I think it is funny when you visit a store with employees that are there to help the customers and they act like you are stupid for asking them for help. My experience wasn't horrible because I did find what I was looking for. I asked a girl for help and was very distracted by all the food stuck in her braces (kind of grossed out). My advise would be to make sure there is a mirror in the break room. Anyways, she told me the books I was looking for would not be in stock because they are so popular. Needless to say I did find both of them and then some. I mean, the store sells itself so I guess that is why the employees are so apathetic. read more

Trying to "sell" your books is crazy. Your time will be better spent elsewhere, then spending over an hour to make $3.

I like this location in that it's got better records and a lot more books, so it's more fun to browse. On the other hand, it's more tiring to browse - and often less satisfying - because I often feel like I'm missing The One amongst all the books. It also annoys me that they don't have clearance books for $1. The South Lamar location has spoiled me in that regard. It's just not as much fun to buy totally bizarre books if they cost $3 instead of $1. I hate trying to get out of this location - the traffic on North Lamar is so much more annoying than at my regular HPB. Parking is decent, but kind of annoying for the size of the lot. Overall, this is just a less cozy HPB. Meh. read more

5 paws! As a big book-worm this store offered a vast selection! And the prices! Its no wonder why it has its name. And the Rare Book section! Wow.. very cool! Time flew by! I was in the comic/graphic novels section for about an hour and a half browsing.. If youre a bibliomaniac, I highly recommend this store.. read more

A few years ago the Half Price Books on Guadalupe was my Sunday morning haven. Being so near the university obviously helped its selection as it stocked the largest variety of books I've ever seen. The vaguely-maze like layout also helped one get "lost in books" as they browsed. Unfortunately, the new incarnation of Half Price Books on North Lamar proves that which is bigger, isn't necessarily better. The new Half Price is quite large, definitely better lit, and is laid out in strict rows and sections, rather than the winding maze of before. However, the selection is not as eclectic as it once was and most of the charm and character of the Guadalupe location is gone. Still, it remains one of the best HPB locations in the city. read more

This is the biggest Half Price I've ever been to. Really helpful and nice staff, and everything's organized really well. Lots of places to take a seat and read, and they've got more than enough books to keep you busy. I recently came on a Saturday afternoon, and I honestly never thought there'd be so many people here. Thankful to have a Half Price at this location-- come here while one of your friends is waiting on your Titaya's reservation to open up. read more

Extremely cheap books, extremely cheap music, extremely cheap video games, and extremely cheap movies. Really, this could be the cheapest store in the history of mankind. I love everything about their stores. They even have coupons and sales. Sometimes they'll have certain things for clearance for just 1 dollar.... and if you bring a coupon with you it'll be even less than a dollar. I'm not even kidding. read more

I am a sucker for romance novels, not the Fabio variety, but the funny romance novels! I appreciate shopping here because if I had to pay full price I would be broke! We had this store back in Ohio but, this location is huge compared to that one. It's really organized, has a huge variety and the check out line is at lightning speed! I know they buy back books as well but, I haven't done that. I am sure that you only get pennies on the dollar but, that's how they make their money and it's good to recycle books. I know you can read books on your phone or electronic device but, I still like to feel the pages of a book in my hand! read more

This is my all time favorite book store in the entire world, it's not just my favorite half price, it's my favorite in general. This location is huge! I have wasted hours just walking up and down each aisle holding books I don't need. It's so rare for me to NOT find what I need. Sometimes I wish I wouldn't be able to so I wouldn't spend so much money here. I wish there was a frequent shoppers card. I even contemplated getting a job here for awhile because I was there so much as it was. The music selection is awesome. Here in the Music Capital of the World you are bound to find cd's that people with great taste in music just didn't need anymore. I cannot tell you how much of my itunes is made up of music I got from this location. Plus the people who work here are super helpful. I've never been shopping without having someone ask me if I need help. The buy backs are usually pretty good. I know they have a huge selection so sometimes if it's something that they have already they won't offer you a lot of money for it. But other times you'll get lucky and they will offer you a lot for something you thought was worthless. If you think you've been to your favorite book store you're wrong, because this is it, you just don't know it yet. read more

