What you see is what you get with this place. There is nothing extraordinary and wow about it which I think is okay. They have an extensive collection of used books and CDs. But sadly I was on the hunt for vinyl records and there weren't many on display at the time. And the albums they had were from 2010s to current so wasn't quite what I was looking for. No qualms beyond that. I was in and out and the cashier didn't really pay me any attention which was fine. read more

Cannot recommend this place enough! The staff is amazing and kind, the selection is great and $2 fiction novels?! Cannot beat it. I've been to a few used book stores and this is genuinely my favorite. The membership pays for itself even if you just go once (but trust you'll be back!) read more

I don't often write reviews on this website... but I have to say, the customer service was non existent. I love supporting small business, I always have. But there are some stores that just are not worth any support. The woman behind the counter had such an attitude to another lady who was just asking a question about exchanging books or something... The lady was kind, soft spoken and kind with how she asked the question. And the response and tone of voice the worker lady responded with was absolutely unacceptable. This is not how you run a small business. All you will do is drive away customers (like myself). Seek therapy. read more

Adorable shop, been coming here for years. We have found some rare finds here over the years. They do buy, sale and trade. Reasonably priced, take your time, you can definitely find some gems with great values. Conveniently located next to the Columbia MVA and Sushi King. Friendly service, fun place to visit, highly recommend. read more

See all

Good records and Good books. Some items are free outside or 1 dollar. There is a payment plan if want that. There is also cds for 5 dollars. read more

So I had to go to the MVA to return my plates and my bf is an avid book and comic book collector/reader. He said he'd meet me in the store. I walk in and there is a tall bald man at the register. He sees me and continues to do whatever he was doing. I get no greeting what so ever. So I walk by the cashier and say to him "hello" he says hi back. First impressions are huge to me when I walk into a store. So immedialy I'm a little bothered. I find my bf we look around for a few mins. The employee never came to ask us if we needed any help or what bought us in today? Nothing! So we head towards the front of the store and leave. Not one "bye" or "thanks for stopping in". The man never acknowledged our presence. Horrible customer service! My bf said he wanted to buy a few books, but after we were ignored decided he didn't want to give this store his money. Maybe the guy was having a bad day but my bf said he was speaking to a customer when he walked in. Maybe they engaged him with some questions who knows. Bottom line: Don't spend your money where you don't feel welcome. read more

Walked in and I was the only one in the store The owner did not even look up and acknowledge me. The door makes a loud chime so either she was off in another world or rude. I walked to the counter with a stack of records to try and sell, after a few seconds she finally made eye contact and said they only do trade ins/buy items from 11am-2pm... it was 2:30pm with not a soul in the store. So I took my records and left. Very put off with her attitude and I will not go back. read more

Great place to buy second hand books at cheap prices. It's got an eclectic feel with books overflowing the shelves onto stacks on the floor. Books organized by genre. There is no catalog of the inventory if you are looking for a specific book however the owner has an excellent memory and frequently knows if they have stock or not. read more

Second Edition Books & Music - Special edition books - Bookstores Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

See all

The female staffer was extremely rude. i took a bag of used books in today because I had the day off and the hours to sell books are not very conducive to people who work full-time. Without a hello or smile was asked "what can I do for you"from at least 10feet away. I politely said I have some books to sell. She aggressively said I'm done for the day. I smile, but say that I've tried before (I'm disappointed). She starts up that she is slammed and she isn't taking anymore very rudely. i said never mind to which she sarcastically says fine. Just rude and not welcoming! I won't go back. read more

We found this business to sell some old Blu Ray discs. They gave a fair price. They have a cool selection of used books, music and movies.

