A book is like a whole new world waiting to be opened and explored. And visiting Too Many Books for…read morethe first time was like a journey to many worlds in one space and time. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I was also awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at their Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Too Many Books, a beloved independent used bookstore located in the heart of Roanoke's Historic Grandin Village, is a perfect example. Owned and managed by Linda Stedman for many years, this cozy, two-story bookshop features a massive inventory of approximately 50,000 used books, which include fiction and non-fiction. There one can easily find vintage paperbacks as well as hardcover books in categories such as children's literature, history, science fiction, art, and philosophy; with extensive sections dedicated to Virginia, Civil War history, and genealogy. I was very impressed with the selection of books which included: antiquarian books, leatherbound books, out-of-print titles, limited editions, first editions, signed books by the author, and other collectible ephemera. It was a pleasure meeting the owner who came across as a very warm and deeply knowledgeable bookseller, as well as her other friendly staff in this bookstore with a very inviting atmosphere and fair prices. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its amazing merchandise. The store lists portion of its specialized inventory online via its AbeBooks Merchant Page. It also hosts author signings, literary discussions, and ocational major storefront sales. As a matter of fact it was holding one of those sales today where hardcover books were 20% off until the end of the month. I particularly liked a book by former Predident Barack Obama's Chief Official White House Photographer, Pete Souza, titled: "Obama: An Intimate Portrait." The author also served as an official photographer for President Ronald Reagan. The used book in almost new condition was selling for $50, so with the discount one could buy it for $40. One can check their official Too Many Books Instagram for events and most current inventory of books. I highly recommend this used bookstore, for its inviting ambiance, fair prices, and deeply knowledgeable and hospitable owner and staff.

The only thing missing from this classic style used bookstore is giant piles of books in corners…read moreand backrooms that threaten to fall over at any moment. Instead, they are all categorized, priced, and shelved under the watchful eyes of the proprietors. We were greeted as soon as we walked in and any time we had a question, they were there to answer it. What a pleasant way to spend and hour or two, perusing the shelves looking for treasures.

Easy 5 stars for this wonderful local five and dime type of store that's been under the same…read moreownership for decades. It's small downtown establishment that packs a punch. Amazing service from the woman who assisted me on gift ideas. They offer so much and have unique VT, UVA & JMU items too! Even children's collegiate branded items. They are beginning to roll out Christmas merchandise now. I totally get why this quaint store has a full five stars on Yelp.

This little gift store is located in the heart of Roanoke's Historic Market Square. I always enjoy…read morelooking at their window displays, which contain many quality items tastefully displayed. Besides being a place where one can find a good variety of beautiful gifts for all occasions, one can also find very nice Virginia and Roanoke City souvenirs, as well as Virginia Tech Hokie Bird and Virginia Cavaliers t-shirts and items. The pink flamingo is the store's logo, which has been opened for over 40 years. Victoria, one of the store's owner, and working there on the the I visited was very nice and helpful in showing me around. For the small space, they have a very nice variety of quality items very well placed all around the store. It's a pleasure just visiting the store, and one will always find something irresistible to have to buy and take home. I would recommend this store to anyone who is around Roanoke Market Square and looking to see a nice variety of good quality items in a small but well used space, and treated with excellent customer service that will make you feel at home while shopping.

I wish I could teleport this store to New York so I could shop there more regularly. I love…read moregreeting cards and the selection here is incredible and it took incredible restraint on my part to only buy seven of them! My husband on the other hand, showed no such restraint in the confection department as we spent a lot of green on candy purchases both times we visited the store during our long weekend in Roanoke. They also have so many neat gift ideas and items for your house. If you like to have fun cocktail napkins at your parties, you will find a huge assortment here. If I'd had a bigger suitcase, I would have bought more. The staff here is super friendly and helpful. They seem to enjoy what they do and it shows in the pride they take in the store and in their interactions with customers. Excellent place!

This amazing gift shop family business is full of surprises. Located on Market Street near the…read moreRoanoke City Market, it carries a wonderful selection of the finest artisan chocolates from around the States, as well as a nice variety of creative greeting cards, and gifts of all kinds. The store is completely packed from wall to wall and display case to display case in a well organized way and they manage to always be caught up with the current Holiday Season at hand. Besides this, it has a warm and friendly group of employees who greet you warmly from the time you step foot in the store and are always ready to answer any questions you might have of any of their products as well as assist you in selecting a gift or putting together a group of nice chocolate for that special person in your life. From the time you enter the store, you encounter a vast variety of greeting cards, chocolates, and gifts of all kinds; including books, local souvenirs of the Star City of Roanoke, and many curiosity items that will be the a surprise and topic of discussion of anyone fortunate to receive it as a gift. I highly recommend this unique chocolate, greeting cards, and gift shop to all those who are looking for a special gift for a family member, a friend, or a loved one, during the Holiday Season, for their birthday, or just to make any day a special day by surprising them with that "one of a kind" gift.

Wonderful service. Always happy to support a small local business. No matter how busy it is, it…read morealways feels like I am a priority. Highly recommend!

Always great and professional services we have been costumers for many years and always satisfiedread more