I have been going to Bookman's since it opened up. They used to be a lot cheaper, but that was almost ten years ago, so did a lot of things back then. You can still purchase vinyl and cassette tapes, and their selection of off-beat books is unparalleled. Also, it is THE PLACE to buy magazines. Besides the price hikes (mostly on the media) and the increased pickiness and stinginess involved with selling, I definitely frequently recommend Bookmans, if for nothing other than the ambiance (and the lady's restroom). The sales people are nice and helpful and nobody is pretentious at all. A good place if you're looking for obscure books or to get rid of your pile of unwanted books, with maybe some money in exchange. read more

Do I really need to update a five-star review with another one? Probably not. But I am. Most of the remodel of the Mesa store is finally done, and it looks swanky as hell. It's even got that new store smell. Perhaps more importantly, Bookmans took the time to rethink a huge chunk of the store layout during the remodel. Electronics and video games now have a much larger, easier-to-navigate area. Most of the goods therein are now unencumbered by glass. (I do miss the ancient repurposed Nintendo display cases, though.) The DVD section has also been reorganized and it's much easier to find what you're looking for now. All the bookshelves have funky new section signs. The checkout and buying counters are both much larger now, making for a faster buying (or selling) experience. There's also a "Pornoire" (an armoire full of porn) I don't recall seeing before. The idea of used porn kinda creeps me out, but the name's awesome. Apparently at some point the Mesa location's getting a café, too, but that's still "coming soon" as of my last visit. read more

1. Like others have mentioned, you can get a good deal on some used books. I traded in a stack of books that I was otherwise just going to donate and in turn, got a stack of books for my little one. 2. Every worker that I have dealt with has been super friendly. 3. Programming! Free Sign Language classes with an AMAZING teacher, Miss Jessica. Free story time. Banned book club. Pet adoptions?? Yes. And more! read more

Wow... it's just so... BIG! I can't walk through this store without finding at least 5 books I want to buy, and usually also games for my DS or GBA. The staff are helpful and friendly, the selection is HUGE, and the prices are tiny. Trade in your stuff for new stuff or just go buy more stuff, this is the place to do it. read more

I would suggest calling first to make sure they still have the book on hold for you before you make the trek out.

I love the smell of bookstores - new or used it doesn't matter - you can smell the stories in the air. I love to read, and can easily read a book a day, more if I'm sick or it's the weekend. But I hate the cost of new books. That's one of the reason I love Bookman's. First, they have great prices on used books, and a huge selection. There are all the bestselling authors you would expect, but also many hidden gems. They also are very fair with trades. I'll bring in a box or two of books, and while they are deciding which ones to buy, browse the isles. It's very easy to get lost in there for hours, while I go through all the shelves. Most of the books are in good to excellent condition, and by the time they have sorted my books out, I've usually managed to find enough to eat up the earned credit. They also have a HUGE selection of magazines, DVD's and games. The store is well organized, but because it's a used bookstore, also like a treasure hunt. I love to scan the shelves for that unique looking binding (Who cares if I'm judging books by their covers!?!) There are some chairs scattered throughout the store, so you can grab a pile and dig in, to see what you really want to get. About the only thing I don't care for is the random crap they have - knick-knacks and paddy-whacks and random garage sale items. Those take up space that, in my opinion, could be used for MORE BOOKS. I'd rather buy crappy dust collectors at a regular second hand store. They are still interesting to browse through, even if they aren't what I'm looking for. Overall, it's good for your wallet and the planet - recycling books is a winner anyway you look at it. read more

Where has this place been my whole life???!! Books, old school games, music, albums, instruments and much more for a decent price. All are in well condition as they are used products. They test all games before you buy. I wish they had one in west Phoenix! read more

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange - Small part of music section - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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My 9year old son loves to come here and get new books and we always get a new board game too.