My favorite local bookstore! I used to live in an area that had a chain that buys/sells used books and music, and when I moved to the east coast I was initially sad that the chain wasn't out here... until I found Second Edition. This is a small but mighty shop that buys and sells books (and a small selection of music). For being tucked away like they are, I have been pretty impressed by their selection! Every book genre they had at the old chain store I'd go to, they also have here. Their genres are labeled well and accurate, and for the most part the books within those genres are also organized-- with the exception of some piles on the floor that don't have shelf space yet. I personally love that they have more books than fit their shelves because it feels like I'm digging through treasure each time. I've both bought and sold here. When you sell, they offer you the options of cash or store credit. Store credit they add a few dollars to, which is really great because I basically spend it all back right away. Pricing is very fair on both ends. This is genuinely my favorite place to go when I want somewhere quiet or I only have a few dollars to spare. read more

Second Edition Books & Music - Bookstores Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

See all

Great selection of books and vinyls. You can get list in this "small" but large store. The customer service is very welcoming and nice. This is my second visit and I've purchased about 8 vinyls at reasonable prices. I recommend this establishment. They also gave chairs placed throughout the store so you can sit and look at books or listen to your tunes read more

I am so excited to have found this gem!! I just relocated from Massachusetts, and my options back home were limited to big box stores or Amazon - neither of which can be classified as a bibliophile's dream. I found Second Edition via Yelp, and it was everything I hoped for and more. I grew up loving a Mom & Pop bookstore, and Second Edition gives me all the good nostalgia vibes. The prices are great, the selection is eclectic, and I had to force myself to leave after filling 2 grocery bags with new books to love. Side note - they offer store credit or cash for books. The owner did mention being relatively picky for what they accept (which shows in the shelves, the books are in good to excellent condition and they have a ton of great authors; if I'm not mistaken they accept items 10-12 years old), but he did mention there is a place relatively close (I believe associated with Habitat for Humanity) to donate books they can't accept for quality... which makes this basically everything I love about bookstores and libraries, in one gorgeous little unassuming spot. Bottom line? Just go. You won't be disappointed. read more

Second Edition Books & Music - Try to tell me you couldn't spend days in here - Bookstores Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Whenever I'm in a new city, I love to visit music and book stores. This spot is a classic and super random for the location ! Lots of great books, music, and movie with a Homie feel. If you don't stop by to buy, you can also sell at a reasonable price. You can literally wander in here by yourself for hours. It's so much to see and read. I was very surprise to find a classic Jackson vinyl. Support your local bookstores! read more

See all

Part of me doesn't want to leave a review to keep it a secret. If you're a book lover this is the place for you. Have books to get rid of? This is your place. read more

New to town--was trying to find a locally owned used bookstore. Out of respect, I called ahead to see if it was ok for me to bring my coffee. A very rude woman answered the phone. Me: "hi, do you guys allow people to bring in coffee?"--her: "don't leave your empty trash on table." What?! A simple yes or no would have sufficed. My call in advance of coming to inquire about their beverage policy should have been a clue that I was not a slob. READ the room ma'am! They have lost a new customer. I will never go there!!! read more

Why couldn't this little gem of a bookstore be closer to my house?...because the Gods are watching out for my wallet, that's why. This entire store is literally covered in books. It's heaven in there. From ceiling to wall, even piled on the floor in front of shelves. Books about every subject you could possibly think of and a few that you didn't. If that's not enough reason to visit, their stellar vinyl section might be. Everything is separated into sections (drama, mystery, children's, etc.) and the prices are a little higher than usual, but worth it. Kathy is the owner and she's as gracious as can be. If you have questions they'll be answered, and she walks you over to the specific section. It's nice, considering that most people point and yell in a general direction. They offer a membership for $9.99 a year, which gets you 10% off each purchase and every 4th book free...two trips and the membership pays for itself! They also accept trades, so those books you have stacked in the corner may find a happy home here. I can't wait to come back :) read more

See all

Very small bookshop but very tightly stocked. This is exactly the sort of bookshop I love. Shelves and shelves of paperbacks going back deep into the store. Somewhat organized and somewhat cluttered, but that's part of the appeal. I managed to find THREE great paperbacks and the prices were excellent. If you're looking for vinyl, then you can't do better than this shop. Tons of them! Helpful staff who knew what was in stock and brought me to the right stuff. FIVE stars! read more

See all

This was such a great find! I actually remember my parents trading in their LP's and books over ten years ago here!! Everything is well organized and clean. The record selection is amazing! I also had a minute to look at their book selection and I was pretty impressed. The historical fiction could use a few more - but, I can help with that :) We will definitely be returning! read more

