We came here as our city is being a jerk and closing this down. I know some of that is that our older generation didn't want any new taxes on anything as they are selfish and don't want to pay taxes on the 3 houses they own or whatever. Still it sucks to see this going away. We came in, bought some books and browed a bit. They place had a fair amount of people, still quite a few books, music, and movies. I couldn't find much I was intersteied in but Shana did and even found me a book or two. The bathroom is weird, it is around a corner that looks like you are not allowed to go to and there is a key on a hanger that you take in with you, you don't need to unlock the door and I am not sure it even locks. If the key is missing that is how you know the bathroom has someone in it, there is a small hook on the inside to hang the key while you are in the restroom. So you have to hope people notice it is gone and you have to hope everyone puts the key back. But they are clean and they have a sign in the bathroom that the front desk can supply you with pads if needed. The one misstep here was the guy running the front desk, he was not super friendly, I heard his reaction to a lady gushing about how great the place was and how many books she found for such a good price, some were gifts and he could care less. He wasn't rude but he was doing that thing where you just nod and say uh huh. I also heard him later say he was from another branch of the library, I don't know which but I hope we don't run into him again. We got something like 7 or 8 books for 9 bucks which is fantastic. He checked us out fast, as he had better things to do and we headed out. read more

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Recycled reads is a really interesting place. I found out about it from Google when I was looking for a used copy of a specific book. Let me start with - it's not a big place, and the selection isn't huge so it's not terribly likely you'll find something very specific, much less a popular title. However, it's a nice concept. They sell retired library books for VERY cheap, so if you're list looking for a new book in general, this is actually a pretty decent spot to get some and save money. They have a small lot out front but I had no trouble finding parking. The staff there were really friendly and helpful; they don't have a catalog because of all the turnover but they do have things arranged by genre so they could point me toward where I might find the book I was looking for. read more

Okay this place is so underrated. Where else can you basically THRIFT BOOKS for $2???! I was so stoked to get a book that's been on my list for a while, too. Also the decor is so cute :) the staff was quite friendly and I am excited to see what recycled reads I can find next time! read more

Recycled Reads - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

I love this place. Their reason for existing is to keep books that are being retired from the library's shelves from ending in the landfill. Too bad they're having to close. read more

I'm indescribably grateful that APL came up with the concept of Recycled Reads. I'm infinitely more grateful that they had the smarts to staff the branch with Paola. I have spent many hours at different library branches, several closer to my home than Recycled Reads. While all are fine and I can't say that I've ever had a bad experience at any of them, neither can I say that any -outside of Recycled Reads - have ever felt like they were being operated as a community service. At Recycled Reads, Paola has created an atmosphere of welcome and acceptance for everyone. It's still the Austin Public Library, so there are obviously rules that she and her staff are obligated to enforce, but it's always done with courtesy and eespect. Under Paola's leadership, Recycled Reads has created programs and events that are exciting, fun, and inclusive! I'm always excited to see what's next, and even when it's not something I would have chosen my myself, I participate, have a great time, and learn something! Isn't that what the library is all about? Thank you, Austin Public Library, Recycled Reads, and the amazing staff and volunteers who work so hard to make their little corner of the city into a place where absolutely everyone can find value, if only they choose to look for it. read more

I go there to buy children's books and stock a Little Free Library near where I live. The store has the lowest prices for books in town. read more

I used to really enjoy browsing here and finding cool books for an amazingly low price, usually 1-2 bucks per book. I've also donated around 12-20 boxes of books here over the years because it seemed like a great way to give back to the book-loving community. But - the store has been overrun by obnoxious resellers, who elbow out the book lovers as they go through with their little devices pinging every single book, or who pile books on carts and take their sweet time sorting through them. The most obnoxious thing was seeing the staff letting these bottom feeders paw through newly donated books and media before the general public even gets a chance to look at them. I don't donate books so that some sleazy reseller can make a buck. I've decided that I will no longer donate here until I get a sense that Recycled Reads has a handle on this issue and creates some protocols for resellers. Maybe give them a special afternoon after the weekend when came come in and fight amongst themselves for their precious scraps, and let the people who actually enjoy books browse undisturbed the rest of the week. read more

I love the concept and the prices are crazy good. But the selection isn't great and the organization is hard to follow. Still, I love the concept and so did many others. The place was full of kids and adults alike on a Saturday. read more