This is the biggest Half Price in town, and by virtue of that simple fact alone, by definition the best Half Price in town. I go there often enough that I'm resigned to spending money each time. The selection is just so big that even though I try to limit myself to only buying things on my personal to-read list, I always end up getting something I didn't know I needed to read (AKA sit in a pile on my floor for a few months until I trip over it and am forced to actually read it). If you're a book addict, then you already know to go here. If not, what are you waiting for? read more

I go to Half Price Books for the Music. I like CD's and so I like them as cheap as I can possibly get them. If I am looking for something specific then I may be able to find it, but I usually just spend about an hour or so picking through the $1 section, when I have the time to do so. I like the Texas Artist's section a lot. I like to support local music even if I never have the time or money to go see a real show. whatever cheap music ROCKS! read more

The best thing about this place? The books are half price, duh. Great selection of books, they even have fairly new books (ie books that just came out). The place has a library feel to it. Also, they don't keep an inventory, which is annoying. The staff is pretty helpful though. And they don't limit themselves to books, they have CDs, records, computer games, and calendars. **If you try selling your textbooks to them you'll probably cry. You're better off Amazon-ing them. I think I once sold 5 textbooks to them for $12, a far cry from the $300 I paid for them. T.T read more

I came here when this place first opened and I thought "ew." I guess because it was first being established, they were very short on books and everything else, so it let much to be desired. Anyways, I decided to trek to this place a yesterday and this place looks muuch better. I do agree with one of the other yelpers about othe location looking meh, but there are still tons of books. Anything cheap is good in my book...or for a book? huh? blah The cashier lady was real cool. I brought her Richard Bachman/Stephen King book to her that was a little worn but totally worth the $3.80 that they were offering. She takes one look at it and goes "that's not very good condition. $1.98." and then I fell in love with her. The End. read more

What the heck can I say about HPB that hasn't been said before? I've been a fan of this place (not just this location) since before I moved to Austin in 1994, having hit a couple of their San Antonio locations during family trips. A few changes over the years, but all in all they've been good improvements. You have your cds, you have your lps, you have your dvds and your vhs tapes. You have your gift items by the registers, you have your chairs where you can sit and read for a while. And of course, the books. The books. New books, old books, cheap books, collectibles. Most any subject you might be interested in, they've got you covered. The staff are generally helpful and can usually point me in the right direction if I'm searching for a particular author or subject. I've seen a moderate increase in prices over the years, but I understand it as a sign of the times and the new reality. Truth be told, I can find books for cheaper on Amazon, but when you factor in shipping, you come out about the same. Never mind being able to thumb through the book and seeing if it's totally highlighted and written in. Selling items is a toss-up. I've had friends tell me it's like hitting the lotto, but I've always received far less than what I expected for books and records. But I understand it's a business, they've got overhead and other costs, and while I might really love my Engelbert Humperdinck record but no longer have a turntable and have it on cd anyway, HPB ain't necessarily going to share my love and appreciation, nor will I convince them the record is worth more than $0.50. Nor can I be too upset if they don't want EVERYTHING I bring in to sell. I still have fond memories of their Guadalupe location, and I can still trace my steps in the place in my mind, hitting the same sections upon every visit over the years. This "new" location is fine but doesn't feel as warm as the old place -- ah, nostalgia! Anyhow, I'm more than a casual fan of HPB in general, and this location does well in keeping the flame of literacy alive in Austin. Whether buying books for myself, for friends and family, or going the easy route and getting gift cards, this place is my first pick for any of my book needs. read more

Probably my favorite HPB location. The store is huge! Way bigger than their old Lamar location. And it's next door to a Goodwill --- I can get my thrift on twice-as-nice! I really enjoy the "thrill of the hunt" so I don't mind that the books are not cataloged and computerized. The new comix section they've created is fairly big. It's not just one bookshelf anymore. I have found some weird wonderful stuff there. I have also found the latest of whatever comic I'm reading. The DVD section is very large and I love the large "new books" section. I also like the variety of books the store has to offer. The boardgame selection isn't as good as the Round Rock location, but this location makes up for that loss in many other ways. The bathrooms are clean and big -- a plus for a bookstore. (Does anyone else suffer from the "bathroom effect" in bookstores and libraries?) read more

