or dusty books, books stored in unsuitable conditions, books that smell of smoke, or hardcover mysteries/suspense novels without their original dust jacket.
Maxwell’s House of Books (619) 462-3387 8285 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942 Tue – Sat: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Sun: 12 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.	Gently used, high-quality goods, “Maxwell’s House of Books wants to help you earn money from books you no longer want.” They pay a percentage on the spot of what they sell your books for.   Not accepted: textbooks, magazines, or books with writing in them.
La Playa Books (619) 226-2601 1026 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106 Mon – Sat: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.	Fine books in almost-new condition for trade credit. House calls for estates of 500+ books. Store credit is typically 25% of what they list the book for. Not accepted Hardcovers without jackets, books with highlighting or underlining, books with loose bindings, smelly, moldy, or water-damaged books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, vinyl, ex-library books, recent/contemporary hardcover fiction, Readers’ Digest books, certain romance and mystery publishers, test prep books, textbooks, Time-Life Books and certain other publishers, magazines.
BOOKOFF San Diego (858) 836-4177 4240 Kearny Mesa Rd, San Diego, CA 92111   Mon – Sun: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.	Used books (and other stuff) for cash. Accepted: Comics, manga, graphic novels, fiction, non-fiction, paperbacks, hardcovers, coffee table books, dictionaries, children’s books (picture/chapter books), audiobooks, Spanish books, and select Japanese books and magazines. No appointment is needed, but a government-issued valid photo ID is required.
Bluestocking Books (619) 296-1424 3817 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 Mon – Tue: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fri – Sat: 10 p.m. – 7 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.	Used books for trade credit (no cash). 50% off of used-book prices. Contact the store in advance.
UC San Diego – Course Materials Center (858) 534-4557 UC San Diego Bookstore, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093 Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun: Closed	Textbooks and course materials in good condition. Up to 50% of a book’s original price during major buyback periods.
Artifact Books (760) 452-4211 1501 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024 Mon – Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Used books, including rare editions, literary fiction, and art books. Contact the store in advance.
Footnote Books (619) 294-8455 1627 University Ave San Diego, CA 92103 Mon – Sun: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Tue: Closed	Selling and buying books and ephemera since 1991. No website; visit in person and check with the owner whether they are currently buying.
Helen’s Book Mark (760) 745-5010 133 E Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025 Wed, Fri, Sat: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Books and puzzles for trade credit.  It’s 95% paperback fiction bookstore and a paperback book exchange established in 1974. Contact the store in advance. Call ahead for large quantities.
Book Place (619) 462-1111 7398 University Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941 Wed – Sat: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.	Gently used books for trade credit. Accepted: Current hardbacks, current bestsellers, Harry Potter books, large print books, memoirs, recent non-fiction and fiction, and new adventure and suspense titles. Not accepted: Moldy, dirty, very old books in unacceptable condition, magazines, Reader’s Digest, Harlequin books, Regency era novels, encyclopedias.
Rare Book Buyer (646) 469-1851 11112 Vista Sorrento Pkwy A209, San Diego, CA 92130 Main office: 1050 2nd Ave #90, Manhattan, NY 10022	Old and rare books, libraries, and estates nationwide. Accepted: Pre-1800 material, fine bindings and sets, important illustrated works, limited edition, fine press books, signed books, illuminated and text manuscripts, as well as scholarly books in all fields and entire libraries. Contact them at WeBuyRareBooks@gmail.com or send photos to (646) 469-1851 for a free evaluation.
Southern California Comics (858) 715-8669 8280 Clairemont Mesa Bl #124 San Diego, CA 92111 Mon – Tue: 10 a.m – 5 p. m., Wed – Fri: 10 a.m – 6 p. M., Sat: 10 a.m – 5 p. m., Sun: Closed	Comic books Contact to arrange an appointment for comic book and collectible appraisals.
Mesa College Bookstore (619) 388-2703 7250 Mesa College Dr, San Diego, CA 92111 Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat – Sun: Closed	Buys back textbooks used in Mesa. Accepts college textbooks, along with a selected list of trade books in good condition. In-store buyback only. No online services at the moment.
Barnes & Noble – Mission Valley, CA (858) 537-0505 Hazard Center, 7610 Hazard Center Drive #315, San Diego, CA 92108 Mon – Frit: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.	Buys back used textbooks and trade books, though the availability of buyback services may vary. Check their Sell Your Textbooks page to understand their current demand.

Where to Donate Books in San Diego?

