I lost myself in this bookstore and can't wait to visit again. Everything from the staff, to the selection of literature to the prices...it was overwhelming pleasant. I love that they sell both new and used literature and some hidden gems even had past owners notations (which is a book lovers paradise). For any literature lovers or anyone who just wants to stop in it's such a great bookstore. read more

Recycle Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Campbell, California

Books were born to be recycled! The cycle of book life culminates when they graduate to the library. To be read and re-read for as long as the binding holds. When a book is read enough times, it transcends into a 'Velveteen Rabbit' like heaven. One step below that ascendancy is for a book to end up in a Used Book Store. One of my favorite used book stores is Recycle Books. This staple in E. Campbell Avenue is a consistent stop on my sojourns into the wilds of the city of Campbell. Experience the rejuvenation of perusing the aisles and titles. There is always that magic moment when you come upon a book that you never heard of that makes your hair stand on end with EXCITEMENT and ANTICIPATION! Going to this bookstore is more than shopping, it is a pilgrimage to the the life cycle of books before they hit the big time. Always a joy to come here. read more

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Awesome, fantastic, unbelievable.....make me stop! I love this place and cannot wait to bring some of my higher-value books to them to sell. There are tons of places to get used books (and other stuff like audio-visual tapes, cds...) but this place is well-organized with HELPFUL staff in a GREAT location with parking-a-plenty, selling books that are of higher value (perhaps due to proximity of smarter, more educated residents). I honed in on Buddhism and Religion and Poetry and wow, the selection was way up-scale than the usual books I see elsewhere. I can't wait to return! read more

Very cozy bookstore that I had the pleasure to introduce to my colleaguefriend the other day. I rediscovered myself as I had not been there for a long time. My friend is a passionate reader of the usual long sagas that then got into Netflix success stories, so she was in her 'salsa' as they have them all. From my side, attracted to anything that has illustrations and could find so many inspirational books. If you love the old bookstore feeling, this is a 'must browse' place. Perfectly matching with the surroundings, it is so Campbellesque. read more

Recycle Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Campbell, California

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This used bookstore is one of my favorites to visit. They also have new books for sale, a few bucks cheaper than the "new" prices. They can also order books for you if they don't have it on stock. Fair prices and very friendly staff. They also have a good Spiritual Occult section as well. I enjoy the cats they have. Such a great experience over all. When you sell them books, they give you store credit to buy their used books as well. read more

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Our favorite local bookstore. So many items. Really great pricing. They have everything from new to hard books. Plus Max the store cat is adorable. The only reason I subtracted a star was they say they trade and buy books. I brought in over 2 dozen books. All great condition. Just thought would be time to pass on to someone else and get credit to purchase more. But they only took 2. I understand they have to pick and choose the best. But was a little frustrated with only 2 being bought. Still will come back. We love the store. read more