While I can't find a lot of the books I want here, I've scored some amazing bargains at this Half Price Books. The first thing I do is go straight to the dollar section - where you can find really amazing books (like Tom Wolfe in hardback) for a buck on occasion. It's hit or miss, but it's always worth a look. The three dollar carts have some good finds as well, and if worse comes to worse, you'll be paying half price for something. The only downside to this store is that the selection isn't the absolute greatest. Being able to search the store would help, but there's no way to do that. That being said, it probably ranks in the top 25% for used bookstores I've been to selection wise. read more

The staff here is friendly, but not too friendly which I appreciate! There is so much to look at here you want to know that help is there if you need it, but you also don't want your train of thought interrupted by anxious sales people. In other words, people were pretty chill here. This is primarily a used book store (and some used music and comics as well). So they might not have everything you are looking for, but they will certainly have a couple of items you didn't know you were looking for! Most titles are half price, with the exception of some signed books, first editions, etc. which are more than half price. There is also a nice selection of boxed stationary, journals, and other gift items that we've come to expect in our book stores in twenty-first century America. (Don't ask me why, I just observe.) And there is a very large childrens' and young adults/teens section. Something for everyone! And if not, check back in a couple of weeks and see what's new. read more

This is my favorite Half Priced Books I've been to in all of Austin, if not all of Texas. They have an amazing selection of books for all of us weirdos out there. I spent over 30 minutes just looking through the photography books before I even attempted to even make my way over to the "alternative religion section" to check out some sweet books on moon rituals. I imagine if I went in depth I could of bought the right book to do the ritual to make this review 5 stars, but that would involve putting a popcorn machine and a free soda sign. Either way I would highly recommend this book store to any of my friends, enemies, or raging lunatics I pass on the street. read more

One of the larger half price books stores in town - basically when Randall's/Safeway decided to downsize in Austin - they split the store in half - the left half is Goodwill and the right is Half Price books. This place tends to have a pretty large section of just about every subject - even an entire section in the back of rarieties. Also since this is one of there larger locations - maybe this is one of their flagship stores - they tend to have speakers and book readings here. read more

This is a nice HPB. I love the way they buy anything, and they have a huge selection -- much bigger than a big-box place like Barnes and Noble, even though the stores are comparable size. It's a great place to sell off your stack of no-longer-wanted books, but don't expect to get much for them. I like to think of it as a book-recycling center that happens to pay something, rather than a legitimate business deal where you're selling your old books. read more

This place is huge. Vast selection of cheap dvds, records, cds, books, calendars, comic books, and random crap you never knew you wanted (don't be fooled-- you still don't want that stuff). Go to the back of the store to browse their rare items-- posters, prints, old books, antique photographs-- all very cool. It's also right next to a large Goodwill thrift store, so if you're jonesing to do some low cost shopping, you're in luck. You can also call them ahead of time to see if they have a specific title you're looking for. read more

I HEART HALF PRICE BOOKS! WHY?!? -Good selection at reasonable price -Good variety in all departments -Get $$$ for selling books, music, magazines, etc... -Big parking lot LOOOOOVE ITTT!!! read more

The Wal-Mart/Costco of used books (but without the evil)!! I have literally spent hours in this warehouse of a bookstore and have never left empty handed. If you have a specific title in mind or just want to browse the never-ending aisles, this is one of the best bookstores in Austin. Their selection is unparalleled. They have the best sellers, they have the how-to's, they have textbooks, they have Collectibles/first-prints/signed books.....they even have magazines and CD's. And the best part? They're ALL at least half off of the MSRP. You should keep in mind that a lot of the books here are brand new and simply overstocked by other outlets (i think). Bottom-line, check it out. Whether you're a bibliophile or a college student looking for the cheapest way to get through your english-lit class, this spot will have what you need. read more