Second Edition Books & Music - Great LP selection! - Bookstores Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

I like this place a lot because they have a lot of selections and I think it's organized well. The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is because I think the buy back program is a bit unfair. Even the store credit is super low. I guess it's worth it though to not have my used books hanging around. read more

I was on the phone while in the store (only one other customer was there but i was careful to not be loud or obnoxious) when I finished shopping I was waiting patiently at the register for her to acknowledge me (I realize now that she was pointedly ignoring me, not finishing up sorting things like i'd assumed) for about 2 minutes before-- Her: "Let me know when you're ready." Me: "Oh, yeah im ready now" Her: "...ill wait until youre done with your phone call." Me: "...do I need to hang up the phone...?" Her: "Yes in case theres something I need to ask you." Me: *hangs up immediately, confused but thinking maybe theres something I'm missing" Her: "Are you a rewards member?" Me: "No" Her: "Your total is $$, would you like a bag?" Me: "No thank you." And that was literally it. Im not sure what kind of power trip you're on, honestly Im only leaving this review in hopes that you can check yourself before doing this to someone else, I was in no way intending to be rude and fully intended to put my call on hold once she started checking me out. Even if I had been loud, obnoxious, and continued talking on the phone while she was checking me out, that still wouldn't be the appropriate way to handle it. As for why I left 2 stars and not 1-- I thought the shop had a good selection of some genres and just okay in others. The organization was a bit wild and sporadic, and there were knee high stacks on the ground blocking the shelves-- I had to move about 7 stacks out and then put them back so I could look through one section. But thats not too unusual for a used bookstore. Prices are probably higher than they need to be, paid about 50 for 4 hardbacks and 2 audiobooks, but the condition was fine. The interaction soured the whole trip for me, but if you're looking for a small nook of a used bookstore, for books alone it wasnt a bad haul. read more

Adorably quaint little shop. I drop by every now and again to browse among the books and have a look around. Some people are put off by the stacks of books lying about; I personally love it. It reminds me of a certain book character's bookshop...I'll intentionally leave that bit vague for the Gaiman and Pratchett fans out there. My only gripe about the place would be occasionally feeling like I'm intruding when I drop by. That might be because the space is so intimate, or my own introverted-ness. Either way, I give it 5 stars and hope to drop by again soon. read more

Great little used bookstore, well organized, fair prices, next to a great sushi joint!

Dropped my daughter off at MVA and was excited to see this store still open. The girl was putting books out on racks, so I amble up to take a look, hoping to find something fun for weekend reading. She actually seemed PUT OUT that I was looking at the books and informed me she has eight minutes to open. Your rudeness cost you a sale. I'm happy to support local businesses, but you have to have basic customer service skills at least. Used to love this store. I wont be back. read more

Great little gem in Columbia. Love this used book shop. So many choices! My kids really loved the children's area. We found a few great children's books and some awesome records. Will definitely be back. read more

Absolutely love this Bookstore, Vinyl Gem and CD archive! Great selection of LPs, second hand books and CDs. read more

See all

They really need to organize more. Being in here is a headache lol. I would say that their selection isn't the best but it's hard to discern because half the selection is on the floor. read more

This is a nicely hidden second hand book store. I found 3 hardback books for less than $20 and the staff was super friendly. They had everything labeled and organized. I will be returning often to make many more purchases. read more

They have a great selection, and their books are great quality. I wish they accepted more books on the trade in, (i honestly have no clue of the logic that they use) but that just shows that they don't accept just anything. read more

Cozy, quaint little bookstore with a big romance and fantasy section. Glad to see it survived Covid.

Great little used book store overflowing with great books and great service. I got lost in the ceiling high stacks of literature.

