I love this place - then again, I'm such a book nerd that I end up loving any store that still…read moresells hard copy books these days. But I particularly love Rickert & Beagle Books; it's such an excellent addition to the South Hills area and it's the perfect place for a fantasy and sci-fi fan like myself. Also, I kind of have to love this place just because of the people behind it. Locals may remember that this store used to be Eljay's Books when it was under slightly different management. Now it's owned by Chris Rickert and fantasy author Peter S. Beagle - one of my favorite authors, in fact. With owners like that, this store has just naturally evolved into an eclectic and fun little place. Stop in and you'll be able to browse through selections of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, mystery, paranormal studies and history books. It seems like there's at least a book or two from every other genre as well, but that list is really where the focus lies - which I love, because as memory serves the average selection was more or less the exact reverse back when bookstores were more commonplace. Plus, here there's just as many smaller names as there are names of renowned authors sitting on the shelves. I actually came in once with a friend and the store took her own book on consignment, so I can promise that the chances of you finding an "off the beaten path" book here are pretty high. Thanks to this varied selection of books from so many genres and a big background of names, it's easy to get lost in here for hours just browsing titles. It doesn't hurt that you can also buy other trinkets here, such as Rickert's knitted wizard and bunny figures and jewelery made by a friend of the store. Add in the special displays featuring various autographed and rare books, as well as the special events that are hosted here (where you can purchase special edition products, enjoy some snacks and live music, and more) and you've got a cool little addition to the community that I really hope is able to stay in business for a long time to come.

Why there's only four stars: while my husband drove I was noodling around on their website trying…read moreto see if they have off-street parking (answer: no) and noticed that their hours come with an asterisk, not very prominently displayed: staffing is thin, largely volunteer, and thus unscheduled closures happen from time to time. No prob, I have a cell phone, so I called and asked if they were open today. A decidedly unharried gentleman said yes, but no book trades today. No problem. But on arrival we discovered that he took me a bit literally and did not answer the subtext and they were closing 3 hours early--in 20 min. It's not a very big store, so this was almost enough time, and likewise I am sure such things are less likely at other times of year (i.e., this was between Christmas and New Year's) but still you've got to take a bit off for customer service. Otherwise, the store is nicely laid out, has that old book smell I love, and has particularly charming shelf labels (see photo). It's great for the sci-fi my family loves and has a robust mystery section. As a fiction-not-otherwise specified reader for the most part I found that section worth browsing, if amusingly and inaccurately labelled "classics." It's one solution to the question as to what to call the non-genre when the genre (ghetto) takes over the store; certainly "literary fiction" is rude...and perhaps just as inaccurate as "classics" with respect to the work of Sophie Kinsella. On the other hand they are all used so perhaps the label classic intrinsically applies to the entire store.

Half Price Books is a retail-store chain that has stores in many states and buys and sells new and…read moreused books, DVDs, records, CDs, puzzles, and more. This particular store is in the Village Square Mall. For many years, I purchased books through the business's website. Most recently, my husband and I shopped in this physical store. My husband felt interested in looking at books about software and gaming. He saw some books that he liked. However, he saw one book that he already owns and that he said was not worth the $75 price tag. Otherwise, I felt interested in the books about photography, film, pets, and the social sciences. This store has many other sections of books, including home repair, interior design, gardening, fashion, architecture, cooking, history, science, travel, language, crime, children's, etcetera. Some books are collectibles such as first editions and signed copies. This store also sells calendars, greeting cards, board games, and more. I will give a neutral rating for this physical store, because the business's website has a significantly larger selection of merchandise that is available for shipping.

Awesome experience. Sold my gently used cd's and bought a good used book with the cash they gave…read moreme. The books are in great condition, staff is very nice and i cant believe how organized the store is laid out!

This store is one of the largest book stores in the area and is nice. They have a huge selection…read more The prices are about 10 or more dollars at the store than online through other retailers. It is a good place to get ideas of what you want to read. I didn't interact with anyone so I can't make a comment on the service.

This is a go-to spot for me when finding gifts for family and friends. From puzzles, to games and…read moretoys, to stationary and tote bags, Barnes & Noble has a little bit of everything. The selection is massive, and the staff is friendly. Prices are reasonable, especially in the sale area at the back of the store. I also love the kids area, which has a train table and puppets that children can play with; it's a great outing on a winter day.

