Someone here does not care about his job. Now this is usually not true about the Bookman's employees I have encountered over the years. Maybe it is because he is old...or just had a bad day. He did not even glance at all the trade I was bringing in...before flat out telling me no. As I said..this is usually never a problem. Yet I always visit the 19th ave location because it is closer. So for a change of pace we sometimes visit this location. I always seem to find something here....actually found 2 items I have been wanting. But changed my mind on after the issue at the trade counter. read more

This store used to be on top of the world. Nothing could stop it! Now, they don't have many good things. They've started taking in musical instruments, probably as an act of desperation in getting rich fast. I sent in probably 30, 3 feet tall boxes full of items in my 18-year-long tenure coming to Mesa Bookmans, and the amount they give me gets less and less with each time. Perhaps $450 worth of videos, made me $75 at this place last week. They don't have much on the side of video games. It's the same old gig every time. A very very very common Playstation game was locked up in display for $25, for a greatest hits version, while I have 10 copies of the same game, BLACK LABEL (Which is like a "first edition" for video games). If you want video games, don't come here. Overpriced, and understocked on the classics. If you want instruments, have fun paying $500 for a heavily worn out drum set, that doesn't even have a working snare. The list goes on and on. read more

They give you very inn-accurate time frame when you go up and sell things to them. They dont prioritize you or your things. I have been here longer than they have said.. to be exact about 20 minutes then they said. Bad service read more

I like Bookman's. Nice place to leisurely look at books, magazines, CDs, & DVDs. It's big, you can easily spend and hour plus in here. They don't rush you out. Good prices too, many of the Books & CDs are used, so get that novel you want lightly used for like $5. Located right next to the Goodwill. Cheap date idea; Bookman's / Goodwill shopping.. can burn 2-3 hours between both stores and not spend too much. Excellent consumer therapy on a budget. Bookman's...I love it. read more

I just took my last load of stuff to Bookman's. The sorter pulled out WELL over $200 worth of books and offered me $8. Now, I understand it's a business and they need to make money, but even on the low end and calling it $200 worth and they sell it at half price, they offered me 8% of their intended sales price. Ridiculous. This is the exact reason I procrastinate in taking my stuff in. No more. I'll save myself the time and effort, not to mention the insult, and just donate my stuff from here on out. I don't need $8 that bad. That and I still had to lug a box of books home so it didn't help declutter any either. As for purchases, it's real hit or miss. I maybe find something every third trip there. I imagine it's because the people with the worthwhile material don't want to accept pennies on the wholesale dollar either. My opinion is screw that place. I'll buy books off Amazon and donate them when I'm done. read more

Called ahead to see if they had a Wii in stock. Was for my sons birthday. They did and I came in with my sons. Waited by the video games but could not find anyone to open the case. Went to a cashier and asked for help. There was nobody in line behind me and my kids. Cashier says "You have to go find someone." I say "who? I don't even know who to ask." All the workers appeared to be tied up with new inventory/exchanges even though there were tons of people in the video game area. He says "just go find someone I can't help you" a couple of times and I walked out. I don't know if this is routine procedure or not. If you don't need anything from a glass case you'll probably have a good experience here. read more

I needed to get some older computer games that are no longer sold in regular stores, and I didn't feel like ordering online so I came to Bookmans hoping they had used copies. Not only did they have the two I wanted, but they were $8! That's awesome. Then on my way to the checkout line I noticed a decent vinyl section and found two great records for $15 total. I was on cloud 9. Nothing negative to say, this Bookmans has it in the bag. read more

I think this place has undergone a recent renovation. It looks pretty nice, but I kind of miss the old, homey Bookman's of my childhood. I've been going here since I was a kid, trading in and finding books. There is always something here, although I've found that looking for something specific is often fruitless. It is great for wandering around, picking out hidden gems and wasting away an afternoon. Bookman's is the best for trades, though they can be picky - my normal technique is to take books to Bookman's, usually take B trade for them, and then take the remainder to Half-Price Books (at Half-Price, they take everything but pay pennies for it). read more

