11 best-selling used bookstores

Add another chapter to these books’ lives. | Photo by Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday

Picture this — you’re sitting on the beach, reading your new favorite book. Better yet, you got a great deal because you bought it secondhand.

This story doesn’t have to be fiction. San Diego is home to many used bookstores, and here are five installments with shelves full of pre-loved page-turners.

Verbatim Books, North Park

The best stories are retold. This shop calls itself San Diego’s largest independent bookstore. Here, you’ll be able to dig through pages and discover old classics, local history books, or “Twilight” — last we saw, the series has its own shelf.

Pennywise Books, Pacific Beach

If you’re in PB without a book to read, just walk down Garnet Avenue and you’ll find “It.” This shop has books across genres and offers a daily $1 book sale.

Bluestocking Books, Hillcrest

This store gets its name from an oddball term, so book nerds come here to browse its collection of both used and new titles, plus hidden gems.

Friends of the Central Library storefront inside the Library — When you shop here, there’s no due date.
|
Photo by Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday

Friends of the Central Library Bookstore, East Village

You’ll find this shop inside the San Diego Central Library that allows you to give books and other media permanent homes on your bookshelves. Better yet, 100% of the store’s revenue benefits the library so you can check out more books in the future.

Pro tip: You can donate books, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks here.

La Playa Books, Point Loma

Bookworms love the selection they’ll find at this shop — including rare titles. If you’re looking for something specific, you can browse the shelves virtually.

Keep in mind, this is a first edition. We know there are more used bookstores out there. If we missed your favorite, let us know.

Events

Tuesday, May 30

San Marcos Farmers Market | Tuesday, May 30 | 3-7 p.m. | 251 N. City Dr., San Marcos | Free | Stock up on fresh produce, grab a hot meal from a vendor, and enjoy community fun.
Ohgeesy | Tuesday, May 30 | 7 p.m. | House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego | $61-$99 | The rapper and Shoreline Mafia founder takes the mic for the “GW2 Tour.”
“Destiny of Desire” | Tuesday, May 30 | 7 p.m. | The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego | $33-$119 | This musical pays homage to the telenovela by Karen Zacarías — followed by a post show forum.

Wednesday, May 31

G12: Can Science Mend a Broken Heart? | Wednesday, May 31 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Sanford Burnham Prebys’ Building 12 Auditorium, 10905 Road to the Cure, San Diego | Free | Regenerative medicine expert Dr. Alexandre Colas discusses atrial fibrillation and how science can help mend a broken heart.
San Diego Wave FC vs. OL Reign | Wednesday, May 31 | 7 p.m. | Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego | $14-$185 | The powerhouse team is back on their home turf.

Thursday, June 1

Michael Ray | Thursday, Jun. 1 | 8 p.m. | Moonshine Beach, 1165 Garnet Ave., San Diego | $30 | The country singer, and winner of the CW’s “The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep,” performs live.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Community

Rancho San Diego Library is now home to “Remember Us the Holocaust” (RUTH), an exhibit that depicts local survivors of the Holocaust. Creator and curator Sandra Scheller explains the subjects have “an unbelievable past,” but they’ve “thrived.” The display will be open for a year.

Coming Soon

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is getting ready to open its new location in North Park at 2871 University Ave. The cherry on top? It will host a grand opening celebration on Monday, June 5, 7-11 p.m., with free scoops and gifts for its first guests. (Eater San Diego)

Announced

The San Diego Botanic Garden is saying aloe to outdoor fun at Summer Nights. The series takes place Thursdays, July 13-Aug. 17, and will bring five concerts and one wine night. Tickets are on sale now, and food will be available for purchase at the events.

Concert

There’s only one direction to “THE SHOW.” Niall Horan is bring his tour to North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Get tickets before you’re in de-Niall; general public sales begin this Friday, June 2, at 10 a.m.

Award

Check this out — San Diego County Library (SDCL) was selected as a recipient of the Little Free Library’s Todd H. Bol Awards for Outstanding Achievement. The program offers free book exchanges in mailbox-like structures, and SDCL currently operates 45 sites.

Ranked

A vacation in San Diego can get pretty pricey. Visitors can expect an Airbnb in the city to cost $295 on average. According to Chamber of Commerce, this ranks SD No. 8 on its list of cities with most expensive Airbnb rentals. (Chamber of Commerce)

Shop

Life hack: Order your paper towels online and avoid trekking home a giant pack from the store. This Bounty eight-pack is a best seller, or try the Amazon Basics 12-pack.*

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Michael

From the editor

Good morning, San Diego. Recently, I discovered that Belmont Park introduced Coaster Cruisin’ IPA as part of a partnership with Second Chance Beer Co. The brew has notes of berries, citrus peel, and pine, and can be found at locations around the oceanfront attraction. I love the concept, because it merges my love of the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster with a brand dedicated to helping our canine friends.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY