Incredible vibes and this bookstore! I feel lucky that I can pop into a place, see what is new in books, what gifts are available and pick up a quick and unique gift for a friend. Tons of buying options and a full range of reads from classics to modern authors. read more

Changing Hands feels like small town bookstore. I love buying gifts here, and the store itself is charming and full of fun and quirky things. This particular store is connected to the Wildflower restaurant. It would be wonderful if Changing Hands, Tempe started carrying more merchandise made by local artisans. Otherwise, you could get lost in this place for hours, and I highly recommend it! read more

I've been a solid customer at Changing Hands since there was only one store on Mill Ave in Tempe. Many a hot summer day was spent sitting on the stairs down to the basement reading my selections for purchase. There was an upstairs, too. Not very big, but the books were so engaging that that every level had to be visited. It was a collective business at that time with employees active in decisions and several "owners". Now there are 2 big modern stores filled chuckablock with books, cards, magazines, and wonderful gift items and T-shirts. I always check out employee favorites and recommendations on the southern wall. Try not to be in a hurry (unless you're just picking up you order)-rather relax and check everything out! Have fun! Find the perfect book, card........ read more

Im a HUGE reader and i always look gor thrifted books. I am so shocked that this place has so many 5 stars reviews. I went in there the other day to check it out. I love thrift stores! Key word....THRIFT....second hand right? Book prices at this place were INSANE for a USED book store. I mean even brand new book were waaaaay over priced! The cheapest book I saw was 8.50 and that was an old beat up one. Used books costing $17-30 is literally INSANE! New books....sure....but not used! A book I wanted was used and they were charging $20 when I could get it NEW off amazon for $14 now that's robbery and just crazy! I gave an extra star cuz the shop was clean with fun gifts and little bookish things. Staff was nice. I definitely will not recommend this shop for a THRIFT BOOK STORE. NO WAY! read more

I love the Changing Hands Camelback location and am so glad we made the trip to check out the Tempe location too! The space is bigger and I felt like there were more used books available at this location. Lots of great gift ideas too towards the front. I would highly recommend stopping by if you are on the hunt for books or gifts. Don't forget to ask for a punch card! They have a great selection and employees have always been super friendly and helpful. read more

Great local bookstore that champions readers throughout the valley. They bring in authors all the time and keep us all connected to reading. Love our local businesses! Thank you for bringing us together! read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - Local author book launch, "Miracle" - Bookstores Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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I can't believe it took me so long to find Changing Hands! I've lived in the Phoenix/Tempe area for the last two years and have always been an avid reader but I usually frequent Barnes and Noble due to it's close proximity to my home. Changing Hands was well worth the drive and I'll definitely be coming back more frequently. They have an extensive selection of new and used books at a bargain along with various other trinkets and fun gifts. I picked up three books on my first visit and plan to come back again soon for more! read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

The book a coworker had been discussing with me for years was published in December 2020. With coworkers catching Covid at work (including yours truly), vaccination program offered to employees who wanted them- and people out sick from both vaccine doses (including yours truly), and life getting more and more hectic, it was only in April Bob mentioned to me his book was out! Currently available at Changing Hands by special- order only. Once ordered, you're not able to return for a refund, even if the cashier is just at the other side of the desk. Think I'll just order from Amazon from now on. The cost per book was the same- usually CH runs $5-15 higher per book!- so I decided to give CH my business, as I try to support local shops. The books would've arrived in two days, or less via Amazon, compared to a week from CH, and I would've been able to return one or both books, if I wanted to. (I already have the Kindle version, which Bob makes a percentage of, and he'd have to pay $5 printing charges for each book purchased online and at any bookstore. E-books sounded the best deal for any author and the environment!) I only bought these books so that he could autograph them, and also to show him my support.) At least I was able to enjoy some sweets from neighbor Wildflower Bread Co on this trip. Goodbye, Changing Hands! read more

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I really like Changing Hands Bookstore. It's an awesome place to just browse, find unique gifts for others, or get lost in new reading options for yourself. The staff is friendly and helpful if you need the help but they won't pester you. Look around. Enjoy the vast variety of books and paraphernalia available to you. Don't worry about the time. Just enjoy. read more

I love, love, love this store. To be begin with and the obvious, it's a bookstore. I love the fact that has new books and used books. Everything is arranged nicely so books are easy to find. There's a great place to peruse the books to help in deciding what to purchase. Then, of course, I also like the location of it. Wish we could go more often tho' but that might be dangerous to the pocket book. read more

