I somehow managed to not notice this store right next to Krispy Kreme until I'd walked past it probably half a dozen times. Guess I was focused on getting to donuts, but I'm glad I finally noticed it and now I stop in whenever I'm in the area. It's a smallish space, but well organized with a wide selection of genres. It's primarily books, but they also have DVDs and a small CD section. There are a few stepstools scattered around to help you reach the items on the higher shelves which I appreciate as a not super tall person. I find the CD section difficult to shop though, as it's on lower shelves and even with my glasses on it's tricky to read the small type on the cases near the floor. The employees are friendly and polite and always happy to help if you're looking for a specific title. I've only ever purchased here, but they also take items for trade-in, although you need to make an appointment for that. The prices are generally in line with other used bookstores in the area. Definitely sign up for their e-mail list, as they frequently send out discount codes. Unlike some used bookstores I frequent, I don't always leave here with a find, but I often come across a book on my TBR list at a good price. read more

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As with so many other smart used bookstores, they have a "bargain" cart up front with $2.50 for one, 3 for $6. I easily found 3 I wanted within a few minutes, then went back looking in the Middle East section for some titles that might help a subject I'm studying at the moment. The place is laid out very neatly, but the titles are arranged in the careless way that you want and love in a used bookstore, allowing you to dig for treasures on your own, albeit within neatly defined genres. Friendly staff, and they will buy from you by appointment and offer you double the store credit they would offer in cash. May have to stop by again soon. :-) read more

Guy at the desk gave me only $5.00 store credit for four books that were mostly new and cost me at least $60.00. I feel ripped off.

So well organized - it's alphabetical and by genre. Great prices, amazingly friendly staff with good music choices. So many selections, I had to restrain myself. Got 3 books in great condition, 2 paperbacks and 1 hardcover for only $26 total. I can't recommend this store enough. Any book lover will totally adore it. read more

Cathy's Half Price Books - Fiction section at the store - Used Bookstore Near Me - Havertown, Pennsylvania

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Folks who work there are terrific, especially Sophia, great selection nice and quiet old wooden chairs to sit

Love this place! What a gem! Tons of kids books. Great policy on trade ins. Great selection. My personal favorite is the sports and leisure as well as travel section. My kids love the kids section too. Great to see a store that reduces waste in this industry. read more

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I got THREE books for sell that $7!! Insane. The person at the register was also super nice. I love this place; I wish it was closer

A nice local bookstore. I went here recently after a few years, looking for a Father Brown mystery title the store's website showed in stock. No such luck in person. The sales associate checked in their system for me upon request after I checked a few sections. I wound up getting a few other titles and found I still had store credit. Check their website for full details on store credit and what they buy. They were a bit selective when I traded here previously and rejected about one bag out of three I had. Make a call for an appointment to trade; they limit cash payouts so expect store credit which is the norm. Their website has a handy list now by category of items they do/don't take. Very helpful. Convenient location next to Acme, Krispy Kreme and Rite Aid. Entry only on West Chester Pike side. In the Manoa Shopping Center. DVDs and CDs too. read more

Very clean and neat. Prices for some books were similar to buying them new from Amazon but I was able to find one on the discount cart in the front which I'm super excited about. Will definitely be going back! read more

Cozy shop with a varied selection of used books. Fiction, biography,mystery,history,graphic novels, comic books,children, young adult, cooking, crafts, literature,poetry, your getting it a readers dream. Everything is well labeled, the staff super helpful. It was a nice quiet retreat to enjoy while we waited out rush hour. They buy, sell and trade, with appointments for trading. We will return! read more

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I have been in this shopping center dozens of times, and somehow missed the fact that they have a little used bookstore. I very rarely buy new books, so I was so excited to hear about this place. I found a book I planned on taking with me to the beach, but am currently gobbling up right now (it didn't look as beat up when I left the bookstore). They gave me a 20% discount for joining the mailing list. Can't wait to get an email for their offers so I can head back here. read more

Cathy's Half Price Books - Bookstore find! - Used Bookstore Near Me - Havertown, Pennsylvania

If you are a voracious reader like I am, discounted books are a very good thing! Over the years I've been to several stores like this and Cathy's is the best by far. To me there are two keys to her success. Volume- There are many thousands of books here. A lot folks like to read specific genres' and Cathy's has the volume to make it likely you'll find some gems. Organization- This place is beautifully organized! You'll be able to find what you like quickly and easily. Especially in this economy, it's nice to have a place like Cathy's around. read more

