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1BookaholicFromBirth
Mar 4, 2011, 6:24 am

Hey there everyone! I just moved to San Diego, and I was hoping for some input on which book stores are the best. You know, those little hole-in-the-wall gems that you really only find by happenstance or word of mouth. Any advice appreciated, thanks in advance!

2Keeline
Mar 4, 2011, 1:39 pm

For used books start with Adams Avenue Books in Normal Heights (92116) and Maxwell's House of Books in La Mesa (91941).

If you are interested in genre fiction such as mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, and horror, see Mysterious Galaxy in Kearny Mesa.

There is a San Diego Booksellers Association with a web site and brochure listing member booksellers (used and new). Most member sellers will have copies of it.

As with all cities, we don't have as many used bookstores as we once did. Adams Avenue had up to a dozen in the 1990s in a short space of blocks during the time I was managing The Prince and the Pauper Collectible Children's Books (1988-2000).

James Keeline

3PokPok
Mar 4, 2011, 3:25 pm

I would also recommend Book Works in Del Mar. They are right off the 5 freeway, at Flower Hill Mall (Via De la Valle exit). In that center is also an independent theater, a decent coffee shop (attached to BookWorks, but a separate company) and Milton's Deli, which is fabulous.

Lisa

4pinklady60
Mar 4, 2011, 8:38 pm

For used books, I like the Friendly Book Store in Santee. It's in the same strip mall as the Santee Library and is run by Friends of the Santee Library. All proceeds go to the library.

5ronincats
Mar 4, 2011, 9:22 pm

Other used books stores:

Nita's at College and El Cajon Blvd, in the Von's center
One next to the Ross Dress for Less on Lake Murray Blvd just west of Jackson

I really miss Wahrenbrocks as well as all the stores along Adams Avenue--I loved browsing in The Prince and the Pauper.

6Keeline
Mar 5, 2011, 9:24 pm

The first one in >5 ronincats: is "Nina's Books".

Which stores are best for you >1 BookaholicFromBirth: depend entirely on what kind of books you want to find and buy. For modern fiction and paperbacks the various library donation shops and paperback exchanges are great. If you want hardcovers or something special then that requires a different kind of store. If you are looking for new books that can't be easily found elsewhere, to browse for instance, then a new independent store is great.

Location of a store is also important, of course. If you are in Escondido, a couple store recommendations in Hillcrest may not be that useful to you. So, BookaholicFromBirth, tell us what you seek. I did just glance at your library and note that about 45/946 are books we have in common.

James Keeline

7BookaholicFromBirth
Mar 23, 2011, 2:54 pm

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

As far as specifically what I'm looking for, I guess I'm just looking for somewhere with used books in any genre in decent condition and fairly priced. I love reading and am constantly on the prowl for new authors, genres, etc. so I'm not too picky there. Somewhere with a friendly staff eager to recommend authors or books, preferably close to La Mesa. I'm relying on the trolley for transportation for the forseeable future, so it would be great if there was a store near a station but that's a bit much to hope for so I'm not ruling out any that don't fit the criteria. Back home I went to flea markets a lot and got many of my books that way, as well as Goodwill and garage sales. You never know what you'll find, and I love stumbling across an author I've never heard of or a book I never remembered to pick up and giving it a chance. I have a young child, so I haven't been able to read as much lately as I'd like to, but with a military husband I'm looking to fill a lot of long, empty hours with a few good books.

Thanks again, everyone!

8Keeline
Mar 24, 2011, 1:56 am

Well, then, if you have not visited them already, start with Maxwell's House of Books on La Mesa Blvd. It's near the trolley stop on the South side of the street. However, if you are in La Mesa, you probably don't need to use the trolley to get there.

I can't think of any stores which are super close to a trolley stop otherwise but some more thought might come up with one or two. How far from a stop can it be?

James

9bestem
Mar 24, 2011, 3:08 am

With a young child, you should definitely check out Yellow Book Road, which is in La Mesa.

There's a Goodwill in Downtown San Diego, across from City College, maybe 5 blocks from the trolley stop, that has a "book loft." They converted their entire top floor to books and other forms of media. Take the Orange Line and you're right there. I'm not sure about other book stores near the trolley stops, but public transportation throughout the metropolitan area is pretty good, and you can use your day tripper or bus pass on everything. Mysterious Galaxy has a 120 bus stop near it, there's 3 or 4 independent or used book stores between 5th and University, and whatever's a block south of University, which has like 7 different bus routes running past it. The 11 will go down Adams Avenue, and pass the few used bookstores that are left on that street.

10BookaholicFromBirth
Mar 25, 2011, 6:51 pm

Thanks a million everyone! I know what I'll be doing this weekend. :)

11bardsfingertips
Mar 28, 2011, 6:53 pm

Gosh, I have not been to this group in a very long time, so it is nice to see this thread get posted :-)

12mlpicou
Mar 28, 2011, 8:13 pm

If you are ever in San Marcos, check out Cassidy's on Grand Avenue. He's mostly used - of all genres - but has some new too. Tom is a really nice guy!

13mlpicou
Ago 1, 2011, 3:25 am

I am so impressed with the Carlsbad Library Summer Reading Program! And apparently it's not just for kids. I'll let you know. I'm reading "One Year Off" by David Ellliot Cohen. (Leaving it All Behind for a Round-the-World Journey With Our Children.)

I'm to report on it when I finish.

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