Black and Read is a gem in the suburbs. It's kind of like a media heaven. Their music, book, and dvd collection kicks some serious ass. I have never left Black and Read empty handed, no matter how many times I tell myself I'm "just browsing." I always find multiple items I convince myself I just can't live without. It's set up in such a way that makes browsing easy. I have found so many treasures for my book/music/movie collection. They have a separate area of cult books, which includes a ton of beat literature, and others. The selection is fantastic. Definitely worth trekking it out to Arvada for. read more

I have been shopping here for about 24 years and they are my go to place to find games, books, and DVDs The discounts on new games makes checking there first a great option. Kari will even special order games for me if they are not in stock. The sheer number of books is staggering especially enjoy the metaphysical/occult section. They even carry tarot cards! read more

Always has everything I'm looking for. When I need a book on presidents or a fantasy, it is all here. Along with the music. I wanted to find a cap'n jazz record that no one knows about, and they had it. They have every gem you'd ever want to find. I highly recommend this place, especially if you're looking for that perfect gift. The staff is friendly and helpful as well. Such a cool little spot to have in the concrete nation we know as Arvada. read more

This store has EVERYTHING! I love it! I love sifting through their huge collections and finding the most obscure and unexpected things. They have a huge selection of books, which is my main interest, and there's never any question I'm going to find something of interest. I do wish the store were slightly more organized. Sometimes it's hard to maneuver and find things, but I guess it adds to that thrifty vintage feeling. Overall, one of my favorite book stops. read more

Woah... upon entering the store there was major sensory overload going on for me. There instantly was thousands of books, movies, dvds, games and CDs right before me. We headed over to the separate area where vinyl records are and went to browsing. They had a pretty large selection of genres and their Americana/Big Band section was the largest I have seen in Denver. Their Metal section was pretty good, but was full of bands that, well I guess I just don't like- kind of mainstream not doomy enough but still the selection was there. When someone came in looking for a Disturbed vinyl I tried to not gawk open jawed in their direction, but it summed up for me the type of person and the majority of people who must come in browsing and therefore the selection that would be there. I further enjoyed another customer talking about their New Years Eve complete with getting too hammered and 'one thing led to another and the glass came out'..... nothing like hearing meth stories while I'm shopping with my loved one! BUT I liked this place - a lot, the cookbook selection was amazing - and organized VERY well - they also had a never-ending selection of series books for Sci-fi and Romance fans. Their game selection was great too - I had never even seen/heard of more than half the boardgames they had. I also loved that the people working there knew what they were doing, where something was, and immediately if they had it - despite the fact that probably hundreds of thousands of items were in this place. (Sadly the only Disturbed Vinyl had been bought earlier in the day - the gentleman inquiring was bummed, but the staff had the answer immediately!) We'll definitely be back though there was a lot of awesomeness in this place. read more

I live around the corner from this store, and have been in many times in the years I've lived here. But I've only bought things a small percent of the time. I usually can't find any books I want, and when I did, they're almost as much as most retail places. I'm pretty sure the piles of books are a safety hazard, in fact, the entire store is as it's difficult to maneuver through, especially when you're carrying anything. The staff is mediocre at best. I've never had one be super friendly though. I brought a box of books in, mostly various romance novels and a box set of Jane austen books (in excellent condition except for some dust on the box). I took it to the register where I've always gone to purchase books, because I figured they kept all their transactions in the same area. The guy was dealing with a customer, so I waited, but there was no where I could even set down this box down and we all know how heavy books are. So he finally finished and comes over to me. I tell him I wanted to see about selling the books and he told me I had to do that at the counter in the books and then pointed. So I take my box of books over there and set it down on the floor. I tell the lady I'm looking to sell or trade the books. She comes around, seeming annoyed at having been bothered, and goes through them. "Well I can't really buy anything but the Jane austen for cash. And that would only be about $7. Credit would be $10" I tell her, okay I'll do credit then, especially since she had only said that she couldn't give me cash for any of them. "Oh, well I can give toy credit for these either. Only the Jane austen. " If that was the case why didn't you stop wasting my time and tell me that in the first place. Those books are still sitting in my trunk, but I won't be going there to trade or sell anything. And I'm not likely to buy much either read more