Cathy's Half Price Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - Havertown, Pennsylvania

Thanks Yelp for helping me notice this amazing find. I drove past this shopping center a bunch of times and didn't look at the stores. I'm sorry I did not stop sooner I found the prefect cookbook at a super reasonable price. Kids books for my son which he loves The staff was very friendly and helpful. I'll definitely be back to check out the new book arrivals. read more

Cathy's Half Price Books - Down one of the aisles - Used Bookstore Near Me - Havertown, Pennsylvania

I always see this bookstore and peek inside but have never gone in. A book in the window this week finally lured me in. It's so quiet and smells wonderful. A bibliophiles dream. Very quaint. Friendly staff. I perused the T-shirts' and they use old check out cards as price tags. Very nice touch. I almost bought a t-shirt I really don't need just because I wanted the library checkout card. Maybe next time because I'll definitely be returning. My only qualm is that all the foreign language books are spread out throughout the store within the themed sections. Makes for a tedious search. I still plan on going back and bringing a friends! read more

For the price, this cozy bookstore gets an extra star! There are plenty of deals at this place. Also there are many sections of genres which was surprising for the seemingly smallish store. It makes up for it price-wise. I got a book here and hope to head here again soon though to get to Havertown is so off the way for me. Maybe I will make the trek just for this place! read more

I first found out about Cathy's when I tried out for a job as their online inventory consultant back in Winter. I didn't get the job, but what I did gain was insight towards what might just be the best book store in the Philly suburbs (if not PA itself!). Shannon and Cathy are two seasoned readers who know and are dedicated to their inventory from front to back, which is a pretty near impossible thing to do since they have to have thousands upon hundred thousands of books to go through! But they pulled it off to the point where each book is placed exactly where it needs to be under careful consideration. Your probably scratching their head and thinking "isn't it their job McThrill?", and you're probably right. But that detail is so carefully crafted that Cathy's essentially double's over as two stores. Store #1 is the Booker Lover's Paradise, while Store #2 is the Library Of Misfit Books (and I mean that in the best way possible.). And that makes it a store that really takes every kind of reader into consideration, while tossing in some used music and movies as well. As Brad points out the staff are the cool kind of readers who listen to the likes of Fleet Foxes while talking about top five authors all day. And they really know how to guide you to your reading needs. And it has the best prices around, although you probably assumed that already since it has Half Price in the title. Blake's right, Cathy's is indeed a diamond in the rough, which is pretty near impossible to come by in a suburban strip mall! read more

Because of the excellent reviews listed for this shop, I decided to walk the 3.5 miles from my apartment in the hot sun to check it out. Totally worth it. Tucked away in a bustling strip mall, you might not even notice the place at first. However, once you enter, you are transported into the old world charm of a top-notch bookstore. You know that marvelous and rustic library smell? Exactly. The employees were very friendly and knew exactly where to find all of my selections without even consulting the lookup! I walked away with an armload of books for $35--simply unbelievable. I am deducting one star because there is no seating, which, in my opinion, really helps when perusing new books. Also, the aisles are a bit difficult to maneuver when there are several people browsing. I don't see the need to even look for a better bookstore. Great selection, fantastic customer service, unrivaled price. I will definitely be back. read more

Cathy's Half Price Books - This is a view of one of the three main aisles. Super cozy. - Used Bookstore Near Me - Havertown, Pennsylvania

Very happy with the romance selection in this store! I realized I'm a bit spoiled living in Texas in terms of having bookstores with a good amount of romance in stock. This was the only bookstore I went to in the philly area that had a good selection of romance. Highly recommend if you're a romance reader! read more

There is nothing better than a great used book store and Cathy's is one of the best. I love used book stores, but if they're not organized, get easily overwhelmed. Cathy's is organized so well that it's always easy to find something you'll be into. All of their books are in really good condition, and you only wind up paying about a third of the true sale price. You can bring books in at any time to be sold, and they also offer options for trading. They are selective about what they do buy, which I love because it ensures that their shelves are filled with quality titles. I love that they recommend local sites to donate books to in the case that they don't buy everything. Cathy's is a small little store in the corner of a busy shopping center, but is definitely worth a visit. Tip: if you sign up for their mailing list they send daily emails with additional discounts as well. read more

Good selection, reasonable prices, helpful and courteous staff, good location, plenty of parking. If you're looking for a specific book one can just call and see if they have, if they have it they will hold for same day pickup. Hours are convenient, with three evenings, and even Sunday. read more

