The Joy of Browsing in Used Bookstores
Independent used bookstores hold a special place in the hearts of many book lovers. There’s something magical about spending an afternoon getting lost in the shelves of a rambling used bookshop, never knowing what treasures you might uncover. Let’s explore the appeal of used bookstores and why they continue to thrive in the internet age.
The Thrill of the Hunt
One of the biggest draws of used bookstores is the thrill of the hunt. Unlike chain bookstores where everything is neatly categorized and organized, used bookshops are delightfully chaotic. You never know what you might find tucked away on the shelves. It’s incredibly rewarding to uncover a rare, antique, or unusual book you’ve been searching for at a discounted price. Browsing through the disorganized shelves is an adventure. You feel like an explorer stumbling upon lost ruins when you brush away the dust on an intriguing old book. Used bookstores are full of surprises. You could find a first edition of your favorite childhood book or an obscure art book full of magnificent prints. Let your curiosity guide you and don’t be afraid to get lost in the stacks.
Hidden Gems at Discount Prices
The discounted prices at used bookstores are another huge draw. While chain bookstores typically only sell new books at full price, used bookshops offer gently read copies at a fraction of the cost. Hardcover bestsellers might be $5-10 and paperbacks only $1-3. This makes it possible to build an extensive home library on a budget. In addition to major bestsellers, used bookstores have a treasure trove of lesser known titles you won’t find at full price chain retailers. Indie booksellers stock their shelves with everything from popular genre fiction to niche academic tomes. Spend time digging and you’re bound to uncover hidden gem books you’ve never heard of before. Thanks to the low prices, you can take a chance on titles that pique your interest without breaking the bank.
Supporting Local Businesses
Shopping at used indie bookstores is a great way to support small local businesses in your community. Independent booksellers are typically passionate about books and go the extra mile to create a cozy, welcoming space for fellow book lovers. They organize author events, reading groups, and other activities that bring people together. Many used bookstores have been community fixtures for decades and are hubs of local culture. Shopping there helps keep local dollars in the community. You can feel good knowing your money goes to a small business owner, not a major corporation. Plus, the friendly staff often have excellent recommendations for new reads.
The Joy of Browsing
In the internet age, it can be tempting to buy all your books online with the click of a button. But the experience of leisurely browsing the shelves of a used bookstore simply can’t be replicated online. Wandering through the stacks and letting serendipity guide you to books you’d never have discovered otherwise is a one-of-a-kind joy. Taking the time to browse without a specific book in mind allows you to make unexpected connections. Seeing what’s on the shelves sparks your curiosity. When else do you have the opportunity to scan books on niche topics that you’d never think to search for? Used bookstores open up new worlds. So next time you’re looking for something new to read, skip the e-commerce sites and head to your local used indie bookseller. Let yourself get lost in the shelves for an afternoon. 
F.A.Q.
Here are the 8 most frequently asked questions about half price books, with detailed answers citing the search results:
1. What does Half Price Books buy?
Half Price Books buys a wide variety of gently used books, CDs, DVDs, comics, magazines and more. According to their [buying policy](https://hpb.com/stuff-we-buy), “We pay cash for your books, printed or recorded merchandise, and some types of software.” They buy both new and used items in many categories including fiction, nonfiction, textbooks, cookbooks, arts and crafts books, and more. Their buyers look for current titles as well as “perennial classics in every field.”[1]
2. How much does Half Price Books pay for books?
Half Price Books typically pays up to 50% of the original cover price for used books in good condition. For new books, they may pay up to 20% of the cover price. However, the exact amount offered depends on factors like demand, condition, and current stock levels. As they note, “Each buy is different and will be evaluated individually.”[2][3] High-demand titles in pristine condition will fetch the best prices.
3. How can I sell books to Half Price Books?
To sell books to Half Price Books, bring your items to the Buy Counter at any local HPB store. Their buyers will assess the books and make you a cash offer on the spot. You can then browse the store and use your cash to make purchases. HPB only buys books and other items in person, not online or by mail. Be sure your books are pre-sorted and in good condition to potentially get higher offers. [4][5]
4. Can I use a Half Price Books gift card online?
Yes, Half Price Books gift cards can be used to make purchases on HPB.com. On the checkout page, simply select “Gift Card” as the payment method and enter the gift card number and security code. The value will be deducted from the gift card. Cards cannot be used for online gift card purchases. [6]
5. What is the shipping process for Half Price Books online orders?
For HPB.com orders, each item ships directly from the Half Price Books location it is stocked at. Shipping time depends on the origin, destination, and selected shipping method. Once the item ships, you’ll receive a tracking number to monitor status. Standard shipping takes 4-14 days, Expedited is 1-5 days, Two Day Air is 2 days, One Day Air is 1 day. [7]
6. How can I contact Half Price Books customer service?
To contact Half Price Books customer service, you can call 1-800-366-9032 or email service@hpb.com. The call center is open Monday – Friday 9 AM – 6 PM Central Time. You can also reach out via their Contact Us form on their website. Be sure to include your order number in emails for quicker assistance. [4]
7. Does Half Price Books have free shipping?
No, Half Price Books does not offer free shipping. They charge a flat shipping fee based on your selected shipping method, starting at $3.99 for Standard up to $19.99 for One Day Air. There is no free shipping threshold. Shipping to Canada costs $10.99 and international shipping is $14.99-$19.99. [7]
8. What items does Half Price Books buy?
Half Price Books buys a wide variety of used books, textbooks, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, vinyl records, comic books and graphic novels, magazines, and collectibles. They specifically mention buying genres like fiction, non-fiction, science, history, cooking, arts and crafts, and more. They also buy select video games and game consoles. [1]
Citations:
[1] hpb.com/stuff-we-buy
[2] http://www.hpb.com/help-center.html
[3] bookscouter.com/blog/half-price-books/
[4] http://www.hpb.com/shipping-faq.html
[5] http://www.hpb.com/gift-cards-faq.html
[6] http://www.indeed.com/cmp/Half-Price-Books/faq
[7] http://www.bookdeal.com/blog/sell-books-to-half-price-books/
[8] http://www.indeed.com/cmp/Half-Price-Books/interviews