I love Black and Read. I just discovered this store on the recommendation of a co-worker (Thanks, Tyler) last week. I mistakenly went to the outlet store on a weekday, (closed except for Saturdays.) Luckily, the sign re-routed me to the larger Arvada store. More of a drive for me, so I was doubtful. IT WAS SO WORTH IT! I had a great time browsing, even with a baby in tow, although the aisles are a bit cramped. There is a great selection of used books, and stacks of goodies on the floor as well. They even have children's books! I ended up buying two non-fiction books about Napoleon for a cheeper price than I had seen on amazon, and two fiction books (Gunter Grass and Murasaki Shikibu) that I have been wishing I owned. The staff was very helpful when I asked them about a couple titles I was looking for, they even brought the copies to the front of the store so I wouldn't have to schlep my stroller back down the aisles. Didn't even get to the music section, can't wait for my next trip for that! read more

Ok... my opinion of this place is completely biased. I don't care. This is the greatest place in the universe. Dump your money here!!! Do it! When I was a kid, I walked in and asked them if I could sell my craptastic-photocopied-amateur comic books here. They humored me, and made me feel like a total rockstar. I didn't sell squat, but the memory is priceless. You want a place that you can come and hang out? Chit chat with the staff? Find a few used gems (both books or music)? This is your joint. read more

I love all music but I especially enjoy the '80's. In addition to enjoying all the great reads at Black & Read, I can find vinyl from that decade. I seem to always find special treasures such as Talking Heads, Depeche Mode and Duran Duran. I get lost in the experience of hunting for them and I'm never disappointed. read more

If you know music (even remotely) it's a great way to spend your time. I went in for one thing and a quick visit...2 hours later with a stack of CD's I finally got out. I asked for direction on where something was...other than that I was left alone. I don't know how much someone who isn't comfortable in this environment would like this place. I mean, don't go in if you're looking for too many current things, otherwise it's great. Love the book side too! read more

Great selection of all kinds of fun stuff. I like digging through the records and board games. I don't make it here often but it's always a stop on record store day. read more

It's a trendy and judgmental kind of place; if you don't "fit in" you will receive an intolerant attitude (from certain people) and it's been this way since they opened in the 1990's. Amazon is cheaper and far more professional. read more

Awesome place, I drop by every now and then when I'm in search of a game. Everyone is cool and they have a huge game selection.

This is one of the most unique places to go. I have been coming here since I was a teenager without any money just to look around at all the neat stuff. You can find a slew of esoteric and odd things on the shelves or even some of the more geek-mainstream items. Not too expensive and the people are helpful. Absolutely my favorite store. read more

Is this Black and Read or Black and Rip-off??? Since May we have spent OVER 400.00 at this store. First of all...We have bought brand new sealed records from them and found them to be warped and scratched....we are talking expensive records like 36.00 and 28.00.each....We have purchased used vinyl from them, we have found them warped and scratched. we expect some scratches on the used stuff but not new sealed stuff. we never complained about this UNTIL NOW !! They have not offered to replace these new albums. At least Amazon or any big chain store would have offered to replace the new ones. Today we attempted to trade with them. HAHAAHAHAHAHAHA what a joke. We weren't asking for much..just something to add to our collection. THEY REFUSED no explanation or anything. they say "they trade"...that,s a joke..these people don't know what that word means and I find them to be dishonest and untrustworthy. For a local business ,and we try to support our local businesses,they do not have any idea what it means to have loyal customers and they have really shoddy/bad business practices. We will never step foot in that door again and I will tell anybody and anyone who will listen not to ever do business with these people If I were you I would look for another record store...there are many more in the Denver area. My suggestion to you if you are looking to trade or purchase vinyl don't do it with them. And Furthermore...They suck read more

I really don't shop anywhere else for music since I found Black and Read. This place is like a gigantic treasure chest of music and books! They also sell t-shirts, rare signed items, box sets, posters and music magazines. So far I haven't had any bad luck when it comes to buying used cd's or records. The only thing that bothers me is how disorganized the book area is. I typically avoid that section due to the headache of searching through piles and stacks of random books. Although, to some people, that could be fun! read more