As you can see, not many bookstores in San Diego accept books (mostly for store credit), and even fewer accept textbooks. However, there are those that accept donations. You can check this option as well. Here are a few places that are not Goodwill, Salvation Army, Better World Books, etc. (though they are great organizations to donate to), but you may want to check out some local brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries in the San Diego area. You can also browse our posts about textbook donations and places to donate used books.

Grace’s Book Nook

10301 Scripps Lake Drive, San Diego, CA 92131

Grace’s Book Nook is a part of The Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library (SRFOL) that exists to support the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. It welcomes “donations of new and used hardcover and softcover books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks. In addition, the Book Nook is happy to accept donations of (unused) greeting cards, intact jigsaw puzzles, educational games, etc.”

Libélula Books and Co

950 S 26th St, San Diego, CA 92113

Libélula Books and Co. claims that it ” hopes to become a learning and sharing space where folx of all walks of life can exist and grow together.”  Its website has a donation page, so you can check it out as well.

Friends of Santee Library

9225 Carlton Hills Blvd #8, Santee, CA 9207

Friends of Santee Library accepts donations in the form of books of all kinds except for encyclopedias, magazines, and textbooks over five years old.

Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library

215 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103

Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox library accepts small book donations: books in good condition, books published in the last few years, fiction and nonfiction, foreign language books, children’s books, young adult books, and textbooks. They do not accept books with missing covers or pages, musty, odorous, moldy, or heavily annotated titles, or magazines older than two issues.

How to Sell Books Online in San Diego?

For those who prefer to do things online, we suggest online marketplaces, such as Amazon, eBay, and Better World Books, as well as online booksellers like SellBackYourBook, eCampus, etc. You can find our advice on how to sell textbooks on Amazon and eBay—our short step-by-step guide in our blog.

Alternatively, if none of the above works for you, you can check BookScouter. Here’s why it might be the best solution regardless of your current location. BookScouter can show you the offers from more than thirty vendors—buyback services and bookstores willing to buy your book wherever you are in the US: San Diego, Seattle, Boston, etc. You can compare offers in seconds and choose the best one to sell your books. Here’s how it works.

Now, imagine that you’re an aerospace engineering major student deeply intrigued by aviation disasters. You’re not just studying aircraft—you’ve watched every Air Crash Investigations documentary from National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Smithsonian, and more, covering the most tragic plane crashes in aviation history. You probably even visit the NTSB’s official website to read reports and get technical information from real accidents (and, of course, check The Aviation Herald daily).

You likely have many books on this topic, including both textbooks and nonfiction. While aviation engineering—and aviation disasters—are quite specialized subjects, BookScouter can still give you a good estimate of how much your copy of Understanding Air France 447 is currently worth in the buyback market. Not much we have to admit, only $1.26, but many brick-and-mortar booksellers may not even accept such a niche title.

However, you can get way more for one of your textbooks. For example, the buyback offers for Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students (Aerospace Engineering) and Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach are almost half of their purchase price (which is higher than most campus offers usually offer):

Also, if you want to check offers for several engineering and aviation disaster-related books at once, you can use the multiple search feature. Just enter the ISBNs in the pop-up window.

You click Add ISBNs and get the price data from all currently buying vendors, with the best offers highlighted for your convenience.

If you decide to sell your copy of Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach to BlueRocketBooks (which has the highest quote so far), you simply click on the price and are transferred to the vendor page, where you can complete the buyback order and receive the follow-up instructions.

You can also use the free BookScouter mobile app to do the same. It’s even more convenient since you can scan book barcodes without entering ISBNs. The app is widely used by students and book scouts who want to sell books online quickly and easily.

Conclusion

As you can see, San Diego offers several options for frugal students and book lovers: there are several brick-and-mortar bookstores where you can sell books, from Verbatim Books or La Playa Books, where you can get store credit to college bookstores like UC San Diego, where you can bring your gently used textbooks. You can also get help from BookScouter to quickly scan all the available buyback vendor offers and sell your books online. The choice is yours, but we recommend considering the latter if you want to earn more.

If you’re not in San Diego or planning to move elsewhere, you might find our reviews of locations and bookstores that accept used books for store credit or cash helpful. Whether you’re in Atlanta, Chicago, Florida, Ashburn, Dallas, Los Angeles, Boston, Denver, San Antonio, or New York City, we have detailed guides to help you find the best places to sell your used books.