I was very surprised to see that the prices at this establishment were a lot cheaper than what I usually pay for books from Amazon.. The selection here is vast and ranges from books to music to tchotchkes I really enjoyed the children's section as I am always looking for new titles Bookmans has a ton of classics The employees were all very friendly and helpful... The two guys that were working in the book sell/exchange section s The next time I need a book for school or for my own personal joy, I will check Bookmans before Amazon... schooled me on the Bookmans operations... read more

Hands down one of the best bookstores! The trade counter has come in handy from books to dvds. I did buy a cybershot camera storage disk once and had to return it because it wouldn't load in my camera. (huge error message) I returned it and I HATE returning things! The saleman was extremely nice and gave me back my money without me having to show him what my camera said. He told me it happens and they buy the items at a risk, but he was just as bummed as I was considering neither of us benefited. I tell everyone I know that needs to sell or is looking for something to go here, and they usually have good luck with it. read more

This is a big store with a wide selection of books, magazines, music, decoration, household item, etc. Prices are ok. They're slightly cheaper than new but really expensive compared to what they pay for items. If you buy something for $10 they probably paid less than a dollar. If they sell you a magazine for $6. e.g., they probably paid 10 cents or a quarter. The reason I'm writing this review is to let you know that Bookman's will give you virtually nothing for your stuff. You're better off taking everything to Goodwill and using a tax write off. Here's what happened to me. I called them first and asked if they'd take my books. They said yes as long as there's no writing in them and they're in good condition. I asked them roughly what they pay and they wouldn't answer. I was told to bring them in and they'd give me a price. So I boxed up 6 large crates of books. Most were in like new condition or brand new and the average price new $15-20. I drove 5 miles to their location. They wanted me to bring all the stuff in. Because the crates were heavy, I gave them one crate and asked them to me to give them a price on one crate first. An hour later they offered me 50 cents for one book and $1. for another. They wouldn't take the other 50 books. I had brought them about 300 books total. So I took all my books back home and refused to sell them the two they wanted. I was ticked. I wasted a couple hours of my time and my gas for nothing. I think everyone should know that Bookman's pays next to nothing for the items in their store and worse yet, they won't take most of your stuff. This means that after waiting a long time for them to price your items, you'll probably need to take almost everything back home. To let you know, they did offer to pay me a little more if I wanted store credit. So if you like exchanging items and don't mind paying a large premium and you have small light weight items that are easy to take back home if they don't want them, then Bookman's might be the perfect store for you. Personally I was not happy. If they only pay 50 cents for a $20 book and reject most of the books, then I should have been told that on the phone. All they did was waste my time. read more

Super selection of hard cover and paper back mystery novels. Shelves are well organized and I had to problem looking for authors and books that I am interested in. I also looked in the video game section and they had a fairly good selection of PS3 games. I sold them four PS3 games and got a fair price for them that I used to buy new books . The staff is friendly and they make an offer on your items very quickly. If they are not interested, they bag them up for you. I certainly will bring more stuff to them to sell and buy more used books. read more

This is a sprawling used/new bookstore/flea market/Atari games/scrapbooking supplies/used electric guitar store that plays Led Zeppelin and the Beatles over the intercom. I would say it's in a former Kmart so it's sprawling, let's just say they have a map to guide you. I was looking for something pretty specific and they had a few things I might've bought but the prices were just more than I thought fair. Coffee table photo books from the 90s for $32? My 10-year-old was very happy with the place, he bought some used super hero-figures in Plastic bags for two dollars each. We had to get a key from the desk it to open up the little display case they were in. This place was pristinely organized, not a book out of place. Very nerdy but knowledgeable employees. I would've bought more than the $1.50 magazine I bought if the prices were more like Half price books. read more

It's cool to be green! Take your books, DVDs, Cd's and yes even tapes to Bookmans to exchange or cash out. I like the idea of "recycling" things and making it affordable for someone to buy my once treasured CD. Take a browse around the store and check out all the cool one hit wonder tapes. The store is very clean and well organized making it easy to find whatever it is you're dreaming of. It's always an adventure! There's even a little cafe in the corner should you get tired of browsing and did I mention free WiFi? read more