Great and active local bookstore. We live nearby and came in for a story time reading which was great. Tons of books, stationary, toys, games, an area for little tykes to play, and the Wildflower Bakery next door is just through an archway. Gotta support the local bookstores and this is a great one to visit. read more

I absolutely love this bookstore! They were very helpful with all my inquires and luckily the book that I was looking for was available. Their prices were fair compare to other store. read more

Nice little book store. Not a lot of paperback this place focuses more on hardback. Comparable pricing to other book stores. Friendly people to help if you are looking for something. Connected to a coffee shop. read more

Oh Changing Hands, I have been going to this place for as long as I can remember! Now that I don't live in AZ I make a point of going every time I visit as it is downright one of my favorite bookstores ever! The thing is, Changing Hands is so much MORE than just a bookstore. I love buying little gifts, incense, journals, cards, and everything else under the sun from here. In terms of books, well yes, they have it all! They have an amazing rotation to choose from. This is honestly just one of those special stores where you never know what you may leave with, but you are always excited to find out! Thank you Changing Hands for being you! We love you dearly! read more

The best independent bookstore I know of in the East Valley. So charming. It's been a part of our lives for 25-years.

Love this store. It feels good to support small booksellers, and the people and atmosphere are great.

This place is a complete rip off. Everything is so overpriced, it's absolutely ridiculous and disgusting. I picked up a book that was supposed to be on sale for 40% off, the price was $17.98, and it was USED. Dust jacket was dirty and damaged. Just ordered a brand new copy of the SAME BOOK for $13.00 on Amazon. The proprietor should be ashamed. There is just a lot of quirky stuff in this store that NO ONE actually needs. read more

Decent selection of books. Nice new releases section they have had all the books I've gone in to find. Attached to a cute coffee shop. Friendly service and lots of neat stuff like games and souvenier type things. Has a little clearance section and sales for books out front and in the back. read more

Service was exceptional and friendly. Store is very clean and well organized. Trade in prices are very fair although I do wish they would take more of my books when I bring them in. Also, love the non book section of the store where you can find unique gifts. read more

One of my favorite spots by far in the Phoenix area! This is an awesome local bookstore with an extensive gift shop. It's such a sweet place to go to get gifts and browse their extensive collection of books! Not sure where to start or what to choose? The staff picks are a good spot. Each display is also crafted to help expose readers to new, diverse and popular reads. Don't see it in stock? Just ask them and they will order it for you! During the pandemic, I utilized their website and their phone ordering system. Each time I called, they were helpful and attentive. When I finally got to visit again in person, they got my stamps for me on my frequent buyer card! You can also support Changing hands through Libro.fm if you prefer audiobooks. They even have options to sell back books and get trade in credit. It's easy to get lost in the stacks here and such a wonderful way to pass a Saturday! Happy reading! read more

We love Changing Hands! I grew up in Tempe/Chandler and started coming here as a child with some of my closest friends for midnight Harry Potter Releases. I'm now bringing my three daughters, and they love Changing Hands as much as I do! They are constantly asking to go! We would LOVE to see a Gilbert/Queen Creek location one day! read more

I've been going here for a couple of years now and I overall enjoy the vibe and the store. I'm normally able to find some good books and leave with a few without sweating what I spent. I always come in to exchange my books for store credit cause it's a great system. Today changed a lot of my perspective; I spent over an hour and a half, I dropped off a handful of great condition books, some pretty relevant. When I finally found a "sale" book that I was content with, I finally made it to the counter to check on the status of my books, they finished awhile ago, but never called for me. I was offered less than $5 dollars for some heafty and good reads, only one was accepted. I went to check out and the teller was half dazed, barely there, and stood there after I handed my money over until I had to awkwardly ask everything was okay. I get home and I don't know about some of you, but I remove stickers cause they're eye sores, the book that was on sale and I bought for 8.95. Lo-and be-hold another price sticker right underneath that was covered up! This book was sold initially for 8.99! So I'll be tickled pink with frustration! False advertisement! (There were plenty of overly priced books, books that are used and still being sold at too high of prices) I will not be supporting this business any further and will continue to take my patronage to better treating local book stores like in surrounding areas. Disgusting. read more

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This is a really nice bookstore with a large variety, and it also has many awesome little items that you might want for a gift or for your own house. The people were very friendly and helpful. Definitely going back. read more