This is a super cute local, independent bookstore and I highly encourage anyone in the area to…read morecheck it out! Most of the books there are used, so they're sold at a cheaper price but they have new books too. The used books are almost all in really great shape. Outside of the store, they have book carts with $5 and under books. The store is two floors, and the upper floor has a cozy reading area. The shelves in the store are separated by genre and there are also tables with owner-recommended books. In addition to books, there are also plants for sale. The place is so nicely decorated and such a nice environment for reading. To be honest, it doesn't even feel like walking into a store, and it's more like a cozy home. As a plus, I think this place has a cat around sometimes, but I didn't see the cat during my visit.

A great shop. Their new location is delightful and so large. It is a little less "cozy" as the…read moreprevious location, but I am sure they are still working out the details. There is so much variety here and everything is clearly labelled. I appreciate the staff picks section and the shelf to write your own recommendations. They have bargain bins and brand new books, so there's something for everyone. I have yet to spot the shop cat, but I'm on the look out!

This place is so adorable! We stopped in for ice cream and browsed the book selection. There are…read moreplaces to sit and it is pretty cozy feeling. The staff is usually friendly. The ice cream selection is enormous! They also have a huge selection of candy.

What a neat, interesting store!…read more When you walk in, you are greeted with ice cream on the right, candy on the left, and a nice seating area with book marks in the middle. Down the stairs is mostly a new bookstore, and then the last aisle is used books. No part of the shop is huge, but they have a great selection of local and European candy, as well as some fun older American candies. They have a high-quality Wisconsin-based ice cream. I found a book that is nearly impossible to find and for a very reasonable price and nearly new condition. This is a great one-stop shop!

Shelves are packed with gems. It was a fun bookstore to rummage through…read more Ended up going downstairs and finding a fiction paperback for under 5 bucks. Yeah. I'm a fan.

Really wide selection of used books, so many old books, in great condition! Guys at the front were…read morefriendly, prices were reasonable, masks are provided but not required. They also have lots of records, CDs, and some trinkets like postcards and matchboxes. Excellent!

Super cute bookstore in the heart of Dormont. I first learned about this store when I decided to…read moremake a Bookstagram (literary.listener). They sell books via their physical store but also post stacks of books and you can claim them. The owner is very sweet and even works with you if it takes awhile for you to get to the store. Honestly, I love this. It helps to show the stock and then I go in already knowing what I need/want. Also in the area you can get a nice little bubble tea so you can have something to sip on while you peruse the bookshelves. They do have events also in the space. You should check out their Instagram. And after you check out their Instagram actually go to their bookstore and shop local.

Simply an amazing bookstore -- I wish we had something like this in NYC…read more Great staff/owner, incredible selection, and reasonable prices. Definitely the place for sci-fi and horror fans.

Had to stop by the award-winning friendliest bookstore in Pennsylvania -- White Whale Bookstore…read more(ranked 71st in the country!!) Not only do they have an incredible book selection, but there's also a cozy coffee + tea shop attached Huge shoutout to Luis (GM!) for helping me pick the perfect latte -- I went with the banana bread latte (on the menu until the end of the month, so don't miss it!) They truly prioritize community, host events, and create such a welcoming vibe. Definitely check out their website for upcoming happenings!

Great bookstore with a wide variety of genres, but the cafe is what really makes it special!…read more Loved the honey nut latte which is very comforting and fall-like, super great place to grab a drink and browse, also with a little seating area too, you can get a book and immediately start reading which I love!

Selection for everyone!!! Staff was knowledgeable with all questions asked and pricing was very…read moreaffordable. Would definitely go back next time in Pittsburgh

This place was an utter disappointment. I did hear from some residents that the chain has a mixed…read morereputation around the city. What's mixed? Who likes it? It was mostly organized, as in things were labeled and in generally the right area, but not really. Mostly I was annoyed by the selection. Whenever I travel, I visit a bookstore. All the books were oversized, so they won't travel well or easily. The selection was meager and it wasn't quite textbooks or books even books worth buying. The prices are too excessive for book quality and selection. Nothing amazing about this place, except maybe location?

Love the local independent bookstore, the Book Nook. They support local authors and host signings…read more They also create lovely displays. The staff was friendly and even posted the signage for my book.

What a gem! We went in for a book signing and were pleasantly surprised at how nice everyone is,…read moreand the prices are very reasonable! It's so refreshing to go into a small business - the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. Do yourself a favor and stop in for a book or magazine :)