I recently became hooked on a series of books and needed to stock up on the paperbacks to eliminate any chance of not having my latest read on hand at all times. I called Black and Read about the 2nd book in the series and not only were they able to check to see if they had it before I made the trip out to Arvada, they also were able to direct me exactly to where they were when I got there--which is good because the book section in this place is haphazard, to say the least. I had heard of Black and Read but in frequently passing by the Wheat Ridge location never pegged them as my scene (as I don't touch video games or magic cards). Turns out the location in Arvada is mostly books and a huge selection of records, which was a very pleasant surprise. I guess some people could let the organized disorganization and prevalence of fantasy ephemera bother them, but I was fine with it. I know I can count on Black and Read to provide me with what I'm looking for in the future. read more

Black & Read is about as wonderful a used book store you can find in the world. It smells of old paper, great music, and amazing deals. The book selection is so crazy, there isn't enough room to keep everything on the shelves, so everything is pilled on the floors and on the book cases up to the ceiling. There is also a ridiculous selection of old vinyls, CDs, and tapes. I have found some old music that hasn't seen the light of day in decades. But wait, there's more! There are loads of collectibles, games, and comics. Great finds at ridiculously good prices. read more

This place kicks ass for so many reasons. Shelves spilling over with books, games and CDs. No Where else will you see so many barbarians roaming fully clad in death metal shirts mingling with RPG geeks and, most importantly, hot literary minded girls. Raise your drinking horn to this Hall of Wonders! read more

Black & Read has been one of my favorite stores since my early teens. This place has all types of obscure records and cds, great books and magazines, dvds, vhs and blu ray, posters, shirts, and all types of oddities. Jello Biafra of the Dead Kennedys loves this place, why shouldn't you? An Arvada gem. read more

The best used book store around. Plus, music, games & all the necessities of a life such as my own.

I've lived in Arvada most of my life and have never bought dvd's or books anywhere else. The owner is very helpful and despite the lack of organization he can always find the book I am looking for. The dvd selection keeps getting bigger which is super nice. There is a small but noteworthy foreign language selection. The vinyl selection is to die for. Black and Read is the best bookstore in Arvada. read more

These guys rock! They have a great selection of all kinds of stuff.

LOVE IT! I would really like to see the place get cleaned up a bit though. I believe Black & Read has a lot more potential than it's putting out. read more

I have been going to black and read since I was a teenager, and every person that I have brought to this place has found something that they didn't k ow they wanted. This IS the finest place to find that missing volume, out of print copy, and rare treasures not sold at any local shop. Help to keep this store in business for many, many years to come. read more

Amazing. Simply amazing. Best selection of punk rock albums and gear I've come across since i left california. Yay!

Love the board game selection! A vast array of options for games, music, books, dvds and more.

I've been visiting Black and Read for over a year. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The vinyl albums are in nice condition and priced fairly. They offer fair prices on trade-ins as well. Keep up the great work! read more

Insanely extensive selection of role-playing games board games DVDs VHS vinyl books CDs Etc. Helpful and friendly staff store could be cleaner. Carries both used and new things. Many card games had discounts on them off the list price. Would definitely return read more

This is a records store with a bunch of books and pornography in it too. I couldn't really find the music I like to listen to and the prices seemed too high anyhow. The guy said they could order it which was nice, but I was wanting something to take home with me and listen to. I looked around the books for a while, but they just seemed piled on the floor and hard to figure out where things are. The manager had a tiny shirt on, it was too small like he borrowed it from his little sister or something. This place is too strange for me. read more

Love this store. The bestsellers are hard to find, but I've been able to find some popular books from a few years ago. There are books everywhere. And lots of movies, games and music. A fun place to shop. read more

Black & Read is amazing. If you've only been to the smaller outlet stores, you must get yourself to Arvada and check out the mother store. Are you interested in vinyl? Go here. Oh, it's books you are in to? Check it out - they have a bit of everything and they even try to organize it; prices are reasonable too. DVDs are your thing? They've got cheap, decent used discs to choose from. Then there's the other random stuff. Where else can I find a Godzilla stuffed animal for my kid? I can even take my 8 year old and stick him in the kid section for a while. For me, the best date night is a yummy (but inexpensive) dinner out and a trip to Black & Red - heaven! read more

I don't get to Black and Read as frequently as I'd like, but every time I go it's overwhelming how much good stuff they have. The music selection is extensive and alot of it can be found used (all of which is in great shape judging by my purchases). The book store is loaded with all kinds of goodies and rare finds. They also have a great stock of signed merch and boxsets. Don't forget to grab some flyers for shows on the way out...it's a hotspot for local and national bands alike to advertise upcoming gigs. The staff is always very helpful, friendly and know their music. read more