I can't believe no one's Yelped about this place yet. Alright, I realize it's in a suburban strip mall, but still. Actually, for that reason especially, it is a very impressive place. Super organized, aisles upon aisles of used books at great prices, and a pretty broad selection. Plus CDs and DVDs too -- and they have normal hours! As in, you can go after work and they're still open! Until 9! (except on sundays.) AND they have a search function if you're looking for a specific book. I have found my local spot for books -- finally. Hallelujah! read more

I did a random google search of "the best used book store" in my area, and Cathy's was what came up. After making the trip out there yesterday, i can safely say this was no exaggeration. The store's walls are filled up with nothing but books, which are organized in an easy-to-find fashion. I knew as i stepped into the store and heard Fleet Foxes playing on the sound system that i had found a gold mine. I left the store with 3 new books and my girlfriend left with 2. More likely than not, they will have the book that you are looking for. The staff was extremely helpful, and i'm so glad that a store like this actually exists. I'll be going back soon. The other awesome thing is it's right down the road from Burlap and Bean (my favorite coffee shop!) read more

This place is a diamond in the rough! This charming little used book store always has ample parking, and is never too crowded or stuffy! Everything is sectioned off appropriately based on genre, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to get a full series or set of books while you're there! Everything is always in order and the employees are always polite. The books here are cheaper than most, so if I have something to read for a certain class, I always check Cathy's first. Keep an eye out for great finds, too. Recently found an Alice in Wonderland there from 1964. I checked online, and it's now valued at over $100! You'll truly enjoy visiting this place on a nice quiet Saturday afternoon. It's even located beside a Superfresh, and very close to a Wine & Spirits, so feel free to grab some groceries or a nice bottle of wine after your visit here! read more

This place is flooded with any book you can think of. Literally. I go and look next to the cashier counter, and there is like, 10 unsorted bags of books, and there is always just overflows of books everywhere. They must have like, 3 million books. Name a book, and they probably have it hiding in a corner or something. read more

Always intent on getting in and out of the Manoa Shopping Center as quickly as possible, Cathy's always makes me linger. The bait first comes with sale books located in outside carts. Your gaze then meets with popular, best-sellers or soul-fulfilling classics you've been craving strategically placed in the windows. Your interest, now stoked, lures you beyond the entrance, deep into the store's dark, overstocked shelves. The store is small and crowded, yet has great organization. Best of all, unlike other equivalent shops, all books are digitally accounted for, so even if you do not see your pursuit on the shelves, the clerk can give you some assurance on finding it. Most likely, you will find an unintended treasure just from browsing. Also, unlike other small bookstores, this one doesn't seem to have any agenda in it's book selection. Being that I am partial to non-fiction, specifically religion and philosophy, I am able to find a wide variety of topics (although the majority is Christian). I do believe, however, the store's strength comes from it's extensive fiction selection. Another bonus is that you can bring your books in and have credit added for future purchases. I would call ahead to ask on designated times to do this, since they do not accept books-for-credits all hours of operation. Now that the Border's stores are closing, I hope this place continues to be resource for Havertown and the surrounding suburbs. read more

There is something wrong with their business model. I was going to buy a book online only to see it was their stock. So I drove there to buy it only to find it would cost 110% more in the store. I was wanting to support a local bookstore but it won't be this one. read more

Located in a suburban strip mall where parking is available. They offer new and used books that looks like new. Cathy's made sure that they only accept used books that are gently used. Prices are reasonable, and they even sell used DVD's too. A great place to shop for that book you have been wanting to read. Note: there is no place to sit. read more

Cathy's Half Price Books - Books, DVD's everywhere! - Used Bookstore Near Me - Havertown, Pennsylvania

This is the best book store in the greater Philly area, in my opinion. The selection is vast, the book quality is usually very good, the staff is always friendly, and the prices are as good as you'll find in the area, at $3.50 per used paperback and $3.00 if you buy 4 or more. There aren't enough good things I can say about this place, and I gladly spend a lot of time and money here. read more

Great place to buy books! My 10 year old son reads like it's going out of style...not kidding...finishes a chapter book once every other day! So nice to find a place to buy him the entire series of a book for the price of one or two books of the series!!! Very nicely laid out and stocked as well :) Not much of a return on books that you are selling to them though :( read more