What is there to say except "I heart Bookmans!" I'd been going to Bookmans for years, starting in Tucson and then when I moved up to Phoenix. This location is huge, really nice inside, with a massive selection of books, movies, games, etc. There's a great little cafe with pastries, coffees, teas and smoothies so you can grab a snack while you surf on the free wi-fi or sit and read. This place really does have it all, and the staff is always very knowledgeable. There are requests forms you can fill out if by chance they DON'T have what you're looking for. You can also place items on hold for 5 days, so you can wait til payday and still make sure you get to take home that treasure you found. I'm a sucker for classic musicals and I generally can't find them anywhere but here. I think the majority of my musicals I've gotten at one Bookmans or another. It's worth it to take the time and look through the books and movies, because you never know what you're going to find. Go check out the random knickknacks and doodads scattered about the store. Vintage toys, sets of china, vases, picture frames, artwork... And if you bring in your own stuff to trade, you get credit. The only thing that does kind of suck is they're always lacking on the Wii games. But that's not necessarily their fault. If people don't get rid of their stuff, then they won't have it. Another big plus is that they allow pets... on a leash. So bring in your pup, ferret, cat, whatever and have your best friend with you while you browse and have a coffee. It really doesn't get much better than that! read more

They have a great selection of books, I can usually find what I am looking for (as long as a movie hasn't just been made about it). The music selection is good too but not as reliable. They also have video games and used systems, you can find some real gems since they still carry past gen games unlike a lot of other game stores. They recently remodeled and the place looks better than ever (and easier to figure out. One of my favorite parts of this place has always been the fact that they have immaculate bathrooms. They are so nice, especially for Mesa! The people here are great, they are always helpful, the only problem is when they are already helping someone it can be pretty hard to navigate all the sections to find a boko by yourself if you don't already know where it would be. They have great reccomendation areas where I have found a lot of books I didn't know I would like. They also usually have a great selection of DND books! since the new version came out it has been more sparse but while 3.5 was coming out the new books were usually there a month or so after release which was great. read more

This place has EVERYTHING. Their gaming section is great. Staff is nice. I took 6 boxes of books, dvds, records and VHS today and they took a lot of it. I was excited when they said $250 in store credit...but less excited when they said $80 in cash. REALLY? $250 to $80? Not even $100? And I'm moving to another country so I can't take store credit. Anyway, other than that, it's great, especially if you want store credit. read more

I really like Bookmans, especially since they took a lot of my VHS that were just sitting around taking up space. And they gave me a lot of credit for it. I can usually find a book to buy with that credit. I do wish that their electronics section was a little more expansive... but I know it all depends on what people trade in. Anyways, I'm a fan. Glad to support a local bookstore instead of a chain. read more

No one's written about the cafe yet, so I am going to do so! Simply put, this is the best coffee in the world. I know, I know: *everyone* says this about their favorite coffee shop, but in this case, it's true. They use Intelligentsia as their coffee supplier, which is some premium stuff, and the beans are always 9 months from having been harvested or even fresher. Honestly, I dunno how much of a difference the age of the beans makes, but SOMETHING in this coffee is amazing. I've compared this to the proposed "best coffee in the world" in Tucson, and this is leagues above. Seriously, try this coffee. Their food is pretty good as well. Nice solid selection of sandwiches, a few side salads, some good pastries and gelato (I'm not a big fan of gelato, so I can't vouch for the quality of it, though). They also did a lot of work on the layout of the place. The cafe is roomy, with plenty of seats for reading, free WiFi if you have your laptop with you, and a magazine section right next to it if you want to do some light browsing while waiting for your order. It also has great lighting and a really good atmosphere overall. Now, on to Bookman's proper: it's Bookman's. Cheap books, cheap video games, cheap consoles, cheap hardware; there's some stuff that you can't find anywhere else (not a lot of places sell old PC games, for example). They have a good return policy, cool people, and you can trade in your stuff if so inclined. read more

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I took in a lot of items, most were new and sealed yet they only offered pennies on the dollar. If you are in desperate need for some cash, then I recommend them but if you want to sell your items for what they are worth, then OfferUp is far better. read more

You can always find something interesting at Bookman's. My family and I like to trade in old books for store credit and pick up new books. They also have electronics, games, toys, puzzles, music instruments, etc. It is a great way to de-clutter your home! read more

