A book is like a whole new world waiting to be opened and explored. And visiting Too Many Books for…read morethe first time was like a journey to many worlds in one space and time. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I was also awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at their Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Too Many Books, a beloved independent used bookstore located in the heart of Roanoke's Historic Grandin Village, is a perfect example. Owned and managed by Linda Stedman for many years, this cozy, two-story bookshop features a massive inventory of approximately 50,000 used books, which include fiction and non-fiction. There one can easily find vintage paperbacks as well as hardcover books in categories such as children's literature, history, science fiction, art, and philosophy; with extensive sections dedicated to Virginia, Civil War history, and genealogy. I was very impressed with the selection of books which included: antiquarian books, leatherbound books, out-of-print titles, limited editions, first editions, signed books by the author, and other collectible ephemera. It was a pleasure meeting the owner who came across as a very warm and deeply knowledgeable bookseller, as well as her other friendly staff in this bookstore with a very inviting atmosphere and fair prices. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its amazing merchandise. The store lists portion of its specialized inventory online via its AbeBooks Merchant Page. It also hosts author signings, literary discussions, and ocational major storefront sales. As a matter of fact it was holding one of those sales today where hardcover books were 20% off until the end of the month. I particularly liked a book by former Predident Barack Obama's Chief Official White House Photographer, Pete Souza, titled: "Obama: An Intimate Portrait." The author also served as an official photographer for President Ronald Reagan. The used book in almost new condition was selling for $50, so with the discount one could buy it for $40. One can check their official Too Many Books Instagram for events and most current inventory of books. I highly recommend this used bookstore, for its inviting ambiance, fair prices, and deeply knowledgeable and hospitable owner and staff.

Difficult experience, wrapped up in a used bookshop. There are a lot of books in a claustrophobic…read morekind of way, but sure to find just about anything you want to read, from rare finds to new releases. The prices seem to be fare for used bookshop, but the service is less than ideal. To where the book I purchased was practically shoved at me, without a thank you, but just said there you go. I felt in her way, so won't be returning there.

The highly professional staff of Old New River Books (located in Christiansburg, Virginia) have…read moresolved a difficult situation for me! I live in California and I needed an Appraisal for a literary donation. The situation took months until Old New River Books got involved and solved ALL of the problems in about ten days. Their solution has satisfied all parties and I am extremely grateful for their support, diligence and ACTION! Jamie Sadler Camarillo, Ca.

From the owner: Old New River Books provides high-quality used books, specializing in out-of-print scholarly texts,…read moreAppalachian, Virginiana, genealogy, collectible & rare books. Appraisal requests are free & welcome.

This is the place to go if you want a 1999 SAT guide. Honestly, the worst bookstore in the area…read more I am not even sure if it is still in business, because I do not see how they can compete with several used bookstores in the area, two Barnes & Nobles, and Amazon. The only upside to this place is that the entire interior of Towers Shopping Center smells like water that someone boiled a hotdog in. I will admit that it isn't exactly a pleasant smell, but it will keep you wondering why it is like that while you wonder why on earth are you inside of Towers Shopping Center.

Please support your bookstore!! I live in a country that has no bookstore. There are a couple of…read moreshops in the resort towns that sell books abandoned by travellers or people moving out of the country, but no bookstore. So I was absolutely thrilled to be in this one during a recent visit stateside. On 9 Sept, I spent hours inspecting every inch of every shelf... I even forgot to have lunch. Despite my "loitering" no one followed or questioned me (yes, it has happened that I've been surveilled in a bookstore after the first hour of shopping). I had a few questions about the location of certain items. The store manager, Clayton Richmond, came to my aid and had a few recommendations even. I appreciated his time and attention as it was very helpful. The two women at checkout were also incredibly and genuinely friendly and helpful. I think is also a reflection of Mr Richmond's management as well as the work ethic and disposition of the women themselves. This would be my favorite happy place if I lived in Roanoke. Thank you for a great visit.

B&N in Valley View (Roanoke, VA) has to have the worst customer service on the planet. Teresa, the…read moreManager, is the rudest woman I have ever spoken to. The night before we reserved a book at end of the day. My husband drove 2.5 hours to pick the book up when they opened and they sold it out from under us. This was for a little girl and now we have to tell her that this store didn't abide by their policies and sold it to some man whose hold had expired the night before. Teresa was yelling, rude and was blaming us!! Teresa has no business training staff or having any contact with anyone from the outside world. She's a terrible human being!

A few months ago we stopped by B&D to get a few comics for a road trip we were taking. Our nine…read moreyear old had been watching Miles Morales over the summer, and I wanted to prompt him to read more and watch less. We walked in and were warmly welcomed by everyone there, including other customers. I even picked up a Green Arrow and G.I. Joe for myself. Now we are frequent visitors and greeted by name as we walk in and have pull lists of current series that we are reading. While my son is learning about different characters that he's interested in, I've delved into the realm of Key Comic Collecting. What I've found here is their absolute desire to help every one of their customers feel welcome, validated in their style of collecting and appreciated for the time spent within those four walls. All in all I would say that when I open my wallet at B & D, the value in the book I'm purchasing is increased by the relationship we have with the B&D team. Happy Reading, Rob & Robert

There's a reason B&D is the oldest comic shop in the Valley... Terry and her comic shop crew care!…read moreIf you don't see something ASK! I am always welcomed with a smile and asked if I need help. If you are looking for a sprawling store full of far fetched prices this is not that place. They have a humble and smart business model built upon honesty and kindness topped by being informative about the comics that they sell. I follow them on Facebook for store news. EXCELSIOR!