If I could leave 0 stars, I would:( I found items that I wanted, they didn't have any prices though, so the owner said he would hold and price them for me. He said he would give me a call when they were priced. I went back once a week for two weeks and they still hadn't priced them. When I went back the 3rd time. They had sold them to someone else. They were very rude and wouldn't own up to their mistake and couldn't even acknowledged that they wasted my time. Very disappointing. They are new business owners so perhaps they just don't know how to treat customers yet. I hope they figure it out before they alienate a bunch of good people. read more

I came here only because it was the only place that I knew that would buy used books. I had 5 bins of books to sell/get rid of. Ugh, in Texas, this would not be a problem as there are lots of used bookstores. In the DC area, it's like, it's unheard of. People! Get with the program! Anyways, I was able to sell about half the books that I brought in, which earned me a pretty good amount of store credits. My partner and I browsed through the books store and bought over a hundred dollars worth of (used) books. Thanks to the store credit, I only had to shell out a few dollars. The books, especially fiction, are in really good shape. I got some really good deals on books. I got a hardcover copy of Sue Grafton's "T is for Trespass" for $2!!!! Can't beat that! If only this place was closer to DC, I'd definitely come here more often. After I went there, I discovered Second-Story Used Books in Dupont Circle. But, heck, where am I supposed to park and drag these heavy bins to the store? Blah. Anyways, Second Edition is worth your time and money to explore for books that you've always wanted to read but weren't willing to pay the full price. Plus, there are movies and CD's you can buy. Friendly staff too. read more

I was visiting the MVA express and brought along a bunch of books to sell. Unwanted books take up too much space. Well, they offered me $12 for about 20 books. Laughable, but I was already there so, I said fine. I would rather post them on paperbackswap.com. Its a pain to have to mail them, but at least I'm getting a book I want to read in return for each book I send. I was only able to buy 2 more books for the 20 I sold. They do have a good selection if you're looking to purchase. I would probably stop in here a lot if I had kids. Their kids selection looks great and the way kids go through books, why pay full price? read more

So glad to know places like this still exist! Books, cds, vinyl, record players, cassettes and more! There is such a large variety here! The customer service is beyond friendly and helpful! They get sooo many items in here it is a bit hard to find things because it can be overwhelming but they have a pretty good system to ensure organization. Yelp has a few offers for this place which is another plus! Highly recommend it! read more

since the invention of things such as the kindle, the nook, the ipad I feel like the amount of actual books i read have gone down... Stores like this makes me want to start reading more physical books! I wondered into this place after having breakfast in the area thinking maybe i would walk away with one or two books that i may or may not read.. When i walked in its like i stepped into a book lovers dream! I was promptly greeted by who i assume was the owner and he made sure i was aware that he was there if i needed him for anything. He went about his business and i started in on the shelves. There were so many books it was almost overwhelming.. after spending about an hour looking around I walked away with one book that i have been dying to read and another that just seemed interesting.. I could have bought so many more but I had to display a level of restraint. The only reason I dont give this place 5 stars is because the entire store seemed a little cluttered which makes it hard to really enjoy the experience, I would have also loved some empty floor space or a place to sit while I flipped through a couple of books to decide which ones i would end up buying. The place does have free wi-fi which seems like a waste since there is no where to really enjoy it. Overall its a solid book store that i will recommend to my book loving friends and will return to myself to buy and maybe even sell back some books.. read more

Was very excited to find this little spot. I work in Columbia, and often need places to venture to on lunch breaks. While I must say I am often guilty of last minute running to Borders or B&N before a beach trip, I decided I would do a little research and see if I could find a used book store. Second Edition was exactly what I was looking for! They have just about everything, as well as used CDs/Movies I didn't have time to look at the movies but will definitely come back! I purchased a "membership" which allows you to get every 4th item free! As well as 10% off. Books are half off of what the barcode prices says on the back. What a bargain! Will definitely be returning! read more

When there are only 3 used book stores in the county, it's easy to suggest this place. A great selection of used classics and used pop books all reasonably priced. Though i was actually looking for "Lolita" I was able to find "The Winter of our Discontent" in hardcover with a bit of character. The helpful employee looked all over for Lolita, what vigilant service! Don't be fooled by its average strip mall appearance, it's really quite a gem. Also, the MVA is right next door, so one might as well acquire some reading material for the endless lines ... read more

Fair pricing, huge selection, great customer service. They are very good to their regulars and the membership is a great deal.

If you have time to spare, come here before buying a book at a big name store. You definitely have to dig, but you'll find lots of hidden gems in the mix. They have a lot of fiction options, and the books are in great/good condition. Very nice people! read more