A typical trade in store, although bigger than most ive been to. I like this one better than their other locations mostly because the college kids tend to stay out of it so there's actually stuff worth buying by the time i roll out of bed. They have a great literary selection, bad ass blues section, and i always find some random vinyl. My beef with this place is whoever does pricing has NO CLUE apparently how to look up values online. You'll have a brand new re-press going for 30-40 bucks! I love minor threat, but if im gonna shell out 40 bucks its sure gonna be original pressing. Helpful staff, decent return policy, and, on occasion, the fact they dont know the worth of things works out in your favor. (yay body count 1st issue LP for 7 bucks!) read more

Ah, Bookmans, it's an Arizona staple. Warning: All of my Bookmans reviews are going to be very similar! See last paragraph for information specific to this location! Like all Bookmans the selection varies from day to day and you have to rely on the help of the staff (which is awesome by the way) or by searching the bright orange shelves. Prices can also vary from item to item (example: two copies of the same game but one is $5 cheaper is common) so make sure you grab the cheapest one! This Bookmans recently got a huge facelift in 2009. It's better organized and has a cafe in one of the front corners by the magazines. This location has a great electronics section, carrying video cards and various pieces such as RAM and sound cards. read more

Nice sized store, good magazine selection. Didn't have a lot of time to spend but I would return.

Apparently the manager only replies to you if you leave a positive review. Well no wonder your employees feel empowered to harass disrespect and otherwise create a toxic environment. I would have spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on books there this year literally. I am book hunting and reading all of the time. but Bookmams doesn't care about customers or customer retention or loyalty. Just virtue signaling and pretending they care about customers. Those core values on your website are really being practiced I see. So hypocritical. If I was a manager and read that a brand new customer was harassed and threatened by a disrespectful employee I would not only respond but I'd reach out apologize and make an offer to make amends and repair the damage done. Its disgusting that no one cares to address it cause clearly this behavior is supported at Bookmans and Katie only wants to hear when the reviews are great and then she'll reply. Not when her employees lies says they are the manager Harras and disrespect customers and not only ruins your shopping experience on your birthday but takes away your ability to shop at the establishment and enjoy your love of hunting for used books. So disappointing. Don't shop here. They don't deserve your money.. read more

The best used bookstore in Phoenix, at least that's how I see it. Tons of books to browse through, along with magazines, records, and DVDs. They even have a large used music instrument section. If you've never been there, it's worth the trip. Highly recommend. read more

I don't like that the bathroom door is kept propped open at all times. What if I have to take a massive dump and people are trying to read quietly? It makes me uncomfortable and I've never seen any other place have this policy, I do not like it read more

How can you not just love Bookmans? It's remodel has only made it better! I can spend hours searching on books on any subject then find my way to the little cafe for a yummy chai latte. Why not 5 stars? I'm bummed they did away with their request system. It's also really hit or miss with what they will take in trade. I can take the same box of books in one day and they take a few. Next day, they will take a few more. Not quite sure why. read more

Love this place! They have a massive video game collection! You can definitely find some rare titles at this place. The only downside is that their prices are pretty fair and not as cheap as some online stores or eBay. But the great thing about bookmans is you could take unwanted action figures or books and turn it into credit toward more interesting items. It sure beats selling on eBay if you don't want to have the effort in dealing with shipping and fees. Their comics section is pretty interesting as well. I don't know much about the rarity of comics, but I bought a few with some leftover credit I had. Movies are fairly priced as well, but I'm still waiting on a copy of Kung pow! A great thing to take advantage of is holding items. If you find an item you like, but hesitate to purchase, you can hold the item behind the counter for 7 days. That'll give you time to go home and come back the next day with some useless junk for credit toward your held item :) Oh and I guess the books are cool read more

My first time there, staff was helpful, So much to see. My little boys are into games, Pokemon, Minecraft, so this place has it all. Might have to return when I'm alone at actually look at the books. read more

I really like Bookmans. I don't get the chance to visit very often, but each time that I do, I find treasures. There's something about a used book that I just love, and while I have never gone to Bookmans in search of any particular book, I have always walked away with an armful of possibilities. The store is kept clean and tidy and almost has that of a Barnes-and-Noble feel -- different than some other used bookstores, which is part of its luster. I enjoy perusing the shelves and taking my time, and the selection is huge. I find this store to be very inviting! read more

