Large, well set up HPB with an easy access location and ample parking. Lots of variety in all…read moredepartments, and usually a few surprising finds to be had. Staff has always been welcoming and friendly. I can't speak to selling books or the fairness of their offers, been many years since I've brought in books.

Not our usual Half Price, we came here as part of our relaxing weekend…read more There were two authors doing book signings but not a lot of interest while we where there. They have a large selection of books, music, and movies. It is a large place. We found a few books and left, we didn't stay long. Check out was fine, we didn't need any other help.

A lot of cool things!!! I really like their blind box collection and are really nice about trading.read more

Great selection of Simpsons stuff, particularly the Tree House of Horrors. We picked up a Kidrobot…read morefigure of Blinky and it's awesome! 10/10 would recommend

This is a great bookstore in the heart of Austin. Great selection of books and I really like how…read morethey have little summaries with the staff picks on them. The staff is very friendly and helpful with recomendations as well. Price was competitive as well. It's a nice place to spend some time and browse their books. They have a great kids section as well so we always end up leaving with a bunch of new books.

Local bookstore in Austin where I attended an author event…read more Highlights: - Nice staff - 2 floors of books and very large space - Set up area upstairs with some chairs for the authors to speak Lowlights: - Bit older and worn

We came here as our city is being a jerk and closing this down. I know some of that is that our…read moreolder 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.

Recycled reads is a really interesting place. I found out about it from Google when I was looking…read morefor 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.

Ah, one of my favorite stops during my North Loop Jaunts (it's when I hit up all my fave North Loop…read morebusinessses every few months). The store is well-organized and the folks working here know their stuff! From the rare and obscure to the trendy they can answer you. Their opinions and thoughts on music are bar-none some of the best. You can find just about anything you're looking for from vintage vinyl to super vintage vinyl, cassettes, 7" vinyl (aka 45s), and even 8-tracks. Bargain bins where you can grab music for just a buck! I like that you can listen to music before buying it as well. Like, don't try and sit there listening to an entire recording and then leave. Listen for a sample and make your decision. They also offer repair services (turntables, cassette players, etc.). Great local business. Support them.

Breakaway Records is like a records museum! The store has mainly vinyl records and a very large…read moreselection. The store is located on North Loop in Austin, TX off the beaten path. According to staff, Breakaway Records opened in 2008, moved to its current North Loop location in 2010, and later expanded the space. The store is clean, well-organized, and with items strategically arranged with excellent signage. There was no piled-on dust that you tend to see in music stores housing old vinyl records. Breakaway's true highlight was the breadth and depth of its music items and accessories. The shop had an extensive collection of used vinyl and 45s, spanning genres as well as ages that primarily focused on soul, jazz, funk, hip hop, international sounds, punk, and rock. Flipping through their vinyl records was easy and enjoyable with some surprise finds. Listening stations let you preview records before you buy. The staff were knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about music. They'll either give you space to browse or gladly answer questions, depending on what you prefer. Breakaway also sells 45, CDs (small section) and record players. The store carries stereo gear and accessories at a range of prices including turntables, receivers, speakers, and small essentials. They did not have any small music tapes or 8-track tapes...probably my nieces and nephews have never heard of these. Smile. Great discovery...great visit...

The sweetest girl greeted me upon entering the store. I was looking for some different books, as…read morewell as the usual ones. But mostly different books by new authors with different storylines. I found it here, and it was such a refresher. I mean, the selection of new authors and books was right here in front of me. So I took my time with the different genres. I like how they dedicate areas to this subject and to other types of books. She also told me she can order books that are out of stock, which is great for me. I like to keep one-of-a-kind books on my bookshelves at home. They have so much worth and lessons I like to refer back to. Well, you have to be an author or writer to understand that last sentence. I made myself laugh! I saw an area for authors to speak, and we talked about the monthly events they host. They are an independent bookstore, which is high on my list because you cannot only find the best books, but also new books and authors, but also other items like accessories and more. And it goes back to the events of hearing an author read an excerpt from their book. I always say it's worth the cost and value, which isn't expensive, to experience what the independent bookstores offer.

Book Woman bookstore, a woman-owned and woman-operated independent bookstore, is located on N…read more Lamar in Austin, TX. It is not easy to find. When you get this "arrived" message from GPS and you do not see the place you are looking for, it is unsettling. I called Book Woman and kind voice on the phone told me to go more south. Finally, I found it...score! It is literally tucked away in a small strip mall. First, I notice a beautiful angel painted in many colors on the bookstore's window...warm and welcoming. Next, I entered the store and was immediately asked to put on a mask. Flash back to the heart of Covid days. I have not been asked to wear a mask in any establishment for the last two years, so this was a little off-putting. However, I am rules follower, so I complied. Book Woman was established in 1975 as a feminist collective and the store has spent decades championing diverse voices. It has grown into one of the oldest and most recognized feminist bookstores in the United States, which is pretty cool. It's a small bookstore so it does not take long to peruse the shop. I walked up and down the aisles discovering their genre of books. The selection included women authors, LGBTQ+ literature, social justice topics, and independent publishers. The woman who directed me to the bookstore was the only one in store. She answered my questions and was otherwise busy unpacking boxes of books. In addition to books, Book Woman sells t-shirts, cards, puzzles, journals, soap, and jewelry. These complementary items is a good addition to the books. All items are reasonably priced.

I went to the museum once which lead to my visit to their gift shop (this shop). I must say, I…read morebought a pair of awesome socks with a very cool phrase on them (4yrs ago). For this same reason, 4 years later, i visited to buy more of their awesome socks. Def a cool place to visit for unique fun gifts.

Such a fun little shop! I came in when I first moved to Austin and got a super cute plushie for my…read morerear view mirror. Staff was so friendly. Definitely recommend stopping by.

HPB is quintessential to Texas. I think it started in Dallas actually but this location on Lamar…read morewas a frequent haunt of mine growing up. They have pretty much every bestseller; they do sell some new books too which tend to cost about as much as they would at any commercial bookstore but obvs buying a used copy can save you a bit. They do buy books and media materials but know you won't get much (around 50% of the book's selling price assuming it's in excellent condition seems to be the pattern I've noticed). The staff are always really helpful and knowledgeable. They have plenty of parking too. Will mention I have noticed the location on N Lamar tends to have more books in general (it's bigger!) but as a South Austin native I'm glad to have a location down here.

They have the worst web site and lack of information of any company I have seen. They only have a…read morerecording if you call the number they provide, to find out about the move, that was posted in early March and says to look for updates but there are no updates by phone or website or anywhere. The AI overview says they have moved and are open but their web site says they are not open. Is this business run by middle school kids?