I love it here! The selection is VAST. SO many books of all different kinds. If you're looking for a specific title you will find it. The place is packed to the gills! The prices are amazing- you can get books for a few dollars. You can't beat that. And as an added bonus- the place smells great and plays good music! read more

the manoa shopping center (ie, strip mall) has a rather diverse grouping of stores. superfresh & applebee's are the bookends...between which one can find a cigar store, nail salon, post office, dollar store, deli, bagel shop, dry cleaners, pizza place, sporting goods store, staples, beer distributor, shoe store....and cathy's half price books. cathy's is the diamond in the rough, for sure. sometimes i head to cathy's when i'm looking for a particular title or author. other times i wander in to browse the shelves in search of a "new" find before picking up some groceries next door. i've never walked out empty handed. you can also call them and they will gladly check their inventory for you, or you can search their online store where, from what i have noticed, prices are reduced, so that when you factor in shipping, books are still only half price! oh, and for anyone who's interested in joining the unofficial yelp book club this month - they have 2 copies of the poisonwood bible in stock :) read more

I live around the corner from this store and visit it now and again with my 3 year old niece. I absolutely adore this book store. It's easy to find what you are looking for and the employees are very helpful. Cathy's is truly a gem. read more

I try to stop by Cathy's whenever I'm in Havertown. My daughter loves the $1 children's bin. The books are well arranged by genre and alphabetical order. The last time we visited the store, I left with 4 books for $6.50. They have a great selection of adult books but I think their children's selection is pretty limited. read more

A very nice little used bookstore in the Manoa Shopping Center. Books are carefully arranged with a dandy little subject marker for each one. They do have older titles, but emphasis is on the newer popular ones. They even have two rows of V.C. Andrews books for all you "Petals" fans. Would like to rate them higher, but the staff ignored me each time I was there. read more

I only wish Cathy's were closer to home! Nicely organized with a wide selection. Parking is easy. I do find that they waste space with their DVD section but aside from that, I find this to be a good store. read more

I have been a long time patron of this store and have always loved prowling about the shelves. I found it to be a great source of unique and interesting titles, many out of print, and generally at reasonable prices. Until recently, I found the staff helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about their stock and books in general. That is until today. The clerk I found there today, could not have been more rude or disinterested in assisting me. He did make it clear from the moment I entered, (with a bag of books), that they had reached their cash limit and he would only offer store credit, (which I said was fine). No hello, no good day, no can I help you? His first words to me were, simply "Are you bringing books?" Later he did take the time to lecture me about not leaving the store until he checked in the books I brought, and he was kind enough to admonish me not to remove more than one CD at a time from the shelf as "they are carefully arranged". (In an attempt to read the titles shelved at floor level I'd carefully removed about four or five, bringing them to eye level to read the spines and returned them exactly where I got them. Getting on my knees to see the stock was simply not an option.) What he did not offer was any assistance to find what I was looking for on the shelf I couldn't readily reach. But I needn't feel alone. He also did not offer any real assistance to a woman who was trying to locate a specific book title. While he did confirm to her that the computer showed they had a copy. He offered no more assistance than to give a general direction to the shelf it should be on. In fact, she twice asked him where the book should be as she could not find it. Other than again telling her where he thought it should be, he never offered any further assistance. He never ventured down the aisle to look for it. (Perhaps someone did not respect the shelves he no doubt carefully arranged.) He did keep up with his phone texting. After her second attempt, she told him she can't find it and left. As did I, thinking it a wise decision and feeling I rather complete my Christmas shopping elsewhere. Perhaps someplace where I would not be interrupting someones shout-outs on Twitter. Cathy your current hires are not serving you well. read more

I have met the owners, wonderful people. Seriously some of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. They really know how to hire, too. Staff is excellent, intelligent and well-versed in literature. Prices are unbeatable and location is convenient for me. read more

I am extremely disappointed by the experience I had at this store. I went to purchase 2 books that were new and was going to be charged full price. I was taken aback by this because the name of the store, after all, is "half price" books. In fact, the sign on the store says "half price or less". Then, I wanted to use the store credit I had, but was told that I could only use some of it to get a 20% discount. How is this a discount? If I'm using my own store credit dollars to get the discount, then its not a discount. I ended up buying these books on Amazon for 1/2 the price than this store would have charged me. Very disappointing. read more

could have been organized better and had more deals on buying large quantities of books.

Did anyone ever see "You've Got Mail?" Well, Cathy's reminds me of the bookstore that Meg Ryan owns and where Tom Hanks comes to visit. The quaintness, kind staff, and homeyness reels me in every time. Sure, there's always Amazon, but let's be honest, there is nothing better than spending an afternoon and physically choosing your next read. I hope Cathy's is around for a very long time! read more