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Today, we’ll be discussing Ashburn, VA, and where you can sell your old books in the area. Although there aren’t many brick-and-mortar bookstores in Ashburn that accept used books, we have managed to find a few that mention this option on their website. Also, we’ll give you a few online alternatives. So, let’s take a closer look at places in Ashburn where you can sell used books.

Where to Sell Used Books in Ashburn? Brick-and-Mortar Stores

1. Barnes & Noble

20427 Exchange St, Ashburn, VA 20147

If you want to sell your books in Ashburn, Barnes & Noble offers two options: online and in-store. To sell online, you can go to the Sell Your Textbooks page and simply fill out the buyback form and receive a quote. Then, you ship your books and get paid via check or PayPal. To sell in-store, use the store locator to find a nearby Barnes & Noble in Ashburn and call ahead to see if they accept book buybacks. If you get a confirmation, bring your books to the store for appraisal.

However, keep in mind that Barnes & Noble only accepts textbooks for buyback—in good condition, free from stains, missing pages, or excessive underlined text. So before you go to their store, inspect your books thoroughly and read more about how to sell books to Barnes & Noble’s on our blog.

2. Comic Logic Books & Artwork

44031 Ashburn Shopping Plz #281, Ashburn, VA 20147

Comic Logic Books & Artwork is located in Ashburn and is known for its collection of comic books and artwork. While their Facebook page doesn’t explicitly state whether they buy used books, some indicators suggest that they may accept used items. Therefore, we recommend contacting them directly at (703) 723-1925 or visiting their store at 44031 Ashburn Shopping Plz. Ste 281, Ashburn, VA 20147 to inquire about their buyback policies.

3. Reston’s Used Book Shop

Village Center, 1623 Washington Plaza North Lake Anne, Reston, VA 20190

Reston’s Used Book Shop, located in Reston, VA, a bit more to the southwest, buys and trades used books. They offer store credit at double the value of the cash price for books they purchase. They buy paperbacks at 10% of the original cover price and hardbacks at 20% of the price they will be sold at in their shop, based on demand. They only accept books in excellent condition.

There’s also a list of books they don’t buy: “We do not buy popular fiction, mysteries, or science fiction in hardback once the paperback edition is available.” To sell your books to them, make an appointment in advance and then wait for your books to be evaluated. If they accept your books, you can use your store credit for one year from the date of issue or last use.

4. Books-A-Million

21100 Dulles Town Cir #292, Dulles, VA 20166

Books-A-Million, also known as BAM!, is a US bookstore chain with over 260 stores in 32 states. They sell books, magazines, manga, collectibles, toys, tech stuff, and gifts. They may also buy used books at some of their stores. You can check if your local Books-A-Million store in Ashburn, VA, is one of them by checking the website (find a store locator on their website and enter your zip code). However, we recommend contacting the store directly to learn about their policies for used book buybacks.

5. McKay Used Books

8345 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109

McKay Used Books is a store in Manassas, Virginia. Thought it’s not located exactly in Ashburn, it’s an easy drive if you want to check their wide selection of used books and all sorts of stuff. They also buy used books and more: “We want your stuff! McKAY’s offers cash or store credit for gently used albums, books, instruments, movies, action figures, video games, gaming systems, board games, comics, and more!” You can receive cash or store credit for these items (the amount is not negotiable). If you are interested in selling or trading your used books at McKay Used Books, we recommend visiting the Manassas store.

Where to Sell Used Books in Ashburn? Online Options

If you are looking for where to sell used books in Ashburn without leaving your house, BookScouter can help. It’s an online platform that compares prices from more than 30 vendors, saving you time and effort. All you need to do is enter the book’s ISBN and find all available offers in one place. Then, you can choose the best one, go to the vendor’s page, ship your books, and get paid. It’s a fast and easy process that doesn’t require appointments or visiting bookstores. You also get money, not store credit. So, now you know that you have a great alternative to local bookstores—BookScouter.

If you’re looking for more online options, check out our article on the best places to sell used books. It provides detailed information about online book-selling platforms and helpful tips to maximize your earnings.

We’ve listed a few bookstores in Ashburn where you can sell your books in person. Yet, we’re positive there are more local bookstores beyond the ones we mentioned here. So, if you know of any great places we missed, please let us know on Instagram or Facebook!

Enjoyed our article? Explore our reviews on various locations, like where to sell used books in Atlanta, San Antonio and Denver, or selling used books in Chicago. These places typically accept used books for store credit and, in some cases, for cash.