Every university town requires a shambly old bookstore with overflowing shelves whispering wisps of…read morearcana to all who pass its portal. This is Urbana's. My favorite thing about this particular emporium of tomes, though, is that the kindly gentleman who owns it is a dead ringer for a beloved childhood fictional character, Professor Branestawm.

The best part of used bookstores is the element of serendipity. I find books I have loved that I…read morenever knew existed, and would never have known to search for them. New bookstores, in my view, are very limited in scope -- the owner has a particular taste, majority of titles (not counting classics) have been published in the last 1-5 years, from major publishing houses, almost everything has been on the NYT besteller's list. Very little element of surprise, few hidden gems. Used bookstores have so much more serendipity, so many hidden gems, so much more variety. And Priceless Books has this element of used bookstores, but twice as much as any other used bookstore I've been to. And I've been to a lot! On every road trip, if I'm just passing through, I check out their used bookstores. This one's special. Yes, it's messy and there's piles of books on the floor blocking the path (definitely not a wheelchair friendly store). Yes, you have to crane your neck to view titles up on the shelf. Yes, the store clerk is not gregarious (but does have a twinkle in his eye). But it's worth it! I have found so many books that my here that my life feels more complete having read them, and I never would have known of them if not for this store. This can be said of many a used book store, but Priceless Books just has more of it, and it's something special.

Great donation base and good thrift store prices. We've found some excellent quality used items.read more

Be watchful about what your estate sale does with the items that didn't sell. Ours donated my…read morebeautiful and valued Hendredon table and chairs in perfect condition to Salt and Light. When I saw it there, I wanted to cry. The chairs were gone. The leaves were stacked on the top and it already had a chip on the top edge. They do what they can but there are better choices for high end items.

I pass this place all the time. We decided to stop in today on impulse. I was so impressed with the…read morevast quantity of stuff they have here! There are no clothes at this second hand store but everything else is abundant. If you're into antiques, I would definitely come here. They have everything from inexpensive jewelry to high end antiques. The aisles are overflowing with cool stuff! Every single nook and cranny is filled with neat knick knacks! The owners are not only knowledgable about their antiques for sale but also very knowledgable about Urbana history. It was great chatting with them! The only criticism is that their items are a little pricey in my opinion but it's all in great condition so you don't have to do any of the digging you do at other second hand shops.

Beautiful place with wonderful merchandise. This is been a staple in Urbana for many many years. I…read morelove this place and it's quaint setting. Always finding a new treasure here and such friendly help. Bargains galore.

What's here: lots of reasonably-priced furniture (ground level), some hardware stuff and appliances…read moreand fitness machines (basement), books, VHS and housewares (2nd floor). Know before you go: it's on 3 floors and there isn't a public elevator. I assume if someone comes in in a wheelchair they can use the freight elevator? In any case, they are about to move to the old ValuCheck store at 1914 Glenn Park Drive, so by 10/1 or so that won't be an issue soon (fingers crossed) Community safety: I knocked off stars for COVID precautions. Only one staff member was masking although everybody was distancing. The current community level of COVID for Champaign County is High and the DPH recommendation is "Wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status or individual risk (including in K-12 schools and other community settings)."

Store review: Yes this is better than the goodwill or…read moresalvation army stores in Champaign due to a large selection of furniture and a constantly rotation stock of merchandise. This was my first time visiting a Habitat for Humanity store. I still have not bought anything from these stores before, but this place was super busy on the Saturday morning. The first floor has a small section for electronics, mainly old CRT TVs and other random electronics. They have many desk, tv stands, chairs at very good prices. Depending on your luck I can see how you can make off with a very good deal. The chairs themselves were very old and I could not see myself buying a used recliner. The basement has tons of hardware material well organized. On the second floor is home goods. Lots of the merchandise on this floor is very very old. Overall if you like second hand goods this would be your store. FYI there is no clothes at this store. Pros: cheap second hand furniture if you are on a budget Cons: very old merchandise Hidden deals: The whole store is a hidden deal, just look around

This place had some really amazing thrift finds! My fiancé and I found several pieces of clothing…read morein excellent condition that fit like a charm. He finds it difficult to locate pants that work for him, but he purchased 2 pairs of Izod pants for less than $5 each! I got some shirts and even nabbed some doughnuts on the way out. Our total was only $31! Despite the religious music playing the whole time we were there, the store was a really great place to go for cheap finds that keep more money in your pocket, but provides you with quality items!

Like: location, tag-color discounts, quick donation drop-off, ample parking, easy checkout, low…read moreprices on clothes, & community give-back programs. Dislike: lack of carts

I never thought I'd say this, but this is hands down the worst Goodwill I've ever visited. I…read moreusually hit up Goodwill for those unique, quirky finds--the odd statues, the truly unusual. This time, I was just bored. The back of the store was crammed with what felt like discards, not donations anyone would actually want. Goodwills usually boast a diverse selection; this one just had "tosses." It's tough to underwhelm me when it comes to a second-hand store, but this place managed it. Clothes were strewn everywhere, and the whole store clearly lacked any employee pride. I won't be back. The clothes seem a little higher than most also, why? This isn't the place for great value. This location, likely catering to the college crowd, simply doesn't measure up to other Goodwills. Next!

Price gouging at its finest. No base price for anything they make it up as they go. Toys clothes…read more(non-branded) ridiculous.

I died and went to mid century modern heaven. Lol kidding, but what a solid gem this place is…read more Smells of vintage treasures. When I say vintage, I mean a mixture of really HIGH END vintage and mid range affordable pieces. Every piece is a worthy piece here. I have purchased clothing and furniture with excellent service. Down stairs is a lovely selection of curated clothing. They update about every week. There summer hours are limited, but this place is not one to be missed!

This place is such a gem in Champaign. The inventory is constantly moving, the pieces are in great…read moreshape, and the owners are welcoming. We always manage to find something to take home every time we visit. During my most recent visit I was able to find a great mcm wire plant stand and gorgeous mushroom lamp. Check this place out!