This place might be, as reluctant as I am to admit it, my favorite bookstore in Austin. Though it qualifies as a chain, it's not that bad because you're getting used books and recycling, at least that's what I tell myself. Their selection is pretty much unrivaled in Austin. I've gone there just to browse around or for one or two things and left with multiple bags filled with books. Their stock of literary fiction and even criticism and theory is great as well. They are also very well stocked in philosophy and history as well. I've found this to be the perfect place to go to buy those books you want and would like to read but that you don't really want to spend full price on, a way to fill your shelves so to speak. It's a great place to go on a spending spree, since your money will take you a lot further than at other places (see: Bookpeople). I haven't really checked out the CDs, records and DVDs but I've heard that they are in ample supply as well. But this is definitely the place to go if you're looking for new books and looking for them to be affordable. read more

ARE YOU A LAW STUDENT? If you are, check here first for your books! As a graduate, I can't tell you how much money I saved just by shopping at Half-Priced Books. Let me know say that as a struggling law student with little money, this bookstore saved me through tough semesters! Great place for BarBri and other law supplements. read more

I forgot how much I used to love going to Half Price Books: the old book smell, cheap cds, random benches in the aisles. Recently I went back in search of cds. Prior entering Half Price Books, I had little expectation for the selection they would have/the quality of the cds. And boy was I wrong. Not only did they have the cds I needed, but the cds were all in great condition (one of the cds was brand new and still in the packaging). At the checkout, the lady saw some of the cds I had bought and we had an awesome conversation about some of the artists. Their book selection is endless; walking down the aisles makes me feel like I'm in the movie The Pagemaster. I saw several people sitting on the benches/chairs just reading...something you don't see many people doing nowadays. The only downside of Half Price Books is their buying back program. Don't expect to get a lot of money back, even if some of your items are new. But if you need to get rid of them, then this is a good place to start. If you don't know what to do on a weekend, I suggest coming to this Half Price Books for an adventure. read more

Now, anyone who is familiar with my tastes and my reviews already knows that I do not favor the large, warehouse-type store. It's true in this case - I preferred the coziness and character of the old location on Guadalupe, even if that meant a smaller selection. I am rating this one three stars, instead of two, for one reason only: they had a "pirate" book section. Shiver me timbers! I love me a good pirate book, matey. Now, if they were going to have a sterile warehouse ambiance, I wish they would just accept that as so and not have put all these antique knick-knacks in the rare books section. I half-heartedly enjoyed Half-Price. read more

Great store, friendly staff, excellent prices. I just went Sunday and used my 50% off coupon that they email out a few times a year, got a brand-new looking Xbox 360 with all its components, controllers, and a game for $70! My girlfriend got a record player for our collection of rock and roll albums for $25. They let you bring your dog and the staff (and plenty of the other customers!) is always so excited to pet my dog Beau and they even keep dog biscuits behind the buy counter. read more

All the staff is really nice here. They haven't changed much over the years, and I appreciate that. Occasionally they've had books I was specifically looking for, other times, not so much. But if you ask the staff for help, they will always help you find a location that either has what you are looking for or will order it for you online. Their buy back program is decent too. I've gotten some decent store credit for books I was looking to get rid of. Peace and love to Half Price Books on N. Lamar read more

This is the biggest Half-Price Books I've ever seen. If there's such a thing as a nerdgasm, this place would induce one. This location has TONS of stuff to look through, and it's all bright, clean, and neatly organized. I could get lost in these aisles and be perfectly happy wasting an afternoon in here. The rare book section has all kinds of wonderful oddities, including old, local and autographed goodness. This place is fantastic. read more

I am always a fan of Half Price Books. I had some time to kill in Austin, and there is not much else open in the am in this part of town for some reason? There is a record store down the way, but does not open till later. I guess all the hippies can't get up early enough to run regular business hours? Anyway, a big wide open store. Vinyl records, CDs up front, then a mass of books behind that. All very familiar, but what sets this one apart from other locations are the collectables and limited rare books they have in the back. First edition Hemingway's, and Cormack McCarthy's, awesome. There is also a display with some signed memorabilia from writers, actors, even astronauts (can you say Jim Lovell). I found some first edition John Updike novels for a great price. The service is also on top of things. The lady working the Rare Books section is great and very knowledgeable. She even knocked down the price of one of my books because it was in pretty ratty shape. I always love a good independent bookstore. Though, I also love Half Price Books. You will be surprised at some of the things you can find, and the price is always right. This location is a prime example. read more