I am a huge fan if Bookman's for many years . Usually I can find whatever obscure title I'm searching for at a fair price. The staff is wonderful and always helpful. I feel I always get a fair deal on my trades. It's sad that the cafe closed, but there is still free wifi Support Your LOCAL business I love you Bookmans read more

As a first-year teacher, I am on the lookout for cheap but good quality books to build up my classroom library. Bookmans appeared to have good reviews, so I drove over half an hour to check it out. I wasn't overly impressed. Aesthetically, the place looked kinda trashy and cluttered inside, and it smelled worse than a Walmart restroom. The Kids' section had multiple copies of popular children's/YA books, which was nice to see (Harry Potter, Twilight series, 39 Clues, Wimpy Kid, etc). They also had pretty much everything I was looking for as far as picture books for Kindergarteners (Eric Carle, Curious George, Dr Seuss, the If You Give a Mouse.. series, Berenstein Bears, Little Critter, etc.) My main problem though, was their prices. The YA books are definitely cheaper on Amazon (if you buy them used, they're usually a couple bucks or less plus the 3.99 shipping if they're not available through Amazon Prime). For example, I was going to pick up one of the Vampire Academies books. I opened it up and it was 9 dollars!!! I can get it BRAND NEW on Amazon for 8.99 with free shipping, or used for 4. Paperback Harry Potters run about 4.50. I didn't check the price of hardcovers but I imagine they're similar to the Vampire Academy books ($9). When I looked at the prices on the Dr Seuss books, I decided to skip those (they averaged about $7 each). I also passed on the Eric Carle books such as the Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear. I don't remember the prices on those but I know I could get them cheaper elsewhere. Curious George books were $2 each, so I grabbed a few of those. Little Critter books were about 1.50 each. If you Give a Mouse a Cookie, If you Give a Moose a Muffin, and those books were about $3 each, so I grabbed those too. Overall, there were some kids paperback books that were cheaper than Amazon, but if you want anything hardcover or fairly popular, chances are it's overpriced. They were even selling books that had water stains, other mysterious stains, or multiple pages that were ripped in half. If you're just getting used books for your child and aren't too picky about the condition, this place is fine, but as a picky teacher who wants books that look fairly new, I had to pass on several books that were on my wish list. For me, this place isn't worth going back to. Also, the cashier clearly didn't want to be there. She was complaining that it was going to be a long day, and when I asked her if I could get a teacher discount, she said I was supposed to sign up online, print out a form, and bring it in, and that I also had to show proof that I was a teacher. I told her I had my school ID badge with me, but she said that wasn't enough; they need something more formal. Really, Bookmans? I don't think I should have to show you my pay stub to get a small discount. She ended up giving me the discount but acted like she was doing me a huge favor. I got a few books for my classroom, but I won't bother going back. I generally fare better shopping on Amazon or keeping an eye on Craigslist and garage sales. read more

Make sure you find the map near the front of the store! This place is a nice little labyrinth to get yourself caught in! Prices area little higher than I am used to for a used book/dvd store, but still great finds! The staff is super helpful! I can't wait to go back and spend a little more time looking around! Yay, books! read more

I went to Bookmans in Mesa, AZ tonight to sell some of my mother's books that I inherited when she passed. This particular store is about a 20 min. drive by freeway, but I have heard they pay the best prices, so I figured I would leave with at least $50. I probably lugged about 50-75 books in to the store, mostly by myself. Many were hardcover, in fairly new condition, by a wide range of authors. The buyer easily spent less than 5 minutes looking through the books, and I honestly don't think he even looked through them all. He told me it would be about 20 minutes, so I started to browse, but I noticed him away from my stack a few minutes into it. He didn't even stick around to talk to me, but let me stand there for about 5-10 minutes until another clerk came by and broke the news to me. The buyer made me an offer of $5 cash for 5 books. I felt very insulted, disregarded, and I definitely wouldn't return to this store to do business, as a buyer or seller again. At the very least, he could have politely explained his reasoning to me and apologized that I had to come out all that way for nothing. Had he done that, I may be writing a positive review about their large selection, yet unremarkable prices. To be completely fair, about 6 mos-a year ago, I was able to sell several hundred DVDs for over $100, so that was good, anyway. Books, not so much. I didn't go to sell the DVD's so I can't comment on the treatment, either. This was my first direct experience with Bookmans, and probably my last. read more

Sad they took away the coffee shop. They are very selective on books they buy. Half price takes more. Like to browse this big store.

