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Reader Linda wrote in asking about a Los Angeles bookstore renown for its discounts.
Do you know what happened to A&M Book Cellers on Vanowen they are not there anymore. Did they go out or did they move and if so do you know where they moved to? Thanks for any help you can give me.
Like minded readers sad to see the bookstore close posted on Yelp that A&M’s last day in business was in June, 2010. However, the store lives on online at Massoglia Books. Not quite the same as browsing the $.25 bargain corner of A&M or getting the silent treatment from the lady behind the counter, but the online book store has “a wide selection of used paperback and hardcover titles. Science Fiction, Mystery and Romance make up the largest portion of our listings…”
Now that A&M is closed where do you go for cheap books – assuming you are not looking for free Kindle books or free electronic books? Leave a comment so everyone can benefit.
Got a question or a deal to share? Email me!
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
It is always sad to see your bookstore close. I would like to share with your reader who asked about A & M that she might like Iliad Bookstore in North Hollywood. It is located at Chandler Blvd and Cahuenga Blvd. It used to be in Vineland.
It may not take the place of A & M for you but I think you would enjoy. A friend who lives in Hong Kong always goes there after I told him about it.
Second hand book stores are amazing and this one is very special.
Jeanne Hartman
check out you local library’s; most should have book sales during the year. Even college libraries may have obe or two in a year.
I get my cheap books from the Friends of the Norfolk Library Annual Book and Bake Sale in Norfolk MA. It’s so big that they have their own website http://www.norfolkbooksale.com
They have over 30,000 books. The best thing to do is buy a canvas tote and fill it for $20. What a great deal.
This year it’s on Saturday April 16th. They have a bake sale too.
BB – that’s about an hour from where you are, but with your car ban you’ll need to find a friend that likes reading to drive you 🙂
See you there!
Well, everyone had nice suggestions but no one answered Linda’s question so here goes. They went completely out and moved to Arizona (I think) to be closer to their grandchildren
For SFV residents, the Woodland Hills, CA library @ 23600 Victory Blvd. (cross street Platt) has a used bookstore, operated by the Friends Group. It’s located at the right, just as you enter the library. Call 818-340-9386 for hours of operation as it’s staffed by volunteer book lovers. Selection is great and so are prices! Plus, the cashier is friendly 🙂
There is a $1 bookstore in Burbank at 301 S San Fernando Rd.- Every book is $1!
Friend of the Library on Foothill Blvd in Sunland, CA (LA) also has a bookstore on the premises. Books from free to $.50 (majority of the stock) and a few “specials” with prices of $1-10. Many of the “specials” are in “like new” condition. Hours mostly conform to library hours but you can call the library (818-352-4481) to verify that they will be open.
Brand Books on Brand in Glendale doesn’t have books as cheap, but it has a huge selections.
Also, the Altadena has a book sale every May.
Encino-Tarzana library has a used book store on site also. As you enter the Library turn right it is near the dvd’s. Hard back books $1.00 paper backs 50 cents – they also have book sales several times a year. All proceed go to benefit the library. They also accept donations of used or new books. Take them to the reference desk – they give you a receipt for tax purposes also. I have found lots of great books there. It is small but the volunteers are very friendly and eager to help.
The Discovery Shops of the American Cancer society always have good book selections.
I got a new hard back copy of Ken Follett’s latest book Fall of Giants for $3. It had only been read once. There’s shops in Burbank, Northridge, Sherman Oaks & Toluca Lake. Most hardbacks are 2 dollars. Paperbacks are 1 buck. AND they have gently used quality clothing. I don’t even like to shop at regular stores anymore .
Alice and Marty (the A & M in the store name) did indeed move to Arizona to be closer to their family after some financial reverses here in California. Their bookstore is sorely missed.
A great alternative for those in the west valley willing to travel to Thousand Oaks is The Bookaneer on Thousand Oaks Blvd. The bargains aren’t quite as good as those at A & M, but the selection of mysteries and science fiction is quite good.
You also might try the Burbank Library Friends Book Sale in April. It’s a huge 1-week sale where they sell thousands of books. Call the library for the exact dates 818-238-5600
Chatsworth branch library (Devonshire & Valerio) has monthly sales – the next one is April 16. And the Porter Ranch branch library (Tampa just north of Rinaldi) has a continuous book sale in a tiny room just inside the entrance.
The best way to get free books is to participate in Paperback Book Swap. You post books you want to swap and select from thousands of those available. You can even create a wish list. You only pay for postage on those you mail out. It’s a great site that I have used for a number of years. I even have gotten books for my daughters classes at college.
http://www.PaperBackSwap.com
Los Angeles Public Library West Valley Regional Branch and North Valley Regional Branch also have used bookstores inside. Paperbacks at all the library used bookstores are 50 cents, hardbacks usually $1 – 3.
I believe the A&M Bookstore in Winnetka closed last year (June or July) and they moved out of state to be closer to their family. The first time I visited the store I was on vacation and finally took the time to browse (I only live about 15 minutes from the store). I remember walking in and smiling looking at all the books. When I was a kid I belonged to our public library and would check out 4 books every two weeks and read them. I still love reading. That day I walked out with tons of books, read them and then shared them with people at work. It’s sad they are no longer there, but I’m sure it makes their family happy that they are near them now.
I second the suggestion of Marianne’s about Paperback swap. I’ve been getting my books there since 2005 . They have paperbacks, hardcovers, audiobooks (CD and cassette), lots of kid’s chapter books (diary of a wimpy kid, magic tree house,etc). That’s the 1st place we look if my daughter sees a books she likes at school. Postage is usually on 2.38 by Media Mail,and you can also swap a box of books with other members. It’s http://www.paperbackswap.com.
Friends of Agoura Hills library operates the Book Cellar every Saturday. amazing selection of books for all interests (teen/adolescent selection not as huge as for adults and kids) and very reasonable.
Great suggestions! I’m sure anyone who misses A&M Book Cellers will be able to find a new source of cheap books with these recommendations.
Another suggestion for SFV residents. Next Chapter Books @ 7140 Owensmouth, Canoga Park has a good, well organized selection of books @ half off cover price. The owner is friendly and knows his stock. Call 818-704-5864 for hours of operation. Gives 50¢ credit on trade-ins, but ask before bringing any since he has to be selective due to size of store. Parking in back, or metered parking on street. Website is nextchapterbooks.com. I got 5 treasures there yesterday! 🙂
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So, always try to read well written informative books which give a lot important information and ideas. Bookcorporation is such huge online book store where you can find a great collection of tax books, law books, business law books etc. There are a great collection of books written by some experienced writers.