This is the nicest Bookman's location I've been in. Extremely clean, with a number of readily available employees who seem to genuinely want to help you track down that one fiction book you read about in that one magazine once upon a time. The vinyl collection, while very small, is full of new and rare goodies, and tend to be in good condition. Even the magazines are in great shape! No sticky pages, or dog ears. The downside is the size. By far the smallest location I've seen, and that is most visible in the limited collection of fiction books. read more

Great selection of books, music, movies, video games, board games, musical instruments, and random unique little knick-knacks and trinkets. Staff is friendly. Bookman's will buy your books & media, yet I find that Zia offers me more money for my items. Definitely crowded on the weekends...check it out on a weekday. read more

I've been to Bookman's a fair amount, both selling and buying. On the selling side, sure I feel a little stiffed, I know that the books I sell to them are sold at twice the amount. However, those are books that I know I no longer want, and are simply taking up space on my bookshelves. Selling them to Bookman's gives me a chance to recoup some of the initial cost, and also gives me an excuse to browse around and acquire other books. The only reason I'm not giving Bookmans a full 5 stars is because... well... I'm somewhat of a snob... and I wish I didn't feel such a compulsion to clean myself whenever I walk out of there. read more

I have been a fan of Bookman's since high school when I got my entire Senior AP reading list for about $50. It was about 100 books. That was a while ago, and justifiably their prices have gone up a little bit. Bring your old stuff, they will sift through it, hand some back and give you a credit slip for store goods for what they keep. Good deal for crap you just have collecting dust in your place anyway. They just added a coffeehouse recently and I am impressed with the quality of all of their coffee. One gripe (and the reason this local AZ business doesn't get my 5th star) is that they use an out of state roaster for their coffee. The coffee is good, but there are many many talented roasters here in the CenPho area who would be more than grateful to get a piece of that AZ pie too. Just food for thought since Bookman's was founded, and thrives due to AZ cash, maybe spread the love to other AZ businesses. Other than that I love the place. read more

Yes, I'm a local business mark so let me preface this review with that. The only reason this particular location isn't getting five stars is because it is in an absolutely terrible location. Sandwiched between a Goodwill and an automotive title switcher you are bound to get some horrible smelling/acting customers. Ignore these oddities and you'll find yourself faced with a giant powder keg of nostalgia waiting to blow up in your face. Nintendo 64, Super Nintendo, Sega Saturn, Laser Disc, Beta Max, Old Action figures, CDs, Ancient Magazines, and all the books you can possibly imagine. There also exists a charming cafe where you can relax and read said books, play with said action figures, and peruse issues of 'Wired' from 1994. A really great place to take your children as well...provided they act like civilized animals and not just wild ones. read more

A fun place to look around...lots of fun stuff including vintage toys,video games n ststems,lots of books,DVDs and homemade looking crafts n jewelry Check it out. My kids love to go there read more

50/50 here. I walked in with probably 120 books. They were only able to 'accept' about 20 of them and offered me either 90$+ for in store credit or 11$ cash. Since I'm moving out of the country, 11$ is all I got. I don't know how that works, 90$ is suddenly 11$. The books they didn't 'accept', would be donated to the prison and given as reading material for the inmates. Looks like they will be reading Skinny Bitch and decorating tips books! read more

Bookmans is a nice place to read, Where you can buy a toy that you really don't need, Where wifi is served along with lots of coffee, Where some go to find the stacks of anime. The staff are ok, if not sometimes harsh, And you can bring pets here, Instead of the park I've taken my birds, they don't need a leash, Unlike some customers..(the adults I mean) Trade, buy, look, or sell, I've enjoyed my times there, I can honestly tell, So much to see, and not just in books, Music, movies, go take a look! At this place you never know, What you might find, To you from me...stop on by :) read more

Shout out to my g Emily at the cash register today. Was SUPER helpful and nice. Had great customer service ! Experiences like this make me happy to return :) read more

Had a great experience in there being my my first time. Conner is a great employee and really made it awesome! I'll be sure to come back!!