Apparently when I had written this review Ruth had already left Recycled Reads. I did not know this at the time, as Ruth often hid in the back and tried to remain out of sight. I figured just because I didn't see her didn't mean she wasn't there. Well, she wasn't. Sadly, it didn't and still doesn't make a difference. While the store is now Ruthless, the taint of Ruth lingers, as her underlings (aka "Baby Ruths") still remain to carry the torch of poor customer service and under-stocked shelves. Tired of music being alphabetized, sorted by genre, and shelved? Worry not, you won't have to deal with any organization here. Looking for decent new inventory, just like they used to put out in the old days? You still won't find any, but don't worry - there's probably plenty available in the amazon accounts of the staff. Have a question you want answered smugly but not accurately? Ask the skinny white guy who looks like he sleeps there. He will not disappoint. The volunteers are the only remotely helpful people in the store. They should promote them to paid staff and demote everyone else, and maybe burn some sage in the place as well. read more

the manager there is a very sweet lady and is kind and compassionate to everyone she meets. Also RR is an amazing bookstore and it is a priveledge to have in our community, not to mention the passport services and events they host! read more

I come to recycle reads for the Zine Friends event that's hosted there! An excellent place to find cheap books, and the staff is always friendly. Paola in particular is very kind and helpful. read more

As someone who literally buys second-hand everything (non-perishable) nowadays, this place speaks to my heart. There's always great reads to be discovered here, from old to new, and you'll be leaving very satisfied with your experience. The inventory is not too gargantuan so you won't succumb to that dreaded decision fatigue. The selection here is not as abundant as Half Priced Books, but they are still worth perusing. When I came by, they were doing this fifty cent per book sale in some of the shelves, so of course I had to scoop up all the Game of Thrones novels lol. The staff were pleasant and patient with us, and appreciated that we brought our own reusable canvas bags too. Just keep on recycling everywhere you go, you know? Be a good human. Definitely give this place a try if you're in the area. You never know what you'll stumble upon! read more

I visit Recycled Reads nearly every Sunday... because I belong to a Meetup sewing group that meets there. I love browsing the bookshelves! They have everything! I've found some of my favorite crafting books at Recycled Reads! Often on Sundays there will be a musician group or a poetry event. It is so much fun to enjoy their offerings! Recycled Reads is, bar none, THE best place to bring your kiddos and let them choose their own books! read more

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For years I loved this store. The new manager is rude to customers and I will never shop here again. Sad to see a great shop ruined by awful management. read more

Best deal ever on used books. These rejects from the library are really a bunch of good books that got too old. So they're super cheap - fifty cents per kids book, a buck for an adult book and two bucks for hard covers. These prices beat my library fines any day. Also all the proceeds go to the library so they can buy more books (and pay those awesome helpful librarians!) Super convenient weekend hours and a little play area for kids make this place top notch. I would like to rate this 6 stars and yes I go there twice a month now. read more

Holy cheap book Wonderland. I hadn't been to their new location and was blown away by the selection and the feel of the place. It's like a small library and given that it's full of actual old library books I suppose that's why I feel that way. I had to get kids books for a baby shower for guests to sign so I popped into recycled reads and found the motherload. All kids books are 50 cents. That's right mom and dads who are paying at $3 - $10 a book... you can get all your fun kid reading here on the cheap. I selected 25 books, lugged them up to the front, got them boxed and brought them the the party. You can't even tell they're from the library and most of them are in really good shape. If you're picky about it, you can take the Austin Library Bar Code off. My one weird issue is that I bought 25 books at 50 cents and was charged 23.50. I feel like maybe the cold medicine I am on might be addling my brain but if each book was 50cents, it should have been closer to 12.50. Either way, it was a hell of a lot cheaper than picking them up anywhere else (except maybe Savers) and the money goes to my fave library system. read more

Aren't bookstores kind of depressing, even for bibliophiles? It's hard to go into Barnes & Noble and know that not only is that crisp $24.99 hardcover a gratuitous waste of paper, it could easily bought used for cheaper (...or downloaded for free). This is the Austin Public Library's retail arm, and gee golly was I happy to find it. All paperbacks $1, all hardcovers $2, rare/vintage $10-15!! The selection is great and spans everything a typical library has (not just unwanted mystery/sci-fi and outdated biology primers from the 70's). The books are in excellent condition, many with clear jackets and call number stickers still attached. They're mostly staffed by volunteers. They also take book donations and do many community events, and were having a pretty awesome (and pretty sophisticated) kids' puppet show at the time. Just one of those places that make you feel good about the world. :) read more

Recycled Reads - puppet show! - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas

We finally planned where we'd be in this area to play when they were open, for your information, that would be Thursday thru sun, 12 noon to 6 or 8 pm. It's not hard to find this place if you go 10 or 15 minutes before noon....just look for all the other bookworms lined up out front politely jockeying for position and mostly silently, saying open! open! Yes, we were early too, but chose to visit a resale shop in the same strip mall, that was fun too! Great prices, $.50 paperbacks, not as big a selection as Half Price but dirt cheap, and a short walk to a great coffee place....Monkey Nest. read more

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I wanted to buy too many books while I was here yesterday! They have a huge selection and it is a nice and clean store unlike other used bookstores. I will have to go every other week or so to see their new selections. They also are going to have different types of classes. Next week is an altered art class. That should be fun. read more

This place is a great find for book lovers and collectors alike. I have bought some awesome vintage books here in very good condition for pennies on the dollar. They have great selection of books ranging in price from $1 dollar (paperbacks) to $2 dollars (hardback) They also sell DVD, Cd's, and LP's. I have bought lp's here for 1 dollar each! I almost hate to review this place because it is one of those places you want to keep to yourself! The down side is their hours. They are only open from Thurs -Sunday and the parking can be full if you go when they are busy (weekends). read more

I haven't looked at the adult books much (though I did snag a copy of The Leftovers by Tom Perotta for $1 and that book has a huge waitlist at APL!) so this review is really for the kid books. The kid books are FIFTY CENTS! This is amazing. They usually have a few crates of board books and some are pretty scuffed up, but they're going to look like that anyway after a few days with your toddler! The kid corner has two computers and a comfy couch and chair to occupy your little ones while you shop for them or that they can use to check out the books pre-purchase. The register is often staffed with volunteers who seem to be learning so it is a good idea to count the books along with them to make sure you're being charged correctly :) read more

I haven't seen $1 for a book since I was a kid at a garage sale in 1995, ok? These deals are fantastic. The books are all lightly used and in good condition (most with their plastic library wrappers) and they had some good titles available! You likely won't see multiple copies of a book, and the shelves are not as densely stacked as you'd see in an actual library or a bookstore, but the selection is good. Plus your money goes back to the library :) Win win win. read more

I'm a lover of used bookstores, and supporter of libraries, so of course I love this place. There aren't loads of titles here, but there are plenty of jems. read more

I love the Austin Library system, and here's yet another reason why. This new store sells the Library's extra books for one or two bucks! Cds, dvds, and vinyl too. You're helping the Library system and getting good stuff cheap. Win/win for all of us. Very nice. read more

I love Austin. I really love the Austin Public Library. I super love Recycled Reads! What a great concept - sell retired books from the APL to the general public for cheap. Whatever isn't sold but is still in good condition is donated to stock libraries in poor countries. The remaining unusable books are donated to a company that recycles them into construction materials. End result - nothing goes into the landfill. Love it! The store itself is a good size - not Half-Price-Books-At-2222-and-Lamar big, but large enough for a good 1/2 hour worth of browsing. There are some cafe-type table-and-chair set ups at the front of the store near the window, and the kids area has a seating area as well. The whole place has a spartan, low-budget government agency feel to it, but I didn't mind. It is what it is. The books are organized into sections for easy browsing, and there seems to be a pretty even sprinkling of every type of book, from gardening to reference books to self-help to mysteries. The selection of kids books was particularly good. Not surprisingly, the books can vary a great deal in condition (although I suspect all the really beat-up ones were culled out before ever making it to the store) and will have APL stamps or other markings on them. And, also not surprisingly, a lot of the books are somewhat dated. It does take some poking around to snag some good finds, but there are definitely good finds to be had. There is a tiny selection of new books for sale, which I presume were donated remainders or overstocks, but don't go with the expectation that they have lots of new books for sale. Kids books are $0.50 a piece, most other books usually run $1 or $2, with a few select special items marked at various higher prices. At those kinds of prices, you'd be surprised at what you'd be interested in reading about. The store is nirvana for a cheap bookworm like me, and frankly, the only thing that stopped me from buying a major stack of books was (a) I rode my bike there and I only had so much carrying capacity, and (b) my tall stack of unread books on my bedside table. But I'll be back - don't you worry. Go!!! Go support your public libraries and your insatiable reading habit without breaking the bank!!! It's like a total win win win! P.S. I did specifically ask where the money raised by the bookstore went, because it always bugged me that library book fines went to the general city coffers, not to the library system specifically. The clerk confirmed that all sale proceeds go directly back to support the libraries. read more