These 5 stars are given to the place and the employees that I've come across so far. 0.1 stars for select patrons. What I do not damn enjoy are ill-behaved, monstrous patrons who bring along its toxic, savior complex. The two patrons will be referred to as "it" or "its" moving forward. This is the term I use to call people who are unkind, racist, sexist, evil, vile--you get it. This despicable incident occurred on Sunday, January 8th, 2023. My partner and I had been scanning through the shelves at least for 20 minutes. We eventually found ourselves at the Philosophy section, which was located right next to Max's (the bookstore cat) bedding area. I pointed out to my partner of Ayn Rand's books. He muttered, "Nah, you shouldn't read it." I understood the context of this as he greatly disliked Ayn Rand's literary work. My quip response: "You know I've been interested, so I'll try [reading] again. Don't tell me what to do (I said it sassily)." Of course, he also understood the context because he added, "Yeah, you right. You should read whatever you want." Mind you, this is my sassy yet also iron-willed trademark. Now here's the fun, delightful part. While the conversation between my partner and I was being held, there were two tall, middle-age white women (will be referred to "it" shortly) who intruded our banter. They stood at least 2 feet behind us. What I am about to transcribe was precisely recalled by my partner because unfortunately, at the time I was heavily absorbed in my thoughts and the books. I did not hear the demonic yapping from these its. These its heard my partner's response and one of the its said, "Ew. Why is he controlling what she reads." (Rhetorical). Then, the most spectacular thing happened! The same it snidely followed up with: "Why is his head shaved? It's like he has a brain tumor." All these yapping going on literally a couple feet behind us. My partner held his tongue through all this until we left about 10 minutes after the incident. He was reluctant in telling me, but decided to do so as we drove away from the parking lot behind the bookstore. Knowing me very well, he kept quiet until then because I will be confrontation when I need to be. Let's take a brief moment and give a standing f_cking ovation for you two inbreds. You, the it, who ran your rancid mouth, and the second it who enabled the vermin. I did not and DO. NOT. need your white savior complex. I stand my own front as a person of color. As for the last surviving cells in your degenerate brain, you are a malignant existence for assuming ANYONE'S physical, emotional, or mental conditions--all while proudly relishing in your own lousy and cheap performance. You see, this incited a promising rage within me. I've looked at my partner's head several times since then--even now. The man's head evidently has no abonormal growth. I've purposefully waited to articulate my emotions for this vivid review. Yes, I have waited. Why? Retribution. Not only did you assault my partner and my safe space--we were talking among ourselves, but you also spewed ignorant, vacuous, egregious statement. Above all, you f_cked up. My father was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer in 2021, which quickly metastasized to skin, bone, and brain cancer. In a matter of three weeks from the diagnosis, he passed away. The pain is still raw for me. You inbreds lucked out for my partner does not like confrontation. He prefers to redirect his resentment in improving his mental health and personal improvements. I share some of those outlooks, but unfortunately, I don't have the same emotional restraint or compassion as he. I also decided not to drive back and find you both in store because 1) l didn't know how the employees would react to this whether they would access the conflict with fairness and 2) I did not want to be banned from the business. I chose this latter approach instead. I genuinely hope that you both don't have loved ones who have cancer. But if so, remember this day. Perhaps you would then learn how to be mindful and empathetic. To reiterate, I have been to this bookstore several times now. I've never had an issue while being there and neither has my partner until that day. I will always be fond of this place, but will not tolerate the kind of deplorable behavior again on premise. Until next time. read more

Today I was in downtown Campbell and I passed by Recycle Bookstore. I was going to order a book for my son on Amazon but decided it would be nicer to purchase from a local store, so I entered the shop to look for the book. The two young women that were working there were consumed with unloading a bag of books behind the front desk. Once I was acknowledged by one of the girls from a counted, which was blocked off by a barricade of tape to not step closer than 6 feet from the desk, she sharply asked is it fiction or nonfiction? I told her the author and title, which meant nothing to her. I showed her the book that I had pulled up on my phone ( not sure if she could see it from that far away) but she said "we don't carry books like that here" She never took the time to welcome me into the store, ask if she could help me with anything or look up the book that I wanted to buy. I felt very unwelcome and dismissed and furthermore upset to be treated in such a way by a young sales associate. Sharing the gift of books and learning is special and to be treated crappy really puts a damper on the whole thing! I guess I will order it online, which is ashamed because I appreciate small, local businesses. Too bad! read more

Great store with a wide selection of books. Staff is friendly and very knowledgeable.

Wow. I've been in downtown Campbell numerous times and I never knew there was a bookstore here! I'm so excited to come back already. I was able to cross off 6 books from my to-buy pile! Staff was also very helpful and friendly. Unfortunately I didn't see Max but I'm sure I'll see Max again when I go back. read more

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We've been coming to this bookstore for years as book lovers and anti-amazoners. We love that they have the newest best sellers and some oldies but goodies. I particularly love their wide selection of kids books and they even have a bilingual section. Their staff is super nice and helpful and if you trade in books, you can get store credit to purchase used books. During the pandemic, I was afraid they would go out of business like so many others did. They've been following the protocols and limit their customers for everyones safety. If you are in downtown Campbell strolling or looking for a gift, stop by here and support a local business! Only downside is that they used to have their cat roaming and I am allergic and not a fan, but haven't seen it in a while. Shop local! read more

I love this bookstore and wish there were more like it! I'm so happy this place has re-opened last week. They're following social distancing by only allowing limited amount of adults in the store at a time. They have a great collection used and new books. I'm an avid fiction reader and can always find something I want to read. What I really love here though, is the used kids' section. My daughter just blows through books so it's so great to be able to buy stacks of used books that are as cheap as $1.99 each. We do the trade-ins sometimes too and I feel like they offer a fair deal. You can either get cash or store credit, generally twice as much for the latter so we always choose that. They recommend calling first to check the buyback hours since they are more limited currently. And yes, there are sleeping cats in the front window. read more

Super knowledgeable and helpful staff, good selection, comfortable and welcoming space, gorgeous cat. A nearly perfect bookstore find!