Ripped off! They are theft! They gave me $5.00 for Batman comics book about death of Robin! They sell it for $100 for 4 set and Captain America death for $5.00 and they selling more and profit! Beware they're rip off on any comics books! I will NOT going to there anymore! Stealing my money!! read more

Amazing selections of all kinds of entertainment materials. Employees are interesting and always willing to help. Fun store to visit.

This place is very different from most stores out there. Books, DVDs, video games, books, comics, toys etc. they have everything! Buy sell and trade your stuff for other stuff. What a great store and an Arizona institution. The staff are great, the prices are decent and the store is just as great last week as the last time I was there six years ago. read more

Oh, Bookman's...you clean up nice!!! The facelift Bookman's received recently is A-mazing! It is organized, clean, ...did I say organized? It is so easy to find the cashier, exchange, cafe, kid's area, etc. I LOVE it! Plus, the entire store that day smelled like BACON. I guess BLTs were on the menu that day. I brought some items in to trade (actually I needed the cash). So while I waited, and enjoyed the scent of smoked pig in the air, I browsed the various sections of the store. I was very impressed at the organization of the store. During my trade, I found they offer about 1/3 the cash versus the amount they will give you in credit to the store. I took the credit. I will spend it in more books. Or maybe I will try the BLT. P.S. They give teacher discounts, but you must have your ID, plus a letter on school letter head stating you are currently employed as a teacher. Wow, they are getting tough on those teachers! LOL. read more

I really liked visiting Bookmans.. crazily enough, I've never been here before! I enjoyed their store and cafe, though I was disappointed that their cafe employees TOTALLY forgot about my latte :(. No big deal, but hopefully when I return again, this isn't repeated. The cafe is great for just chilling with a book and a drink/sandwich, or surfing on your laptop, or, like us: great for boardgames! They have a VAST selection of THINGS at this place - VHS, DVDs, books, CDs, board games, video games.. the list goes on! I would shop here just to get away from the big-box stores like B&N, etc. read more

I'm not gonna lie, I'm not the biggest bibliophile in the world. I'm a college student who only reads for pleasure during summer and winter breaks. Though I have purchased books here, the main attraction for me is the music. Although their style of organization has changed a bit in the 5 years that I've been going here, their vinyl and CD selections are pretty damn good. Their quality control for everything they sell is really impeccable, so that might explain why on several occasions where I tried to sell stuff here, they only took a fraction of it.... That aside, the store itself holds a special place in my heart. It's like a crossroads of culture. You see grandmas, gamers, metalheads, comic book people, children, and a ton of other varieties of people. The place is well lit, nicely maintained, and I always see weird and interesting items that I may not buy, but I'll look at them and have a "hmm" or a chuckle. The staff is usually pretty friendly, but it largely depends on the person. Backtracking a bit to music, it's on my list of stores I visit to buy records and I've found some real gems here. I actually bought my first two albums ever here, 5 years ago when I first started coming. So all in all, whether you're a book person, a movie person or any other connoisseur of art/culture, you'll find something worth buying here. Also they have a major advantage over most record stores: a bathroom and a water fountain! read more

Edited - Everything below still stands, except loss of star for their used board games. We have purchased several over the years, but recently received a game with nothing but cardboard in it and rocks. What?! I hope they check these more thoroughly in the future, but we will not be buying any used board games from them anymore. Such an awesome store! Lots to look at, something for everyone - video games, instruments, board games, and of course lots and lots of books! They offer cash or store credit for books. Friendly, quick service. Clean store that is well organized! Would highly recommended! read more

Cheap books and everything else. You also get to check out people out so that is a plus. Staff is fun and helpful and adding the cafe was a great call. I still love Changing Hands but Bookmans is on their heels. read more

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I aways love going to Bookmans they have a book, CD, video game, DVD, magazine, or some random item for everyone. I have never left their empty handed and everything is at a good price. In case you didn't know, most everything at Bookmans was owned by someone else, but everything is in good to excellant condition. It would be safe to say that Bookmans is a "green" store recyling all those books an magazines. One of my favorite things about the place is the magazines. They have a large selction of used magazines with the "Current" month for only $1.50 a copy for most. Love it!!!! In case you get thirsty they also have a cafe & free wiFi. Remember their logo "Reading is not a Crime" read more