This is my favorite bookstore, it is so quaint and welcoming. I often come here not only to pursue books but also to find fun, quirky or homey gifts for others. They have a huge selection of gifts to the front of the store. They do a buyback option for lightly loved books which I utilize often. The book selection is awesome, and for younger kids, their YA and children's section is large. read more

Searched Yelp for a Christian bookstore and this store was at the top of the list. Unfortunately, this bookstore pushes woke ideologies at every corner, on every shelf, including all the kids bookshelves. Definitely not a Christian bookstore! Eek! read more

Came here for my friend Sarah Swindell's book signing & chat session. Very nice place! Lots of amazing things to choose from & a wide selection at that! The ambience is great for Q & A sessions & an intimate setting. I recommend this place also for their great customer service. read more

Nice store for selecting a few picture books for a two year old. The folks working at the store were extremely helpful. Noticed the inclusive direction of children's books and it made my heart sing. While I am sure the books were cheaper on Amazon, Changing Hands gave me 1000s of possibility. On Amazon I would have been helpless. read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - Purchased two picture books for my great nephew. - Bookstores Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Possibly the best independent bookstore in the West. I'm spoiled living in Denver: we've got Tattered Cover and Capitol Hill Used Books, and Changing Hands beats them both. It's super clean, it's well organized but not in a way that screams "library"--there's nooks and little hidden-away sections to explore. The selection is AMAZING: on my first visit I was looking for books in Spirituality, Education, and Science Fiction (and none of them bestsellers or classics) and they had all three. Prices are fair, the staff is the friendliest anywhere I've ever been. And I don't mean "hey I work in retail so I need to be nice" phony niceness. I mean genuinely FRIENDLY. In a 40-minute visit I had three great conversations (about books of course) with three of the staff. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE RUNNING AN INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE! Passionate, energized bibliophiles. Lastly: I always read reviews before I go anywhere. I'm not sure what in the hell the insecure little (barely) boys screaming about "virtue signaling" and "the leftists" are talking about. The fact they have a few "We The People" posters? Or that the staff I saw is all female? If you're that insecure in your faux masculinity, maybe you and your micro male member should just stay home and watch Tucker and leave the reading to people who can actually, you know, read a book. Changing Hands is a treasure. read more

After reading through the Phoenix magazine I noticed that changing hands bookstore has won best bookstore of the valley for 12 years straight, and after visiting I can definitely see why! This bookstore is everything I could ask for in a book lover like myself. Along with new books they also sell used books (which is a major bonus point to me). The selections are thoughtful and up to date with new and upcoming authors, the atmosphere is delightful and the coffee shop/bar inside definitely doesn't hurt either. Sad that I had not discovered this place sooner but my bank account probably is not haha... Will definitely be back next time I'm in town! read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Changing Hands (in Phoenix) was introduced to me by one of my college professors several years ago. We visited as a class to analyze trends in YA fiction book covers. Ever since then, Changing Hands has been my go to local bookseller. Whenever I am going to the East Valley from the West Valley, I try to find a time to stop by the Tempe location. They are so welcoming and friendly. The vibe of the store is immaculate and there's always a new book I spot that I didn't even think I'd want to get. They also have a great children's section and it is very welcoming to families. I believe this is the larger of the two locations, too. They also support a lot of important local causes that I greatly appreciate. They are a great boon to the community. read more

I absolutely love this place! There is something for everyone! You could get lost in here. They buy books, sell books, new and used (amazing condition). There are so many other tchotchkes/trinkets. You really have to stop by and check it out. Always something on discount, as well as a punch card towards $10 off when full. All in all, it is a great place for everyone to enjoy. There is also a cute little restaurant attached as well. Such lovely employees too. I'm going to miss this place when I leave AZ. read more

Lots of great finds at great prices. The spirituality section is large with a nice mix of both new and used books. They have benches in the aisles to sit and review books before you buy. They are very helpful and friendly at the front desk. There is also Wildflower bread company is right next door so you can grab a quick bite to eat. read more

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I was interested in trading books and they were so helpful answering all my questions The process was streamlined and easy. The staff make each visit pleasant. Parking remains completely messy: so many good places share the lot. read more

I have only been here once, but I definitely plan on coming back! This bookstore is so cute.