I visited Recycle Bookstore for the first time recently. It's conveniently located in the middle of downtown Campbell. Recycle buys and sells used books. They have a huge selection. They are also offering a cute gift idea: blind date with an author. They wrap books and label them with their genre and a few key points. I picked up for a couple as gifts. They said if I (or the recipient) has already read the book, they can exchange it for another (with the receipt). Very unique and fun gift idea! read more

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The store is adequate .... so long as you do not attempt to purchase anything! Staff is clueless and incapable of handling the business. This afternoon I was initially asked to pay in cash and had to wait for ten minutes until they were ready for an electronic payment. I paid using Apple Pay. Then I was requested to pay a second time because their printer was unable to output a receipt. Needless to say, I refused to pay twice, and showed the cashier on my phone that my credit card had indeed been charged. The staff refused to honor this transaction and I ended up leaving the store without the books for which I had paid and with the new charge on my credit card. This is dishonest business practice. The customers are being penalized for the store being so poorly run. read more

I love the vibe of this store. Whenever I walk and I feel a very calming presence. It's always nice to stop by and say hi to Maxi. He is absolutely the cutest cat. I just wish I could give him belly rubs. read more

Recycle Bookstore - Maxi - Bookstores Near Me - Campbell, California

I LOVE bookstores. I can spend hours checking shelves and being surrounded by literature. I was excited to check this place out and had it bookmarked for a while. I left the books that I picked up and left after my experience today. I was looking around and I was on the phone responding to work QUIETLY. I had a lady walk by me and stare at me, whisper something under her breath. I asked her what's up and she told me I'm being loud. How about the crying kid? The gossiping teen girls? The other people yelling on the phone? Yet you want to come with that attitude. To the woman with glasses and short curly hair. Check yourself. Talk to people with respect and be courteous. If you approached me in a different way, things would have been better. read more

A friend and I went to lunch close by with intentions of going to a Barnes & Noble and doing a book exchange/swap. Meaning, I was going to buy her a book I think she'd like and vise versa and then we'd trade and talk about them once we'd both read our books. Well she then told me about this gem and that we were in walking distance too so we just had to go. There was such a great selection of books and the place is so cozy! We got lost for a few hours. Having Starbucks right across the street as well is definitely BONUS points. Needless to say we didn't make it to B&N but that's fine. I know I will be back for sure, it was a great experience. Staff was amazing and very helpful. I haven't stopped talking about this spot and will absolutely be going back. It's a kept secret and BETTER NOT be leaving anytime soon!! read more

Such a wide variety of books. I cannot stress that enough. Such a WIDE VARIETY OF BOOKS! As a book nerd, this is complete heaven. My coworkers and I went here a little tipsy after having a few cocktails at Mo's and we definitely bought more books than intended, but it was such a fun experience. I just with the resident kitty was there! Hopefully next time!! read more

My friend found loads of books while we were here (I didn't, which is fine, as there wasn't anything I was particularly interested in or looking for). Big selection with loads of genres, price range, etc. *HOWEVER* I 100% know that I was being tailed while I was browsing. As soon as I stepped inside, I was stared at by the employees at the front even though neither I nor my friend were greeted (which is fine, I'm not a Maharaja- I know they have other things they need to do) but it was just weird that they acknowledged us with their stares but didn't even say "hi" or wave? Anyway, I always take my time and look at every book in whatever section I'm interested in, and an employee would go over to where I was at LEAST every. single. minute. I'm not exaggerating, I timed it a few times. I could see them looking at me out of the corner of their eye while they were conveniently putting books away but never seemed to have to put them away in areas I was NOT in. Sometimes they would get there, put one book away, leave and then basically whip back around the corner to "put away" the other book they were carrying. Trying to "catch me" stealing I guess when all I've been doing is standing there reading the book description like literally everyone else in the store... Every time I moved to a different aisle or section, an employee would immediately pop in and they would repeat the cycle of putting one book away, leaving, and then coming back soon after, all the while they would observe me. Why was I being followed? I'm not really sure, to be honest (well, I have my theory but I'll let you all infer what it might be...). All I know is that my experience here made me incredibly uncomfortable and really, really sad. I came in to spend time with my friend and enjoy a bookstore, not to be followed around like I'm a criminal. I'll be sticking the the Recycle Bookstore on the Alameda. Not once have they ever made me feel like this over there. They're very nice there and always so welcoming. It's just an employee thing, so I can't blame the owner for what these workers made me feel like. Will not be coming back here, not worth being made feel like garbage when I've done nothing wrong. read more