If you are a thrifty sob like me, you are going to love this place. Assuming you can find a book of your liking (and they have a variety that is surprisingly varied) you absolutely cannot beat this price anywhere, not even on that fancy new internet thingamajig. Paperbacks are only 1 dollar Who needs a feces ridden BK quarter pounder when you can get knee deep in some Salinger for the same price? The books are in great condition and not ridden with love juice or pizza sauce (yea I'm looking at you Amazon). To top it all off, the staff is adorable, nice, and sympathetic to their PCP included schedule of operations. I highly recommend you attend said establishment before I buy all the books Reading Bourdain Gabriel read more

Omg. This is nothing short of AMAZING!! WHOOP WHOOP! I just walked out of there with 6 books. 3$ ha. Thanks. And what's even more... I was just at Half Price Books earlier today and I picked up 4 books at half price, and I came over here, and found all four of them for $0.50 each. Seriously? This will be my first stop from now on. Granted they don't have as large of a selection as HPB...but come on.. It is nice and quiet here. Relaxing. And plenty to choose from. I'll come here before I go there. And never fear...HPB will always have my love! Wish I would have found this place long ago. And the kids section? Pretty darn big. Love it. Thanks Recycled Reads. You have yourself another customer! Dang it...love this place. read more

This is my favorite book store! The children's books range from $0.25 to $0.50. Paper books are a dollar and hard covers are $2. Please go support this awesome place there are many awesome finds here! An Austin treasure in my opinion! read more

My SAVIOR this Christmas (tee hee). $1 Paperbacks! $2 Hardbacks! Nuff said! Well, it would be enough said if I wasn't a blabbermouth. #1 best thing is that it is run by the library, so it benefits the library. I have always wanted to be able to donate my paperbacks to the library (b/c selling to Half Priced Books isn't worth it). This store is letting me do that now . . . and I love that I can support the city in this small way. #2 I read somewhere that if you donate here and they can't sell the book for some reason, they rebind/restore it if it needs it and they donate it to places in need of books. #3 Books are so cheap! A lot of people in my family are in and out of town a lot, so they doesn't really use the library . . . and they love old paperback books/series. So . . . this place is PERFECT. The selection always varies, so I try to stop in at least once a month and stock up on gift items for upcoming family birthdays and holidays. 15 hardbacks for $30, ARE YOU KIDDING? #3 So well-organized. I love that they brought their library organization into their store. Makes every book so much easier to find (unlike the horror that is Goodwill's book section). #4 Free WiFi and it's clean. I've never gone in just to chill . . . but I can see how people would if they needed to get online. read more

This is a great bookstore. Awesome coffee table books. Terrific collection of children's picture books for CHEAP!!! Some of the library event programming takes place here. My family saw a puppet show at recycled reads over the summer that was so much fun! The current mayor of Austin thinks the city should close this store, which is so shortsighted. Recycled Reads is a valuable community resource. read more

i really liked this place! the books range from .50 cents to 2 dollars but most of my books were a dollar a piece. they aren't the newest books and authors, but they are great for the price! all the books but two were hardbacks and looked brand new! read more

I went here for the first time yesterday to look for a specific book. And they had it. And it was a dollar. I was amazed because neither of my half price books locations had the book I was looking for, but this place did. I am a lucky boy. I would suggest going here without too many specifics in mind. I just happened to luck out and get exactly what I was going for. I guess if youre looking for something very well-known, like Shakespeare for example, they will most likely have it. But youre risking it with more obscure titles. Most of the books are about $1. Which immediately makes it better than 1/2 price, however; the selection is somewhat limited, but I would expect that. They aren't a chain like 1/2 price, so fewer people know they can take their books there. It supports the Austin public Library, so it wins the coolest new store according to Alex award. read more

They make Half-Price Books look really, really expensive. Surprisingly, its more spacious and clean than any 2nd hand book store I've ever visited. And some of the materials are brand new too! read more

Hey COA I love Recycled Reads please never ever get rid of it! Its half price book with a soul. You never know what you are going to find but I always find something of interest. I can get soft backs for a $1 and hard backs for $2 and leave with a years worth of reading. What a great idea. I love it so much I have started donating books to RR because I know its going to a good cause: THE LIBRARY! I am sorry half price I would rather take nothing (and have the book go to a good bookstore and good cause) than take your 50cents (what an insult). I love Recycled Reads and their great volunteers and staff. Thanks COA and Austin Public Library! read more