The name implies that it's a used bookstore, much like Half-Price Books. But the used books part of the store is very small, maybe only half of the overall store, and the prices aren't that great. The rest of what's in there is more like a weird souvenir shop, that carries what you can find at any other gift shop. read more

I enjoy this place and the wide variety of readings that they have available. I am a strong spiritual person, and for a bookstore to have a whole section dedicated to various forms of spirituality will always be a win for me. I brought my friend with me and it was his first time and he loved it too... even tho he was in the bathroom majority of the time . Can't wait to return to check out the artisan crafts and souvenirs... holidays are around the corner and their stuff is CUUUUUUTE! read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - Boooooks - Bookstores Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I just found my all-time favorite bookstore. There are so many things to see and explore in the aisles of this beautiful shop. Journals, notecards, candles, Christmas stocking stuffers, and of course books books books! There are even a few rows of books, new and used, out on the sidewalk before you enter. The shelves are clearly labeled so you can easily find what you're looking for--but the store is set up in a way that makes you want to wander aimlessly and look at every little interesting thing. I bought two books during my visit--one book I've been eyeing on Amazon and was very pleased to find that Changing Hands sold it for less expensive; and the other book caught my eye because it was on sale and I thought it would make a good gift. I had a great experience here from start to finish and I'm definitely planning on returning soon! read more

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For many years I've counted on Changing Hands for book, cards, gifts, and feel-good vibes

Hands down best independent bookstore in Phoenix! Great selection of new and used books. If they don't have what you want in store, they'll usually order it for you. There are tons of trinkets, home decorations, and unique gifts. I really like that you can trade in old books for store credit. Changing Hands hosts many authors, lecturers, musicians, and other important and famous people. I've been to see several authors but my favorite memory was when they hosted GRUMPY CAT! read more

Formerly my favorite bookstore, but they've declined over the years. I used to work in Phoenix, so I drove past CHs often, but haven't been there recently since my work situation changed. I used to go to their events and buy even my jewelry there. I LOVED them. Today I was in Tempe and thought I'd stop in... Parking is still a beast, but I finally get a spot and walk up to the door... Only to find signs saying "Take a load off! Please leave all bags at the front desk" ... ... Okay. I'm a woman. First of all, very few clothing retailers bother to give us pockets. If they do, they're fake or only the size of a tube of chapstick. Its rotten, and unfortunately for many of us, that makes purses mandatory. I understand and respect the need for loss prevention, but honestly it's bad enough that you usually have the smell of patchouli incense slapping you in the chakras immediately in the door. Now I have to leave my purse with the hippie dippie at the counter?? Do you realize how insulting it is when essentially are going to have to take everything out of your purse in order to leave your purse behind? Pardon the TMI, but I was going to have to stuff a pad and a tampon in my pocket (because I really needed to use the restroom too), along with my chapstick, cell phone, wallet, hand sanitizer, and asthma inhaler - especially because that patchouli usually makes me choke. Maybe men can fit those in their pockets, but the pockets of my yoga pants do not conform. And if I was to hold all those things in my hands... How can I even think about shopping? This may not be a big deal for other people. In fact I'm pretty sure there's a lot of folks out there who are going to think this review is ridiculous. But you know what? Go look up the whole thing about pockets in the female clothing industry. Okay? Fight me over the pocket problem. And then also brings about another point. If I had better pockets to be able to go into the store, theoretically what would stop me from stealing things by putting them in my epic pockets?? Of course I would never steal, but... You see the issue? If this is an effort of loss prevention, it's really not going to be an effective one unless you put up a sign that tells people nobody's allowed in the store unless they're wearing opaque skin tight leggings so everyone knows what you're hiding in your pockets. Society puts women in a situation where we have to have a bag and carry things with us. I'm also sure that the people who might think this review is ridiculous would also be the type of people who would be hideously offended if I was to walk in carrying a tampon sticking out of my teeth like a cigar, or tucked up behind my ear like a pencil. And it's a little painful to stuff my inhaler into my bra. So tell me what am I supposed to do? I looked at the sign, shook my head, and went back to my car and left. I also have social anxiety. I do not like confrontations. I do not like having to ask to put my bag somewhere, just so that I can do the store a favor and shop there. And if people are hovering around me and I suddenly have an asthma and/or anxiety attack, I won't have my inhaler with me. It'll be in my purse! I used to be all about supporting the indie bookstore. This was literally one of my most favorite places in the world - And I mean that, the whole world. I would go there just to wander the shelves and relax and enjoy the peace and quiet and browse for a fun book. I'm sorry y'all. I'm not trying to be a sellout but... Barnes & Noble lets me carry my purse with me. And they are definitely more asthma-friendly. So I wish you the best and peace out. I won't be coming back. read more