One of the best kept secrets of San Jose! If you're into books and also into helping the environment by supporting used second hand retailers, then this spot is one to visit. I've been coming here for years for art books etc ! The one on the Alameda has the best selection. The prices are reasonably affordable. This place gives me a homey feeling. I literally could spend hours just scouring through the vast amazing variety of literature, art, photography, history etc. If you're a book lover, it's definitely a little piece of heaven. read more

I stopped in today just to kill some time...what I found was amazing. From Nancy Drew two comic books, books on the Civil War to a president's diary, books on famous actors and actresses two famous bands like the sex pistols and Jim Morrison they have it all here, Ansel Adams photography? yep they have it. I spent a good hour walking around the store...I got to say I was quite impressed. The next time I come in I'll spend some serious time digging around looking for a great book to buy. read more

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I came for the cat, stayed for the beautiful vintage leather bound book collection. This bookstore is a great place to visit and browse books for all ages! I ended picking up a red leather bound copy of Virgil, a baby's Christmas book, and my husband picked up some business books. Lots of recipe books to choose from. They even have an occult/witchy section! You'll definitely find what you're looking for here! read more

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I REALLY love books, bookstores are my happy place. I found Recycle as I was strolling in downtown Campbell after a heavy dinner. This is a delightful place and they sell new and used books. The staff is friendly and helpful. The used books are not as cheap as I would have expected but it's worth it. Read more and buy a lot of books from Recycle Bookstore! read more

Recycle Bookstore - Heaven - Bookstores Near Me - Campbell, California

Cool used bookstore. They have every subject available and good prices. Great place to browse, get a book or comics. Plus they have a nice cat who lives there. How cool is that! It's nice to have bookstores to shop at in the age of online shopping. read more

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It's a place where bookworms hang out. At least, I hope that's a bookworm. It's the tallest building in downtown Campbell. I assume so because of all the stories!! Get it? Great selection of books, and because it's not corporate, it has touches like homemade signs, "Staff picks", and a resident orange cat named Bob, who likes to be pet with the eraser side of a pencil. At least, I hope that's a pencil. [8/18 R.I.P. Bob] read more

Recycle Bookstore - Big selection of gay ice cream books. - Bookstores Near Me - Campbell, California

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My first time visiting a recycle bookstore and I loved it! With climate change and deforestation, I'm a huge supporter of purchasing used books instead of new ones. This bookstore had a surprising number of books spanning a variety of topics from eastern philosophy to comedian biographies. Their books are in good quality. The employees also did a great job of helping me find the right books for my father's birthday present. read more

Who loves to read? ME! Who likes to build a book collection? ME! Who likes to buy books for cheap-er? ME! Who would prefer to buy from locals than the corporate giants? ME! OMG. This place is heaven to me. I felt like Belle (as in Beauty in the Beast) when Beast showed her his library... filled w/ books.. a ladder is needed to successfully scour the entire store and its collection of books for sale. There are trade-ins but I didn't read much into it because I want to keep my books.. but it's a nice option and I might consider it after reading a "blah" book. I saw current best sellers books and books I read over 10 years ago when I was still in middle school, in high school.. it was a very nostalgic experience for me because the books I read back then appeared before me and it reminded me of the time when all I did was read. While the kids were at the park, I read. While on vacation (in the car ride), I read. I could see myself spending hours and hours in here, never getting bored. What was cool/cute was a cat named Bob.. an orange tabby.. a fat orange tabby as a matter of fact kept strolling in and out of the aisle, not afraid of people made me think that if I could sit and read here for hours, Bob would be on my lap. The books are categorized by author.. I found Anna Quindlen's collection so i had to buy one.. at that point there is no turning back. I even got To Kill A Mockingbird for $3.50! Then I continued to browse every shelf and found.. CHICK LIT! I love chick flick movies so of course I'm into chick lit! I found a collection of Meg Cabot so yup, that's right, I grabbed a book to be purchased as well. I then proceeded to the kids' area and grabbed an activity book for my Daughter. I already have a ton of books for her at home, easy read to chapter books but I wanted an activity book because even though it's summer.. I still want her to be active in learning and reading (of course, we read each night when I have her). I need to pay another visit to this place after I finish the 3 novels I got for myself. Since I am done w/ summer class, what better way to spend the day than reading? Being immersed w/ a good book.. aahhh.. the life. read more