I'm a CO native and I can't believe I just recently walked into this store for the first time. This place is AWESOME! Black and Read has a very eclectic collection of books, graphic novels, board games, video games, vinyl, CDs, posters, shirts, VHS tapes, DVDs, cards, etc. There really is something here for everybody. Some people complain about the messiness, but it's a somewhat controlled messiness. Also, part of the fun is digging through all the various boxes looking for little treasures, and you will find treasure! I buy almost all of my books locally, and I'm a sci-fi nerd through-and-through. Black and Read has by far the best collection of used sci-fi books I have seen in Colorado. I once had a list of about 60-ish sci-fi books that I was looking for. I'm lucky to find 1 or 2 at of these books at various other used bookstores, but B&R whittled that list down to about 25! Amazing! Especially considering that many of the books I'm looking for are quite hard to find. The prices here are great, especially for books, but they can be a little inconsistent. For instance, I found multiple copies of one book (which were all the same printing/publication) and the prices ranged from $1.50 to $3.00. Also, it just so happened that the $1.50 copy was in better shape, so if you find multiple copies of a book be sure to check out the prices on all of them. B&R will now be the first place I stop when I'm looking for a gift for someone who is hard to shop for. There's so much cool stuff! This place is an easy five stars. I could easily spend an entire Sunday afternoon here. read more

This is the top used record store in the Denver area, IMO. The selection can't be beat, and the prices are better than at Twist & Shout. Their focus is still on used records, not new releases. Black & Read also keeps a good quantity of "bargain" items in its under stock bins. They don't give you a lot of credit for your used items, but at the same time they don't charge the highest prices when they resell them. read more

Black and Read is the quintessential used record/book store: a place so infused with personality that it seems alive, with its own peculiar quirks. In this case, the quirks tend toward funky hair, an esoteric inventory, and a semi-controlled-chaos organizational style---but don't let that fool you: the staff posesses an almost unbelievable knowledge base. If you want to know if a book is on the shelf, or where it is, just ask nicely and you'll discover that all of the disorganization is cosmetic. Want to know about board games? Talk to Kari. RPGs? Derek. Music? Ask any person in the whole store. And that's just the stuff they sell. Even better, though, the regular customers embrace the identity of the store; some of the most interesting conversations I've ever had were conducted over the tops of B&R's DVD racks, music bins, or game shelves. I've reconnected with old friends and made new ones there. I also use Black and Read in my professional life. As a librarian, I often send people to B&R for items that the library doesn't have, and go there myself to acquire games (I tell my wife they're for use in programs...), gifts, or just to browse. I never know what I'll find. Last time, it was a set of "used" games in perfect condition; they cost me under $30 and were smash hits at our teen gaming night. When it comes down to it, Black and Read is a local treasure. It has a distinct personality--retro, punk, gothic, gamer, and celtic all at once--and if you walk in with an attitude, you'll get one right back. But go in with an open mind and you'll quickly discover that the staff, customers, and the store itself will welcome you. read more

I could camp out here! This place is pretty big and has a great selection - glad I don't live nearby I'd go broke. There are rows and rows of books and stacks on the floor - but it looks pretty organized. Didn't get a chance to check out the music or DVDs though. Also looks like there is a large selection of RPG stuff. read more

This place is amazing. Tons of used books, piles of boxes full of old RPG's and chaos as far as the eye can see. Fair prices, great selection and a wonderful ambiance. read more

Dig this spot! Always find something awesome to spin on my table! I recomend this for everyones tables!

There are books everywhere. They are on the shelves and also piled up on the floor. They have a lot of records, too; I don't really look at those so much but my boyfriend collects 60s psych rock and he loves the record part of this shop; I look at the books. I got a bunch of Shirley Jackson novels here, as well as a few of the novelizations of the 1960s gothic soap opera Dark Shadows. The manager was really helpful when I had a question, and a staff member regaled us with a tale of how he worked at Seaview Terrace (the house that was used in exterior shots on Dark Shadows) in the 1960s as a tennis instructor and dish washer, when the house was a boarding school for wayward rich girls. We go back here every once in awhile to look for new treasures. read more