Wow.... just wow! The place is huge with a fantastic selection of books of all genres. Interested in general math, higher math., physics, metaphysics, biology, anthropology???? How about history? Business? Or maybe you want a good mystery or fiction? Yes children's and cookbooks too! I literally was there 2 hours browsing! Of course I spent a a good bit of time in the huge collectible books section. I highly recommend this spectacular used book store! read more

I had two things on the agenda today. One, go to the North Lamar half price to pick up a book before 10 pm, and two, go to Emo's to attend majority of the free shows that were going tonight during free week, which started at 10 pm. Well first of all I live about a 45 min drive from Austin (at the moment) and I had dillied and dallied until about 9:25 when I was finally in the car ready to go. Then suddenly I realized, 'oh shit, I was gonna pick that book up tonight.' I took about 30 seconds deciding if I still want to try and make it to North Lamar before 10 and pick up my book, or just take it easy and cruise. I decided to high tail it, and calculate my route while I drove. I knew that one wrong turn would mean that I would...sigh, have to wait till tomorrow night to get my book. Many things were beset against me. Slow drivers, lights that take forever to turn green, but despite that I managed to make it to the Burnet and Koenig intersection by 9:51, but alas the light was red and I needed to make a left turn. So I made a left into the 7-11 and a left onto Koenig, what's known as cutting the mustard. I pull into the half price parking lot, and the automatic door is open. I jog inside toward the line and hear the announcement, 'attention customers please bring your final selections to the front'. I got in line just in time, got my hold selection retrieved, and got the book that I had first discovered in Barnes and Noble and prayed to Jeebus that I would find it for less elsewhere. I had called up all the other half price locations in Austin earlier in the day looking for the book, and this is the one that had it. I think my friend also found a rare textbook that went out of print here as well. There's a good chance they'll have what you're looking for. Not only did they have it, but they had it in "very good" to "like new" condition. Which one of the employees was able to tell me over the phone. read more

The books here are in great condition and really cheap. There is a huge selection of books. Definitely a book lovers paradise.

I love Half Price Books, but I don't particularly love this location. Yes, it is the largest Half Price that I know of, but somehow I can never find many of the books I am looking for. For example, the Architecture section is full of textbooks from U.T. and general compendium books about various architectural topics, none of which are particularly interesting to me. It feels like a bunch of discards. However, from other Half Price locations I have been able to find some real treasures, such as a history of Fascist architecture in Italy. These tend to be books that people keep rather than sell. I'm not sure why, but the selection here doesn't meet, say, their South Lamar location. Is it the location, and thereby the sellers they attract? Is it the size, which probably brings more customers? Nevertheless, I still stop by from time to time. The nature of Half Price means that a great buy is unpredictable. Maybe this location will surprise me yet. read more

I love this Half Price Books. It's my favorite location in Austin. I'm a bit of a book nerd and I can always find amazing deals in the clearance section. I always leave with an armful. The last time I was in, I signed up for their mailing list. You don't get mail that often from them, only when they have sales. Staffers here are friendly and helpful. It's in a pretty good location and is fairly easy to get to -- as long as there isn't too much traffic on Lamar! I don't buy books anywhere else! Only have HPB! read more

My very favorite book store in Austin. Sure the others are great but you can't beat this one's prices and selection. Amazing rare books section. I've bought many a book here adding up to countless thousands of dollars. read more

They have everything. No other Half Price can compare! There's an amazing assortment of stuff, and they have little staff picks all over the place, which is nice when you're browsing. Anyways, I could just sit in a corner and just read the day away here, so they get a thumbs up from me! read more

Pro: Largest one in Austin. For a book store it has a large DVD selection. I found every book I needed here or at another HPB. Con: New releases might not be in stock but if you need a book the day of release you don't go to a sell back book store. read more

My go to shop for books. Not only is the service amazing every single time but their selection is as good as any. The prices are reasonable and if they don't have a certain book but another store does they will ship it to your nearest store for free. read more