Recycle Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Campbell, California

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Found an old review that I had typed up back in 2016, that I'd never posted. I've been looking for a used bookstore for a while, and this is exactly what I wanted. It's big, the prices are great, and there is a pretty decent selection. The young children's section is good, but where they really wow is with their middle grade fiction and chapter books. I went on a little spending spree for my (almost) seven-year-old (who reads slightly above his grade level). All the titles I read growing up were there. It was an excited walk through my childhood! We also found several nice, hardcover nonfiction books about art, science, and history. This store is a great choice! read more

Loved this store! Found so many childhood favorites & classics, plus a bunch of others on my to read list. read more

Recycle Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Campbell, California

My brother is obsessed with this place. Knowing that my sister chose to have us all meet for lunch across the street so my brother could take my wife and I in after lunch. Huge mistake. First he told me how great their selection was - very true. All sorts of genres with plenty to chose from in each. Then he mentioned the cats - Bob!! On cute, not so shy cat, lounging in the back area of the store, purring with delight as I pet him and pursued the shelves. I wish I could have carried him around while I shopped but I fought the urge and let him snooze away. My brother and wife and I spent 30 or so minutes wandered and each of us walked out with a stack of books and an even longer list of "books to buy and read later." Great store and will definitely be on my list for visits every time I am in town. With my sister living right down the street basically it will be easy to drop by frequently. Great prices also. Not just a great selection but prices that match and let me indulge in everything that catches my eye. read more

Recycle Bookstore - Bob. - Bookstores Near Me - Campbell, California

I recently sold a few books here and it was a great experience. The staff was really friendly and they were super helpful about the items they were taking and gave me good recommendations for donating the ones they didn't want to buy. My parents live in San Jose so I plan on coming back the next time I'm in town to do some shopping. I'm glad this gem of a bookstore is in Campbell. read more

Amazing used book store. Huge selection of kids and young adult books. Those who are used to a more antiseptic book buying experience expect to search and browse through the stacks. Still, isn't the searching journey is what reading is all about anyway? read more

I am seriously addicted to this bookstore. It is smaller than a typically bookstore but I can always find something I want to take home (I don't always cause I would go broke lol). If you have a kiddo in your life, there is a wide selection of popular and unique children's books in the front of the store. But my favorite is the blind date with a book section. They wrap the book up and give a brief description. If you are lucky, you'll meet the black and white cat named max who lives in the bookstore. read more

Recycle Bookstore - Max enjoying the sun - Bookstores Near Me - Campbell, California

Such a wonderful bookstore with a phenomenal selection of gently used books (as well as new ones)! I went in today to sell some of my books and I was very pleased about how fairly they paid for my books (especially compared to some other places). The crew was also very kind and they priced all of my books in less than 10 mins! They offer more if you choose store credit and they offer cash too for your books! Great experience :) read more

Love this store! I usually come a couple times a month and bring in some of my old books. I love how they offer you cash or trade for your used books. They're always friendly and welcoming and I can bring my dog in with me to browse around. read more

I got only Great Books & Good Vibes from this store! I was walking along side Recycle Bookstore West in downtown Campbell and stopped by just-like-that, without any particular intention of buying any particular book. What I Bought? + an autobiography + two coloring books + a signature Recycle Bookstore West's T-Shirt I was very satisfied with the books I bought and with the good vibes from inside the store. I was helped by the store's kind staff/ manager. Sarah was polite and very attentive to her customers. Not many staff members follow kind gestures at their stores in general (I mean all other types of businesses too). A big shout out and thanks to Sarah, for taking care of me the other day. I'm a BIG FAN of this store and I will keep visiting this place. I Highly Recommend! read more

This review is for selling pre owned books. We have been coming here for the last 11 years. My kids recently outgrew a large collection of Disney the Pooh books in great condition. I called the store and they said to bring them in. I brought in 2 bags full and the lady with curly hair did not even take one of them. They need to be consistent with their buy back policy. It was very frustrating today. I'm not going to come back unless something is done. Thank you for reading this review. read more

Typically great place. But there were two employees at the front desk, one was on the computer and the other with green hair wouldn't stop talking to their friends while people were in line. I waited for a while trying not to listen to their conversation, but neither one employee acknowledged the people waiting in line, both seemed busy just chatting and having a good laugh. I had to leave without the book I wanted because they took way too long and I didn't care to wait for them to finish their long conversation. read more

Gimme all the books. Paperbacks, hardcovers, even pop-up ones too. Pleasethanksmucho! This is one of my fav bookstores in the area. Their space isn't huge but they make the most of it with a great selection of new & used books of all genres, for all ages. I can't go to downtown Campbell without stopping in and exploring for at least 30 mins...and I always leave with a book or two. read more