I love this place so much that I decided to volunteer here two hours every week shelving incoming inventory. It's definitely a win-win situation: Recycled Reads gets some free labor to turn around their ever-changing stock of books, and I have an excuse to be here regularly and to have some quiet, meditative time to myself. Shelving books is surprisingly relaxing to me, so I get some R&R at RR. Without even realizing it, I've been volunteering at Recycled Reads for a year now. The other volunteers are nice folks, and so are the people who get paid to work there. A few of them even started teaching classes on how to take books that are no longer valuable for the words printed on them (e.g., 1960s encyclopedias) and turn them into works of art. My parents love RR, too, even though they live in the Dallas area: I brought them once over the holidays, and they immediately snapped up 10 Chinese books from the foreign language section. They also send me back with boxes of Chinese books to donate every time I visit them. I do find the resellers with their barcode scanners that make beeping noises at irregular intervals a bit annoying since it disturbs the (usually) peaceful atmosphere at RR. But I don't think it would be right to turn them away either since they are buying the books just like anyone else. Maybe some guidelines on scanner etiquette should be instated. The verdict: I still adore Recycled Reads as much as the first day I walked in during their opening weekend. read more

AMAZING PLACE! $1-$2 for books - ALL OF THE BOOKS! That's cheaper than anywhere I've ever been, and they are recycled from the library so the selection is great. They also have records (found a practically new Streisand), VHS tapes (don't scoff - they are only a quarter and I found 4 yoga practices!!) DVDs, audio books.... They have an amazing selection of vintage or rare books that are also priced below fair. If you love books and a good deal this may just be heaven for you too! read more

You can't beat the prices here--they're practically giving the books away! $2 for a hardcover and $1 for a paperback, and that includes tax. And they have free wi-fi! The store is clean and bigger than I imagined it would be, with wide aisles so you don't feel awkward browsing standing over a stranger's shoulder. Not many places to sit, but with the prices the way they are, just buy the book and read it at home. If you end up not liking the book, well, you're out a dollar, but it went to the public library system, so feel good about yourself. Browsing is kind of an overload because there aren't groups of the same book visually breaking up the shelves, but if you have the time to go through the books, you'll dig up a gem. Or, just play eenie meenie and take home whatever book you land on. (Why not?) read more

Recycled Reads is a hidden gem for book lovers in Austin. Due to a virtually nonexistent marketing budget, Recycled Reads has been a word-of-mouth place for escaping the high prices of traditional book stores. In fact, Recycled Reads accepts donation of books, VHS, CDs, DVDs, and other written materials and keeps the old materials out of the landfill. After sorting, researching, and sometimes selling on-line, these one-of-a-kind documents are offered for reasonable prices and are offered to collectors, avid readers, and home decorators looking for sets of out of print books. They work with Goodwill and Image Microsystems to resell, re-purpose, recycle, or re-imagine how to creatively reuse old paper and unsaleable books...sometimes turning it into art. Go there, check it out! Find yourself a treasure. I just spent $400 on several sets of books -- including a complete works of Mark Twain from 1901 -- a signed first edition of a popular book -- and about 25 other books that will look great in my built-in bookshelves. Awesome! read more

While the selection tends to be less exciting for fields like Feminist Studies, Cultural Studies, Sociology, and Fiction (unless you love lit canon), the selection tends to be more exciting for subjects like Religious Studies, Music (CDs and records line the walls), "Romantic Fiction" (pulp fiction/ grocery store fiction, no judgment from me if that's your thing), How-to and Gardening, and Children's Books. So while I was disappointed in some areas, I was enthused by others. I really love the culture of this establishment, which is run by the Austin Public Library with the money going back into the Austin Public Library system. It is also, therefore, run sort of like a library, with a little area set up for people to bum around, sip coffee, and read, without the pressure to purchase a consumer'd likely find at a major retailer bookstore (I'm looking at you, Barnes and Nobles). Also, who doesn't want to support the library? Is there a more ethical place I could spend my money? Hardly! This is so great! I mean, conscious consumerism is annoying and usually elitist, I know, but this place is like the golden poster child of green capitalism. I can't get over it. Whatever books don't get bought end up recycled. So the consumer is contributing to the causes of both furthering literacy and education by funding library services AND to the environment by supporting recycling endeavors. The prices are more than fair, and they have a clean bathroom (again, no pressure to purchase books to use it). Highly recommended! read more

AMAZING. $1 for paperbacks, $2 for hardcovers. Clearance paperbacks for $0.50. Large selection, and most of the books are still in excellent condition. This is a must-visit for Austin booklovers! The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. I wish I could have spent all day in here. Highly recommended! read more

Recycled Reads - Bookstores Near Me - Austin, Texas