Bookmans isn't a bad place, they do have a wide variety of merchandise at a reasonable price but selling to them is just despicable. I live about 20 minutes away from their location and decided to call ahead instead of making the drive.They refused to quote my text books over the phone, but assured me just to bring them in. So, after the 20 minute drive and about 20 minutes of waiting they gave me an quote of $2. I did my research and both my college books combined would be worth $94 in used condition. Don't sell your books to them, just sell them online. read more

This is a huge used bookstore with cd's, vinyl, bluray, dvd's, VHS, toys, posters, musical instruments, songbooks, magazines, knick knacks, etc. you even saw people coming in to turn their used items in for store credit or possibly cash? Some cd's were $6.50 to &8.50, and double that for double cd's. Seemed a little high when you can find them brand new for &9-$12, and about $20 for double cd sets. Movies seemed a little expensive too for used. But, you're probably getting much better quality used than the goodwill store, etc. overall, it was fun to browse around.. I could've stayed another hour or two just to find something that's somewhat hard to find brand new, etc. read more

It's my first time here and this place already rules. So hard. I'm like on a first date and writing a seemingly premature five star review while I'm still on it. This place is a real dreamboat though, you don't even understand. Cheap and plentiful. Totally packing. Seriously, sometimes you just know when it's absolutely right. Damn, he's back from the bathroom. Sigh. Bye. read more

I don't understand what people see in this place. Though it does have a vast selection of books, their trade-in program is a joke. They are overly picky, and don't pay anything in cash. read more

Its hard nowadays to find a place that sells records. Bookmans has a pretty good selection of vinyl. I give them an A-OK rating because if you want to sell them anything they will offer you such a low price for it that it makes it really not worth it. I brought in a good selection of over 50 CD's all in good shape and not too obscure, I saw copies of the same music for sale there. Their offer was a total joke - I could get more money recycling the plastic they were made of. Other than that the place is clean, open late, has a cafe, has a good selection of music and books. There are comfortable seats like a living room and they dont mind if you chill in there and read. It's a bit of a flashback to the 90's but it is overall very cool. Not many places left like this! read more

i like browsing thru bookmans, they collected alot of oldies and goodies from old vinyl records to cd's..etc...the only problem i have with bookmans is there trade-ins i understand they need to make a profit and trust me they do make alot of profit but getting a few bucks when you know they sell it for 10x more than what they gave you i was angry!! heres an example i was watching a kid and his mom turn in a ps2 and couple games, would you believe the pretty much gave them a few lousy dollars or store credit?? like WTF? the mom was shocked and ofcourse the kid didn't no any better, the mom was trying to convince her kid to go somewhere else but the kid ofcourse thru his fit cause he wanted money to go and buy a ps3 go figure...anyways so i can only imagine how many people they have ripped off, sure they didn't have to sell it to them but cmon be fair about it read more

If you sell your Book, DVSs or Movies to Bookman's make SURE you get a ink signed receipt and DO NOT accept a cash register printing as a receipt. The receipt fades and they are more than glad to NOT look up their purchase and act like they could care less that you are out hundreds of dollars. read more

I walked in with the intention of selling a large, monetarily valuable item. I had previously spoken to several staff about it the previous three days before getting approval to bring it in. I have also been in a lot of pain recently, and my schedule did not make this convenient, but I made it there tonight. Unfortunately, they weren't able to offer me anything close to what the item was worth, however the staff were all very professional, and did not treat me any differently due to my circumstances. One gentleman even directed me to an Urgent Care in the area. I will definitely come back, but as a buyer, and I would like to apologize for how aloof and awkward I seemed while in the store. I'm not exactly in my normal state of mind at the moment. Thank you all for staying so professional, and I hope you have a wonderful night. read more

