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 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.
