Rick's Recycled Books is the best book store in the city of Rochester. Yes, I know, there's Barnes…read more& Noble in Pittsford, and if you're looking for a Starbucks latte or kid's toys that's a nice place to go too. But if you're looking for an incredible selection of books stacked floor to ceiling. amazing science fiction paperbacks or mysteries, walls of fiction classic or modern, books on history, self-help, the occult, you name it, this has always been my go-to spot. It's wonderful, it's affordable, you can lose yourself for hours there. A real ornament to the city of Rochester. There is one sad thing about it, however. Recently Rick, the founder and owner, passed away from pancreatic cancer. His son Richard has taken it over, but Richard also is facing spinal surgery and will have to close the shop for at least two months if he can't find a replacement to watch the bookstore while he's recovering, or cover the bills. A friend of the shop created a Gofundme page for Richard and Rick's Recycled Books at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-with-medical-bills-and-money-to-keep-my-store The loss of the bookstore would leave a vast, vast hole in the intellectual life of this city, and any reader of this review who can help, should. If only to celebrate the memory of Rick Senior himself, a great guy, and the creator of the best bookstore this town has.

Great place ! Books , Books and more books ! Everything you can imagine . Definitely needs lots of…read moretime to browse. Great value , and Rick is great . I live in Buffalo and i will take a trip there again .

So I finally made it to this bookstore/café and met up with a friend. The first floor is the café,…read morewhile the upstairs is the bookstore. There are plenty of places to sit whether you're alone with a book or meeting up with friends. They sell used books along with a small, nicely curated selection of new titles. The coffee and breakfast sandwiches were tasty, and the staff was friendly. My only gripe is that parking in this area is a complete pain.

This coffee shop is a new find. It was a house renovated into a coffee shop. The lady at the…read morecounter told me their syrups are home made and mochas are the best. I got a coconut mocha which I thought was great! They also have other options like raspberry or cherry mocha. However, the price point is a bit steep. They have a second floor which I believe have books. I didn't venture into yet. I'll be back to explore more.

I visit this shop when I'm home visiting family. It's my favorite gem in Rochester. The selection:…read moreunique, lovely, and interesting books! The prices are reasonable. I also enjoy chatting with the owner and seeing the cat, whose name, I think, is Rex.

book selection was limited, and when you walk in door you get hit be the stench of canned cat food…read morewhich is ironically right by your feet. the place itself was dirty too.

Met Ken and really loved this place. I bought a few things and he wrapped them to protect the dust…read morejackets for me. Pricing was quite fair!

I had no idea this place was here! Apparently the owner, Ken, has just taken over the larger space…read morefrom previously being in another part of the building. It's already jam- packed full of used books, with a few cases of rare finds as well. It's not dirty and dusty... yet. I mean, how can bookstores like this even hope to stay clean. LOL. I was there coincidentally when a book reading for a local author was about to start, which Ken plans to make a more regular thing. I will definitely be back.

Writers and Books is a wonderful non-profit literacy center dedicated to promoting reading and…read morewriting. They have a book store on site and host workshops, and events with authors in person. The building is quite large and has on site parking with a back lot. I was very excited to learn of a free event with graphic journalist Joe Sacco. The event was free and I found great value in the conversation with Joe Sacco and Daniel Worden. I learned a lot about the authors body of work and felt it was a great evening focused on the arts. I also learned Writers and Books hosts events like this throughout the year and brings authors to the Rochester area to discuss their works. As previously mentioned, The book store had new and used books, including books by the visiting author available to purchase and have signed. I also enjoyed an interactive typewriter display where you can type out a line and add to what others have written before you. A wonderful organization with a worthy cause, I hope to attend more events in the future and visit the bookstore when in the area.

Great workshops and events that encourage people to write and publish. Have been to poetry readings…read morethere, and I think it's a great place for students and teachers.

Do I love an independent bookstore? yes, yes I do. This place was amazing and did not disappoint…read more It is loaded floor to ceiling with books and book related items. They seemed to highlight their LGBTQ+ selections- not sure whether it's because its the end of pride or whether that's the norm, but I'm here for it! In addition to a wide-books, they also had lots of gift items- candles, sealing wax, stickers etc. I was truly enamored by the whole vibe. I also hear that they are part of a book crawl which sounds absolutely delightful! Wish I were a Rochester local to participate!

Having completed the Rochester Book Crawl, I can confidently say this is one of the best bookstores…read morein Rochester. They have a great range in book selection, lots of unique bookish merch, and place emphasis on inclusivity. They have mandatory masking on Wednesdays, which I think is a great idea and is a super inclusive way to make book browsing safer. Prices are fair, and the booksellers are helpful and nice. I've had a good time during both of my visits and definitely plan to come back!

This place is enormous! I've seen some big B&N's but not like this one. They literally have…read moreeverything from music, to games, to gifts for the reader and even a used book section. Of course as a member you get a discount and I've always felt the prices are reasonable. Everyone is so helpful and sweet.

Came in during the 25% off sale. I was looking for a specific book but it was out of stock…read moreunfortunately. I got put on the wait list. I was able to find some other things and it didn't downgrade my experience. It was busy and the lines moved fast. The cashier was friendly and efficient. This is a beautiful book store with two levels.

If I am looking for a book, I can easily email the owner and have him keep an eye out for one that…read morecomes in. I enjoy the fact that he doesn't mark the books up out of my price range- I buy used because I cannot always afford to get new books. Some of the books I've purchased there are nearly 100 years old, but still in excellent condition. Every interaction with the owner has been both pleasant and helpful, too!

I came in looking for a specific boom and unfortunately couldn't find it but found plenty of other…read morebooks I've been interested in reading. It feels about overwhelming at first, but there is organization in the chaos and easy to identify where everything is, as long as you're entering the aisles through the front. The books also seemed to be priced reasonably as well. Definitely a future first stop if I'm browsing!