This is, far and away, the BEST used bookstore I have ever been to. Everything is well organized, including the children's area, and everyone is friendly and knowledgeable. This is a large store too. It is probably the largest used bookstore I have been to. They have a cafe too. How many used bookstores do you know of that have a cafe?? Used books don't smell quite the same as new ones but I still love it! A book is a book in all it's glory. I will be bringing my used books here from now on. read more

This place is really cool. It's like half price books but only better. They sell videos games at great prices. If you want DVDs that are somewhat recently released they have some good deals on them. There's a great selection on books and magazines. There's all types of stuff here. I need to come back cause I didn't get to explore everything. I ended up getting 3 Xbox 360 games for $24: Bioshock 2, Quake 4 and Injustice God's Among Us. I will be coming back. read more

I like this place and love the whole store-credit thing or getting paid for your junk. I do not however, enjoy the prices for vinyls. You want me to spend $10+ on a 20+ year old heavy, used, piece of plastic? I'll get those elsewhere. I love the atmosphere though. Bring back the coffee shop! read more

Good place, big variety of everything. But what confused me is the buying and trading. Honestly you just have to get lucky with who is working there. On Tuesday I brought in rough over 6 kpop albums and they were all fairly older groups, the wonderful woman who was working with me said how much people have been asking and even some of the other works knew the groups I brought in as well. But then I brought in newer hotter albums today and was low balled at 10 dollars for almost 8 albums. I brought in groups like bts, Big Bang, ace, etc so it's kinda obvious to me they didn't know what kpop even was. You will have better luck looking at zias for music and kpop(if you like that stuff). Zias always interacts with the costumer and gets some information from them about what they are bringing and the significants of it. Unlike zias Bookmans gives you a wait time and basically tells you to go away. read more

What a disappointment! I used to shop here frequently in the past when I lived on the East side of town. I was looking for NES games and sadly their selection was piss poor. The whole store seemed dirty, unorganized, and just bleak in my opinion. What happened? I won't be returning. read more

I've been going to this Bookman's for nearly 20 years. I used to live in the neighborhood and I was even an employee during the store's grand opening. They've fought an uphill battle in the location they chose - it's a tough area. They survived the closing of Pancho's :(, but with the opening of the Goodwill store next door the whole ambiance has changed. (Don't get me wrong - I love Goodwill stores!) Yet after my last visit my kids and I both felt we didn't need to return any time soon. Somehow the magic is gone. read more

Love Bookman's! Forget spending $5 for a magazine, they usually have current issues for $1.50. I go here for all my daughter's english books and usually save about 75%. She especially likes that since they're used some times there's already annotations in the books that help in class. Bookman's also carries a large selection of musical instruments, video games, and random items. They sponser the occasional event and allow pets in the building. read more

Found some good vinyl today. But Holy Cow was the record buyer a loud mouth. I got to listen to her talk about her old Vcr and other stuff and i wasn't even close to her! Here is a helpful tip SHHHH! read more

What can I say that isn't bad about Bookman's...I have been going to Bookman's for the past twenty years when I first moved to Tucson and then the Mesa store. For me, visiting Bookman's is like chatting with an old friend---always a pleasure! I love their trademark 1970's décor with the wood grain and orange bookcases. I do so enjoy trading books and gallery items for cash and usually I have ended up getting like around $20 from a quick cash trade. Since I'm a Celtic Pagan woman, they are always looking for good not so popular occult books and tarot cards and other small ritual tools. I have traded my entire collection of Pagan magazines for a good price. I also love the cute children's area filled with kid's books and toys. I truly miss their wonderful café but I guess it became too expensive! Previously, you could trade books and items for the store credit trade slip (including the café) for a good lunch, chips, pastries, gelati, coffee and teas, and bottled drinks. It's too bad they couldn't continue the café without taking the trade slips and continue the business like a normal café. Oh well! I do have a hard time leaving the store entirely empty handed. If it's not buying used books with my trade slip, then it's buying a gallery item or two. What a bargain! Please avoid the other used trade-in bookstores. They do not give you the bargains nor have the charm that the real Bookman's has to offer! Thanks for reading! read more